Hernando County, Florida Economic Improvement Plan
Table of Contents Executive Summary History and Legacy Industries Public Outreach Hernando County Statistics National Economic Outlook Market Trends Geography & Population Center Legislative Climate Manufacturing Industry Florida & Hernando County High Wage Business Retention & Recruitment Education Workforce Housing County and City Government Planning Conclusion Recommendations 2
Executive Summary Hernando County desires to improve its economy which will offer additional opportunities and prosperity to all citizens. This will be accomplished in a manner which does not degrade our high quality of life or community standards. By employing a coordinated and comprehensive strategy to accomplish this, the County can achieve the desired results through proven and established methods. In this plan are four principle areas for improving Hernando s economy: 1. High-wage business retention and recruitment 2. Educational attainment and educational resources 3. Workforce housing 4. Planning for business by City/County Government to include: a) Zoning b) Infrastructure c) Permitting d) Incentives e) Comprehensive planning f) Elected leadership g) Community support 3
Our History and Legacy Industries Hernando s business history is largely comprised of industries typical of a rural community with our attributes. As the County has grown and land values have increased, many of these industries have diminished. They are certainly noteworthy since much of our heritage can be attributed to these examples of our historical industries: Mining (remains a substantial portion of our industrial tax base) Cement Manufacturing remains a large industry in the County, one plant expansion currently underway will result in an additional $150m capital investment and significant job creation. Aggregate and crushed limestone products Timber-lumber Agriculture Citrus Cattle Crops 4
Public Outreach For input on this plan the following groups have been contacted: Hernando Chamber of Commerce Membership Hernando Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Brooksville City Council Hernando Housing Authority Hernando County BOCC Department Directors, County Administrator and Deputy Administrator Hernando Progress Hernando Realtors and Builders Association P.H.C.C. Hernando County School Board Hernando County School Board Staff South Brooksville Representatives Nature Coast Human Resources Society United Communities of Hernando Hernando Today Hernando Times 5
Hernando County Statistics Population: 164,908 (April 2008) Size: 478.3 square miles Cost of Living- 100% equals FL average 2007: 97.42% 2006: 97.45% 2005: 97.03% 2004: 96.43% 2003: 96.28% Growth rate: 1% per year Population projections: 2010: 169,100 2015: 187,800 2020: 205,100 6
Our Employment Statistics EMPLOYMENT ESTIMATES: 2004 TO 2008 ES-202* JOBS IN HERNANDO COUNTY BY INDUSTRY 4th Qtr 4th Qtr 4th Qtr 4th Qtr 2nd Qtr Percent 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 of total AGRICULTURE 249 271 275 294 330 0.9% MINING 432 457 141 131 137 0.4% CONSTRUCTION 3,571 4,552 4,378 3,210 3,056 8.1% MANUFACTURING: DURABLE 897 883 1,216 1,080 1,034 2.7% MANUFACTURING: NON-DURABLE 227 315 167 138 136 0.4% UTILITIES 145 138 140 132 143 0.4% TRANSPORTATION/WAREHOUSING 2,347 2,392 2,359 1,936 1,762 4.7% WHOLESALE TRADE 797 914 856 904 876 2.3% RETAIL TRADE 6,518 6,677 6,783 6,926 6,667 17.7% FINANCE/INSURANCE 1,060 1,052 1,003 964 899 2.4% REAL ESTATE/LEASING 399 511 514 472 451 1.2% INFORMATION 226 248 205 186 175 0.5% PROFESSIONAL/BUSINESS SERVICES 2,437 2,821 2,830 2,716 2,695 7.2% EDUCATIONAL SERVICES 3,377 3,827 3,844 4,006 3,298 8.8% HEALTH CARE/SOCIAL ASSISTANCE 5,514 6,276 6,296 6,533 6,796 18.1% ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT, RECREATION 577 712 742 717 891 2.4% ACCOMMODATIONS, FOOD SERVICES 3,836 4,310 4,544 4,129 4,090 10.9% PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION 2,637 2,735 2,834 2,879 2,857 7.6% PERSONAL SERVICES 1,110 1,148 1,260 1,272 1,300 3.5% NOT CLASSIFIED 42 32 27 3 10 0.0% COUNTY TOTAL 36,398 40,271 40,414 38,628 37,603 100.0% * Jobs covered by Unemployment Compensation Laws; http://www.labormarketinfo.com/library/qcew.htm 7
Our Employment Statistics ES-202* JOBS IN HERNANDO COUNTY 4th Qtr 4th Qtr 4th Qtr 4th Qtr 2nd Qtr BY INDUSTRY 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 UTILITIES $61,988 $58,428 $54,540 $58,384 $54,168 INFORMATION $44,272 $40,832 $44,884 $48,340 $50,084 PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION $40,524 $39,204 $41,272 $43,428 $42,700 TRANSPORTATION/WAREHOUSING $38,888 $36,520 $37,040 $39,304 $39,800 FINANCE/INSURANCE $40,520 $43,388 $42,696 $43,996 $39,776 HEALTH CARE/SOCIAL ASSISTANCE $40,264 $37,436 $43,128 $40,872 $37,836 MANUFACTURING: DURABLE $37,632 $44,012 $40,268 $43,548 $37,168 WHOLESALE TRADE $37,528 $35,048 $41,296 $39,612 $35,836 MINING $40,992 $41,228 $33,032 $31,652 $32,836 PROFESSIONAL/BUSINESS SERVICES $28,228 $29,160 $30,556 $31,116 $30,272 EDUCATIONAL SERVICES $29,540 $28,540 $31,552 $30,852 $29,608 CONSTRUCTION $29,852 $29,996 $30,744 $31,464 $28,816 MANUFACTURING: NON-DURABLE $28,780 $27,364 $24,748 $28,204 $28,600 AGRICULTURE $26,776 $31,892 $34,372 $30,664 $25,536 NOT CLASSIFIED $15,252 $28,168 $25,528 $21,824 $24,080 REAL ESTATE/LEASING $26,216 $26,128 $24,516 $23,040 $23,636 RETAIL TRADE $21,248 $21,376 $22,456 $22,096 $22,020 PERSONAL SERVICES $18,752 $17,880 $19,432 $20,248 $20,060 ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT, RECREATION $14,064 $18,444 $17,244 $19,168 $16,728 ACCOMMODATIONS, FOOD SERVICES $11,612 $11,824 $11,976 $12,528 $12,564 COUNTY AVERAGE $29,532 $29,052 $30,628 $30,844 $31,252 Source: FL Agency for Workforce Innovation: ES-202 Program; * Jobs covered by Unemployment Compensation Laws - includes employers with 4 or more employees; By sorting the industry sectors, the wages paid by industry are shown in descending order, based upon the Q2 2008 figures, with those exceeding the County average wage in BOLD. 8
Hernando s Geographic Position Our geographic position is unique in the state and serves as a marketing feature to those firms desiring to cover the state with one facility or as an initial market entry point. 9
Our position in the Tampa Region 10
Florida s Population Center The population center moved through Hernando County in the 1940 s and with the population growth in central and north Florida the center has now started to move northward since the 1990 s. It remains close to Hernando County. This is an important business site selection consideration. Source: BEBR- University of Florida 11
Where in Hernando County Will the Economic Development Occur? The areas listed below and depicted on the following map are the projected centers for industrial growth in the County. 1. The Hernando County Airport and the surrounding Airport Planned Development District, consists of private and public land which is designated for business uses. 2. The Brooksville area to include areas within and around the current city limits. 3. The mining properties north and west of Brooksville when redevelopment occurs. 4. The Suncoast Parkway corridor 5. The I-75 and SR50 corridor 6. The SR50 and Hwy 301 area 12
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Florida Economic Outlook By understanding and reviewing the economic outlook for Florida, we will be better able to understand and predict trends that will influence our local economy and the key elements of the Economic Improvement Plan: 2006 Stronger 1 st half, weaker 2 nd half Employment growth driving consumption higher, but slowing Housing slowdown, higher interest rates and energy prices sap consumer spending in 2 nd half 2007 Considerably weaker Higher interest rates and oil prices Weaker dollar/ higher inflation 2008 Recovery and Strong Growth 2009 Lower interest rates stimulate growth Source: Fishkind and Associates, Economic Outlook 2006-2009 14
Market Trends for Business Attraction Tampa Bay Area Relocations The Tampa Bay Area has grown extensively over the past several years and large counties like Pinellas and Hillsborough have endured well but are now feeling the pains of expensive real estate, a lack of available land and redevelopment costs. This will continue to provide Hernando County with opportunities to capture businesses that desire a lower cost-of-doing business location, particularly as it relates to those seeking sites with roomto-grow. Hernando is a viable local option before looking outside the region or the state. State of Florida Relocations As with the Tampa Bay Area, several areas of the state have reached a point where the real estate costs far outweigh the benefits of the large metro area. Metropolitan areas like Jacksonville, Orlando and Miami have experienced businesses leaving for a more price competitive home base. Hernando County has the opportunity to capture this growth. 15
Market Trends Existing Business Growth/Expansion Hernando County can benefit from the successes of our existing businesses. Maximizing the growth potential of our existing businesses provides a builtin growth factor. The trend, based on business owners input, is growth through new contracts as well as growth in their existing customer base. Additionally, many County businesses are looking to the international market to provide new opportunities. Hernando County is very fortunate to have a talented and capable group of business owners and employees which has translated into significant internal growth in our manufacturing sector. Relocation from Outside the State As companies grow and look for new markets to penetrate, Florida is very often on the short list. Hernando County can realize the benefit of Florida as a cost effective business destination. The historical trend for manufacturing relocations has been from the north to the south and this type of relocation has occurred in Hernando. 16
Florida Legislative Climate The Florida Legislature passed significant economic development and probusiness legislation in 2006 which will provide near term and long term benefit. This includes: Sales Tax Exemption on Manufacturing Machinery and Equipment Sales Tax Exemption on Research and Development Equipment Liability Reform (Joint and several liability was repealed) 2006 State Funding for economic development: Innovation Incentive Fund $200,000,000 Quick Action Closing Fund $45,000,000 Road Fund $10,000,000 Economic Development Tools $26,381,250 Enterprise Florida $12,500,000 Space $42,000,000 Military Base Protection $3,400,000 Defense Reinvestment $1,000,000 Defense Infrastructure $3,000,000 Rural Infrastructure $2,700,000 Film and Entertainment $20,753,000 17
Manufacturing Industry Why Does Manufacturing Matter? Given the movement of manufacturing jobs overseas and the very healthy growth in high-wage jobs in Florida s construction, professional and business services, and education and health services industries, does growth in manufacturing jobs really matter? The answer is YES and the reason is wages and salaries. Manufacturing has traditionally been one of the higher-paying major industries in the state. In 2004, manufacturing ranked fourth among Florida s 11 super sectors, with an annual average wage of $42,464 as compared to $35,159 for all industries. Factory jobs create many other jobs in other industries, and a combination of jobs in engineering consulting firms, manufacturing, transportation, and suppliers is a good mix for any Florida community. Source: Agency for Workforce Innovation, Labor Market Statistics, Current Employment Statistics Program 18
Section I High Wage Retention and Recruitment: Manufacturing Is Important to Hernando Manufacturing and related primary industries provide an excellent base of employers in Hernando County. These businesses are important to our local economy because they: Typically provide higher quality jobs with benefits Are jobs that are not driven by our local economy Helps to diversify our tax base Increase opportunities for our citizens to work here (we export over 25,000 people to the metropolitan area each day) Provide a net gain to our local economy and all businesses by increasing the money in our local economy 19
What Is Currently Manufactured Here? Data and power cabling Pharmaceuticals Circuit boards Plastic injection molded products Food products Medical products Electronic components and assemblies 20
What Industries Are Coming? Wireless communication chips Building products Aluminum fencing Medical products Assembly Equipment manufacturers Distribution firms 21
What is important to industry? 1. Highway accessibility 96.9 2. Labor costs 92.3 3. Energy availability and costs 89.0 4. Availability of skilled labor 88.7 5. Occupancy or construction costs 88.2 6. Available land 85.4 7. Corporate tax rate 83.8 8. State and local incentives 83.4 9. Environmental regulations 83.2 10. Tax Exemptions 82.8 10T. Proximity to markets82.8 11. Availability of advanced ICT services 82.2 12. Low union profile 80.6 13. Availability of buildings 79.3 14. Right-to-work state 72.1 15. Proximity to suppliers 71.8 * Source Area Development Magazine, All figures are percentages and are the total of "very important" and "important" ratings of the Area Development Corporate Survey and are rounded to the nearest tenth of a percent. 22
What is important to industry? I. Business and Operating Conditions Access (customers, suppliers, connectivity) Work force (availability, capability, scalability, sustainability, livability) Utility infrastructure (power, fuel, water/sewer, telecom) Transportation infrastructure (roads, air, rail, port) Regulatory/permitting environment Business/support services and amenities II. Geographically Variable Costs Work force (wages/salaries, benefits) Taxes (income, ad valorem, sales, customs/duties, fees) Real estate (land/sites, buildings, lease) Utilities Logistics Incentives (variable cost offsets) Inflation III. Real Estate/Site Availability Fit Expandability Flexibility Access Supporting infrastructure Terms Timing IV. Risks Natural disaster Political Social/safety Economic and currency Regulatory Timing However, it is important to keep in mind that the specific number of factors and their rank order within the checklist will vary greatly by function and industry. For example, there will typically be significantly more issues of importance on the checklist of a complex manufacturing plant location project relative to that of a back-office function. * Source Area Development Magazine, All figures are percentages and are the total of "very important" and "important" ratings of the Area Development Corporate Survey and are rounded to the nearest tenth of a percent. 23
Recent Industrial Development 2002-2003 total: 342,800sf of new or absorbed space 275 jobs 2004 total: 98,000sf of new or absorbed space 202 jobs 2005 total: 295,300sf of new or absorbed space 316 jobs 2006 total: 82,400sf of new or absorbed space 75 jobs 2007 total: 2008 total: 143,200sf of new or absorbed space 158 jobs 122,000sf of new or absorbed space 165 jobs 24
Section II Education Education in primary, secondary and post-secondary institutions plays a key role in the viability of a local economy. Providing students in the primary and secondary grade levels with appropriate education and guidance for career choices will offer the county employers a prepared workforce. Students must have access to the necessary information to make informed decisions about their futures. It is imperative for local government, educational institutions and business owners work together to ensure all needs are being met. Educational attainment is a critical decision making factor as businesses choose to relocate or expand. Additionally, the demand for increasingly skilled workers has created an increased need for technical and skills enhancement training. By encouraging students to achieve a higher education level, the overall income of the Hernando workforce will be increased. This will be realized through the higher earnings potential of the students entering the workforce. The following graphic, prepared using statistics from The University of South Florida, Pasco-Hernando Community College and other sources, depicts average earnings based upon educational attainment. 25
Hernando County Wages and Educational Attainment $60,000 $50,000 $40,000 $30,000 $20,000 $10,000 $0 Annual earnings Minimum wage Less than H.S. Grad Hernando H.S. Grad FL Average PHCC A.A. Degree PHCC Certification USF B.A. USF Masters Source: Pasco-Hernando Community College 26
National Earnings Trends 27
Relationship of Education to Earnings and Unemployment 28
Hernando County Educational Attainment Statistics On the following slide Hernando s Educational Attainment statistics are shown compared to the State average and National average. From this we can conclude: The average age is moderately higher than both the state and national average. The percentage of residents with less than a 9 th grade education approximates the state and national average. The percentage of residents with a 9 th -12 th grade education, without a diploma is approximately 33% higher than the state and national average. The percentage of residents with a high school diploma is 24% higher than the state and national average. The percentage of residents with some college approximates the state and national average. The percentage of residents with a A.A. college degree is marginally below the state and national average. The percentage of residents with a B.A. degree is 56% and 53% of the Florida and National averages, respectively. The County trails the state and national average considerably in graduate degrees. 29
Hernando County Educational Attainment Statistics Hernando Florida USA 80% 70% 73% 68% 65% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 6% 6% 7% 18% 12% 11% 36% 29% 29% 20% 19% 19% 6% 8% 7% 9% 16% 17% 5% 9% 10% 0% Population Age 25+ (2005) Less than 9th Grade (2005) 9th-12th Grade No Diploma (2005) HS Graduate (2005) College No Diploma (2005) Associate Degree (2005) Bachelor Degree (2005) Graduate or Prof School Degree (2005) Source: Applied geographic solutions 30
Importance of Education Primary & Secondary Schooling It is important to reach the students as they are going through school and to help them determine their goals after graduation; whether they be traditional post-secondary education, trade school, or direct entry into the workforce. Working with and connecting the school career counselors, students, colleges and business owners will ensure all opportunities are presented and expectations are met. Post Secondary Education (Colleges or Trade Schools) Working relationships with nearby post-secondary educational institutions are key to understanding the upcoming workforce. It is imperative that the programs offered by these colleges meet the needs of the business community. Continuing Education Provide opportunities for employers to invest in their business through the continued education of their employees. Keeping staff on the cutting edge of the latest technologies, brushing up on skills, offering advancement opportunities, etc. strengthens the workforce, builds loyalty, increases wages and makes a business more successful. PHCC has implemented a significant number of customized training and online continuing education programs which are very beneficial to our business community. 31
Section III Workforce Housing The affordability of housing is crucial to businesses and our citizens. The absence of suitably priced housing can create difficulty in attracting and retaining employees who simply cannot afford to live in the community where they work. The State of Florida, particularly in the more urban areas, is experiencing a crisis with workforce housing. On a daily basis, news stories are written about this issue as it effects the ability of government and business to attract and retain employees. Based on an analysis of housing costs compared to average income and wage levels, an affordability calculation can be made. While Hernando compares favorably, relatively speaking, in this area the trend is unfavorable driven largely by increased land, development and construction costs with a favorable market place. This is a County, Regional and State issue. (Insert additional input from Housing Authority) 32
Workforce Housing Hernando County Average Single Family Residence Pricing $200,000 $180,000 $160,000 $140,000 $120,000 $100,000 $80,000 $60,000 $40,000 $20,000 $- 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 Note: An undetermined factor in the increase of home pricing has been the trend towards larger homes. Generally, the new housing market has moved towards larger homes due to market forces and the increased cost of land. Chart Source: Hernando County Property Appraiser 33
Housing Affordability The chart below illustrates the dilemma facing our county as home prices continue to rise. 2005 Median Household Income 2005 Affordable Home Price at Median 2005 Single Home Price Affordability Gap $36,009 $126,032 $182,509 $(56,478) 2000 Median Household Income 2000 Affordable Home Price at Median 2000 Single Home Price Affordability Gap $32,829 $114,902 $94,981 $19,921 Affordable home price was calculated by multiplying household income by 3.5 Source of home pricing Hernando County Property Appraiser 34
Workforce Housing Percent change in average single family home prices 30.00% 25.00% 25.74% 20.00% 19.28% 15.00% 10.00% 5.00% 0.00% 11.69% 7.69% 6.81% 6.51% 4.26% 4.24% 2.47% 1.44% 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 Source: Hernando County Property Appraiser 35
Section IV County Business Planning The following pages provide County data detailing taxes, resources, finances and other analysis. As the moves forward it will be important for all local government entities to work together toward the common goal. Capital spending on infrastructure (roads, water, sewer) to business and commercial areas will be a key element in this section. A portion of this funding could be attained through economic development grants. 36
Hernando County Tax Base The should encourage additional commercial and industrial development. One of the keys to improving the local economy is to diversify the tax base ensuring that the burden to support county provided services is not placed disproportionately upon the businesses or residents. Businesses use less government services and generate greater tax dollars. Industrial businesses require approximately $.37 in government services for each tax dollar generated. 1 Homes require approximately $1.53 in government services for each tax dollar generated. 1 The following charts depict the current distribution of taxes and increasing burden placed on the business owner. Currently the industrial/commercial businesses account for about 24% of the tax base while 73% of the the tax base is residential. It shows that as a percentage of market value, the business classification (s) pay the highest percentages. The residential and agricultural properties pay a reduced percentage rate due to the homestead exemption/save our homes and green belt exemption programs, respectively. 1 Tishler and Associates Cost of Service Study-Sarasota County, February, 2000 37
Hernando County 2005 Taxable Value as a Percentage of Market Value 100% 80% 94% 99% 60% 68% 40% 20% 0% 18% 12% Residential Commercial Industrial Agricultural Institutional Source: Hernando County Property Appraiser 38
Hernando County 2005 Tax Base by Property Class - Percentage of Total 80% 60% 73.0% 40% 20% 0% 12.5% 1.6% 1.7% 1.5% 10.0% Residential Industrial Government Commercial Agricultural Tangible-business Source: Hernando County Property Appraiser 39
SWOT Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities & Threats The SWOT analysis covers strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Strengths and weaknesses are generally internal attributes, which we can address by changing our business. Opportunities and threats are generally external. 40
County Strengths Abundant workforce Abundant natural resources (water) Available land and building sites Attractive land and building costs Competitive development costs Efficient local highway system Good interconnections to the interstate and the Suncoast Parkway Attractive utility costs Low comparative cost of living High population growth Cohesive business community Strategic location- geographic center of Florida Stable tax millage rate Pasco-Hernando Community College Proximity to an emerging metropolitan area Competitive incentives including taxexempt bonds for manufacturing Diversified local industry base High industrial building occupancy rates High quality of living Significant amount of land designated for conservation Private economic group for incentives and assistance Brooksville/Hernando County Enterprise Zone Nature Coast Technical High School 41
County Weaknesses Workforce quality Not known as a business center Rapid residential development pressures on business land availability Lack of a private industrial and professional park developers The Airport is one of few sites that are ready-to-build Limited business sites that are available for sale Perceived as out there from Tampa Bay Budget and funding limitations Lack of class A office buildings and space Low educational attainment rates in certain segments Lack of adult technical education programs Lack of a four year university presence (important note: new partnerships with PHCC and International College, USF- St. Pete and St Leo are developing) High industrial building occupancy rates Less than 2% of current land use is in the industrial category Lack of back office facilities and sites 42
County Opportunities Promote with statistics the abundant Hernando workforce and strive to create and provide real-time information on the County websites relative to business Continue to market Brooksville/Hernando as a business location Identify and recruit successful business park developers to invest in Hernando Continue cultivating a business identity Develop collateral materials to assist our educators to encourage at-risk students to remain in school and graduate Incorporate long range plans for business needs in the comprehensive plan and the capital improvement plans (CIP). Encourage the educational system to maintain a close relationship with the business community Promote continuing education opportunities Employers are starting to chase the workforce which is favorable for Hernando Partner with the educational system to promote career opportunities and the importance of educational attainment to our students Include in our utility and services planning a priority for services to areas with business potential Continue to utilize the Internet as a significant marketing tool 43
County Threats Increasingly competitive market for valued industry, there are about 7,000 economic development agencies nationwide. Land use: As seen in other counties with high growth, the potential exists for industrial and office professional sites to be converted to other uses such as residential or multi-family. Insufficient business park development Unidentified funding sources for most of the long-range County Capital Improvement Plan Land pricing Increasing permitting timelines Increasing building code requirements and development regulations Insurance pricing and availability Educational funding for teacher salaries (Hernando ranks 66 out of 67 in teacher salaries in FL) Balance of industrial and commercial growth versus residential development Workforce housing affordability and availability Citizen support for a comprehensive Economic Improvement Program 44
Financial Plan and Resources Historical spending for the department is: FY2006A- $279,566 FY2007B- $287,726 FY2008B- $308,893 FY2009B- $279,614 * Budget includes QTI incentive contracts 45
Related Professional Organizations To accomplish the economic improvement goal, Hernando County will be able to collaborate, leverage and partner with many important organizations. These relationships will bring leads, contacts, and educational opportunities to Hernando County. This includes: Tampa Bay Partnership Enterprise Florida, Inc. Manufacturer s Association of Florida (MAF) Greater Hernando County Chamber of Commerce: Business Assistance & Education Committees Hernando County School Board Post Secondary Educational Institutions: Pasco-Hernando Community College, University of South Florida, Withlacoochee Technical Institute Hernando Progress Pasco Hernando Jobs & Education Partnership/ Career Central Tech Prep, Educators in the Workplace Hernando County Business Advisory Council Service Corp of Retired Executives (SCORE) Enterprise Zone Development Agency Progress Energy and Withlacoochee River Electric Hernando County Manufacturer s Association Nature Coast Human Resources Society 46
Conclusions The Hernando County must be a concerted effort among several entities both in and out of county government. Led by the Office of Business Development, teamwork between the following agencies will help the county realize continued positive economic growth: Hernando County Development Department (permits, zoning, etc.) Hernando County Planning Department Hernando County Utilities Hernando Progress Department of Community Affairs (CDBG program) Southwest Florida Water Management District Educational Institutions County and private schools Pasco-Hernando Community College Trade Schools Nearby Universities (St. Leo University, USF, UCF, UF, SPC) Pasco Hernando Jobs & Education Partnership/Career Central Brooksville & Hernando County Housing Authorities Greater Hernando County Chamber of Commerce Private Enterprise 47
Recommendations Following are recommendations to facilitate the implementation of a successful for Hernando County. Although many of these recommendations are interconnected, each has been designated to one of the following four principal areas: High Wage Business Retention & Recruitment (BR&R) Educational Attainment (EA) Workforce Housing (WH) Planning by City/County Government (CCG) 1. Facilitate industrial land, speculative buildings and shovel-ready sites which can be used to attract and retain industry (BR&R) 2. Encourage the building of speculative space to include strategies on permitting, fees and the expenses associated with this activity (BR&R) 48
Recommendations 3. Formalize and implement an expedited building permit program for industry (CCG) 4. Continue to promote workforce development funding opportunities and training providers (EA) 5. Education- maximizing our existing resources and the creation of new programs (adult technical education, four-year university courses, manufacturing program, etc.) (EA) 6. Conduct economic development training sessions with county and city staff to create an understanding of the role and importance of industry (CCG) 7. Protect existing and planned business sites from residential development pressures (CCG) 8. Develop a workforce housing strategy which will provide a setting for this type of housing product, this has become a critical issue in more urbanized areas. (WH) 9. Incorporate goals and spending thresholds into county capital budgets for infrastructure needs to business areas (road, water, sewer to business sites and areas) (CCG) 49
Recommendations 10. Create marketing and collateral materials for guidance and career counselors which can be used to illustrate to students the earnings potential created by higher educational attainment. (EA) 11. Conduct workshops with PHCC and the HCSB about the important role they play in improving our economy through educational attainment, as training providers and career counselors. (EA) 12. Adopt policies which would expedite the creation and platting of new business parks (CCG) 13. Continue to aggressively seek grant funding for the development of business infrastructure on public and private land (CCG) 14. Review impact fee methodology for industry (CCG) 15. Strongly promote the new PHCC campus in Spring Hill, the development of adult technical education facilities and the availability of four-year college programs in Hernando County (USF, St. Leo University, International College as examples), possibly look at incentives and county resources that could be applied to this initiative. (EA) 50
Recommendations 16. Continue to explore opportunities for resources and assistance through Enterprise Florida and the Tampa Bay Partnership (BR&R) 17. Identify and present opportunities to industrial park developers with the focus on creating available for sale, ready-to-build, industrial lots (BR&R) 18. Work with the owners of the One Hernando property to identify opportunities for developing and marketing the Kettering Road land (BR&R) 19. Develop a strategy for using ED and CDBG funds to jump start additional business park development at the Airport and on adjacent lands (CCG) 20. Continue to conduct an industry appreciation awards program to acknowledge the contributions of our local businesses (CCG) 21. Assist, dependent upon the pending engineering analysis, with opportunities for the existing Brooksville Hospital building. Determine if the opportunity exists for a portion of the building to be used as a medical education facility. (ED) 51
Recommendations 22. Coordinate the planning, marketing and development of the SW Airport Industrial Park (CCG) 23. Coordinate the planning of a heavy industrial park along US41 or Cobb Road for bolt-on industries that desire to be located near our mining operations (construction materials firms such as prestress, precast, block/brick pavers,etc.) (CCG) 24. Provide input in the comprehensive plan updates to address the need for added industrial sites and business parks (CCG) 25. Partner with Nature Coast Technical High School on their annual Career Day and technical curriculum development (EA) 26. Explore the opportunity for funding a FT or PT position with the assistance of the Workforce Board with the focus being upon business retention and workforce training (CCG) 27. Attend industry trade shows and conferences which will have direct opportunity for Hernando County (CCG) 52
Recommendations 28. Work on strategies for the creation of a business incubator (BR&R) 29. Work with PHCC and Career Central to create a workforce guide which will include a listing of training providers and educational programs or services. (EA) 30. Develop plans for maximizing the business potential of the mining properties once a cessation of mining occurs. (CCG) 31. Encourage and collaborate with private land owners with industrial zoned property so that they are informed of the development opportunities for their property. (CCG) 32. Create educational information that details the cost of commuting to Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties. Support and encourage Hernando- Work Here, Live Here (CCG) 33. Proceed with a transportation strategy for a second east-west corridor to I-75, preferably Ayers Road due to the proximity to the Hernando County Airport s industrial complex. (CCG) 53