TALLAHASSEE, Fla. /Florida Newswire/ — This week, the Florida Chamber Foundation announced that all 11 of Florida’s Regional Planning Council’s (RPCs) have completed their Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies (CEDS) using the Foundation’s Six Pillars framework and will become the Foundation’s strategic partner in demonstrating the value of the Six Pillars across the state. Designated as federal economic development districts, the RPCs promote economic development throughout the state in partnership with local economic development organizations and the business community.
The CEDS plans are completed with a five-year horizon and are a requirement of the U.S. Economic Development Administration, elevating the Six Pillars from a statewide effort to the federal level. The Six Pillars offer a framework for local chambers of commerce, economic development organizations and other community leadership groups to facilitate long-term planning while focusing on short-term action. Statewide organizations such as the Florida Chamber of Commerce, Workforce Florida, Florida Association of Counties, VISIT FLORIDA and the Department of Economic Opportunity are all utilizing the Six Pillars as a collaborative tool to move their efforts forward. The RPCs will join the ranks of these state partners, and the counties of Jackson, Palm Beach and Broward counties whom have all adopted the Six Pillars as well.
“The RPCs partnership with the business community is fundamental for Florida’s economic success,” said Bentina Terry, Vice President at Gulf Power and Chair of the Florida Chamber Foundation. “Their adoption of the Six Pillars clearly shows that the RPCs understand the importance of that partnership and the value of the Six Pillars in aligning our efforts.”
As stewards of economic growth across Florida, the RPCs clearly understand that alignment with the business community will strengthen their economic development efforts and foster more opportunities for the entire state, including rural areas. The RPCs will play a strong role in the next phase of the Chamber Foundation’s Six Pillars Community program in their respective regions, impacting the entire state of Florida.
“The Foundation looks forward to working with the RPCs,” said Tony Carvajal, Executive Vice President of the Florida Chamber Foundation. “Every community and corner of the state now has a strong partner and friend working to ensure they grow and prosper.”
The RPCs will become an official Six Pillars Community at their June Policy Board Meeting being held in conjunction with the Florida Association of Counties Annual Conference.
“I congratulate the RPCs on the completion of their CEDS plans focused on the Six Pillars of Florida’s future,” said Mark Wilson, President & CEO of the Florida Chamber. “Not only does this show the power of the Six Pillars at the state level, but the federal level will be able to see the good work taking place in Florida through the RPCs.”
About The Florida Chamber Foundation:
The Florida Chamber Foundation is the business-led, solutions development and research organization working in partnership with state business leaders to secure Florida’s future. The Foundation’s “Six Pillars” serve as a visioning platform for developing the first-ever, long-term strategic plan for the state. The Foundation’s work focuses on: 1) Talent Supply and Education, 2) Innovation and Economic Development, 3) Infrastructure and Growth Leadership, 4) Business Climate and Competitiveness, 5) Civic and Governance Systems, and 6) Quality of Life and Quality Places. Founded in 1968, the Foundation is a critical voice for improving the state’s pro-business climate to enable Florida to grow and prosper.
