Economic Summit Offers Suggestions

Local citizens are pushing forward in an effort to jumpstart the local economy.

Last week a taskforce that has been working for several months on ideas for local economic growth held a public meeting to present their primary ideas to the residents and businesses of Gulf County.

Between 50 and 60 people met May 1 to hear ideas that, as it was pointed out, were the express personal opinions of the presenters based on their own research.

Six presenters offered comments on topics concerning population (Tom Graney), transportation (Steve Norris), real estate and banking (David Warriner), locals supporting locals (Jim Garth), business incentive programs (Gail Alsobrook), and intangible capital/ education/tourist capture/ hospitality/stability in government (Eric Davidson).

Moderator Edward A. Nelson, Jr. spoke about the community coming together to create economic sustainability.

Among the points discussed:

- Gulf County's population has decreased by one percent as surrounding counties have increased by an average of 30 percent; its reportable W-2 income has also decreased significantly;

- An active port is needed as an economic and transportation leverage;

- New connector highways and roads are a necessity;

- County real estate is showing devaluation, excess inventories and high default rates;

- Each trip to Panama City costs a Gulf County resident an estimated $36 or more;

- Tyndall Air Force Base personnel are an untapped market for Gulf County;

- Residents should support local businesses by shopping locally;

- Alcohol sales on Sundays and increased store hours will increase business in the Port St. Joe downtown;

- Major county government reforms are needed, such as county-wide voting, a work-order system, outside professional consulting, term limits;

- Port St. Joe's historic downtown needs to be preserved and revitalized.

The entire presentation can be viewed at www.rurbane.com.