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April 30, 2010 It was very gratifying to recently attend the groundbreaking event for Signature Brands, LLC's new facility. We are fortunate to have a company that put down roots in Ocala in 1951, and has chosen to continue its growth in Ocala today. We thank our partners with the City, County, State and Workforce Connection for helping to bring this project to fruition.
Additionally, over the last three months, we have actively gathered economic intelligence to help better promote our community to site location consultants and corporate executives. John Rhodes of Moran, Stahl & Boyer has been commissioned by the EDC to conduct the Business Park Marketing Analysis which will further enhance our business recruitment and expansion efforts.
Currently, there are several exciting projects in the works that have the potential for additional job creation to ensure that Ocala/Marion County continues to be Great for Business, Great for Life!
Best Regards,
Pete Tesch
President/CEO 
The Ocala/Marion County EDC is pleased to announce the following business expansion and relocation activity in our community. It is an honor for our team to assist these companies with job creation and economic growth that makes Ocala/Marion County great for business…great for life. First Quarter | EDC Assisted Company | Activity Type | Projected Jobs | Targeted Jobs | Total Payroll | Square Footage Absorbed | Capital Investment | | Existing | 20 | 20 | $1,060,000 | 23,000 | $5,242,675 | | DCF Call Center | New | 76 | 0 | $2,017,100 | 11,000 | N/A | | Quarterly Totals | 96 | 20 | $3,077,100 | 34,000 | $5,242,675 | Second Quarter | EDC Assisted Company | Activity Type | Projected Jobs | Targeted Jobs | Total Payroll | Square Footage Absorbed | Capital Investment | | New | 35 | 35 | $1,225,000 | 25,000 | $3,500,000 | | Signature Brands, LLC | Existing | 91 | 91 | $3,047,445 | 120,000 | $11,000,000
| | Quarterly Totals | 126 | 126 | $4,272,445 | 145,000 | $14,500,000 | 2009-2010 Year To Date Totals | Projected Jobs | Targeted Jobs | Total Payroll | Square Footage Absorbed | Capital Investment | | Year To Date Totals | 222 | 146 | $7,349,545 | 179,000
| $19,742,675 |
 | Reinforcing the fact that small businesses continue to drive the economic recovery is Signature Brands’ most recent project. This month, the groundbreaking for its popcorn facility paves the way for hundreds of construction jobs over the next year, and 91 new, permanent positions for local residents when the doors open in April 2011. |  |  | “Without reservation, the support we have received from the EDC, the City, the County and the State of Florida made the difference in choosing Ocala,” said Signature Brands' President/CEO Jim Schneider. “The City and County are now working so collaboratively. The financial investments from the community were important, but the fast tracking and permitting assistance really made a major impact on our decision. Having Pete Tesch and his team at the EDC as the “go to” people to coordinate with the local and state officials, made a significant difference in the competition with other communities. The collaboration here should be a great asset to attracting more businesses. | | “This is a tremendous benefit for our economy at a very critical time,” said EDC President/CEO Pete Tesch. This project demonstrates the value of partnering with companies in every stage of their operation. The investments to assist Signature Brands’ growth in the past, just recorded a BIG win that could not have been imagined at the time.” |  | The Marion County Commission has partnered with the EDC to contract National Site Location Consultant John Rhodes, Moran, Stahl & Boyer to gather economic intelligence on Marion County’s “site readiness,” to produce a Business Park Study and marketing plan to further the EDC’s business recruitment and expansion efforts. Rhodes spoke to a group of commercial developers, and real estate and construction executives to exchange ideas on their plans to develop business parks as well as what site consultants and business executives are looking for in property. In addition, a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis session was held with EDC investors and key community leaders to further develop strategies to attract and expand companies that will help shape the future of our community. |  | | Rhodes shared a historical perspective of Ocala/Marion County from the 1850’s to date. When participants shared strengths and opportunities, Rhodes summarized with a challenge, “The future of this community is in your hands. There are so many positive attributes here. I’ve seen communities rally and be successful with only 10% of what you have.” | Key advantages/opportunities that were discussed: - Location – Marion County is centrally located in the state and its close proximity to the Caribbean and South America makes it a naturally desirable assimilation and distribution location.
- Education Triangle – Located in the center of three of the nation’s largest universities, Marion County is desirable for companies who need to be close to research centers and young talent. It is important for our community to begin connecting the dots for companies to share the benefits of this strategic location.
- Public/Private Partnerships – The strength of local governments investing in the community through business recruitment and expansion efforts is unique and beneficial to growing the economy. Ocala’s recent Enterprise Zone designation is also a key advantage for expanding or relocating businesses.
- Equine Industry – Ocala/Marion County has an international brand as The Horse Capital of the World. Aside from the business generated from breeding, training and horse farms’ sales, our community is host to many top level business executives who have interest in the equine industry. The potential to engage them in an opportunity to bring their businesses to Marion County needs to be explored.
The educational attainment level of citizens and the assimilation of new residents were among the list of weaknesses and threats.
A full report will be completed by May 15, and Rhodes will present further findings and a plan for moving forward at the EDC’s June Quarterly Luncheon. | 
 | MTI student Rejerio Burton was selected as one of two students representing Florida in the United States Senate Youth Program. He traveled with selected delegates to Washington D.C. in March where they were greeted by President Obama, heard major policy addresses by Senators, Cabinet Members, officials from the Departments of State and Defense and directors of other federal agencies. The student delegates also met with U.S. Supreme Court. Justice Sonya Sotomayor. All transportation, hotel and meal expenses were provided by The Hearst Foundation. In addition, Rejerio was awarded a $5,000 college scholarship for his undergraduate studies. | | Rejerio recounted his experiences in Washington to the School Board, MTI Task Force, and MTI's Law & Government Academy Advisory Council. He expressed his appreciation to all those involved in creating MTI and making the tremendous opportunity possible. Congratulations Rejerio! | 
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