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Workforce Training MOU Signed
JOE signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Workforce Florida, Gulf Coast Community College and Gulf Power Company, creating a model for collaboration to address emerging training needs for businesses and jobs in Northwest Florida's West Bay area, the largest mixed-use planned community in the state.
The MOU marks the first time Workforce Florida, the Governor's statewide workforce investment board, has joined with education partners and companies to develop and implement a plan for responding to emerging workforce needs spurred by a planned community and a major infrastructure project. The 75,000-acre West Bay area is home to the new Panama City-Bay County International Airport, scheduled to open in May 2010, which serves as a catalyst for economic development and job creation for the region and state.
"Partnerships like the one cemented today are key to building a world-class workforce that will strengthen Florida's economy for generations to come," said Governor Charlie Crist. "This landmark agreement is a wonderful example of state government and the private sector coming together to create new jobs and exciting new opportunities for the Sunshine State."
"In our efforts to spur economic development, we continue to talk to companies all over the world, and one consistent priority always rises to the top - a trained workforce," said Greene. "This historic workforce alliance will prime the job creation machine for WestBay, businesses locating near the new international airport and across Northwest Florida. It is jobs that stimulate real estate activity."
JOE, which donated 4,000 acres for the new airport and owns the surrounding land, anticipates the potential for 37 million square feet in West Bay planned for business and commercial activity. The 75,000-acre development also includes a conservation area as well as recreational and residential areas.
JOE signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Workforce Florida, Gulf Coast Community College and Gulf Power Company, creating a model for collaboration to address emerging training needs for businesses and jobs in Northwest Florida's West Bay area, the largest mixed-use planned community in the state.
The MOU marks the first time Workforce Florida, the Governor's statewide workforce investment board, has joined with education partners and companies to develop and implement a plan for responding to emerging workforce needs spurred by a planned community and a major infrastructure project. The 75,000-acre West Bay area is home to the new Panama City-Bay County International Airport, scheduled to open in May 2010, which serves as a catalyst for economic development and job creation for the region and state.
"Partnerships like the one cemented today are key to building a world-class workforce that will strengthen Florida's economy for generations to come," said Governor Charlie Crist. "This landmark agreement is a wonderful example of state government and the private sector coming together to create new jobs and exciting new opportunities for the Sunshine State."
"In our efforts to spur economic development, we continue to talk to companies all over the world, and one consistent priority always rises to the top - a trained workforce," said Greene. "This historic workforce alliance will prime the job creation machine for WestBay, businesses locating near the new international airport and across Northwest Florida. It is jobs that stimulate real estate activity."
JOE, which donated 4,000 acres for the new airport and owns the surrounding land, anticipates the potential for 37 million square feet in West Bay planned for business and commercial activity. The 75,000-acre development also includes a conservation area as well as recreational and residential areas.
