Laserfiche WebLink
recession. Ms. Caseltine noted that an expected increase in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) <br />and only slightly declining unemployment rates (projected for 2010) may be tentative indicators <br />of Florida's economic recovery. She declared that Florida's old model of economic growth fits <br />no longer, and is being replaced with the "New" Normal, in which future growth will be driven <br />by industry sectors like international commerce, energy efficiency and health care, with <br />transportation and utilities (as reported by Andra Cornelius), to be the Number 1 job creator for <br />this area. <br />Ms. Caseltine emphasized that a key component of any economic development program <br />is cooperation between all levels of government, as well as with the private sector. She stated <br />that the Chamber is actively engaged in business retention and recruitment activities, and cited as <br />prime examples, the CVS Distribution Center, Girard Equipment, Nailtiques Distribution Firm, <br />and Piper Aircraft. She recapped details of Piper's Incentive Package and presented supporting <br />data outlining the positive economic impact Piper's continued presence has had upon the local <br />economy. Ms. Caseltine announced that recent successful initiatives have been three successful <br />local Jobs Grant applications; a grant to implement the Economic Gardening Program; and the <br />advent of several companies who are interested in locating within the County. She envisioned <br />that some very positive events would be occurring in the future. <br />11. EMINDFUL—KELLYMCCABE, CEO <br />Kelly McCabe, CEO, eMindful, thanked the Board and the Indian River Chamber for <br />helping her company obtain a Qualified Target Industry Grant, and said that eMindful has <br />chosen to locate its international headquarters in Vero Beach. She explained that the Grant is <br />performance-based, dependent upon job opportunities, and detailed the company's anticipated <br />hiring schedule, commencing with three initial employees, adding six more in 2010, and 48-60 <br />additional staffers in 2011 and 2012. She acknowledged that over the next 3 or 4 years as <br />14 <br />February 18, 2010 <br />Economic/Goal Summit II <br />