On October 28, 2016, the Council hosted a Regional Economic Development Summit for the Treasure Coast Region at the Indian River State College in Stuart. The Summit brought together more than 100 people representing the region’s business development organizations, leading industries, educational facilities, local governments, and the public to provide a synchronized focus on economic issues. Major highlights of the Summit was a keynote presentation on Economic Trends by Mark Wilson, President and CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, and a panel discussion on the future of education by the three major university presidents in the region. Other highlights also included three panel discussions that addressed Industry Group Trends, Transportation Infrastructure Trends, and Educational and Workforce Development Trends.
The Summit also featured breakout groups in the afternoon with Council staff facilitating discussions of “Six-Pillar” topics, including: Talent Supply & Education; Innovation & Economic Development; Infrastructure & Growth Leadership; Business Climate & Competitiveness; Civic & Governance Systems; Quality of Life & Quality of Places; and Economic Resilience. The Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Committee of the Treasure Coast Economic Development District will use the results of the Summit as part of the process to update the CEDS plan, which serves as a guide for regional and local collaboration on economic development initiatives and planning. Links to videos of the keynote presentation and panel discussions, and results of the breakout group discussions are available on TCRPC’s website.
For more information please contact Peter G. Merritt, Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council, pmerritt@tcrpc.org.