The Florida Chamber Foundation, the research arm of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, announced Monday that all 11 of Floridas Regional Planning Councils (RPCs) have completed their Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies (CEDS) using the Foundations Six Pillars framework and "will become the Foundations strategic partner in demonstrating the value of the Six Pillars across the state."
The six pillars are 1)Talent Supply and Education, 2) Innovation and Economic Development, 3) Infrastructure and Growth Leadership, 4) Business Climate and Competitiveness, 5) Civic and Governance Systems, and 6) Quality of Life and Quality Places.
Florida's RPCs are designated by the federal government as economic development districts, tasked with promoting economic development throughout Florida. They work in partnership with local economic development organizations and the business community.
The developments effectively elevate the Chamber's business-friendly Six Pillars from a statewide effort to a federal one.
The RPCs partnership with the business community is fundamental for Florida's economic success, said Bentina Terry, vice president at Gulf Power Co. and chair of the Florida Chamber Foundation, in a statement announcing thecompletionof the CEDS. Their adoption of the Six Pillars clearly shows that the RPCs understand the importance of that partnership and the value of the Six Pillars in aligning our efforts.
The Foundation looks forward to working with the RPCs, echoed Tony Carvajal, the Foundation's executive vice president. Every community and corner of the state now has a strong partner and friend working to ensure they grow and prosper.
The statement says the RPCs will become an official Six Pillars Community at their June Policy Board Meeting, to be held in conjunction with the Florida Association of Counties Annual Conference.
I congratulate the RPCs on the completion of their CEDS plans focused on the Six Pillars of Floridas future, said Mark Wilson, President and CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce. Not only does this show the power of the Six Pillars at the state level, but the federal level will be able to see the good work taking place in Florida through the RPCs.
Reach Eric Giunta at egiunta@sunshinestatenews.com or at (954) 235-9116.
