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Application Window is Now Open for Class IV of Northwest Florida's Regional Leadership Program

Northwest, FL – Applications are now being accepted for Class IV of Leadership Northwest Florida, a ÒÁÈËÖ±²¥app collaboration program offered by Florida’s Great Northwest Foundation.

Regional Leaders Represent Northwest Florida at the 55th International Paris Air Show

A delegation of economic developers from Northwest Florida is advancing the region’s presence in the global aerospace sector this week at the 55th International Paris Air Show. Held at Le Bourget, this event is a premier gathering for the global aerospace industry, showcasing cutting-edge technological advancements. The first four days are reserved for industry professionals, while the final three days are open to the public.   

Governor DeSantis Announces Leading Body Armor Manufacturer Creating 300 Jobs in Wakulla County

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis joined the Wakulla Economic Development Council (EDC) and partners to announce Point Blank Enterprises’ plans to create 300 new jobs in the county’s growing industrial employment center - Opportunity Park where Wakulla County will construct a new 118,000 square foot manufacturing facility for lease by the company. This is the largest investment in Opportunity Park and a significant investment using public and private dollars in Wakulla County to attract a target industry in the manufacturing sector.

Williams International and The State of Florida Invests $1 Billion into Northwest Florida

Williams International is investing more than $1 billion in a new aviation gas turbine engine manufacturing facility in Okaloosa County. This initiative is one of the most significant projects in the history of Northwest Florida. Supported by state and local partners, the project will create over 330 jobs and encompass more than 750,000 square feet of facilities. Construction is set to begin in 2025 at Shoal River Industrial Park.

U.S. News has Recognized Florida as a Top-Ranking State

In recent months, U.S. News & World Report has recognized Florida as a top-ranking state in terms of economy, education, and job growth. These achievements highlight the ongoing growth and development within the Sunshine State. 

Regional Collaboration Program Celebrates Its Third Class of Graduates

At a closing retreat and graduation ceremony on May 9, 2025, Florida’s Great Northwest (FGNW) Foundation honored its new graduates from Leadership Northwest Florida, a ÒÁÈËÖ±²¥app collaboration program focused on community, content, and connection.

OXFORD TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION SELECTS BAY COUNTY FOR ITS NEW MANUFACTURING OPERATIONS

The Bay Economic Development Alliance, an agent of the Bay County Commission(Bay EDA), announced today that Oxford Technologies Corporation will be establishing a manufacturing operation in Bay County, Florida.

Triumph Board Advances United FORWARD, the Economic Diversification Plan of Florida’s Great Northwest

The $4.77M grant will launch the most strategically focused economic development strategy and marketing initiative in the region’s history.

Governor Ron DeSantis Announced $9.4 Million in Awards to Northwest Florida Governments Through the Rural Infrastructure Fund

Governor Ron DeSantis announced the awarding of $9.4 million to 7 rural county governments and municipalities across the Florida Panhandle to support vital infrastructure projects through the Rural Infrastructure Fund (RIF).

Historic Economic Development Project Brings 500 New Aviation Jobs, $107 Million Capital Investment to Bay County

A Partnership Between ECP, Bay EDA and Florida’s Great Northwest Furthers Economic Growth in the Region

• IAG Aero Group, formerly referred to as “Project Spinner,” to bring $107 million in capital investment and 500 new aviation jobs to the area.
• The project involves a total capital investment of $107 million, including the construction of a 120,000-square-foot Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility and an extremely rare engine test cell facility at Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport.
• Triumph Gulf Coast has awarded $25 million in funding to support the construction of the MRO facility at Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport.

Florida’s Great Northwest CEO Recognized as One of Florida’s Most Influential Business Leaders of 2024

Jennifer Conoley, President and CEO of Florida’s Great Northwest (FGNW) has earned a spot on Florida Trend’s prestigious Florida 500 list once again, for the second time in a row. The editors of Florida Trend honor the state’s leading business figures that not only make remarkable strides in their respective fields, but also in their communities and industry sectors. This list showcases the 500 most impactful executives across various economic sectors in Florida.

FLORIDA’S GREAT NORTHWEST FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES SELECTION OF LEADERSHIP NORTHWEST FLORIDA CLASS III

Florida’s Great Northwest (FGNW) Foundation has selected its participants for Class III of Leadership Northwest Florida. The program is designed to focus on ÒÁÈËÖ±²¥app collaboration through community, content, and connection.

Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Florida

In 2020, Florida patented 5,513 inventions recorded by the USPTO.  As a result, there has been a startup boom, with more than 50,000 monthly business applications since 2020.

U.S. News has recognized Florida as a top-ranking state in economy, education, and job growth.

In recent months, U.S. News has recognized Florida as a top-ranking state in economy, education, and job growth. These achievements represent the growth and continued development occurring within the Sunshine State.

U.S. News and World Report Ranks Florida #1 in Higher Education

Florida was recently ranked #1 in the country for Higher Education by the U.S. News and World Report. This ranking reflects the 74%, 4 Year College Graduation Rate, as well as the 62%, 2 Year College Graduation Rate.

Florida Ranked 2nd Best State for Business

Florida was ranked #2 in a survey by Chief Executive to discover what states are the best for doing business.

Northwest Florida Capitalizes on Aerospace Opportunities at Farnborough International Airshow

Florida’s Great Northwest (FGNW) led a local delegation to the Farnborough International Airshow in mid-July aiming to attract aerospace companies to consider Northwest Florida as a prime location for aviation business success. FGNW was a host sponsor of the SelectFlorida Pavilion and was surrounded by other major aerospace players in Florida, including two Pensacola-based companies, Paradigm Parachute & Defense and Viewpoint Systems.

APPLICATION WINDOW NOW OPEN FOR CLASS III OF NORTHWEST FLORIDA’S REGIONAL LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

Northwest, FL – Applications are now being accepted for Class III of Leadership Northwest Florida, a ÒÁÈËÖ±²¥app collaboration program offered by Florida’s Great Northwest Foundation.

FloridaCommerce Secretary Explores Regional Opportunities on Familiarization Tour Hosted by Florida's Great Northwest

Economic Development Project Wins and Industrial Site Readiness were the Focus of the Tour

Florida Ranked 4th in Military Defense Spending in The Nation

In Florida, the aviation and military industry plays a vital role in the state's economy. Recently, Florida was ranked 4th in military defense spending in the nation. This ranking represents $30.2 Billion and 5.4% of the Department of Defense's total expenditures in the United States. Most of this spending contributes to the state's aviation and aerospace industry.

Florida was ranked 4th in High Tech Employment

Florida was ranked 4th in High Tech Employment by CompTIA research.

REGIONAL COLLABORATION PROGRAM CELEBRATES ITS SECOND CLASS OF GRADUATES

At a closing retreat and graduation ceremony on May 17, 2024, Florida’s Great Northwest (FGNW) Foundation honored its new graduates from Leadership Northwest Florida, a ÒÁÈËÖ±²¥app collaboration program focused on community, content, and connection.

Florida was ranked 4th in Tax Foundation’s State Business Tax Climate Index

Florida was ranked 4th in Tax Foundation’s State Business Tax Climate Index.

Florida's Great Northwest's Shane Chadwick Achieves International Economic Development Certification

Regional economic development professional, Shane Chadwick, who serves as business intelligence and marketing manager with Florida’s Great Northwest, has earned the designation of Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).

Okaloosa County’s Shoal River Ranch Gigasite recognized with prestigious ‘Select Site’ distinction by CSX Railroad

Okaloosa County’s Shoal River Ranch Gigasite recognized with prestigious ‘Select Site’ distinction by CSX Railroad

NORTHWEST FLORIDA’S STATE LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION GATHE RS WITH BUSINESS LEADERS IN TALLAHASSEE

Tallahassee, FL – This week, community leaders from the region’s 13 counties gathered in the State’s Capitol to support the legislators from Northwest Florida to demonstrate the commitment to their state leadership roles that are critical keys to the region’s success in economic competitiveness.

Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly Appoints Jennifer Conoley to the SelectFlorida Board of Directors

Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly announced the first SelectFlorida Board of Directors, appointing Greg Britton, Jennifer Conoley, Beth Kigel, Nick Primrose, Michael Simas, Kelly Smallridge and Mark Wilson to the board.

Florida's Great Northwest Hosts Top Site Location Consultants in Marianna

Florida's Great Northwest (FGNW) hosted four top site location consultants this month in Marianna, Florida as part of their ‘Beyond Our Beaches’ Site Selector Mission.

Florida’s Great Northwest CEO Recognized as One of Florida’s Most Influential Business Leaders

Northwest Florida – Jennifer Conoley, President & CEO of Florida’s Great Northwest (FGNW), has been named to Florida Trend’s prestigious Florida 500 list. This annual list highlights the 500 most influential executives in different economic sectors throughout the state of Florida. The editors of Florida Trend conducted a year-long research initiative resulting in a personal and engaging look at the state's most influential business leaders.

SAVE THE DATES: Northwest Florida Days 2024

We kindly ask for you to please save the dates for our 2024 Northwest Florida Days events in Tallahassee during Florida’s Legislative Session: January 17th - 18th, 2024.