109 NW 3rd Ave, Chiefland, FL 32626
(352) 493-6797 / www.naturecoast.org
NOVEMBER 2016
David J. Pieklik – Executive Director -- Email us
Business Alliance Hits the Ground Running (With Fiber Optic)
The newly-formed Nature Coast Business Alliance got right to work, mapping out its vision for a
county-wide high speed internet network.
After deciding goals for the coming year for the Nature Coast Business Development Council,
broadband was the top priority. Considered a must-have utility like water and electric for most
businesses, the desire to improve quality and connectivity to the business community was the driver
for almost 35 participants to gather at the Williston Municipal Airport to discuss options.
The focus was on fiber optic because of its reliability, ability to handle high uploading and
downloading speeds and the fact the number of users does not impact those speeds.
Internet service providers who joined the Alliance provided insight into the best approach to getting
more people connected. Work is underway to gauge community support, determine service needs
and secure funding to build-out the network. The Nov. 9th Alliance session will provide an update.
RSVP here to join us.
NEWS AND NOTES
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DOT to Host Upcoming Master Plan Overviews The state Dept. of Transportation is conducting a Nov. 8 open
house from 4 pm to 6 pm, District 2 office – Madison Room, 1109 S. Marion Avenue, Lake City. This will serve as an
overview of the department’s five-year work program. On Nov. 10, from 4 pm to 6 pm at its District 2 Urban Office
Training Facility, 2198 Edison Ave., Jacksonville, it will conduct a public hearing that includes a presentation on the
plan.
Workforce Grows: Levy County’s labor force grew by 365 to 16,885 in September, according to the latest data from
CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion. The number of men and women employed increased by 350 to 16,008.
Getting Back on the Rails: Given its central location, proximity to large metro areas, reliable roads network and
cheaper costs to do business, Levy County could play a pivotal role in an increase to rail-served industry. There are
numerous properties along the Florida Central Railroad – which leases the short line from CSX Corp. – as it runs
through Williston. These are being examined for the potential to have related infrastructure or businesses locate
there.
Task Forces Formed: The NCBDC last month formed tasks forces to collectively assist with proposed goals of
county-wide high speed internet, an ambassador program and investment team that were decided at its annual goal
setting retreat in September. The task forces will work alongside businesses, community groups and others to help
complete each goal; work on broadband is already underway as the top priority.
NOVEMBER CALENDAR
1st -- Inglis commission, 5:30 pm, town hall
7th– Bronson Town Council, 7 pm, Dogan
Cobb Municipal Building
Yankeetown Town Council, 7 pm, Lion’s
Club
8th Board of County Commissioners, 9 am,
county courthouse, Bronson
Fanning Springs City Council, 5 pm, city hall
Williston City Council, 7 pm, Williston City
Hall
10th – NCBDC board of directors and
RESTORE Act advisory committee, 3 pm,
College of Central Florida, Chiefland.
14h – Chiefland City Commission, 6 pm, city
hall
21st – Bronson Town Council, 7 pm, Dogan
Cobb Municipal Building
Otter Creek Town Council, 7 pm, town hall
22nd-- Board of County Commissioners, 9
am, county courthouse, Bronson
Cedar Key City Commission, 6 pm, city hall
Williston City Council, 7 pm, Williston City
Hall
28th – Chiefland City Commission, 6 pm city
hall
VALUABLE RESOURCES
Department of Economic Opportunity
Enterprise Florida
Levy County
Board of Directors
Chairman): Greg Galpin, Weyerhaeuser Co.
Treasurer/vice chair: Dick Streeter, Withlacoochee-Gulf Area Chamber of Commerce
Chris Cowart, Levy County School Board
Denny George, Duke Energy
Jeff Edison, Asst. Superintendent of Schools, Levy County
Joyce Wilson, Unity Family Community Center
Phil Geist, Small Business Development Center
Mark Meyer, Florida Central Railroad
Rayanne Giddis, provost, College of Central Florida
Ryan Watson, Central Florida Electric Cooperative
Community partner: CareerSource – Citrus Levy Marion
North Florida Economic Development
Partnership
Virtual Entrepreneur Center
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