OCEDC Presents Update to CFRPC

“This year, the Okeechobee County Economic Development Corporation continued to prove that strategic investment and local partnership deliver real results. Together, we have helped attract and expand businesses that have committed more than 38 million dollars in new capital investment. These efforts have led to the creation of new high-wage jobs, the retention and expansion of critical employers, and the advancement of multiple projects that will shape Okeechobee’s economic future.

A lot of those this year, in this fiscal year, have been in the City of Okeechobee, which I’m sure the County could also consider that to be a win. We have worked with over 56 businesses this year in our office, which is a staff of two, that’s incredible. Assisting entrepreneurs, site selectors, and local industry alike, resulting in new groundbreakings, expanded operations, and a growing industrial footprint. Our project pipeline remains very strong, with over $22 million in pending capital investment and more than 150 projected new jobs in the coming fiscal years.

Our impact goes far beyond capital investment, though. This year, we made it a priority to support the future of our workforce, which is also very important to us. We hosted the Okeechobee Jr. Leaders Program, and we co-led a career expo with the college, the school district, and our Educational Foundation. We also organized a one-time thing called “Touch-a-Truck,” which is early career exploration for kids.

These efforts demonstrate that economic development is not just about what we build, but it’s about who we build it for. The work outlined in our report this year represents more than just numbers, it reflects the community’s belief in our mission, their willingness to invest in long-term progress, and their desire to see Okeechobee thrive.”

Kaylee King

President

Okeechobee County Economic Development Corporation

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