St. Pete Catalyst; Published By Mark Parker
Pinellas County Commissioners recently approved dissolving an economic advisory council that ballooned to 100 members; a smaller, invite-only business alliance comprised of C-level executives will soon take its place.
Commissioners established the Pinellas County Economic Development Council (PCEDC) in 2003. Its 100 members represented local businesses, organizations and trade associations.
However, a county document states, “Over time, the ineffectiveness of electing and maintaining a board comprised of 100 members became more cumbersome than the benefits gained from holding meetings.” Commissioners approved repealing an ordinance establishing the PCEDC without discussion at a July 18 meeting.
Dr. Cynthia Johnson, economic development director for the county, said administrators are now creating the One Pinellas Business Alliance. While they are still establishing its membership structure and engagement format, she expects to begin sending invitations to join this fall.
“The purpose will be a fact-finding committee that will provide industry insights and perspectives,” Johnson said. “These industries that we spend a lot of our time focusing on are those industries that typically have higher wages.” Read more
