Greener Pastures

Key Newcomers

? Phil Schwab runs operations at Cheney Bros.' new plant in Ocala, built because the food distributor outgrew its facilities in Riviera Beach and needed easier access to markets in the central and northern parts of the state. The company employs 369 in Ocala and hopes to reach 500.

? In 2003, Troy Kuphal, freshly arrived from West Bend, Wis., became Marion County's first ever water resource coordinator. He now heads a study -- unique in the state -- to assess Marion's abundant water supply and its future needs.

Sumter County

Bradley Arnold from Tennessee beat out 52 others to become Sumter's new county administrator. Diane Lee, president of the Sumter County Economic Development Council, says, "He understands economic development and has the expertise and determination to get the job done."

Dixie County

New homes are popping up along the coast and the Suwannee River but there's little building elsewhere. One hindrance to development is the lack of infrastructure. Another is lack of expertise in promoting growth. ... "Some tough times may be ahead for local leaders," says Ray Wise, former chamber of commerce executive secretary. "As property values and therefore ad valorem taxes skyrocket, citizens are going to want more from government than regular scraping of their unpaved road."

Levy County

Boat maker Monterey Boats has expanded into a new facility and employs 650 in Williston, a town with 1,500 new homes in various stages of construction. "That equates to 180% growth based on our current population and three people per new rooftop and buildout in three to five years," says Jim Coleman, Williston city manager and airport manager. Developers like Williston's proximity to Ocala and Gainesville. ... In a partnership with the Florida Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration, Williston has undertaken a $2.8-million runway resurfacing project at Williston Municipal Airport.

Bradford County

New residents from South Florida and land investors from Canada are sparking debates over impact fees and tax increases for new schools and roads. However, says Ron Lilly, CEO of the North Florida Regional Chamber of Commerce, "With a low unemployment rate of 3.2%, there is a need for more people to work for the companies that are opening in the area." The chamber and the local workforce group are developing a certified worker program to meet the demand.

Union County

"The biggest issue for us is how to find money to fund much-needed services" to keep up with modest residential growth, says Regina Parrish, Union County clerk of the court and clerk to the county commission. "We're a very poor county, and we're capped at 10 mils on property tax." Local officials hope the state Legislature will approve a bill (which failed last year) that would give small counties like Union up to $600,000 to provide services.

Tags: North Central