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Economic yearbook 2010
Northwest Fla. Yearbook 2010
A flurry of activity and a boost from the military.
Apalachicola/Franklin County
The Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing that closed Hexaport’s GreenSteel Homes manufacturing plant at Carrabelle was a major 2009 setback. The venture, launched in 2007, originally was touted to produce 300 jobs. “We’re working to find a new outlet — such as Haiti — for Hexaport’s low-cost housing product,’’ says county planner Alan Pierce. Another negative: Winter rains clobbered the seafood industry.
 Tom Morgan and Sharon Baggett opened Apalach Outfitters clothing and fishing gear in March. |
» Tom Morgan, former commercial division president for St. Joe Co., has opened Apalach Outfitters in downtown Apalachicola — “a cool and historic place with a robust tourist market’’ — where he sees a void for the clothing and fishing gear his store sells.
Holmes/Washington Counties
Job growth in Holmes County generally has stalled because of the recession; however, some local specialty tool and parts manufacturers saw sales increases over the past year, says Holmes County Development Commission executive director Jim Brook.
Recently announced plans by Orlando-based Tavistock Group to develop Spring Ridge, a 1,700-acre master-planned community at Sunny Hills, could create a substantial long-term economic boost for Washington County; planning and marketing of the first 75 acres is under way. Startup plans also have been signaled by two manufacturers: Pipe producer The Concrete Co. and bedding manufacturer Enola Manufacturing Services, which have estimated they’ll hire 150 and 30 workers, respectively, within three years.
Business to Watch
» Northern Trust, representative for some 55,000 acres known as Moody’s Pasture and owned by the Knight newspaper family, recently began the process of state-required review for a proposed development. The land, most of it in Washington County, “will be the ultimate game-changer over the next 50 to 75 years for Washington County,’’ says Ted Everett, executive director of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce.
Jackson/Calhoun/Liberty Counties
A high percentage of government employment in Jackson County, around 41%, has helped the county fare better than many areas, says Bill Stanton, executive director of the Jackson County Development Council. A Family Dollar distribution center at Marianna has added workers, says Richard Williams, executive director of Chipola Regional Workforce Development Board.
Last year’s grounding of the proposed Sky project, a 571-acre European-style community near Clarksville, curtailed an anticipated source of growth for Calhoun County.
Liberty County in December, meanwhile, boasted the lowest unemployment rate in the state, a product of stable industries, says Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Johnny Eubanks.
Business to Watch
Twin Oaks Juvenile Development, based in Bristol in Liberty County, is building a private juvenile justice facility in Graceville in Jackson County, to provide education and vocational training for girls placed under court order. It will employ 35 at full operation by midsummer. The 11-year-old business operates seven similar centers in the region.
