PENSACOLA, FL – ITGulfCoast, an Information Technology Association for the Gulf Coast, will hold their regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, August 27th, 2008 at PJC Downtown. Al Wenstrand, the President of Florida’s Great Northwest (FGN), will discuss FGN's Regional Economic Development Strategy for Northwest Florida.
Regional Economic Development Strategy for Northwest Florida
Florida’s Great Northwest has recently created a comprehensive strategy for developing a diversified and sustainable economy for Northwest Florida. Based on a study conducted with SRI International, the strategic plan includes attention to specialized foundations like education and workforce, innovation systems and quality of life, while expanding the region’s key, target industries. Al Wenstrant, President of FGN, will describe the pivotal role that Information Technology plays in this long-term strategy.
Speaker
Al Wenstrand is the President of Florida’s Great Northwest, a regional economic development organization representing the sixteen counties in Northwest Florida. In his role, Al formulates the overall strategy for the organization, as well as develops a regional economic development strategy for Northwest Florida. He directs all aspects of the business, including the areas of marketing, business development, workforce initiatives, and administration. In order to lay the groundwork for diversifying the regional economy, Al serves as a liaison to the community and works in conjunction with local educational institutions, workforce boards, businesses, and economic development organizations.
Prior to working at Florida’s Great Northwest, Al was appointed by Governor Mike Johanns to the cabinet level position of Director of Economic Development for the State of Nebraska. In this position, he managed over 75 full-time and 40 part-time employees in the divisions of business development, community and rural development, Travel and Tourism, and administration. During his tenure, he helped develop a targeted industry strategy that incorporated the cluster concept for traded industries in Nebraska’s state-wide strategic plan.
Meeting Details
This meeting will be held at the PJC Downtown Center http://www.pjc.edu/includes/maps/PJCMapDTC-s.pdf. The meeting starts at 11:30am and ends at 1:00pm. The cost for lunch is $12 per person. Cold box lunches will be provided. The fee to attend without lunch is $5 per person.
Register for this Event
Register for this event using the "Register Now" box on the left side of this page. Payment can be made by cash or check (made out to ITGULFCOAST.ORG) at the event or by Paypal.
The meeting is open to all ITGULFCOAST members, guests and to the public. For more information call our Chairman Chuck Hodge, New Horizons Govt Manager at 850-434-3414 x407.
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