Century Holds Economic Meeting With Chambers, County, State Officials

May 24, 2011

The Century Town Council held an economic summit of sorts Monday evening to learn more about economic development opportunities that exist for the town.

During a joint workshop with the Pensacola Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, the Century Chamber of Commerce, Escambia County Community Redevelopment Agency, and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the council was educated on Brownfields zones, Enterprise Zones and the Pensacola chamber’s “Vision 2015″ plan to create 3,o00 new jobs in the Escambia-Santa Rosa County region.

The Brownfield  Area  encompasses the entire town due to land that may have actual or perceived environmental contamination.  The designation provides bonuses for job creation, loan guarantees, sales tax credits and other incentives for qualified businesses to locate in the town.

“The economic incentives outweigh the stigma of being a Brownfield area,” Alex Webster, Brownfield program coordinator for the Florida Department of Environmental Management told the group.

Century is also an Enterprise Zone, providing qualifying businesses with various tax credits and incentives, according to Clara Long, Escambia County Community Redevelopment Agency.

Bridgette Price of the Pensacola Bay Area Chamber of Commerce also detailed the chamber’s plan for economic growth, including growth in the north part of the county.

“We want to know how to help you promote job opportunities here in Century,” Price told the council.

Pictured top:  Alex Webster (far right), Brownfield program coordinator for the Florida Department of Environmental Management, discusses a PowerPoint presentation with the Century Town Council Monday evening. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.

Comments

2 Responses to “Century Holds Economic Meeting With Chambers, County, State Officials”

  1. David Huie Green on May 24th, 2011 10:42 am

    REGARDING:
    ” to clean up PERCIEVED contamination”

    Considering how the mill used to have a creosote pond, the perception is likely accurate.

    Another interesting thought is one of, “This place is contaminated with poison, how can we draw more people in?”

    David wondering at some purposes

  2. Me on May 24th, 2011 7:16 am

    How much will it cost the taxpayers to clean up PERCIEVED contamination? Sounds like a job for the good ole boys buisness.

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