ARE YOU READY FOR THE GROWTH OF THE NORTHWEST FLORIDA AREA

To my Blog Following:

As the Vice President of the Northwest Florida Military Officer's Association, a local native, a retired Coast Guard Officer, and a former Military Housing Director, I get the opportunity to be part of some interesting conversations. These conversations are with local military commanders, local politicians, civic leaders, and local government leaders, and the news is great. Also, if you haven't spoken to Larry Sassano, President of the Okaloosa County Economic Development Counsel, you should, visit http://www.florida-edc.org/edc-info.html for his contact information. This area is exploding with government contracts being awarded and construction beginning for the Army Special Forces Base, the new F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, and just normal improvements to the area's military bases. Another big project having an effect on us is the privatization of military housing, which will place more military families in the public sector for their housing choices. You also have the expansion of the Bob Sikes Airport in Crestview, Florida, where a number of Defense Contractors and Non-Defense Contractors reside, with more coming all the time. There is so much more happening now and in the future and our community must rise to the occasion. I just recently left a meeting with Larry Sassano and he and his staff are pounding the drums. Folks, especially the banks, we need to act NOW!!! We have a gem of a location, let's shine it up now. Oh! by the way, this does not count the Obama Stimulus Money coming our way also.