Meeting slated between Newberry and county to discuss economic development program

NEWBERRY – The City of Newberry still embraces its rural character even as it shapes its place in Florida’s sports tourism industry as part of a new community development initiative.

On March 13 at the municipal building, the city and county will have a joint meeting to announce details about Newberry’s participation in the Department of Economic Opportunity’s Competitive Florida Partnership.

Residents and business owners can attend the meeting, which will discuss the state’s intention to utilize a survey instrument to get a feel for the community and what it feels the priorities for economic development are, said Jerry O’Neil, chair on the grant’s steering committee.

O’Neil said he is particularly excited about the active participation from both the county and state on the steering committee. Those in attendance include the county’s director of economic development program and a representative from the North Central Florida Planning Council.

The committee has been able to look at Newberry’s impact on the region and has been given input about the overall approach of economic development, not just about specific industries.

For example, one approach might be focusing on streamlining the city’s high-speed internet to attract high-tech companies. Another might be the state of the education available for the anticipated work force that will come with a bolstered economy.

“The feeling is that if you’re going to have a labor force, the support for businesses coming in starts in the school system,” O’Neil said.

The committee will have a meeting with the school board that will focus on land availability and internet, and how they affect the city’s work force, which is important for expanding current companies and attracting prospective ones, he said.

“And of course, a major influence on the overall development is the Florida Innovation Hub at the University of Florida being here,” O’Neil said.

“Businesses nurtured there will be here for ten years and then will look for a new home, and we would like to think that the municipalities in Alachua County are where they will go.” It’s not just about land availability, he said, but the unique quality of life the towns offer.

O’Neil said the committee “is lucky that the city commission has been very supportive in the economic development efforts for Newberry.”

“Everyone is fully engaged and excited, which I think is the most critical part.”

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