The North Florida Economic Development Partnership (NFEDP) is a 501c(6) non-profit organization committed to developing, coordinating, and fostering high-quality partnerships and initiatives that promote and attract sustainable economic development to the 14-county region.
The NFEDP serves as a regional resource for (1) coordinating and marketing regional assets to attract economic development; (2) increasing knowledge and awareness about economic development programs, activities, and opportunities; (3) communicating and disseminating important information on opportunities for economic development; (4) enhancing the leadership capacity of all individuals and organizations engaged in economic development in the region; and (4) facilitating the identification of critical issues and potential solutions impacting sustainable economic development and job creation and retention in the region.
The impetus for creating the NFEDP was the 2003 formal designation of the region as a Rural Area of Critical Economic Concern (RACEC) by Florida's Governor. This designation was recertified in 2008 for the region covering Baker, Bradford, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette, Levy, Madison, Putnam, Suwannee, Taylor and Union Counties.
Matching funds and other significant support for the NFEDP are provided by Florida's Office of Tourism, Trade, and Economic Development (OTTED) and Enterprise Florida, Inc. Regional and local members and partners of the NFEDP include local government elected officials, economic development professionals, and other staff, private industry and business, as well as workforce development boards, regional planning councils and water management districts, community-based and non-profit organizations, and individuals.
The keys to enhanced regional, sustainable economic development are high quality relationships, partnerships, and commitment. The NFEDP is dedicated to helping our region achieve its desired future. If you are interested in supporting and participating in the Partnership, please contact Jeff Hendry at jhendry@iog.fsu.edu or by phone at (850) 487-1870.
