FloridaWest Economic Development Alliance

FloridaWest Economic Development Alliance is an economic development group for the Greater Pensacola region in Florida. It helps companies set up and grow in the area.

The alliance links the region's assets, resources and skilled workers with business and industry. Its goal is a strong industrial and professional community and steady economic growth. It presents the region as a focal point for manufacturing and technology in Florida.

Aerospace, aviation and MRO is one of its core industries. Other core industries include cyber security, information technology, chemical manufacturing, professional services and back office operations, and offshore vessels. A separate site covers space.

A UK aerospace company, Field International, is preparing to open its US manufacturing operation, Field International USA, at a site in Pensacola. The company is looking to fill 50 jobs, from welders and assemblers to support staff.

The alliance also promotes the region's transport links. Escambia County has major roads, including Interstate 10, two rail lines, a deep-water port and access to the Intracoastal Waterway. It also has an international airport with 11 non-stop flights. This lets companies move cargo by land, air or sea to national and global markets.

For office and finance firms, the alliance points to more than 50,000 finance and management professionals in the region. It lists 14 industry-focused training programs in local schools and colleges. It also offers turn-key properties and sites in the downtown core, plus regional business parks.

The alliance has an entrepreneurship arm called CO:LAB. The website was funded through a grant from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity.

Services

• Business recruitment
• Real estate development
• Industry and investor relations
• Entrepreneurship support
• Site and property search
• Workforce connections