The Business Development Partnership and Volusia County embarked upon an economic development study to review the economic delivery system county-wide with the intent of developing a new comprehensive, efficient program for a strong business climate and future economic growth.

The next step in this plan is a public hearing tonight, Monday, November 23rd at 6:30pm at Stetson University in Deland (Stetson Room in the Carlton Union Building). A public hearing will assist in determining the current and future needs of the business community by allowing for input from key stakeholders.

Jim McGraw, President, KMK Consulting, will discuss in detail the process and findings to date and the recommended plan moving forward.

The objective of this multi-phase plan is to develop a world-class economic development program that will aggressively seek to identify and close quality projects. Using a regional marketing approach, it would create a "brand strategy" that will link the four segments of Volusia under a single, most recognizable name in the State of Florida.

For details or questions on this matter, please contact George Mirabal, Executive Vice President, BDP, at (386) 255-0981, ext. 236.