leadership in advancing a practical, data-driven pathway from local maritime strength to statewide and national defense readiness.”

“South Florida’s marine industry has the technical expertise, infrastructure and a highly skilled workforce that position our region for continued growth. This initiative reinforces the depth of capabilities that already exist here and the potential to create new opportunities for our businesses and workforce,” said Lori Wheeler, Vice President Marine Industries Association of South Florida 

“The South Florida Regional Planning Council is delighted to partner with the Alliance and SFDA to support this effort by providing data, and planning and economic analysis expertise and capabilities to this important initiative, “said Isabel Cosio Carballo, MPA, Executive Director, South Florida Regional Planning Council. “As the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development District for South Florida, a key focus of the Council’s work is the furtherance of Southeast Florida’s Blue Tech Economy and Jobs which depend, in part, on supportive policies, investment, and the continued development of a skilled workforce to grow.  The Alliance’s work is very timely and needed.  It will support the advancement of South Florida’s Defense Economy, the Blue Tech Economy, national security, and South Florida’s economic diversification, greater employment, resilience, and enhanced quality of life for South Florida residents.”

“The Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance's leadership on this grant is a prime example of the many ways the organization is developing job opportunities and growth in Broward County.  I am excited to see how this grant and state collaboration will grow the local economy,” said Jennifer Bales Drake, Esq., Chair, Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance and Shareholder, Chair Real Estate Practice Group, Vice Chair, Public Private Partnerships Practice Group, Becker & Poliakoff, P.A.

The Alliance is one of eight organizations statewide chosen to receive this round of state funding through the Defense Reinvestment Grant Program, which directly supports community-based activities that protect existing military installations, diversify the economy of a defense-dependent community, or develop plans that facilitate the reuse of closed or realigned military installations, such as developing and implementing strategies that will help communities support the mission of military installations. The award was made under Request for Application COM 27-RFA-002-Commission, which required eligible applicants to be an economic development entity acting on behalf of a governing board with the authority to maintain the project upon completion, representing a community or county where a military installation is located.

This initiative supports the Alliance’s mission for creating, attracting, expanding, and retaining high-wage jobs and capital investment in high-value targeted industries, developing more vibrant communities, and improving the quality of life for Broward County residents. 

 

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