The Lake Economic Area Development Partnership (LEAD) celebrated two years in local and economic development at its recent annual meeting.
LEAD is a public-private organization created to strengthen, diversify, and unite the Lake County economy. Members work with government, private businesses, chambers of commerce, educational and workforce organizations to collectively drive positive economic growth in Lake County.
The meeting, that was held at sponsor Bella Collina in Montverde on September 25, was attended by local dignitaries, developers, investors, construction companies, farmers, non-profit organizations and mom and pop entrepreneurs.
Participating businesses range from international distribution companies to entrepreneurial start-ups, while promoting Lake County as an advantageous location due to a workforce that can enjoy the benefits of the Lake County and surrounding Orlando metropolitan areas.
Ray Villegas, Vice President of LEAD, welcomed everyone and reported that the organization’s 2nd annual gala dinner event, held in September, was sold-out.
“It was an inspiring evening, filled with energy and camaraderie among nearly 200 attendees, including economic development champions from the LEAD Staff & Board of Directors, Lake County Government, City Governments, private businesses, entrepreneurs, educational institutions, and community leaders,” said Villegas.
“The evening was highlighted by keynote speaker Sam Blatt, the Economic Development Policy Manager for Amazon, who provided a broad and regional overview of his organization as well as his knowledgeable perspective on how Lake County is “Primed” for progress and a stronger tomorrow.”
Sam Blatt had told the gala attendees that Amazon’s Southeast region now employs 52,000 part and full-time employees with over 10,000 working in Central Florida.
“To date, we have invested over $36 billion dollars in Florida. We now work here with over 56,000 independent salespersons,” Blatt told the packed audience. “We love to give back to the many diverse local communities we serve. We successfully partner with as many small businesses as possible. We hold career fairs and participate in many community events. With a special focus on Lake County, we all need to grow and thrive through sustainability.”
Executive Director Kevin Sheilly added: “I know we all think that Lake County is a great place to live and work. It really is a place of great opportunities for entrepreneurs. At LEAD, I am proud to say that we are known by the companies we keep.”
At the annual meeting, LEAD members shared direction, incentives, inspiration, and insights for the public private sector to work together.
They presented their newest conceptual plans for collaborative economic development efforts going forward. Their goal is to share how a local business or organization can engage in creating a thriving future in partnership with LEAD.
Members have begun to concentrate their efforts with CEOs of businesses, banks, IT companies, accounting firms and every start-up organization that can benefit from leveraging help from LEAD to more effectively jump start their organizations.
The LEAD team will continue to promote Lake County to attract more businesses that will create the best jobs possible with higher wages and will continue to go after organizations that deal with logistics, distribution, manufacturing, agribusiness, and anything that will help strengthen the Lake County economy.
For more LEAD information contact: Ray Villegas, IOM Vice President of LEAD & Business Creation Lake Economic Area Development Partnership at 600 Market Street in Leesburg, FL 34748. Call: 352-764-4123. Email: [email protected] or [email protected] and visit:
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