Florida's Great Northwest has developed an economic development model that is delivering measurable results by coordinating efforts across 13 counties rather than allowing them to compete against each other. Since Jennifer Conoley became President and CEO in March 2020, the organization has generated over 1,500 announced jobs through direct leads, with major aerospace, advanced manufacturing, and maritime projects in development. This regional approach offers important lessons for other areas competing in today's site selection environment.
The organization functions as what Conoley calls "professional matchmakers," identifying opportunities and filtering them to appropriate local economic development professionals. This coordination has prevented internal competition while attracting significant projects including Field International's global headquarters relocation from the United Kingdom to Pensacola and Point Blank Enterprises' 300-job body armor manufacturing facility to Wakulla County. Most notably, Birdon announced plans for a potential 2,000-job maritime manufacturing expansion at the Port of Pensacola.
One of Northwest Florida's most compelling competitive advantages is its quantifiable military talent pipeline. Six military bases within a two-and-a-half to three-hour radius generate approximately 5,200 military separations and retirements annually, with an average age of 38. A University of West Florida study commissioned by Florida's Great Northwest found that 47% want to stay in the region after military service, with another 19% undecided, making job opportunities a key retention factor. "This is such a high concentration when you look across the United States," Conoley notes. "Companies feel more confident in selecting our region" based on this quantifiable data rather than estimates.
The region benefits from unique funding mechanisms that enhance its competitiveness. The $1.5 billion Triumph Gulf Coast fund, created from Deepwater Horizon settlements and continuing to receive $80 million annually through 2033, provides patient capital for public-private partnerships. While funds cannot go directly to companies, these partnerships using Triumph dollars have successfully attracted major industrial investments without requiring aggressive cash incentives. Florida's Great Northwest recently received a $4.7 million Triumph grant to enhance its regional strategy for the next 5, 10, and 15 years.
Site readiness has become increasingly important in today's competitive environment. Conoley stresses that in site selection, evaluators look for ways to eliminate properties, not add them. "If you can present a site that is truly ready to go, then you're going to be more competitive," she explains. This combination of regional coordination, quantifiable military talent pipeline, available industrial land, and patient capital sources offers a compelling value proposition for developers and investors, particularly for aerospace, maritime, and advanced manufacturing projects.
Despite recent momentum, Conoley warns against complacency. "You cannot take your foot off the gas pedal in this moment," she cautions. Looking forward, she sees Northwest Florida becoming even more well known in the Gulf Coast corridor for both aerospace and maritime work. "Keep your eye on Northwest Florida. The pipeline is full," Conoley states, indicating continued economic development potential for the region.
