EVOLVE Business and Professional Magazine May 2019 | Page 12

E conomic development teams across the country are focused on growing their local economies, in part by diversifying their private sector job markets. For those working on Volusia County’s behalf, global businesses are a key part of the equation. Recruiting international companies takes a team effort as Keith Norden, CEO and President of the Team Volusia Economic Development Corporation, will tell you. Each year, Team Volusia attends international trade shows focused on target industries like aerospace, aviation and advanced manufacturing, to showcase the area’s attributes and speak directly with decision makers, while extending an invitation to tour Volusia County. “We have a dynamic outreach program that includes dozens of initiatives annually including select trade shows and exhibitions serving targeted industries, direct sales missions, and more, including some of the world’s largest international events,” said Norden. Collaboration among Volusia County’s Economic Development Division, Team Volusia Economic Development Corporation, the | 12 | EVOLVE BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL MAGAZINE CEO Business Alliance, Enterprise Florida and other organizations allows for highly effective recruitment efforts, tailored to the specific needs of the individual company according to Norden. “The County of Volusia is the largest investor, public or private, in the Team Volusia Economic Development Corporation (TVEDC) and we rely on that organization to effectively market Volusia County to firms in the U.S. and overseas,” said Rob Ehrhardt, Economic Development Director for Volusia County. “The County is also the designated ‘primary partner’ to Enterprise Florida (EFI) whose efforts include, but are not limited to, attracting Foreign Direct Investment to the State of Florida,” said Ehrhardt. Once a United States or international firm has been successfully attracted to the area, the Volusia County Economic Development Division, CEO Business Alliance and Team Volusia Economic Development Corporation develop a value proposition in partnership with local stakeholders, including cities, higher education, and chambers of commerce, addressing the business objectives for that particular company.