CATALYST FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH
The new Cocoa Campus master plan will serve as a catalyst for economic growth and development in the City of Cocoa and other areas of central Brevard County , including the aerospace industry at Kennedy Space Center .
• That was the consensus from Space Coast economic development officials and City of Cocoa leaders who say the plan will educate more students in state-of-the-art facilities to meet the workforce needs of local industry .
• That will help companies expand their ranks and grow . It will also help attract more new companies because the firms will know the Cocoa Campus is creating a steady stream of skilled workers .
• “ One of the top priorities for businesses looking to expand or relocate to Florida ’ s Space Coast is workforce , particularly within aerospace , engineering and advanced manufacturing ,” said Lynda Weatherman , president and CEO of the Economic Development Commission of Florida ’ s Space Coast .
• “ In addition to attracting talent , it is essential we cultivate talent locally . The Cocoa Campus expansion demonstrates our community is committed to developing a robust talent pipeline .”
• Others agreed , including Cocoa Mayor Michael Blake , who called it “ the single biggest thing Cocoa has seen in recent memory . It will become one of the economic engines in the Clearlake region , spurring direct and indirect jobs , and be a backbone to the entire city . We ’ re very supportive of it .”
• Currently , Cocoa ’ s economic development efforts are making steady progress in the northwest part of the city and Cocoa Village . “ The campus plan can provide that same spark in the Clearlake area where the campus is located ,” Blake said .
• The new academic buildings and student housing will attract more students to campus , which can result in more off-campus housing built and new restaurants , coffee shops and other businesses opening to support students , faculty and staff .