“ Successfully recruiting a large project like Aura Aero is a collaborative effort that requires the involvement of multiple partners ,” he said . “ No single entity can manage such a complex undertaking alone . The county played a key role in bringing Aura Aero to Volusia County by working closely with Team Volusia and the CEO Business Alliance from the very beginning . During the initial conversations with Aura Aero , the County provided critical support by listening closely to the company ’ s needs and identifying ways to strengthen the recruitment efforts of our partners .”
Paris said bringing a company like Aura Aero to the area is already having a ripple effect in attracting other hightech firms .
“ Beyond creating a significant number of high-paying jobs , bringing Aura Aero to our region is positioning us as a hub for aerospace and electric-powered transportation ,” he said . “ Since their decision was announced , we have engaged in conversations with several other businesses in these industries . They want to establish themselves here because they see this as the center of innovation and the future of these fields . It ’ s similar to how technology companies are drawn to Silicon Valley – it ’ s where they believe the most exciting developments are happening .”
While St . Johns County did not put in a bid proposal for the Aura Aero project , Economic Development Department Project Manager Sam Camp said it is the kind of company the county is looking to bring to the area .
“ Aerospace and advanced manufacturing are among the county ’ s target industries for economic growth and prosperity ,” he said . “ The St . Johns County workforce and local training programs are well-equipped to support jobs associated with a facility like Aura Aero .”
Camp said even though Aura Aero selected Volusia County for the project , St . Johns County ’ s economic development efforts can still benefit from the decision . “ Second- and third-tier suppliers usually locate / relocate in proximity to their main client for supply chain effectiveness ,” he said . Additionally , competitors or similar industry partners begin to view the region as a more viable option for expansion or relocation . It is difficult to judge the impact that may occur in St . Johns County , as the distance from the southernmost edge of St . Johns County to Daytona Beach is approximately 45 minutes ( St . Augustine is a little over an hour without traffic ), but all new development has a positive impact on the Florida ‘ brand .’”
Camp said 2024 was a good year for St . Johns County ’ s economic growth , with the appointment of Sara Maxfield as director of economic development , the approval by the St . Johns County Commission of several incentive packages for a variety of projects including Acadia Healthcare ’ s plans to build a 144-bed hospital in the county and Tyme Institute ’ s project to open a cancer research facility .
In addition , the county received $ 9.5 million in grant funding from the U . S . Economic Development Administration for the construction of a new First Coast Technical College facility in Hastings .
While Palm Coast was not involved in efforts to lure Aura Aero to the city , Economic Development Director Craig McKinney said Volusia ’ s success is the region ’ s gain . “ The company ’ s decision to invest in Volusia County highlights the strength and competitiveness of the region as a hub for innovation and manufacturing , and we look forward to the positive ripple effects it will bring to businesses and residents of the region ,” he said .
Flagler County officials said even though the project went to Volusia County , the experience will help shape future efforts to attract new business development .
“ Although we did not achieve the outcome we hoped for , I am proud of the competitive opportunity our team presented ,” said County Administrator Heidi Petito . “ Out of the 35-plus locations under consideration , our community was one of the top two contenders vying for the top spot .”
Petito said the capital investment available to Aura Aero from Volusia County and the county ’ s relationship with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University were factors in the ultimate decision .
“ Understanding a company ’ s decision drivers gives us the opportunity to adjust the county ’ s priorities in developing our economic development goals and objectives moving forward ”, she said .
Petito said even with the county ’ s location between St . Johns and Volusia counties , it can compete for economic development projects .
“ Many of our strengths are because we are located between two larger counties to the north and south ,” she said . “ Flagler County can draw upon the skill sets of a wider workforce that encompasses St . Johns and Volusia counties . We also pull on the expertise from JaxUSA Partnership , Northeast Regional Council , CareerSouce Brevard Flagler Volusia and CareerSource Northeast Florida to assist with data and research to make competitive Response for Proposals . As other counties become landlocked , expanding and relocating companies will look for other options including Flagler County .”
Petito said Flagler County ’ s available land that can be made site-ready for prospective developers is also an advantage .
“ This was one of the reasons that Flagler Executive Airport made it into the final selection process for Aura Aero - the site was site ready for development ,” she said , adding that working with other local governments is also a plus .
“ The city of Palm Coast is always a valued strategic partner in county economic development projects ,” she said . “ It is our philosophy that when one partner succeeds , we all succeed .
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