Roundtable : DeLand Finds Recipe for Entrepreneurial Success
by Aaron London
Beautiful downtown DeLand
Building a thriving local economy is a lot like baking a cake . It takes the proper mix of ingredients , attention to detail and the right conditions to make it work . In a roundtable discussion with John Guthrie , editor of EVOLVE Magazine ’ s Greater Daytona Region edition , DeLand economic development manager Nick Conte and West Volusia Tourism Advertising Authority executive director Georgia Turner talked about how the county seat found the right recipe for success .
The discussion ranged from the history of DeLand and its development to the expansion of businesses and revitalization of the downtown core . Throughout it all , the participants highlighted the role of community partnerships and innovative entrepreneurs in bringing an eclectic mix of shops , restaurants and other businesses to the city .
Conte kicked off the discussion with a brief history of the city , including when it was referred to as “ Deadland ” because of its lackluster business environment .
“ That was back in the day ,” he said . “ But it Nick Conte
| 8 | EVOLVE BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEUR MAGAZINE