“ The groundwork is already there so let ’ s capitalize on it ,” Lukasik said . “ There are so many different segments to the healthcare industry we can target . If we are focused on that we have better odds .”
That focus on the healthcare sector , combined with the training and educational opportunities
Dolores Key already in Flagler as well as those on the way , is something Dolores Key , Flagler County economic development manager , said is a necessary ingredient for economic development in the county .
“ You need to have a workforce ,” said Key , who joined the county administration about six months ago after working on economic development issues in South Florida . “ Some companies will relocate if they are bringing their employees with them , however , companies like to see that you have a workforce in place . It makes it more desirable for a company to invest in an area or expand in an area .”
Key said the AdventHealth , UNF and other projects only add to the potential . She said the planned expansion of the nursing program at Daytona State College ’ s Palm Coast campus is another factor in tightening the county ’ s focus on the healthcare industry .
“ That obviously is important to what is going on in the healthcare sector ,” she said . “ The sector is having a hard time keeping up with the demand .”
Key said keeping a talent pipeline flowing , especially with new technologies expanding opportunities in many industry sectors , is another important factor to consider .
“ Technology is merging with medical so you need people who understand how to use advanced computer skills that can merge with medical technology advancements ,” she said . And the county ’ s demographic trends also point toward an increased emphasis on the healthcare sector .
“ When you look at the demographics of who is already living here , the largest growing sector is the 55-plus age group ,” she said . “ You have a population that needs medical care . That is demand .” That demand not only fuels economic growth , it increases employment opportunities in the community .
“ That helps bring value-added jobs to your county ,” she said . “ You want to increase the base salary of your jobs by 10 or 15 percent as a value-added job .”
Key said service industry jobs , such as retail , are not enough to push economic growth . “ Your economic engine needs the others that are more stable ,” she said . That makes focusing on healthcare an important strategic goal . “ Building upon the forward-thinking vision to establish MedNex by Mayor Milissa Holland of Palm Coast is a natural way to ensure the success of an economic cluster . In my opinion , instead of just going after anything and everything , a targeted approach needs to be taken to assist those types of businesses and people to come here ,” she said .
Aaron London is a reporter and columnist who has covered business and economics for 27 years . He has worked for newspapers in Ohio and Florida and is also an adjunct professor of journalism at Daytona State College .
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