now because the commercial sector of the space business continues to thrive beyond all expectations ,” Denys said . “ And all of those orbital launches require a whole range of ancillary businesses and support on the ground – things like solar power , batteries , computers and propulsion systems to engine parts , avionics , maintenance service , raw materials and high-tech guidance , telemetry and navigation systems .”
That puts Volusia County in a position to play a big role in the aviation and aerospace sectors , according to Denys .
“ There ’ s a growing industry of businesses with high-paying jobs that serves the needs of the companies that are launching all of those rockets into space ,” she said . “ And Volusia County is wellpositioned in every way to get a major share of that business . It may sound cliché , but when it comes to the aerospace industry and related jobs , I really believe the sky ’ s the limit for Volusia County .” Denys ’ enthusiasm could sound like hyperbole , if not for the realities of the commercial space boom already underway .
“ It ’ s impossible to overstate the significance of what ’ s going on just across our southern border and our ongoing efforts in Volusia County to capitalize on the growth of the aerospace industry ,” she said .
Denys said it ’ s not just about bringing new companies and new jobs to the county but helping existing businesses expand and
thrive as well .
“ It ’ s not just important to our efforts at luring new companies and job creators into our county . It ’ s also about growing and expanding aerospace supply chain opportunities for businesses that are already here ,” she said . “ After all , these efforts are just as much , if not more , about helping and supporting the business that already are right here in Volusia County by creating greater opportunities for them to land those big aerospace-related contracts . In all honesty , it really feels like we ’ re on the verge of something very big for our county .”
That is where things like creating the overlay zone come in and where local government can play a key role in economic development efforts .
“ Our task is to create the business and regulatory climate and political will needed to seize the opportunity when it arises ” Denys said . “ That ’ s what this is all about – being ready to open the door when economic opportunity comes knocking .
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 .
Team Volusia Economic Development Corporation welcomes Printech Circuit Laboratories ( PCL ) to Volusia County . For more than 40 years , the company has manufactured specialized circuitry and associated products for clients in Aerospace , Defense , Medical , Motorsports , RF and Microwave Communications and other leading-edge industries . PCL is based in the United Kingdom and opened offices in Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University ’ s John Mica Engineering and Aerospace Innovation Complex , also known as “ MicaPlex .”
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