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LIFT advanced manufacturing research and development institute establishing facility in Pensacola


FloridaWest EDA and Pensacola Escambia Promotion and Development Commission (PEDC) are excited to announce that LIFT, a national advanced materials manufacturing innovation institute, has selected Pensacola to establish its latest technology accelerator and talent development showcase facility. The company will establish their presence on the campus of Pensacola State College.

Click here to read the full story

Pensacola makes top U.S. News & World Reports rankings


Best Places to Live #31


Pensacola does it again! U.S. News & World Report ranks Pensacola #31 out of 150 cities for Best Place to Live.


"White sand beaches, breathtaking sunsets and emerald green waters are often cited as reasons newcomers fall in love with the Pensacola area. The Spanish explorer Tristán de Luna was certainly enamored when he established Pensacola as the first European settlement in the U.S. in 1559. But beyond the world-famous beaches is a rich cultural heritage displayed through historical architecture, diverse festivals and a fine arts scene."


Read the U.S. News and World Report article here



Safest Places to Live #4


U.S. News and World Report has named Pensacola #4 in their "Safest Places to Live" ranking.


  1. Augusta, GA
  2. Montgomery, AL
  3. South Bend, IN
  4. Pensacola, FL
  5. Port St. Lucie, FL
  6. San Juan, PR
  7. Des Moines, IA


Read the U.S. News and World Report article here

ST Engineering breaks ground

on third hangar


ST Engineering broke ground for its third aircraft maintenance hangar at the Pensacola International Airport today, marking another milestone in its growth and expansion plans in Pensacola.


The new 167,000 sq ft state-of-the-art hangar will be equipped with two bays that can service widebody aircraft. It's expected to contribute an additional 500,000 man-hours annually when fully operational in the second half of 2026.

Read PNJ Article

Snap Soccer is the most recent graduate from CO:LAB's Resident Entrepreneur program


Congratulations to the most recent graduate of our Resident Entrepreneur program at CO:LAB, Snap Soccer!


Snap Soccer is a youth soccer tournament management company that runs 30+ youth tournaments annually!


Snap Soccer took full advantage the coaching, mentoring and space at CO:LAB to launch their successful business!

More about Snap Soccer

A note from FloridaWest


Community Leaders & Friends of FloridaWest,


The announcement of a new or expanding company is a recognition of that community’s best qualities as a place to do business, work and live.

Whenever a company puts its stamp of approval on a new community —when that community is selected as the preferred place for an investment and jobs — a message has been sent. It’s a message to “non-locals" to take notice, but perhaps the most important message is to local employers and residents, because it serves as an affirmation of what they probably already know — we’re in a great place.


The recent announcements of LIFT’s selection of Pensacola for its new advanced manufacturing research and development institute at Pensacola State College, and of ST Engineering’s groundbreaking for its third aircraft maintenance hangar at Pensacola International Airport are clear indications that Pensacola and Escambia County can meet companies’ needs.


 LIFT will support industrial companies throughout the Florida Panhandle, and ST’s groundbreaking is another step toward its plan to have 1,700 employees in Pensacola. LIFT and ST are economic development projects supported by a team of organizations and leaders, such as the Escambia County Board of Commissioners, the City of Pensacola, FloridaWest, PEDC and many others that have essential roles in local economic development. Additionally, Triumph Gulf Coast is providing grants to support both projects.


U.S. News & World Report recently ranked Pensacola as the 4th safest and the 31st best place to live in the nation. We are in a great place!



Sincerely,

Brian Hilson

CEO

FloridaWest Economic Development Alliance

EVENTS

NAIOP NWFL Annual Economic Update July 28 – 30


Join NAIOP for an Economic Update as James Bohnaker discusses a wide range of economic topics that will be impactful at the local and national level including the U.S. Economy, Office CRE, Industrial CRE and Capital Markets.


Lunch will be provided at 11:30 a.m. and the presentation will begin at 12:00 p.m. Learn more here.


SEDC Annual Conference July 28 – 30


The Southern Economic Development Council, North America's oldest and largest regional economic development association, will convene in Savannah for #SEDC2024 on July 28 – 30.


Join 500 of the world's leading economy builders for a capacity-building and fun experience. Learn more here.



Taco Thursday at CO:LAB Pensacola


CO:LAB hosts Taco Thursday 🌮 for its Resident Entrepreneurs the last Thursday of every month! 


Taco Thursday is all about enjoying scrumptious tacos, learning, sharing best practices and encouraging each other. 


Guests are welcome, just email us for reservations as seating is limited. 


Tacos sponsored by FPL.



1 Million Cups at CO:LAB Pensacola


1 Million Cups ☕ is your monthly opportunity to get together with other entrepreneurs and talk shop. 


You'll hear local entrepreneurs introduce their businesses and discuss your own small business with other like-minded entrepreneurs and innovators over coffee and conversation. 


We'll have the coffee ready, you bring the ideas!


The first Wednesday of every month, 9:00 a.m. at CO:LAB.


Ideas?



If you have an idea for an article or would like to have an event included in this newsletter, please email us!

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FloridaWest EDA | 3 West Garden Street #618| 850-898-2201 | floridawesteda.com