Economic Development Day

Yesterday was another leadership class day for me. It was Economic Development day and I learned all kinds of stuff.

We started our day at Kissimmee Utility Authority (KUA) were the hosts for the day. They gave us an overview of how they got started, what they do and how it impacts the local economy. I learned that Kissimmee had electrical power before Orlando did back in 1901.

Then we headed to Reunion, a new development out in Southwest (I think) Osceola County. It's a rare concept because it is a resort with a hotel, private water park and 3 professional golf courses but people can also purchase homes and live there. The people that live here are obviously very wealthy as a lot alone costs $500,000 and you have to pay an estimated $1600 monthly dues to be a member of the community to have access to all the amenities...golf games are not included!

We had lunch outside behind the 12 day old hotel facing the golf range. It was a gorgeous day as you can see!

After Reunion we visited one of the KUA power plants located on Cane Island for a tour. I felt bad because the engineers explained how electricity was created and their daily tasks and it was pretty much all over our heads. Nevertheless I did gain a lot of respect for them, they have a lot of responsibility in their hands. The individuals work 12 hour shifts and they work 365 days. The plant is open 24 hours per day with at least 2 people in the control room at all times. It really is amazing to see what goes on behind the scenes just so there's light when I turn the switch on.

The exciting part of the day came after we left the plant and headed to the airport for a helicopter ride. This was my first time in a helicopter. This was an executive helicopter so it was a very nice one. It looked like a beautiful day to be outside but once in the air I realized the nice breeze on the ground made it a bumpy ride in the air. I was glad it was a short ride because my stomach did feel a little queezy towards the end but I made it without using the barf bag.

Below is the aerial view of the Disney Wide World of Sports Baseball Complex.

After landing we had a presentation from the Director of Economic Development for the County about what they do to bring business to Osceola. Their job is to basically "sell" Osceola as the best place to bring your business. However, their focus is in manufacturing, distribution...and something else I can't remember...not Retail. Retailers come as the population increases and their wages are low so the department doesn't have anything to do with that. They try to lure bigger fish to the area.
We also met with a representative from the Orlando Film Commission (they have a longer name that I can't remember) and she shared with us information about the film industry in the Central Florida area. Did you know that Larry The Cable Guy, Waterboy and Monster were filmed here? Halle Berry filmed a movie here except that I didn't recognized the title. We don't get quality "content" movies filmed here but it still brings money to the area. Coming soon to the area..."Bring it On 4"...again notquality work! Another interesting trivia fact is that there's a ranch out in Seminole county with wide open green fields that has been filmed as Africa....Who would've thought Florida looks like Africa? Only in movies I guess. She also told us that if you own a piece of property that's good for filming whether it's undeveloped land or a quirky place, film crews will pay an average of $1500/day to use it, you just have to call the Film Commission and they'll come and take pictures of it to keep it in the "location scouts" book.

It was a very long, exhausting day but very informative. Til next time!