by Kathy Foster
Ted Everett, Executive Director of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce, was the guest speaker at last Tuesday evening’s meeting of the Chipley Kiwanis Satellite Club and updated attendees on economic development activities taking place in the county.
Everett said over the past several years he feels business and political leaders have moved forward with plans that will make Washington County a “leader county” in Northwest Florida.
“We want Washington County to be a place where things get done,” said Everett as he explained the Hwy 79 Project that is moving forward in unified effort supported by Holmes County, the City of Bonifay, and Washington County.
Being developed south of Bonifay along the Hwy 79 corridor, the 1,400 acre project is expected to provide more than 200 jobs within the next ten years.
According to Everett, just one truck stop opening in Washington County could mean $1 million a year in gas taxes for the county, which he said should solve a lot of dirt road problems facing the county.
Everett said Washington County’s workforce has been declining over the past few years and planners whan to provide jobs for the young people of the county so they won’t have to leave their home county to get a good job.
According to Everett, businesses want to locate in areas with a good school system and medical facilities, both of which he feels are already in Washington County.
Everett said Washington County has a plus in having Florida Panhandle Technical College to provide training for the county’s young people.
“The community needs to be proactive in attracting business,” said Everett. He went on to add that by investing in businesses and attracting mor epeople to Washington County can help more people reach their goals without having to leave their home county.