FEDC is hosting a member only Advocacy call Friday, Nov 8 at 1:00 PM eastern time to establish 2025 Session Priorities and introduce an FEDC Foundation research project regarding local incentives. Attendees will get the 411 on #FLEconDevWeek25. This is a FREE can't miss virtual event. We hope to see you!
VP Economic & Business Development at Kitson & Partners, Babcock Ranch
Executive Director of North Florida Economic Development Partnership
Jeff Hendry serves on the FEDC Board of Directors as the Vice Chair of Advocacy and is the 2024 Eunice Sullivan Economic Development Professional of the Year.
Executive Director of FLORIDA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
Beth Cicchetti, CEcD, MEDP Executive Director Florida Economic Development Council
Beth Cicchetti is the Executive Director of the Florida Economic Development Council (FEDC), a professional association of 500+ economic, workforce and community developers whose focus is improving local communities and elevating Florida’s global competitiveness. Beth is responsible for the organization’s membership development, strategic planning, advocacy efforts and commitments to the Florida 2030 Blueprint. A certified economic developer (CEcD) since 2009 accredited by the International Economic Development Council, Beth has a 36-year career in business, economic and workforce development and is the owner of Beth Kirkland Consulting LLC. As a complement to her leadership of FEDC, Beth consults with communities and businesses on strategic planning, marketing, and project development. She has served communities that have announced new jobs and capital investment in the sectors of IT, Healthcare, Energy,
Advanced Materials, Warehousing/Distribution, Transportation Solutions, Backoffice, and Manufacturing. These jobs have occurred in rural and urban markets, at airports, and as greenfield and expansion projects. Each project required unique and innovative solutions in the areas of workforce training, infrastructure, permitting and financing.
Beth graduated from the University of Louisiana-Monroe with a B.S. in Computer Science. She is also a graduate of the University of Central Florida with a M.S. in Engineering Systems Analysis. She achieved the CEcD credential in 2009 from the International Economic Development Council and the MEDP credential in 2023 through the Advanced Economic Development Leadership Program, a consortium of The University of New Mexico, Texas Christian University, and The University of Southern Mississippi.
President at Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County
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We are an influence firm.
When The Southern Group was founded twenty years ago, our firm pioneered the lobbying industry in Florida and beyond. We were the first to offer a unique type of advocacy that was driven by aligning the best and brightest candidates from business, government, and politics, and establishing a network of offices that offer our clients unparalleled access to local and state government.
Over the last two decades we have cultivated and retained a strong team of experts who help our clients build winning strategies, navigate the pathways to power, and connect with decision makers—whether in government or business. We know how to navigate the halls of government because most of us already served in them.
Today, the sharp lines between government, business, and constituencies have blurred. Applying calculated influence demands dynamic strategies that keep pace with societal trends and economic outlooks. Survival of the smartest, fastest, and most connected is the new norm. While lobbying will always be our foundation, tomorrow has reshaped who we are and how we access, advocate, and influence.
After 30 years of leading public and private economic development organizations in multiple states, Gray Swoope launched VisionFirst Advisors in 2015, an economic development consulting company that provides services focused on:
Location advisory and site selection
Labor and market intelligence
State, regional and local economic development strategy
Incentives for negotiation and compliance
Marketing and communications strategy and implementation
We are a customer-driven consulting firm, acting seamlessly as an extension of the client team to develop strategy, solve problems and deliver results while mitigating risks and barriers. We utilize our experience and business acumen to support clients with their location strategies and economic development competitiveness. We know that no two projects are the same, and our approach is tailored to each client.
In 2024, Gray Swoope and Griff Salmon acquired VisionFirst Advisors, realizing a long-term goal of being an independent entity. As part of this new structure, VisionFirst has entered into a strategic partnership with The Southern Group, the largest lobbying firm in Florida.
The natural synergies between each firm’s client base provides holistic solutions for businesses and organizations looking to move or expand in markets nationwide.
VisionFirst’s site location and incentive negotiation expertise in industries such as aerospace and defense, information technology and alternative energy, combined with The Southern Group’s unparalleled influence in Florida and throughout the southeast, offers a winning recipe for clients in a wide array of business segments.
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