Event Details

FEDC is pleased to bring back in-person Membership Meetings open to all members and prospective members throughout Florida! Each will include a professional development component and time to expand your network. Join us in Destin on February 26 from 12:00 to 2:00 PM CST.


BEYOND THE DIRT

Once a site has been identified, the journey from raw land to a functional and successful development begins. This panel discussion, "Beyond the Dirt," will dive into the critical steps that follow site selection, focusing on the intersection of construction, engineering, and strategic planning. Featuring a lineup of seasoned experts in construction and engineering, the conversation will explore topics such as site preparation, infrastructure development, environmental considerations, permitting processes, and effective project management.


Attendees will gain insights into overcoming common challenges, streamlining timelines, and ensuring long-term sustainability in site development projects. Whether you're navigating utility connections, managing stormwater systems, or planning for vertical construction, this session will provide practical strategies and expert advice to help turn your identified site into a thriving asset.


๏ปฟKey Takeaways:

  • Best practices for site preparation and infrastructure readiness.
  • Navigating regulations and permitting with efficiency.
  • Integrating sustainability into development plans.
  • Collaboration between construction and engineering teams for optimal outcomes.

Agenda

12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
Welcome and Introductions, Mission Moment
12:30 PM - 1:00 PM
Networking Lunch
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Beyond the Dirt

Speakers

  • Nathan Sparks (Executive Director of One Okaloosa EDC)

    Nathan Sparks

    Executive Director of One Okaloosa EDC

    https://florida-edc.org/

    Nathan serves on the FEDC Board of Directors as the Northwest Regional Director. As Executive Director of One Okaloosa, Nathan is responsible for the day-to-day management and oversight of the organization. He has held prior economic development leadership positions with the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama, the St. Joe Company and the Golden Isles Development Authority. Nathan earned a B.A. from Oglethorpe University, a Certificate from the University of Oklahoma’s Economic Development Institute and a Certificate in Leadership from Northwestern University. Nathan is a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) and was awarded the prestigious Business Ambassador Award from Governor Rick Scott in 2016. Nathan serves on the Florida Small Business Development Center’s Statewide Advisory Board. In his free time, Nathan enjoys spending time with family and friends - especially when travel, good food, live music and college football are involved.

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  • Jennifer Conoley (CEO of Florida's Great Northwest)

    Jennifer Conoley

    CEO of Florida's Great Northwest

    https://www.floridasgreatnorthwest.com/

    Jennifer is a certified economic development professional working to enable Northwest Florida to create new, quality jobs while sustaining and growing the existing economic base. Experienced in assisting companies in locating or expanding their business as well as developing marketing strategies designed to promote the area as an ideal business location. Recognized for creativity, dependability and teamwork.

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  • Casey Barnes (Regional Market & Economic Development Leader at BRPH)

    Casey Barnes

    Regional Market & Economic Development Leader at BRPH

    https://www.brph.com/

    As Client Service Leader, Casey is responsible for helping companies across a broad range of industry sectors, and includes partnering with companies and communities on economic development. Over his career he has worked with hundreds of companies to create more than 50,000 jobs in Florida. Casey earned his Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) accreditation in 2009, and Master Economic Development Practitioner (MEDP) accreditation in 2018.

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  • Clayton McKinnon (Regional Development Director - Birmingham Office of Agracel)

    Clayton McKinnon

    Regional Development Director - Birmingham Office of Agracel

    https://agracel.com/

    Clayton is a graduate of Auburn University with his BS in Civil Engineering and Masters in Business Administration. Clayton comes to Agracel with a wealth of experience in construction and business development. Prior to joining Agracel, Clayton served as a project manager and the Director of Business Development for Hoar Construction. During his time as the Director of Business Development, his focus was primarily on growing the number projects Hoar was building within the industrial sector. Through those efforts, Hoar secured multiple automotive, food and beverage, and distribution projects across the Southeast. He is a Registered Professional Engineer in Alabama and is a LEED Accredited Professional with a building design & construction specialty.

    His professional affiliations include the Urban Land Institute, Associated Builders and Contractors’ Future Leaders in Construction, Birmingham Multiple Sclerosis Society, Leadership Vestavia Hills, International Council of Shopping Centers, and the Young Professionals Board of Associated Builders & Contractors. He serves on the alumni advisory board for the Auburn University Civil Engineering Department as an industry liaison. He is actively involved with the Alabama Chapter of NAIOP, the Economic Development Association of Alabama, and the Southern Economic Development Council.

    In his role as Regional Development Director, Clayton will lead our industrial development efforts for the Birmingham office and focus primarily on industrial site development, acquisitions, and build-to-suit opportunities.

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  • Ross Ivey (Director of Business Development at JESCO, Inc.)

    Ross Ivey

    Director of Business Development at JESCO, Inc.

    https://www.jescoinc.net/

    Ross Ivey serves as Director of Business Development for JESCO, Inc. Construction. JESCO, as part of the Yates Companies, was recognized by Engineering News-Record as the #1 Manufacturing focused Contractor in the Southeast United States. JESCO has been in business for more than 80 years and includes the following divisions: Construction and Engineering, Mechanical-Electrical-Plumbing, Industrial Services, Millwright-Maintenance, and Steel Fabrication. JESCO has offices in Mobile and Montgomery, Alabama and Tupelo and Fulton, Mississippi.

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  • Marti Watts (Exec. Vice President, Business Unit Leader Manufacturing & Industrial at BRPH)

    Marti Watts

    Exec. Vice President, Business Unit Leader Manufacturing & Industrial at BRPH

    https://www.brph.com/

    BRPH is a full service integrated Architecture/Engineering and Planning firm that was started in 1964 to provide a wide range of services to Aerospace & Defense and Aviation companies. As Vice President, Director of Manufacturing, I oversee our extensive aviation and industrial clients and projects across the globe. Working with a team of industry subject matter experts and highly skilled program and project managers, we meet the needs of our clients through facility assessment and planning, in-depth knowledge of facility design, program management and construction services.

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Community

Discover and connect with other attendees.

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Tickets

MEMBER Ticket: Program and Lunch

Admission for one member.

Member Price $45
NON-MEMBER TICKET: Program and Lunch

Admission for one non-member.

Standard Price $90

Venue

Tommy Bahama Restaurant

525 Grand Blvd Ste. P-101, Sandestin, FL 32550
Sandestin, Florida

If you have any questions please contact Beth Cicchetti, CEcD, MEDP

Contact Organizer

+18502121056

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