Florida Chamber Foundation to Recognize Town of Century for their Commitment to Regional Economic Development

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Tracey Lowe, 850-521-1226
tlowe@flfoundation.org

Six Pillars Framework Used for Strategic Community Vision

TALLAHASSEE, FL. (October 17, 2014) – The Town of Century will be honored with a Six Pillars Award on Monday, October 20, the Florida Chamber Foundation announced today. The award will be presented for the completion of the Century Town strategic plan to help their community create jobs and opportunities for business and families. The presentation will take place during the Town Council meeting at 7:00 p.m. at the Century Town Hall.

“We are strategically positioning the Town of Century to become a model community for how to recognize the benefits and opportunities available within a rural community,” said Dr. Brice Harris, Director of Strategic Initiatives with the Office of Economic Development and Co-Director of the Haas Center for Business Research & Economic Development at the University of West Florida. “The Six Pillars Community designation establishes the Town of Century as a leader in this region and I believe our efforts will result in a stronger economy and better quality of life for our residents.”

The Florida Chamber Foundation Six Pillars framework serves as an organizing force for strategic planning at local, regional and state levels. Its real power is in the efficiency of harnessing fragmented viewpoints into a common and consistent conversation.

The Town of Century Six Pillars plan includes a number of strategic goals, including:

• Leading the region in rural economic competitiveness and rural community revitalization, and
  Proactively leading the region in the development and delivery of innovative and relevant workforce training programs.

“I am pleased to welcome the Town of Century as the newest Six Pillars Community,” said Bentina Terry, Vice President, Customer Service & Sales Gulf Power and Chair of the Florida Chamber Foundation. “Their commitment to improving their economic competitiveness in all areas of the six pillars framework will not only benefit this region but will add their vision to the work of other communities throughout Florida.”
To view the comprehensive Six Pillars Community plan, visit the Haas Center at http://haas.uwf.edu/, under the projects tab in the homepage.

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The Florida Chamber Foundation is the business-led, solutions development and research organization working in partnership with state business leaders to secure Florida’s future. The Foundation’s “Six Pillars” serve as a visioning platform for developing the first-ever, long-term strategic plan for the state. The Foundation’s work focuses on: 1) Talent Supply and Education, 2) Innovation and Economic Development, 3) Infrastructure and Growth Leadership, 4) Business Climate and Competitiveness, 5) Civic and Governance Systems, and 6) Quality of Life and Quality Places. Founded in 1968, the Foundation is a crucial voice for improving the state’s pro-business climate to enable Florida to grow and prosper. For more information, visit www.FLFoundation.org.