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« Back to News MainWCEDA Announces May 2011 TIDE Award Winner
May 26, 2011, DeFuniak Springs, Florida - At the Walton County Economic Development Alliance's recent Quarterly Roundtable Breakfast, Florida’s Great Northwest President Don Kirkman spoke about the organization and the programs that they are currently engaged in.
Mr. Kirkman spoke about how Florida’s Great Northwest is focused on creating a recognizable brand for the entire Northwest Florida region. “Florida already has great brand recognition. Anywhere that you go in the world, people know of Florida. In Northwest Florida we have an opportunity to expand on that recognition,” Don commented.
Other topics of discussion included the organization’s work to attract high value-added industries to the region. Kirkman also addressed some of the State-level restructuring initiatives and new incentive programs that will impact economic development in Northwest Florida in the coming years.
The breakfast also included the presentation of this quarter’s TIDE Award. TIDE, which stands for Thanks For Investing and Developing in Walton County, recognizes recent significant investments by businesses as well as those who have made a long term investment in our community by being in operation for many years and in good standing with the community.
This quarter's winner happens to fall into both categories. Choctawhatchee Electrical Cooperative, or CHELCO, is a locally run electrical cooperative that serves much of the population of Walton County. CHELCO is located at 1350 W. Baldwin Avenue in DeFuniak Springs, and has been in operation, employing locals since 1941. CHELCO recently added 6 new jobs to its workforce, helping to expand the local economy and empower the community. Ms. Leigh Grantham from CHELCO was on hand to accept the award.
“We get excited when our businesses are able to grow because this translates to an overall improved local economy and new jobs for our residents," stated WCEDA Managing Director, Scarlett Phaneuf.