"Community in Motion" Examines Brevard Economy

October 1, 2012 - The second edition of “Community in Motion,” a special series about economic development along the Space Coast, premieres tonight at 8 p.m. on WBCC-TV.

Called “Signs of Change,” the half hour broadcast follows “Aviation Rising,” which aired in March and examined the expansion of commercial aircraft companies in Brevard County.

The series is made possible by Brevard Community College, Brevard Workforce and Florida Today Communications.

“Signs of Change” explores three ways Brevard officials are working to grow new industries and business in the post-recession, post-shuttle era.

• A recommitment to Brevard’s economy is shown by Harris Corporation's plan to build a large new Technology Center in Palm Bay.

Sheldon Fox, Group President of Government Communications Systems at Harris, talks about how his company is evolving through innovation.

Dr. Abram Walton, Associate Professor of Management at Florida Tech, discusses the importance of community and university collaborations to improve the educational experience for students.   
 
• The importance of entrepreneurism is also examined.

Kim Tesch-Vaught, Executive Director of FloridaWorks and Focused Management Solutions, focuses on steps taken in Gainesville to support entrepreneurs.

Lisa Rice, President of Brevard Workforce, explains how a Gainesville pilot program has blossomed into a $12 million grant called the Business Advocacy and Self-Employment Consortium, which encompasses Brevard and seven other Florida regions. It’s designed to assist potential entrepreneurs by matching them with mentors.

Meanwhile, Jan Conrad, Community Resources Coordinator at Brevard Workforce, talks about BizLaunch, a networking program that has seen surprising numbers of participants.

Dr. Pat Fuller, Professor of Economics and Business at Brevard Community College, highlights BCC's focus on entrepreneurs and the courses available to help people get started.

For more information on BCC’s Entrepreneurship Program, visit www.brevardcc.edu/go/businessep.

• Finally, the program looks at how Brevard officials are working together to expand the county’s economy.

Marcia Gaedcke, President of the Titusville Area Chamber of Commerce, talks about the Greater Titusville Renaissance’s plan to use the city’s cultural and environmental assets to recover from the end of NASA’s shuttle program.

“Signs of Change” is hosted by Florida Today business writer Wayne Price and can be seen at the following times:

• Monday, Oct. 1, 8 p.m.
• Wednesday, Oct. 3, 4 p.m.
• Thursday Oct. 4, 10:30 p.m.
• Sunday Oct. 7, 4 p.m.  

Florida Today Communications also features a special interview with Brevard County Commissioner Robin Fisher on economic development and the Greater Titusville Renaissance in the online version of the program at  www.floridatoday.com/communityinmotion.

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