WORKFORCE plus serves as the workforce development board for Gadsden, Leon and Wakulla counties – Region 5. As the Region’s employment solution, we strive to provide you with the most relevant information on doing business and living in our area.
County Profiles
Gadsden County
Gadsden County offers residents and businesses a taste of Old Florida with the opportunities of the 21st century. There are old-fashioned towns that will take you back to an age of hospitality and tranquility. Pristine woodlands and waters let you take a peek at nature the way it was created. Gadsden County echoes of a bygone era with its rolling hills and ancient live oak trees draped in Spanish moss. Picturesque roadways meander through the county and lead to fine art galleries, historic tobacco barns, outdoor murals and historic landmarks.
Thriving businesses are tucked in the midst of a quiet county just minutes away from the bustling state capital. It can be said that Gadsden County offers the best of both worlds. With I-10 traveling through the heart of the county, and rail lines throughout, Gadsden County has become an ideal site for commerce. It is located approximately 300 miles south of Atlanta, twenty miles west of Tallahassee, and just an hour’s drive to the white sands of the Gulf Coast.
Gadsden County is also a community planning for the future. The Gadsden County Chamber of Commerce works with the municipalities to form new industrial and technological parks while maintaining an inventory of available buildings and industrial sites. The cost savings for businesses include a low cost of living, no impact fees and low initial start up cost of lands and buildings. Gadsden County also has an abundant, dedicated and available workforce due to the training programs and educational opportunities that are profusely available through two of Florida’s major universities, Florida A&M University and Florida State University, as well as several community colleges and vocational/technical institutions.
Leon County
Leon County strives to create a sustainable and diversified economy by focusing on target industry sectors that offer future growth opportunities while providing jobs with a wage structure above the national average.
First Focus on Local Business, a collaboration of regional economic development, small business, education, government and workforce organizations has identified four target industries that match the region’s strengths, goals and assets, as well as provide for a diversified and sustainable regional economy. The target clusters were chosen based upon the opportunity for growth, wage structure, role in regional development and the cluster’s synergy and linkage to other industries. Those four target industries are: Aviation, Aerospace, Defense, and National Security; Health Science and Human Performance Enhancement; Renewable Energy and Environment; and Transportation and Logistics Services.
With a foundation of world-class talent, innovation, competitive business climate, multi-modal infrastructure and sustainable growth, Tallahassee and the surrounding area is well-positioned to build on its unsurpassed quality of life and leading role as the capital of Florida.
Wakulla County
The best-kept secret of Florida's Capital Region area, Wakulla County is everything you could ask for. In the middle of this sportsman's paradise, Wakulla County is ready to welcome your business. With convenient access to Interstate 10, the Tallahassee Regional Airport and the deepwater port at St. Marks, we have the infrastructure and the location to make it easy to bring your business here and help it thrive. We have the right site for your business, five Enterprise Zones, and quality residential developments for your employees. When it comes to living, Wakulla County is an outdoor dream.
The Apalachicola National Forest, plentiful freshwater fishing, and the challenges of saltwater angling all are part of the natural lure of Wakulla County. With a short drive to the state capitol, and you'll find cultural activities abound with Museums, Galleries, theatre and social events, as well as major shopping outlets and gourmet restaurants. For the nature lover, Wakulla County is the place to be. Wildlife abounds in St. Mark's nature preserve and Wakulla Springs Park.
Labor Market Update - 2010
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To learn more, contact your local WORKFORCE plus office today!