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Regional economic partnership LEAD presents growth activities to Eustis commission; city praised volunteers in America in Bloom visit
Summary
Representatives from the Lake Economic Area Development Partnership (LEAD) updated the City Commission on recent business‑creation, retention and attraction work, site‑readiness visits and local entrepreneurship programs. Commissioners thanked volunteers from America in Bloom for downtown beautification work.
Representatives of the Lake Economic Area Development Partnership (LEAD) briefed the City Commission on June 5 about regional economic-development activities and local partnerships to attract and retain jobs.
Heather Schuberg, LEAD’s chief growth officer, outlined three pillars—business creation, business retention and business attraction—and highlighted recent programs including a manufacturing-focused event, entrepreneurial programming tied to the 1 Million Cups chapter, a Duke Energy–funded site-readiness visit and participation at the SelectUSA conference. “We are built on three pillars: business creation, business retention and business attraction,” Schuberg said.
Al Latimer, the city’s economic development director, introduced the LEAD team and emphasized regional collaboration. Ray Villegas and Mike Kelly, LEAD staff identified in the presentation, were acknowledged for entrepreneurial and retention work; Schuberg said LEAD has private- and public-sector investors and is conducting outreach to site selectors to promote industrial and agribusiness opportunities in Lake County.
Commissioners thanked LEAD for local partnerships, and Commissioner Lee introduced volunteers and advisors from America in Bloom, who visited Eustis and praised local beautification projects. Christina Whitney, an AIB advisor, said she was “very much looking forward to seeing the changes” and complimented community improvements. Michael Thompson, another AIB advisor who attended later, said he hopes to provide recommendations on horticulture and environmental initiatives to support economic and community development.
No formal action was taken; the presentation was informational and commissioners encouraged continued collaboration between the city and regional economic partners.
