Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Workforce And Housing topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
IDA CEO pitches scholarships, housing and workforce steps to keep talent in Hardee County
Summary
Denise Grimsley outlined initiatives to grow local talent and housing supply, including a proposal for a $500,000 competitive needs-based scholarship to train medical professionals who commit to return to the county, plus downtown rehabilitation and a culinary incubator project.
As part of her presentation, Denise Grimsley described the IDA's "5 pillars" for growth and several specific programs to keep and attract talent to Hardee County, including housing initiatives, workforce partnerships and a proposed scholarship program.
Grimsley cited a countywide survey identifying priorities such as K-12 education improvements, more healthcare providers and affordable childcare. She said the IDA helped create an $8,000,000 education endowment and the Hardy Grove Scholarship and suggested a supplemental program: "a good use of $500,000 would be to create a competitive needs based scholarship ... Giving a student a full ride through college and medical school in exchange for them returning to Hardee County for 15 years." She also described plans for downtown projects (student housing, a culinary incubator and telehealth space) intended to increase local amenities and retain residents.
Grimsley framed these initiatives as long-term investments to diversify the economy and help reduce out-migration, and she said the IDA is pursuing grant funding and partnerships with South Florida State College and Florida Gulf Coast University to build workforce pipelines.
