FORECAST / BUSINESS GROWTH
SCOTT LUTH
President/CEO, FloridaWest (economic development alliance), Pensacola
“Looking back on 2021 and into 2022, one of the things COVID did is push a lot of inquiries from companies in states where they have shut down and are looking to move their operations to Northwest Florida.
We’ve been busier this past year than any in the last decade in terms of the number of proposed projects we’re working on.
Also, we’re seeing many local companies across the Northwest Florida region looking to expand their operations and production capacity due to supply chain problems. These companies have found they need more reliable supply chain systems and believe the best solution is to manufacture the parts they must have by expanding their local plant facilities.
As far as the big picture looking into 2022, we’re optimistic and have been working over the past 18 months with several very promising projects.
The companies we’re hearing from consistently are in manufacturing, aerospace/ aviation and cyber-security, all of which we believe have great opportunities to locate in Pensacola and throughout Northwest Florida.”
Read full story at Florida Trend
FloridaWest CEO Scott Luth talked about 2022’s economic trends with Rick Outzen on WCOA Pensacola:
Since the 1700s, the Pensacola region has boasted one of the best business climates in the Southeast due to its trade and commerce significance. Major industries such as aerospace and defense, advanced manufacturing and professional services benefit from the stable economy and low cost of doing business. Learn more about Pensacola’s Business Climate