Mike McHugh, director of the business development should be complemented on his economic development plan for Hernando County. His four key principals for continued economic growth are high wage business retention and recruitment, an educational resources, work force housing and business planning for the city and county. During his presentation to the board of county commissioners yesterday, he stressed the need for a highly educated workforce and the availability of business-ready buildings for new business. One goal that should have been emphasized just a little stronger in his presentation was the retention of existing businesses in Hernando County. It seems that his report focused more on bringing in higher paying firms but not looking at the local business community within Hernando County. Mr. McHugh should be actively contacting existing businesses within the county to retain this engine that fuels our local economy. His study should focus on why good businesses are leaving Hernando County. One example of business departure is that of Florida Metal Roofing Products that goes under the name of Bradco. Bradco, a local business that started in Brooksville in 2003, is moving their headquarters to Palm Beach. It seems that the Palm Beach Business Development Board has reached out to recruit Bradco to their county. This example of business departure is to highlight the need for our local business development director's office to stay in touch with the needs of existing Hernando County businesses. Hopefully, Mr. McHugh will include more emphasis on the retention of local business in his economic development plan as he formulates the goals, policies and timetables for the board of county commissioners.
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