EDC Board Plans Retreat

The board of directors of the Highlands County Industrial Development Authority/Economic Development Commission has scheduled the annual planning retreat with new executive director Dan Murphy for Jan. 14.

The retreat will be held in the Sebring Airport Authority board room. The EDC board will hold its regular meeting at 7:30 a.m. with the planning event to follow.

Murphy said he will make a presentation at the beginning. He will then have the board break into groups to "discuss some key issues."

The board agreed to let Murphy attend an economic development course in Arizona in January. The course is designed to show how to land a prospective business or company from initial contact to closing the deal. The cost for the four-day trip, including tuition, airfare and the hotel, will be about $2,000.

At the end of Wednesday's meeting, the board recognized Louise England, who is leaving the position as executive director at the end of this month.

"We appreciated everything you do," said Ronnie Carter, the chairman of the EDC. "We hope people in Highlands County appreciate you as much as we do."

Carter presented a lifetime membership to England. She also received a pearl necklace and earrings.

The membership plaque said: "In recognition and gratitude for your 17 years of exemplary service to the organization and community, including six years as executive director. The lifetime membership award brings with it all the privileges of membership to the EDC."

"I couldn't ask for a better board," England said.

The EDC is sponsoring a holiday mixer for members from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16 at Inn on the Lakes.