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Highlands Today

Lynn Topel returns to FHREDI

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By BILL ROGERS

Highlands Today

Published: April 21, 2009

SEBRING - It didn't take long for the board of directors of Florida's Heartland Rural Economic Development Initiative to want Lynn Topel to return to the job she previously held with the organization.

Chairman Butch Jones had barely gotten the words out of his mouth that he wanted Topel to come back as executive director during Monday's meeting when board member Tracy Whirls said "so moved." The motion was seconded, and Topel was asked if she was interested.

"I would love to come back," she said. "I'm having fun."

Topel retired as FHREDI's executive director last year and was replaced by Jim Otterman. She returned as interim executive director in March after Otterman announced he was leaving the position. Otterman was in the job for nine months.

Topel faces potentially a difficult budget year for 2009-10 because of the uncertainty in how much support FHREDI will receive from member counties Highlands, Hardee, Glades, Hendry, DeSoto and Okeechobee as well as the communities of Belle Glade, South Bay, Pahokee and Immokalee.

"It will be a critical year for FHREDI," Topel said. "The board needs to think outside the box."

An added expense in the 2009-10 budget might be $12,000 for rent if FHREDI has to move.

FHREDI's office is currently located in the Heartland Workforce building on U.S. 27 in Sebring. Although no contract has been signed, Sam's Club is reportedly interested in the old Scotty's building, which is next to Heartland Workforce. Sam's Club might also need additional space.

In other business, Bridget Merrill, vice president, targeted opportunities for Enterprise Florida, attended the board meeting and talked about the Rural Economic Development Catalyst Project for the region.

The project will target industries with the goal of creating high value-added jobs, capital investment and an economic ripple throughout the region.

Sebring Regional Airport emerged last year as the top location for the project. The 100-acre site is on the east side of the airport.

A meeting was held last week involving the agencies that will be involved in the permitting process for things such as sewers, roads and broadband access. They include: the South Florida Water Management District, Department of Environmental Protection, Department of Transportation and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Enterprise Florida, the principal economic development organization for the state, will handle the marketing effort. Merrill said she doesn't know when marketing will begin.

Bill Rogers may be reached at 386-5825 or wrogers@highlandstoday.com

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