Mediaboss Marketing

By Ken Jackson Staff Writer

Brian OConnor calls much of what he does economic gardening. If thats the case, the city of St. Cloud hopes he is a great cultivator.

OConnor, the citys new Economic Development and Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Coordinator, reported for duty within the last week and is already laying out the groundwork for plans to promote the professional standard of living and economic health of St. Cloud.

The City Council created the full-time municipal position to help prospective businesses move into the city, while working to improve the local business climate to make that move easier and financially worthwhile. OConnor will report to Growth Management Services Administrator Dennis Ragsdale.

The staff here is very professional and first class, and the right leadership is in place. The city is laying down a good plan that will drive development, OConnor said.

The native Clevelander (who loves his Browns and Indians) will lean on 18 years of experience working in local government in places like Cleveland Heights, Ohio, Jackson, Mich. and Vero Beach.

He said St. Cloud provides a unique and fertile area to develop and grow.

At first blush I see opportunities to grow, such as partnering with Medical City in Lake Nona, OConnor said, also noting the citys relationship with the University of Central Florida and its Business Incubator in St. Cloud.

He said he hopes to implement aggressive internal strategies to remove any roadblocks businesses might find in relocating to the city and make the process as seamless as possible.

Its nice to recruit business, but my hope is to grow the infrastructure that makes that possible, he said.

Read the original here:
City taps new economic development coordinator