EDC Information

The Economic Development Council
of Okaloosa County, Florida

Site Index

EDC Chairmen l EDC Staff

The EDC is a non-profit private-public partnership serving as Okaloosa County’s primary economic development organization.

A not-for-profit organization exists to provide a public service to the community rather than to make a profit... the primary objective of the organization is something other than making money. Non-profit organizations typically rely on contributions to fund the services they provide.

The EDC originated in 1982 as The Committee of 100 of Okaloosa County, Florida, Incorporated. In October 1987 the Committee was recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(6) Not-for-Profit. In June 1989 the members and directors, under the laws of the State of Florida, unanimously voted to change the Committee's name to The Economic Development Council of Okaloosa County, Florida, Incorporated.

The Council’s primary objectives are:

1) facilitate existing industry growth, diversity, retention and expansion
2) attract and recruit targeted industries
3) develop a technically skilled and available workforce

As a non-profit organization, the EDC is governed by a board of officials, The Policy Board, consisting of approximately 40 individuals to include the Executive Committee officers, which are elected into voluntary office. The Council operates by a set of bylaws and a code of ethics. The staff consists of four full-time employees and two independent contractors on a part-time basis. The EDC is assisted in accomplishing its objectives through the volunteers of standing committees and ad hoc task forces.

EDC Chairmen
Fiscal Year 2011 Chairman Dale Peterson, Dale E. Peterson Companies
	Gordon Eldridge FY10	Paul Hsu FY09	Cindy Frakes FY08	Chuck Shanklin FY07
Fred Leopold FY06	Gene Smith FY05	Tracy Conerly FY04	Joe Brewster FY03	Roger Hall FY02
Gloria Frazier FY01	Calvin Wilson FY00	Herb Tinsley FY99	Freddy Carr FY98	David Goetsch FY97
Dick Manley FY96	Judy Byrne-Riley FY95	Steve Riggs FY94	Bob Richburg FY93	Don Anchors FY92