Lake Economic Area Development Partnership - LEAD

LEAD had the opportunity to visit the Domino's Pizza production facility with EJ Ghobar from Florida Commerce and Lake County Florida Economic Development to learn more about the company's operations and ongoing expansion in Lake County.

As a key part of Domino's supply chain network, the facility produces fresh dough and supports distribution to stores throughout the region. The company's continued investment and expansion in Lake County demonstrates confidence in our workforce, infrastructure, and business environment.

Economic development is about supporting companies as they grow, create jobs, and invest in their communities. Seeing these projects firsthand helps strengthen relationships and ensures businesses are aware of the resources available to support continued success.

Thank you to the Domino's team for sharing insights into your operations and future plans. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this expansion will have on our region.

Last night, LEAD's Betsy Sorg and Mike Kelly, along with Lake County Florida Economic Development, attended the Manufacturers Association of Central Florida (MACF) Annual President's Dinner, joining manufacturers and industry leaders from across the region.

MACF serves as a valuable resource for manufacturers by fostering collaboration, supporting workforce development, and helping strengthen the manufacturing industry throughout Central Florida. Organizations like MACF play an important role in connecting businesses, sharing best practices, and promoting the growth and competitiveness of the manufacturing sector.

Manufacturing continues to be a key driver of economic development, creating quality jobs, supporting local economies, and fostering innovation. Events like this provide an opportunity to stay connected to industry trends and build relationships that help support the continued success of manufacturers in Lake County and throughout Central Florida.

It was an honor to celebrate alongside IntelliSteel as the company was recognized as one of the region's top manufacturers. Congratulations to Stanley Adwell and the entire INTELLISTEEL Group, LLC team on this well-deserved recognition and for the impact they continue to make within our manufacturing community.

LEAD recently toured First Class Air Repair (FCAR) alongside EJ Ghobar from Florida Commerce to gain insight into the company's operations and continued growth. Based in Groveland, FCAR is a leading aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) provider that delivers aircraft component repair and support services for commercial and cargo airlines around the world.

Companies like FCAR play an important role in strengthening Lake County's economy by creating high-quality jobs, supporting workforce development, and contributing to the growth of advanced industries. Business retention and expansion are key components of economic development, and visits like these provide an opportunity to better understand the needs of local employers while connecting them with resources that can support continued success.

Thank you to Ryan Moran and the FCAR team for welcoming us and sharing more about your operations. We appreciate your investment in Lake County and the important role you play in supporting both the aviation industry and our local economy.

Thank you, Lake 100, for the opportunity to share updates on the work being done to strengthen and diversify Lake County’s economy.

We were excited to discuss current economic development initiatives, provide insights into our community's growth, and introduce new tools and resources that support informed, data-driven decision making.

Strong partnerships and collaboration are essential to creating a thriving business environment, and we appreciate Lake 100’s continued leadership in bringing together stakeholders committed to the long-term success of our region.

We look forward to continuing these important conversations and working together to support business growth, investment, and economic prosperity throughout Lake County.

Thank you to everyone who joined Lake 100 for our recent member meeting and Future Focus Forum. This event provided an important update from Lake Economic Area Development Partnership - LEAD on ongoing efforts to strengthen and diversify economic development throughout Lake County while also introducing new resources designed to support more data-driven decision making.

Members also participated in our Annual Initiative Survey, helping guide the conversations, priorities, and advocacy efforts that will shape Lake 100’s upcoming strategic agenda. Engagement from our members plays a critical role in ensuring our initiatives remain focused on the issues that matter most to the business community and the long-term economic prosperity of Lake County.

These conversations and collaborative planning efforts continue to reinforce Lake 100’s commitment to advancing infrastructure, workforce development, responsible growth, and regional economic competitiveness throughout our community.

We appreciate our annual sponsors and members for helping make these important discussions possible.

Interested in becoming more involved or joining a committee? Learn more about Lake 100 membership and sponsorship opportunities https://loom.ly/luJlXhw

LEAD recently had the opportunity to tour the Leesburg International Airport and host a Lunch & Learn with from EJ Ghobar from Florida Commerce, and Destin Wells from FloridaMakes. The event brought together community leaders and representatives from Leesburg International Airport - KLEE, Firehawk Helicopters, Skybolt Aerospace Fasteners, and Michael Baulsir from TEEM Properties to discuss resources available to businesses operating at the airport, as well as opportunities for growth and continued success.

Hosted by Tracey Dean, Airport Manager, the LEAD team was afforded an inside look at the airport and was able to hear directly from the businesses that help make it a valuable asset for our community. Conversations like these help strengthen relationships, identify business needs, and connect companies with resources that support their continued success.

Thank you to the City of Leesburg, Florida - Government and the team at Leesburg International Airport, Leesburg Commissioner Alan Reisman, Lake County Commissioner Tim Morris, and to all of the businesses that took the time to share their perspectives. We appreciate the involvement and look forward to continuing the conversation. Please contact LEAD for questions or additional information.

Lake County Florida

Thank you to everyone who attended the 2026 HR Summit!

We appreciate the support of CareerSource Central Florida, Lake County Florida Economic Development, and the City of Leesburg, Florida - Government for helping make the event possible. We also extend our sincere thanks to all of our speakers for sharing their knowledge, expertise, and insights.

Attendees heard valuable insights on topics including AI in HR, alternative labor sources, and strategies for navigating the evolving workplace. These are issues that continue to shape the work of HR directors, business owners, and hiring managers.

Conversations like these help strengthen our local workforce, support business success, and contribute to the continued economic growth of Lake County.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to a successful event!

Last call to register for the 2026 Human Resources Summit coming up June 3 in Leesburg!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-hr-summit-lead-careersource-cfl-tickets-1987631720983

All are welcome to check out our FastTrac class #4 at MEGA Workplace tomorrow Tue. 4/28 . Tomorrow's class will cover the important topics of:

-Developing your company's Value Proposition - what makes you unique and valuable - brought to you by Brian Bedrick from the UCF Business Incubation Program

- Market Research tools - finding out information about potential customers, what they want or need, who are your competitors, and how big of a market for your product/service is possible — brought to you by Jose Molfino from the Lake County Florida SBDC at UCF

Straight from 40th Annual Site Selection Consultants Survey - ranking results of what makes communities attractive in recruiting new business investment.

"What has taken its place is something more complex and, in many ways, more demanding: a relentless focus on operational certainty. The question companies are now asking their advisors is not "where is cheapest?" but "where can we be sure this will actually work?"

Article link: https://www.areadevelopment.com/Corporate-Consultants-Survey-Results/q1-2026/40th-annual-corporate-22nd-annual-consultants-survey-results.shtml?ref=econdevshow.com

🤝Building Stronger Industry Relationships 🤝

The best projects begin long before the first blueprint is drawn.

They begin in conversations like these.

JamesCo Builders, LLC was proud to join ABC of Central Florida, Lake Economic Area Development Partnership - LEAD, and Manufacturers Association of Central Florida at Citrus Skybar in Tavares — connecting with the leaders, developers, and industry partners helping shape the future of Central Florida.

Sustainable growth doesn’t happen by chance. It’s built through engagement, collaboration, and a shared commitment to moving our region forward.

We’re proud to be part of a community that understands that — and committed to building what’s next.

Building Better. Together.