The Big Five features Flagler County’s newest addition to the economic development efforts, Economic Development Manager Dolores Key, as this week’s guest.
Word is you’re pretty modest about your background and experience. Please share with readers how you became involved with economic development and a bit about your background.
I actually became involved in economic development by chance. I had returned to the States after an economic embargo closed my company in Port-au-Prince, Haiti back in the mid 90’s. (my largest client was Disney World). As luck would have it, I met a person who worked for the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County – the official economic development agency for Palm Beach County. It turned out that they needed someone with my skill sets, so I became part of their team – the rest, as the saying goes, is history. Since that time, I have served three Florida municipalities as economic development director.
How did you discover Flagler County and why was this position a good fit for you and where you are in your career?
I discovered the open economic development position in Flagler County through governmentjobs.com. I had interviewed for several different economic development positions in Florida and in Texas, but I have to admit I really wanted to work for Amy Lukasik and be part of the Flagler team. The interview & due diligence process can be arduous for both parties and I am fortunate to have landed where I belong.
During your assessment period, what are the top three strengths and weaknesses (or untapped opportunities) you’ve discovered about Flagler County’s economy and how do you plan to address the weaknesses? How will you build on the strengths?
From an economic development point of view, relocating or expanding business – large or small – always want to know the answers to four basic questions. Where can they (and their employees, significant others, and/or children) work, live, learn and play? From meeting many of the community’s leaders and conducting scads of research, Flagler County shines in innumerable areas. There are some opportunities for improvement, too. I will be presenting these findings to the County Commissioners at a workshop on April 5 to garner their feedback and guidance moving forward.
The healthcare industry is expanding in Flagler County. What long-term impact do you see this having on jobs and growth?
With over 45% of Flagler County’s population over 55 years of age and statistics showing that this is the age group needing the most health care, it is a brilliant move to expand opportunities in this sector/business cluster. From lab technicians to nursing staff, general physicians to specialty doctors – the primary jobs needing filling present wonderful options for diversifying the economy. But one must think further than the primary jobs – the secondary & tertiary jobs are equally as important that provide further employment options for residents. Those things that keep a hospital running – the linen service that provides the clean sheets, the local shop that has scrubs for the staff, the local company that can service the HVAC unit and the landscape folks that tend to the plants indoor & outdoor. Just as exciting is providing an opportunity for Flagler County students to find a job in the place they call home. It is economic development at its best.
What are the top three things you hope to accomplish in your first two years?
Work with all of the municipalities to bring job opportunities to the citizens of Flagler County.
Bonus: Tell us something we don’t know! Do you have a favorite hobby or activity? I earned my way through university by designing & sewing the costumes for the theatre department. I learned to ride English style as an adult & would like to again!
