After several trying years, events so far in 2013 have brought glimmers of new hope for Marion County’s economy.
Several employers have moved operations and much-needed jobs here. Meanwhile, business publications have forecast the Ocala/Marion County area to have a promising future in at least two economic categories.
For these and other reasons, Kevin T. Sheilley, president and CEO of the Ocala/Marion County Chamber & Economic Partnership, describes himself as “very optimistic” about the county’s prospects.
“In 2014, I think we’re going to see a lot of things pop in Marion County,” he said.
Here is a quick look at recent developments in Marion County’s economic picture:
EMPLOYMENT AND WAGES
Most recent U.S. Department of Labor data indicate 124,975 were employed in Marion County in August, with a total labor force of 135,680. The unemployment rate for the month stood at 7.9 percent, an improvement from 10.1 percent in August 2012. The median wage in Marion County in the first quarter of 2013 was $28,403, according to Florida Department of Economic Opportunity statistics.
JOBS COMING IN
Major employers making moves to Ocala in 2013 included R+L Carriers Inc., which opened a technology center in Ocala over the summer with $700,000 in incentives from the city and county. In exchange, the company has vowed to create 250 jobs within four years and says the jobs will pay on average $47,700 per year.
Further boosting local morale, R+L moved into palatial office space originally built for Taylor Bean & Whitaker that had sat vacant since the mortgage giant’s 2009 collapse in a criminal scandal.
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