Economic Development & Tourism Director receives Community Service Award

EUSTIS — Lake County’s Economic Development & Tourism Director, Scott Blankenship, was recently awarded the 2012 Community Service Award from the Lake Eustis Chamber of Commerce in the Leadership category during its recently held annual Community Service Awards ceremony. 

The chamber noted that the Leadership award is given to individuals whose guidance and leadership has impacted Lake County.

“It’s no secret that over the past few years, enhancing the County’s economic development activities have been a priority,” said Blankenship. “Under the leadership of the County Commission and County Manager, along with my team of dedicated staff, I am proud of the great strides we have made to lend support to, and bolster growth for, local businesses. I am honored that the efforts were noticed and recognized by the Chamber.”

Since Blankenship became the County’s Economic Development & Tourism Director in May 2011, he has spearheaded a multi-faceted approach to building the bridge between local government and the business community.

This includes creating three strategic economic development zones, where department staff focuses on assisting businesses located within their assigned zone. The County also recently opened up two new Business Opportunity Centers, one in Eustis and the other in Groveland, which house a Business Incubator and Small Business Development Center.  Other achievements include organizing the County’s first Economic Development Summit, and several industry round-table and workforce related meetings between partners and the business community.

The Lake Eustis Chamber of Commerce’s Community Service Awards allow Chamber members to nominate individuals in the community who have greatly contributed towards the success of Lake County in the areas of Arts & Culture, Education, Leadership, Public Service, Sports/Athletics, Humanitarianism, Public Safety, Entrepreneurship, Business Achievement, Volunteerism, as well as a special Judges Award and Ambassador of the Year.

For more information about Lake County’s Economic Development & Tourism Department, or for assistance in opening, relocating, or expanding a business, call 352-742-3918, or visit www.businessinlakefl.com.