Mission & Purpose

2019 BEDC MembershipChair
Mike Williams, Nutrien

Co-Chair
Brandon Beil, S&S Food Stores

Treasurer
Lori Simpson, Columbia Bank
​
• COMMITTMENT PLEDGE •
Click HERE to join online or HERE to print a PDF pledge​Champion 
Lori Simpson, Columbia Bank
Noah Walker, Lake City Medical Center
John O'Neal, O'Neal Companies
Jeff Simmons, FPL
Mike Williams, Nutrien
Clarence Brown, Odom Moses/Raymond James
Rhonda Sherrod, Shands Lake Shore Regional Medical Center

​
Visionary
Mike Stalvey, Cal-Tech Testing
Nick Patel, Lake City Hotels

​The Purpose of the BEDC is to strengthen the economic base of the community by developing and implementing programs and initiatives that will attract new investment, create jobs, and cultivate potential economic opportunities for existing members and local businesses.

We advocate and support the business in Columbia County and the Florida's Gateway Region. The BEDC focuses on improvements necessary to drive economic growth, business attraction, retention, and expansion, and advocating for business with local government. The Lake City-Columbia County Chamber of Commerce helps businesses succeed through education, marketing and networking. Together, we are the conveners and collaborators for business in our region, and we build up our community.

Past AccomplishmentsCurrent Initiatives
Trademarked "Florida's Gateway" 
The BEDC is proud to have made legal the phrase we all know our community to be. 

Brand Acceleration Study
Completed in 2017, this study identified our strengths and outlined areas in which we have the ability to grow as a community.  We are thankful to use this study in paving new development.

Workforce Development
The BEDC is proud to partner with many key stakeholders in our Community including, Columbia County Builders Association and Take Stock in Children to present workforce education events for high school students in 2019.

February 14: Healthcare Showcase
March 13: Build My Future
April 3: Public Safety Day​