Washington, D.C. – Representative Sandy Adams (FL-24) released the following statement after introducing legislation, H.R. 2712, the Shuttle Workforce Revitalization Act of 2011, to give Brevard County new resources to recruit and retain employers and keep their highly-trained workforce on the Space Coast. This jobs bill would create a “historically underutilized business zone,” otherwise known as a HUBZone, throughout Brevard County. Enacted under the Small Business Reauthorization Act of 1997, the HUBZone program helps promote economic development and employment growth in distressed areas. Fellow Florida Representative Bill Posey (FL-15) supports the Shuttle Workforce Revitalization Act of 2011, which has also been enthusiastically endorsed by both Space Florida and the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast.
“As Brevard families continue to struggle with the ending of NASA’s Space Shuttle Program, I will continue to look for ways to bring much needed jobs and new employers to the district,” said Representative Sandy Adams of Orlando. “Establishing Brevard County as a HUBZone will help promote economic development and growth by providing access to more federal contracting opportunities. In addition to providing new tools for Brevard County, my legislation will not cost the federal government a single additional dollar, nor does it authorize or appropriate any additional funding. The HUBZone designation would give the county a competitive edge and encourage our nation to better utilize the space industry workforce in our community.”
Representative Posey (FL-15) had the following to say about the Shuttle Workforce Revitalization Act of 2011.
“This legislation has the potential to create jobs in Brevard County,” said Representative Bill Posey of Rockledge, a supporter of the bill. “We have many of the best engineers, technicians and scientists in the world – truly creative and brilliant people – right here on Florida’s Space Coast and this bill can help put some of them back to work.” Space Florida and the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast had the following to say:
“Space Florida sees the creation of a HUB Zone as a great benefit – not only to Florida’s Space Coast – but the state’s overall space industry,” said Space Florida President Frank DiBello. “We are pleased that Representative Adams has introduced this legislation. This bill has the potential to greatly benefit Florida’s small and mid-sized businesses in the aerospace sector – and these types of businesses will play a key role in assuring Florida maintains its leadership in the global space marketplace.”
“The EDC stands behind Representative Adams’ pursuit of a county wide HUB Zone” said Lynda Weatherman, President and CEO of the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast. “This zone will provide small business another tool in their efforts to obtain a federal contract. We applaud the Representative for her initiative to promote tools for further economic development on the Space Coast.”
