Ocala/Marion County is fortunate to have
a diverse and robust economy.
Marion County is one of the major
Thoroughbred centers of the world, with
over 1,200 horse farms in total and
about 600 Thoroughbred Farms and a $2.2
billion horse industry.
Closet Maid and E-1 emergency vehicles
are two of our large manufacturers.
The proportion of our labor force
employed in manufacturing is almost
double the average for the State of
Florida. A strong and growing
Service Sector is in place to meet the
needs of business and individuals.
The Local Transportation Sector has
nearly doubled since 1991, and many of
the carriers represented in our market
offer a level of service comparable to
major transportation hubs.
The local labor force has grown an
estimated 9.8% since 1990.
The growing population and excellent
training programs supply a steady
workforce stream for employers.
Workforce Initiatives is a key element
in the Ocala/Marion County Economic
Development Corp.’s Strategic Plan.
The Enterprise Center, located on the
campus of Central Florida Community
College is home to four agencies
connecting resources to benefit the
community: the Ocala/Marion County
Economic Development Corporation, CLM
Workforce Connection, Central Florida
Community College – Corporate Training,
and Marion County Public Schools –
Community Technical & Adult Education.
A unique collaboration between business
and education was cultivated through EDC
efforts. The EDC played a role in
launching the newest educational
institution, Marion Technical Institute.
MTI – Where Education Meets Experience -
provides hands-on training and
internship opportunities for High School
students. The goal is to create a higher
skilled workforce for our local
employers.
The mild
climate, close proximity to universities
and international airports and an
available workforce blend together to
attract new and expanding businesses to
our community. This sustained economic
growth and strong, stable economy
continue to make Ocala/Marion County
Great for Business, Great for Life!
Links of interest (these will open in a
new window):
Ocala Marion County Economic Development
Corporation
Ocala Marion County Chamber of Commerce
Ocala Downtown Business Alliance
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