Space Coast Economic Development Commission Launches Military Spouse Economic Empowerment Zone
By Space Coast Daily // May 13, 2022
Space Coast MSEEZ was created to tackle military spouse un- and underemployment
Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast Collaborates with the U.S. Chamber Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – The Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast (EDC) in collaboration with the U.S. Chamber Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes launched the Space Coast Military Spouse Economic Empowerment Zone (MSEEZ) during an event on April 22 at the Kennedy Space Center Visitors Complex.
The Space Coast MSEEZ was created to tackle military spouse un- and underemployment and connect this talented group with career opportunities.
“Florida’s Space Coast has long prioritized the wellbeing of military families because it’s the right thing to do. In the case of military spouses, there is also a significant economic development component,” said Lynda L. Weatherman, President and CEO of the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast.
“The military brings these talented individuals to our community, and we want to utilize those talents to help grow our economy.”
Established to connect military spouses with companies committed to hiring and help tackle military spouse employment issues head-on, the Space Coast MSEEZ working group will bring together businesses, community partners, and nonprofit organizations to identify opportunities as well as barriers to entry for military spouses seeking meaningful employment within Brevard County.
Led by Julia Williford of Leonardo DRS, The Space Coast MSEEZ will become the 22nd working group in the nation since 2018, and only the second in the state of Florida.
“Hiring Our Heroes recognizes that military spouses in different states and regions face different barriers; through this grassroots approach, the working groups can develop tailored solutions,” said Eric Eversole, President of Hiring Our Heroes and Vice President at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
“The establishment of the Space Coast MSEEZ will ease the transition of military spouses into our local workforce and allow them to begin employment quicker once relocating to the area.”
“Military spouses are a tremendous addition to the staffing needs of the Space Coast and bring diversified, dedicated and well-rounded expertise that employers are looking for,” said Florida state Sen. Tom A. Wright, Chairman of the Military and Veterans Affairs, Space and Domestic Security Committee.
To learn more about MSEEZ, or share an open position with the Space Coast MSEEZ visit HiringOurHeroes.org/Employers/MSEEZ/
The Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast (EDC) is dedicated to attracting new business and investment and expanding existing industry throughout the Space Coast, influencing change on government laws and regulations affecting economic development, promoting the Space Coast to encourage new investment, supporting efforts of Space Coast military installations, and relaying new programs and procedures to assist manufacturing and high-tech companies.
The EDC is a private, not-for-profit coalition whose stakeholders are business leaders committed to the economic growth and stability of Florida’s Space Coast.
Visit www.SpaceCoastEDC.org.
