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Trudy McCarthy
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TMcCarthy@SpaceCoastEDC.org

EDC of Florida’s Space Coast highlighted gains, opportunities, and honored community leaders for dedicated volunteerism and excellence in education for economic impact

Florida’s SPACE COAST, Fla. (Feb 7, 2025) –

The Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast (EDC) held its annual meeting in the sold-out Premiere Theater. Every seat in the house was filled to hear the latest indicators, including the outstanding performance for second highest wage growth in the country for large metros, and Florida’s Space Coast stand out performance as the only major metro in Florida topping the charts at #9 in the 2025 Best-Performing Cities according to Milken Institute rankings.

Chair Travis Proctor recognized “these accolades are not mere statistics; they are a reflection of strategic planning, collaboration and relentless effort”. The annual meeting went on to honor two distinguished award recipients, Rusty Melle for Volunteer of the Year and Anne Conroy-Baiter for the Thomas. E. Gamble Excellence in Education for Economic Development Impact Award.

The EDC’s Volunteer of the Year Award is presented annually to an individual who has gone above and beyond the call of duty for the betterment of Florida’s Space Coast. Honoree Rusty Melle expressed “It was a privilege to serve on the Mission Space Coast Reporting Board, contributing to the new branding of Florida’s Space Coast. I am grateful for the opportunity I had to collaborate with the Space Coast Association of REALTORS® in raising awareness about the importance of the AVT Referendum. Being part of a community filled with dedicated volunteers who help the Space Coast thrive is truly an honor.”

The Thomas E. Gamble Excellence in Education for Economic Development Impact Award exemplifies the long-standing dedication of developing future talent through education and enrichment programs. Recipients have made consistent and highly valued contributions to further educational programs supporting the talent pipeline for industry on Florida’s Space Coast.

As the 2025 honoree, Anne Conroy-Baiter conveyed “I am truly honored to receive the 2025 Gamble Award in recognition of my work at Junior Achievement, preparing the next generation for economic and life success. Receiving this award as I step into my new role as CEO of the Melbourne Regional Chamber makes it even more meaningful. It reaffirms that this important work continues.”

In closing, President & CEO Lynda Weatherman shared “the enhanced program of work together with the existing program of work are designed to develop a robust ecosystem, accelerated industry growth, attract investment and have positioned the Space Coast as a global hub for space, defense, aerospace and manufacturing commerce.” Noting remarkable progress in the last 15 years as “generational economic gains”.

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About the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast
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.