Ask our 'open for business' neighbors for advice

Palm Coast Observer
Opinion

My own experience with staff from the Palm Coast has been positive, without exception. But, from what we hear in interviews with businesses, the perception is that Palm Coast is not as friendly to businesses as some communities are. That needs to be fixed.

City Manager Jim Landon has proposed bringing in a consultant to analyze the city’s interactions with businesses, and I think that’s a great idea. No matter what that kind of investigation turns up, it will show that the city is being proactive.

Here’s another idea: Talk to Ormond Beach. Last month, Ormond was recognized by the state’s Central Florida Partnership as being “Open for Business” and for having a streamlined permitting process and other business-friendly approaches. DeLand, Deltona, New Smyrna Beach and Ormond were the only cities in Volusia County, as of Dec. 14, to be awarded this designation.

Why not invite someone from the city of Ormond Beach to make a presentation to the Palm Coast City Council at a future workshop, to discuss what they do? It would be a gesture to everyone involved that Palm Coast is seeking to fix its process and its perception.