Collier EDC set to dissolve

NAPLES — The Economic Development Council of Collier County will cease to exist at the close of its current fiscal year, which ends Sept. 30, after the EDC's board of directors voted to end operations.

The EDC's vote to dissolve is a direct response to the county's new “comprehensive strategic plan,” which suggested the EDC cede responsibility for business retention and attraction to county government. EDC directors elected to follow that recommendation, and will return their organization's $400,000 budget for fiscal year 2012 to the county.

The county's comprehensive plan was formulated over four months by working with Cincinnati-based KMK Consulting Group. The plan also recommends creating a new position within county government to take over the agenda that had been pursued by the EDC.

The Collier County EDC was established in 1976, and is currently led by Chairman-elect Tim Cartwright.