By: KeyCrew Media
Florida’s Great Northwest CEO Reveals How 5,200 Annual Military Separations and Regional Coordination Strategy Are Attracting National Investment
PENSACOLA, Fla. – February 2026 – In a recent episode of the Beyond the Build podcast, Jennifer Conoley, President and CEO of Florida’s Great Northwest, detailed how a coordinated regional approach across 13 counties is transforming Northwest Florida into an emerging Gulf Coast industrial hub, leveraging unique advantages including an extraordinary military talent pipeline and strategic site readiness investments.
Speaking with host Kelvin Enfinger Jr., Vice President of Greenhut Construction and immediate past chair of ABC Florida, Conoley outlined the “professional matchmaker” model that prevents internal county competition while presenting unified regional opportunities to site selectors, resulting in major project announcements across aerospace, advanced manufacturing, and maritime industries.
The Military Talent Advantage Nobody Else Has
One of Northwest Florida’s most compelling competitive advantages is quantifiable and ongoing: six military bases within a two-and-a-half to three-hour radius generate approximately 5,200 military separations and retirements annually, with an average age of 38.
A University of West Florida study commissioned by Florida’s Great Northwest found that 47% want to remain in Northwest Florida after military service, with an additional 19% undecided, making job opportunities a key retention factor. “This is such a high concentration when you look across the United States,” Conoley said. “Companies feel more confident in selecting our region” based on quantifiable data rather than estimates.
Enfinger emphasized the broader industry applications beyond aerospace: “Retired service members have a skill set that crosses over many industries. Businesses are beginning to see that as part of a way to fix what we’re facing in our industry.”
Major Wins Demonstrate Regional Strategy Success
The coordinated regional approach has attracted significant investments, including Field International’s decision to relocate its global headquarters from the United Kingdom to Pensacola and Birdon’s plans for a potential 2,000-job maritime manufacturing expansion at the Port of Pensacola. Point Blank Enterprises selected Wakulla County for a 300-job body armor manufacturing facility. Florida’s Great Northwest’s direct lead generation program alone has contributed to over 1,500 announced jobs since 2020.
“I like to call us the professional matchmakers,” Conoley explained. “We’re able to identify these opportunities and then filter them down to our 13-county economic development professionals. We package the opportunities together as a regional package and then help the company shortlist where they want to be.”
Triumph Gulf Coast Fund Provides Competitive Edge
The $1.5 billion Triumph Gulf Coast fund, created from Deepwater Horizon settlements and receiving $80 million annually through 2033, provides unique leverage to attract industrial investment through public-private partnerships. Florida’s Great Northwest recently received a $4.7 million Triumph grant to enhance its regional economic strategy, Northwest Florida Forward, developing data-driven plans for the next 5, 10, and 15 years.
Looking Ahead: Strong Pipeline of Opportunities
When asked about future opportunities, Conoley indicated significant behind-the-scenes activity. “Keep your eye on Northwest Florida. The pipeline is full. Deals are happening behind the scenes, and it’s only a matter of time before we start seeing some more come to bear.”
“Where I see Northwest Florida in the next 5 to 10 years is really being even more well known in that Gulf Coast corridor for both aerospace and maritime work,” Conoley stated.
About Florida’s Great Northwest
Florida’s Great Northwest is the regional economic development organization serving 13 counties across Northwest Florida, working to attract business investment and support job creation through strategic marketing and regional coordination. For more information, visit FloridaGreatNorthwest.com.
About Beyond the Build Podcast
Beyond the Build is a commercial construction industry podcast hosted by Kelvin Enfinger Jr., Vice President of Greenhut Construction and immediate past chair of ABC Florida. The podcast explores the people, policies, and planning shaping the construction industry, regional communities, and economic development. Episodes are available on major podcast platforms and YouTube HERE.
