Welcome to the ncbdc 

The history of the NCBDC through the years

The Nature Coast Business Development Council is committed to making your business a success story. We are your partner in starting or growing your business and getting you the critical resources you need to thrive.

Then and Now

The Levy County Development Authority was created in 1985 through a resolution by the Board of County Commissioners. It operated under the provisions of Florida Statutes for the purpose of fostering economic development in the County.

Holding its very first meeting in November of that year, two members appointed to the LCDA — Doug King and Walt McJordan — later would serve on the NCBDC board until 2015.

Neal Benson was its first Executive Director, hired on a part-time basis in 1988; he was succeeded two years later by Debbie Beauchamp, who was succeeded by George Sandora in 1990. Sandora served for seven years.

The Levy County Economic Development Council was incorporated in 1990 “to promote orderly and beneficial economic growth and to provide input and lend support to any functions or projects of the Levy County Development Authority.” In May of 2001, the County Commission through another resolution created the Nature Coast Business Development Council, Inc. – merging the EDC and LCDA into one organization.

In November 2011, David Pieklik was named Executive Director for the organization, quickly working to re-brand and reorganize the NCBDC to provide more services to its business community. Since taking the position, he has led efforts to increase leads by nearly 300%, bring several hundred jobs to Levy County, create a business incentives program and strengthen the existing business community through various programs and assistance.

What we do
The mission of the NCBDC is to foster economic prosperity and a better quality of life in the communities we serve. There are eight municipalities our organization works with; Bronson, Cedar Key, Chiefland, Fanning Springs, Inglis, Otter Creek, Williston and Yankeetown.
Through community partners and our staff, we assist new and expanding businesses with site selection, capital acquisition, business plan review, technical assistance and staffing needs. Like you, our board of directors enjoys pristine nature – miles of coastline, wetlands, preserves, forests, springs and abundant recreational opportunities – while ensuring responsible and desired growth occur. The board is as diverse as the landscape of the Nature Coast, with backgrounds that include business management, economic development, education and real estate.

Our Board:

Danielle Ruiz – Duke Energy
Daryl Kirby – Kirby Family Farm
Dick Streeter – Vice-chair/treasurer; Withlacoochee Area Chamber of Commerce
Greg Galpin – Weyerhaeuser Co.
John “JD” Jordan — Capital City Bank
Joyce Wilson – Unity Family Community Center
Phil Geist — Small Business Development Center
Denny George — Central Florida Electric Cooperative
Holly McGlashan — College of Central Florida

PARTNERSHIPS
CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion

Want to make a difference?
The Business Development Council has vacancies for private industry representatives in a variety of sectors, including:

Agriculture
Financial
Small business owner
Utility
If you have interest in serving on the Board, please contact us today to learn more.

Whether assisting you with business plans, technical support, financing or other needs, we are ready to help you open the doors to your future. Please contact us at (352) 447-4107 ext. 108, email director@naturecoast.org, or stop by at 26 County Road 40 West in Inglis to start making your path to success.