Walton County SBA highlights Cecilia Jones’ and Trey Nick’s Small Business Support
The Walton County Small Business Association (WCSBA) met recently to discuss the need for political awareness in local elections. The WCSBA is comprised of a wide range of local and family owned businesses throughout Walton County. They provide a collective voice when issues of concern to small businesses arise. The group highlighted the strong support County Commissioner Cecilia Jones and local businessman Trey Nick have provided for Walton County businesses.
Cecilia Jones
The WCSBA highlighted a number of Cecilia’s accomplishments during her tenure as county commissioner, especially the expansion of the Clyde B. Wells Bridge to four lanes and the expansion of Hwy. 331 to DeFuniak Springs. During the last four years, Walton County has expanded parks and recreation and improved local community centers, while maintaining one of the lowest property tax rates in Florida. The old Coyote landfill in Freeport was closed and cleaned up. The restoration of Oyster Lake was completed and artificial reefs were constructed in the Gulf. Grants were secured to monitor sea turtle protection. Improvements to the 30-A bike path were recently completed. While on the commission, Cecilia opposed deep injection disposal wells and supported water and sewer investments to replace septic systems in Freeport. The WCSBA pointed out that Cecilia effectively opposed job-killing ordinances and regulations that were proposed. Those ordinances would have had devastating consequences for businesses and homeowners county-wide. Cecilia stated a business-friendly environment in Walton County increases economic opportunities and prosperity for all its citizens. To accomplish this, she engaged citizens throughout the county with a Strategic Economic Development Survey, hosting town halls, inviting all Walton County citizens to be aware of the various “POTS” of money available to the county and allowing citizens’ input into how those monies should be spent.
The results of those town halls pointed out the greatest challenges to economic development in Walton County are job opportunities, education and workforce development. Cecilia has prioritized improved infrastructure, more and improved training and vocational programs, and diversifying the economy with new business. With her concern about the loss of public access to the beach and diminishment of customary use, Cecilia said it is important for the county to purchase any available properties to provide as much public beach access as possible. She supports the restoration of full customary use in the near future. The WCSBA concluded that Cecilia Jones has proven a commitment to small business owners and entrepreneurs who work hard to provide for their families, to provide jobs for their employees and to benefit their community.
Trey Nick
The WCSBA finds Trey Nick business-friendly. Trey supports small business because he is a small business. Trey and his family have owned and operated Nick’s Seafood Restaurant in Freeport, Florida for decades. Trey said a small business owner has a personal investment in both time and money. Trey is a commercial fisherman and charter fishing guide on the Choctawhatchee Bay. He holds annual fishing tournaments and fishing derbies for children to support the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance. Trey stated our economy relies on the beach and bay, and he is committed to preserving water quality in the bay and to keeping our beaches clean. He said he respects and appreciates people who work with their hands to produce something. He supports small businesses period, whether farms, fishing, industrial or tourist-related. We need an environment in Walton County where anyone can find a good job. Government should champion and encourage small businesses, not try to make their lives harder.
The Walton County Small Business Association urged its members to be politically aware and knowledgeable of local candidates and their platforms. Elections can have significant impact on small businesses. Early voting for the Primary Election is August 18 to August 25. Primary Election day voting is Tuesday, August 28, from 7am-7pm. Visit www.votewalton.com for more information.
Author: SWal Life
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