Richard "Rick" Michael Email and Phone Number

Works with local and regional governments and non-profits in planning, budgeting and implementing initiatives to recruit new and expanding businesses to support job creation and the development of new employment wages and tax revenues for the communities I represent.

I retired from my professional career to return home as a caregiver for my wife Jody who discovered she had pancreatic cancer as of September 2014. I was also needed to care for my 95 year old father who's health was failing at the same time. This new profession involved countless doctors and medical specialist from regional hospitals to specialized cancer centers as well as the Veterans Administration. My life or career as a caregiver lasted nearly 3 years. My wife lost her battle with cancer on February 27, 2017 and she was proceeded by the death of my father on November 12, 2016. For me, I remain retired trying to care for myself while dealing with the lost of those close to me. I find this job to be the hardest career challenge I ever had during the 48 years of professional service. It was not without its rewards. I was able to provide personal comfort and assurances to loved ones during the hardest of conditions and was present holding each one in my arms at the time of their passing; assuring each that they were not alone in their final moments. I am currently conducting the business related to one's passing and participating in the grieving and mourning process. I expect this work to continue for some time.

Providing leadership for the overall business development programs for Lee County's (FL) Economic Development Office and for the County's Industrial Development Authority (IDA). Programming includes strategic employer recruitment, site selection, financing, business assistance, inter-agency and department coordination, international trade support and marketing and prospect development. This position also includes the management and oversight of the Horizon Council, a regional business and community based economic development support system as well as the Horizon Foundation.

Consulting firm providing technical assistance to municipal governments, companies and individuals in areas involving business employer recruitement, business formation, small business incubation, international trade, strategic planning for economic and community development programming, business relocation negotiations and contract management, federal agency funding strategies and economic development project management.Projects include general economic and community redevelopment technical support services; the development of funding strategies for business infrastructure; development and funding of a small business innovation center; and international marketing and business lead development.

Providing business and economic development advisory services including strategic planning for new business/employer recruitment, business assistance/retention and new job creation initiatives. Management and oversight of the County's "Economic Development Financial Incentive Grants (EDFIG) Program" as well as planning and implementation of the County's Community Redevelopment (CRA) Initiative.The County's Economic Development Department was phased out in 2012 due to government budget cuts followed by an reorganizational strategy involving the consolidation of two community-based economic development groups. However, Mr. Michael continues to provide strategic and technical support to Marion County in areas of economic and community redevelopment. A key focus of this work is the formation of the Silver Springs Community Redevelopment District and the management and implementation of a muliti-million Economic Development Financial Incentive Grant program.

Provided management and oversight of all business and economic development strategic planning, business/employer recruitment, new job creation marketing strategies, and business assistance/retention services. Managed and provided leadership in planning, design, funding and construction of several industrial and office park projects. Provided administrative oversight of 15 Community Redevelopment (CRA) Districts.