Economic Development Council

Fort Walton Beach, FL ยท Founded 1997

Furthering economic development and job growth in Okaloosa County

Primary audience
General public
Work area
Economic development
Topic
Economic opportunity
Contact
Samuel Nathan Sparks
Website Contact

About Organization

Based in Fort Walton Beach, FL, the Economic Development Council furthers economic development within Okaloosa County by attracting new businesses, supporting existing industries, and promoting the county as a premier business location. The council generates $680,589 in annual revenue while coordinating business retention, workforce development, and marketing initiatives that strengthen the local economy.

What They Focus On

Business Growth

Supporting companies through resources, advocacy, and strategic partnerships.

Workforce Development

Preparing individuals for employment through training and skill building.

Regional Prosperity

Strengthening the local economy through collaborative development initiatives.

Financial Information

Form 990 data showing organizational financial health and growth.

Revenue (2023)

$681K

-2.4% vs 2022

Expenses (2023)

$674K

+3.6% vs 2022

Assets (2023)

$335K

+3.4% vs 2022

Employees (2023)

4

+0% vs 2022

Year Revenue Expenses Assets Employees
2023 $680,589 $674,251 $335,015 4
2022 $697,242 $651,020 $324,072 4
2021 $672,279 $640,898 $278,015 6
2020 $579,069 $566,581 $289,181 5
2019 $604,415 $601,102 $257,583 6
2018 $597,722 $590,122 $227,944 6
2017 $565,009 $600,286 $231,212 5

Source: IRS Form 990 filings. All figures in USD.

How They Work

Learn more
  • 01

    Research Needs

    Analyze regional economic conditions and identify growth opportunities.

  • 02

    Build Partnerships

    Engage businesses and stakeholders to strengthen collaborative efforts.

  • 03

    Implement Programs

    Execute initiatives supporting business growth and workforce development.

  • 04

    Track Progress

    Monitor economic indicators and measure impact of development strategies.

Programs and Initiatives

Services and programs offered by Economic Development Council

Business Support

Resources and guidance helping companies grow and succeed in competitive markets.

Workforce Development

Training programs preparing individuals for employment and career advancement.

Policy Advocacy

Engagement with government to support business-friendly policies and regulations.

Team & Leadership

Meet the people behind Economic Development Council.

SN

Samuel Nathan Sparks

Executive Director
Full-time
Compensation: $180,279
BJ

Bernard Johnson

Utilities Ex Officio
2 hrs/week
CK

Cristie Kedroski Edd

Nwfsc Ex Officio
2 hrs/week
GK

Gordon King

Utilities Ex Officio
2 hrs/week
JM

Jillian McQueen

Past-Chairman
2 hrs/week
MC

Marcus Chambers

Public School Ex Officio
2 hrs/week
MB

Melinda Bowers Edd

Uwf Ex Officio
2 hrs/week
MB

Michele Burns

Career Source Ex Officio
2 hrs/week
MM

Mike Mosley PHD

Chairman
2 hrs/week
PM

Paul Mixon

County Representative
2 hrs/week
SR

Steve Rhodes

Utilities Ex Officio
2 hrs/week

Milestones

1997

Organization Founded

1997

Economic Development Council was established to address community needs and advance its mission.

2005

Leadership Development

2005

Strengthened governance with expanded board and executive team.

2023

Community Impact

2023

Demonstrated effectiveness through measurable program outcomes.

Associated People

Board members, advisors, and key contributors

Board of Directors

BB
Bonnie Barlow Secretary 2.00 hrs/week
NS
Neko Stubblefield Vice-Chair 2.00 hrs/week
ND
Nic Dezinski Treasurer 2.00 hrs/week

Information compiled from IRS Form 990 and organizational materials.

Executive Compensation

Top compensated officers & key employees from IRS Form 990

Total Reported (2023)

$192K

Highest Paid

$192K

Samuel Nathan Sparks

Compensated Officers

1

Name Title Base Other Total Hrs/Wk
Samuel Nathan Sparks Executive Director $180,279 $11,663 $191,942 40

Source: IRS Form 990 filings. Compensation includes base and other reported compensation.

COVID-19 PPP Loans

Paycheck Protection Program (2020-2021)

Fully Forgiven

Total Approved

$49K

Total Forgiven

$49K

101% forgiven

Jobs Retained

4

Loan Details 1 loan

$49,005
Forgiven
Forgiven: $49,359 100%
Approved Feb 20, 2021
Lender PNC Bank, National Association
Jobs Reported 4
Forgiven On Nov 12, 2021

Source: Small Business Administration • Paycheck Protection Program (2020-2021)

Lobbying Activity

Lobbying Disclosure Act registrations

Self-Lobbying
38 Registrations
35 Clients
Yes Self-Lobbying

Clients 35 total

Bristol Bay Economic Development Corporation
2 filings
Self
Indiana Economic Development Corporation
2 filings
Self
International Economic Development Council
2 filings
Self
Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission
1 filing
Self
Alpha Strategies, LLC Obo American Alliance For Economic Development
1 filing
Self
American Alliance For Economic Development
1 filing
Self
American Samoa Economic Development Authority
1 filing
Self
At Government Strategies On Behalf Of The St Louis Economic Development Partners
1 filing
Self
Atlantic Strategies Group Obo Economic Development Commission Of Charles County
1 filing
Self
Bloomington Normal Economic Development Council (Fka Econ Dev Cnsl Of Bloomin)
1 filing
Self
Casper Area Economic Development Alliance, Wy
1 filing
Self
Chambers County Economic Development Authority
1 filing
Self
Colorado Springs Chamber And Economic Development Corporation
1 filing
Self
Economic Development Commission Of Charles County
1 filing
Self
Economic Development Commission Of Florida's Space Coast
1 filing
Self
Economic Development Partnership Of Alabama
1 filing
Self
Floresville Economic Development Corporation
1 filing
Self
Florida Rural Economic Development Association, Inc..
1 filing
Self
Fort Bend County Economic Development Council
1 filing
Self
Governor's Defense Initiative, Georgia Dept. Of Economic Development
1 filing
Self
Greater Omaha Economic Development Partnership
1 filing
Self
Indian Wells Valley Economic Development Corp.
1 filing
Self
Jackson County Economic Development Foundation, Inc..
1 filing
Self
Lycoming County Economic Development & Planning Services
1 filing
Self
Matagorda County Economic Development Corporation
1 filing
Self
Mcallen Economic Development Corporation
1 filing
Self
Mexia Economic Development Corporation
1 filing
Self
Mith-Ih-Kwuh Economic Development Corporation
1 filing
Self
Mith-Th-Kwuh Economic Development Corporation
1 filing
Self
National Association For County Community And Economic Development
1 filing
Self
Northeast Ohio Hispanic Center For Economic Development (Neohced)
1 filing
Self
Norton Sound Economic Development Corporation
1 filing
Self
Skamania County Economic Development Council
1 filing
Self
Somerset-Pulaski Economic Development Authority
1 filing
Self
Wiregrass Economic Development Corporation
1 filing
Self

Source: Senate Office of Public Records — Lobbying Disclosure Act

Contact

Get in touch with Economic Development Council

Phone

(850) 362-6467

Social

Visit Website
Po Box 4097 Fort Walton Beach, FL 32549