Mayor Adam Barringer unveils his economic development plan for the city

NSBNEWS.net photyo by Henry Frederick. Mayor Adam Barringer holds up a draft copy of his Economic Development Plan for New Smyrna Beach during his guest appearance Thursday at the Southeast Volusia Republican Club's monthly luncheon meeting of the Smyrna Yacht Club. Barringer furnished NSBNEWS.net a first-look copy Sunday night, which is posted below in the attachment.

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- Mayor Adam Barringer has unveiled his Economic Development Plan for the city's short- and long-term development.

This was a campaign promise Barringer made good on in his first 100 days in office, with his Nov. 2 general election win over incumbent Sally Mackay.

Among the key points in the mayor's plan are annexation, building on tourism and maintaining existing businesses and growing new ones.

"One of the first things we need to do is change the culture of government -- to give people the feeling that things can get done," Barringer said.

Annexation to the western part of the city beyond Interstate 95 is the key to developing new revenue streams, Barringer said, particularly with a new box store planned, presumably a Super Wal-Mart.

Barringer's plan calls for the hiring of an economic development director, under the direction of the city manager, to develop job growth and economic development strategies for sustained growth utilizing the city's charm, infrastructure, location and waterways and airport as draws.

"We have to look at ways we can help these clusters to grow," Barringer said.

His plan will be presented to the City Commission in its final form later this month.