Governor Rick Scott visited the headquarters of Bi-Lo/Winn-Dixie in Jacksonville Tuesday to tout an initiative to create further job growth. Scott wants the Legislature to increase funding for the Quick Response Training program to entice more businesses to the state.
When Greenville, South Carolina-based Bi-Lo Supermarkets and Jacksonville-based Winn-Dixie merged, the decision was made to base the company’s headquarters in Jacksonville.
Governor Scott partially credits the Quick Response Training program for that. The initiative helps companies developed a trained workforce if they move to the state by coordinating efforts with area colleges and school districts.Scott says $6 million was set aside this year for the Quick Response training program, but he wants to boost funding next year. He says when companies move here, they boost tax rolls, and that far outweighs the expense of funding the Quick Response program.