Bay County, Florida (WJHG/WECP) – Promotion of retail and commercial business into Bay County is a work in progress.
However, economic development firm NextSight is helping speed up the process.
Callaway City Manager Ed Cook said, “Besides the grocery store chain, there are mini-restaurants and we’re still trying to get something else, not only from an economic point of view, but also from a residential point of view. ‘ said.
NextSight has been based in Bay County since circa 2018. The company does market analysis for specific regions and tracks people’s shopping habits.
“There are a myriad of ways to track people,” Cook says. “They’re using Bluetooth on people’s phones and stuff.”
Many cities in Bay County are working with NextSight.
“The City of Panama City, unincorporated Bay County, and Bay County Government cities are just a few,” said Carol Roberts, president and CEO of the Bay County Chamber of Commerce. “Callaway and Lynn Haven have joined us.”
All in an effort to raise awareness and bring competitive business to the region. For example, an Aldi store just opened last week in Lynn Haven. NextSight has played a major role in bringing its brands to the city. NextSight also specializes in other areas.
“As far as hotels are concerned, a lot of the hotel businesses that are trying to get into this space are basically for rebuilding from Tyndall,” Cook said.
Officials said the “hub of the future” is attracting both people and businesses to Bay County. Taxpayers pay for NextSight to come to the region. The Callaway City price this year is about $7,000, Cook said.
NextSight officials were not available for interviews on Monday.
Bay County has a number of contracts working with NextSight. Cook said he was unable to give exact figures due to non-disclosure agreements.
“The ultimate goal is to grow the community to create jobs at all levels, not just shopping and dining experiences,” said Roberts.
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