Laura Pavlus
Sr. Vice President
Clay County EDC
Fleming Island, FL

How long have you worked in economic development?

7.5 years

How did you enter the economic development profession?

Working in construction administration, business development, public relations, and marketing for architects and engineers.

What is your favorite thing about working in economic development?

The knowledge and business aptitude I have learned working in this industry is unmatched to any other career opportunity.

Tell us about the community or organization you represent.

Clay County, Florida a rapidly growing community outside of Jacksonville, FL. Half of the community is an urban corridor to Jacksonville and the other half has a small town vibe. It is a community where character is paramount.

What makes your community a great place for business and people to thrive? If you don’t represent a community, how do you help economic development organizations succeed?

Clay County has the opportunity of a major metropolitan in a warm and welcoming environment that is more nurturing and team spirited than most communities. It a community where people help lift up one another.

Tell us about your favorite place/thing to do in your community.

Black Creek is a magical hidden oasis. It is like stepping back in time into a prehistoric era. It is the best place to unplug and experience nature in it's raw form.

If you had a message to those considering a career in economic development, what would it be and why should they enter the field?

Not everyone should be an economic developer. If you have a love of learning and discovery, an entrepreneurial spirit, are motivated by helping others, are adaptable and a self starter, and you thrive on chaos; then you might love economic development.

Share your favorite quote or the best piece of advice that has helped to guide your professional development.

Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day, teach a man to fish and he will eat forever.

~It takes longer to teach than to do, but eventually the scales flip and that is the reward.