NEW FLORIDAWEST ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ALLIANCE CEO ANNOUNCED

The FloridaWest Board of Directors is pleased to announce they have selected a new CEO to head the economic development agency. Seasoned economic development leader Brian Hilson is coming from Alabama where he has more than 40 years of experience leading programs that address all phases of community-based economic growth. His efforts in Alabama resulted in more than 100,000 new jobs and more than $3 billion in investment.

Hilson served as President & CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/ Madison County, President & CEO of the Birmingham Business Alliance, and Executive Director of the Japan-America Society of Alabama, in addition to other roles.

FloridaWest Board Chair Rick Byars said Hilson’s deep experience and successes in economic development initiatives made him a unanimous board choice for the position.

“Brian comes with significant wins in Alabama, a close competitor for business recruitment,” said Byars. “His leadership helped lure Toyota and three Mercedes facilities, which resulted in $2.3 billion in investment and 2,700 jobs. These are just two highlights of dozens of economic development successes under his leadership. We’re excited to get Brian on board and engaged in the community.”

Hilson replaces former CEO Scott Luth, who left in May and is now Vice President of

Economic Development & Capital Programs at Space Florida.

Other big wins for Hilson include attracting 4,700 jobs in a U.S Army Base Realignment & Closure project, the Hudson-Alpha Institute for Biotechnology with 1,000 jobs and $120 million in investment, a Raytheon project that brought 300 jobs and a $75 million investment and a new Amazon facility that resulted in 1,500 jobs and $180 million in investment.

Hilson said when he was first contacted about the position, he was already aware of Pensacola’s strong reputation in economic development, and he learned quickly about the local leadership’s commitment to continuing economic growth.

“Pensacola and Escambia County have an impressive track record in recruiting and developing businesses,” said Hilson. “The community has much to offer growing businesses as well as people who want to live and work here. We have excellent leadership already in place, not only at the EDA but throughout the community and Gulf Coast region, and my hope is that we will work closely together to bring more economic prosperity to the region resulting in better opportunities and an improved quality of life for all citizens.”

Hilson will begin in his new position on August 1, 2023.

ANDREWS INSTITUTE WELCOMES ZACHARIAH WEILENMAN, M.D., TO ITS TEAM OF EXPERTS

Andrews Institute is pleased to welcome board-certified physician Zachariah Weilenman, M.D., to its interventional physical medicine and rehabilitation team. Dr. Weilenmen specializes in interventional physical medicine and rehabilitation and uses minimally invasive treatments for conditions including arthritis, tendon pain and acute sports injuries. His clinical interests include treatment of chronic neck and low back pain, epidural steroid injections, radiofrequency nerve ablations, nerve blocks, joint injections and non-narcotic medication management of pain.

Dr. Weilenman earned his medical degree from the LSU Health Sciences Center School of Medicine in New Orleans. He also holds a bachelor’s degree from Louisiana

State University. He completed his residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation at LSU Health Sciences Center School of Medicine in New Orleans and his fellowship in pain medicine at LSU Health Sciences Center School of Medicine in New Orleans.

He is board-certified by the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and retains memberships with the Southern Pain Society, the Spine Intervention Society, the Interventional Orthobiologics Foundation, the American Academy of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and the American Medical Association. Dr. Weilenman will treat patients by appointment at Andrews Institute in Gulf Breeze. For more information, visit andrewsinstitute.com or call 850.916.8700.

BIKE PENSACOLA’S JULY SLOW RIDE JULY 28

Pensacola Public Library, 239 N. Spring St.

Friday July 28 6 pm

Join Bike Pensacola for the most popular bike ride in town--the Slow Ride! Each month

Bike Pensacola explores the quiet, scenic streets of Pensacola's many historic neighborhoods for a fun and leisurely ride among friends.

The July host and sponsor is West Florida Public Libraries (WFPL), a regional organization that offers so much to our community, from reading clubs to STEAM activities and so much more. The WFPL is truly a community gem! Bicyclists will ride through parts of downtown and Belmont DeVilliers this month, and following the Ride there will be fun activities for all including bocce ball and horseshoes.

Because most cyclists are “self taught,” each month Bike Pensacola offers information about bicycle laws, safety tips, and addressing different bicycling skills that will help keep rides safe and enjoyable. The ride will be about one hour and ten minutes long, at a casual pace. Nobody will be “dropped” or left behind. Children must be at least 10 years of age to ride their own bicycle, and ages 10 - 16 must be accompanied by an adult. No pets are allowed on the Rides. Cyclists under 16 must wear a helmet by law; ages 16 and up helmets are recommended but are not required by law. We will enjoy a ride escort by officers of the Pensacola Police Department. For much more information about the Slow Ride please visit Bike Pensacola on Facebook or call 850-687-9968 or bike@pensacolacan.org sions from local food trucks may be available for purchase. Pre-show activities begin at 6 pm and the movie will begin playing at sunset. Community Maritime Park is located at 301 West Main Street. For more information, visit cityofpensacola.com/calendar.