The Business Development Board of the Palm Beaches announced a series of economic‑development milestones aimed at expanding high‑paying employment for residents of Palm Beach County. At a luncheon held at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, board president and CEO Kelly Smallridge highlighted the creation of 2,000 new high‑paying jobs that will be filled by local workers.
Local talent pipeline emphasized
Smallridge said the board is focused on retaining and expanding companies “right here” so that graduates do not have to leave Florida for quality employment. To that end, the board has rolled out new programs for high‑school and college students, giving them direct pathways into the county’s growing businesses.
University partnership fuels innovation
Florida Atlantic University president Adam Hasner updated attendees on the university’s $20 million quantum‑computer initiative and its robust alumni network. “We play an important part of economic development through the creation of talent and impactful research,” Hasner said, noting that FAU graduates roughly 8,000 students each year and is building a talent pipeline for both existing and incoming companies.
D‑Wave Quantum to locate East Coast headquarters in Boca Raton
Global quantum‑computing firm D‑Wave Quantum announced plans to open its East Coast U.S. headquarters in Boca Raton next year. Babette Mattheys, a representative for D‑Wave, explained that the company intends to hire locally, working closely with Florida State University and Florida Atlantic University to source talent from within the state rather than importing it from elsewhere.
Community leaders praise the initiative
Local business leaders and educators praised the board’s efforts, describing the job‑creation plan as a concrete step toward strengthening families and preserving the community’s traditional values. The luncheon brought together dozens of stakeholders, reinforcing a shared commitment to economic growth that benefits both employers and workers.
Looking ahead
The board will continue to monitor progress on the new jobs and talent programs, with regular updates slated for future community meetings. By aligning higher‑education resources with private‑sector needs, the Palm Beaches aims to sustain a vibrant, family‑focused economy for years to come.
Original reporting: WPBF West Palm Beach — read the source article.
