Veteran-owned PMI secures $509,000 grant to expand operations in Okaloosa County
Okaloosa County, Florida – Veteran-owned Precision Measurement Inc. (PMI), which specializes in authorized calibration and testing services, has recently received a $509,000 grant to support its operations and boost local employment in Okaloosa County. Sourced from the University of West Florida (UWF) Industry Resilience and Diversification Fund (IRDF), the funding represents a major endorsement of PMI’s strategic development objectives over the next five years.
Established in 2005 by service-disabled veterans, PMI has shown a strong expansion path, broadening its customer base and service offerings at an average annual growth rate of 20%. The company’s strategic foresight into expanding its services was further recognized and supported by local economic leaders following insightful discussions with Okaloosa County Commission Chairman Paul Mixon and Nathan Sparks, the executive director of One Okaloosa Economic Development Council (EDC).
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The discussions not only brought attention to PMI’s strengths but also exposed the business to the potential assistance made possible by the UWF IRDF grant program. One Okaloosa EDC’s proactive help allowed PMI to negotiate the application procedure and finally secure the grant based on reimbursements.
“We are extremely grateful for One Okaloosa EDC’s assistance and UWF’s consideration and award of this IRDF grant,” said PMI President David Haines. “It significantly enhances PMI’s ability to immediately pursue opportunities for growth while providing vital services for our communities in and around Okaloosa County.”
The award will mainly cover the recruitment of more qualified specialists and the purchase of new equipment, therefore allowing PMI to expand its calibration services. This is especially relevant given the recent closing of a Tallahassee-based calibration service supplier for local police enforcement.
Acquiring the required tools and certifications to undertake local calibrations for speedometers, radars, lasers, and police band radios, PMI entered to close this crucial service gap and therefore guarantee ongoing availability of these vital services.
“Public safety is a top priority in Okaloosa County, and we support any effort to provide our law enforcement agencies with the necessary tools they need to serve our residents,” said Mixon in a news release. “I am thankful and proud that PMI and One Okaloosa EDC have partnered to take advantage of this opportunity to serve our community while growing our local economy and supporting our veterans.”
Four new full-time jobs, each with an average pay of $60,000, will be created by the first phase of the expansion. As PMI grows, there are plans to further expand its workforce and facilities to accommodate the increased demand. Targeting important growth industries, PMI is now broadening its service offers to include Federal Aviation Administration-mandated certifications for aircraft avionics and maintaining hospital medical equipment.
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This strategic growth not only highlights PMI’s dedication to provide vital services but also shows the possibilities for veteran-owned companies to significantly boost local economies and public safety. Thanks to the funding, PMI is about to start a major expansion phase that promises Okaloosa County great economic and social advantages.
