Life sciences businesses – health care, research and medical testing– are typically good paying, professional and high tech ventures that most economic developers want in their community.

And the Panhandle region has its fair share of businesses in this growing sector.

But how do you continue to attract life science businesses and make sure they are successful once they set up shop?

Gulf Power is heading up a regional effort to establish the Northwest Florida Life Sciences Council to do just that.

"Area businesses and economic development organizations are joining together to attract more life science jobs to Northwest Florida," Cliff Krut, Gulf Power economic development representative and chairman of the council, said. "We now have a solid base of these type businesses that we believe we can build upon to make this area a center of excellence for medical research and health-related enterprises."

The University of West Florida and the Institute for Human and Machine and Cognition are also a key part of the council because of the research opportunities and support they can provide.

The Pensacola Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, Team Santa Rosa and other counties will also be key players in the council's activities, according to Krut.

The council's responsibilities will include targeting existing businesses to move or expand to Northwest Florida, helping to start new businesses in the life sciences sector and providing support and a network for existing businesses.

"Everyone's input and cooperation will be valuable in helping this business cluster grow," Krut said. "We are excited about the possibilities and what this council can mean for the regional economy."

Anyone interested in joining the council should call Krut at (850) 444-6849.