Rent Free Space

WFTV covered a story during its news program yesterday about a deal Embarq and KUA (the Kissimmee Utility Authority) have worked out. It seems from the report that KUA which is a municipally-owned electric utilities authority has inked a deal with Embarq to provide rent free space, trained sales people, and additional advertising space within the municipally-owned KUA building. The idea is that as you are in the building paying your electric bill or setting up your electric service you will want to set up your high speed Internet service through Embarq. KUA (KUA.NET??) makes money on every service sold.

The WayneWho staff has decided to overlook the fact that ratepayer money from a city-owned utility is being used to compete against local businesses who provide services such as wireless Internet access, high speed Internet access, dial-up Internet access, web hosting, web design and home security services because these are services we would expect to receive from an electric company. Making local companies compete harder against marketing dollars generated by paying their own electric bill makes good economic development sense. That is if the rumors we hear are true.

During the news report last night, a KUA representative made the comment that other complimentary deals like the Embarq deal were in the works. The WayneWho staff was able to uncover information from sources close to the free space rental department. Reports indicate that other space agreements are being worked with Fantastic Sam's Hair Care Solutions, Jiffy Lube, and Victoria's Secret. In a last minute effort to reach out to the local business community, rumor has it that WingHouse might be given some space until they have a chance to rebuild. Unknown KUA sources indicate that they are excited about these partnerships because it will help make paying your electric bill more exciting and during bad economic times getting people to pay their electric bill can be a challenge.

The only issue that seems to be holding up the process is that many of the other companies working towards this agreement do not have local elected officials as representatives. This could make this year's Election season even more exciting as contributions flow into local campaigns.

While the WayneWho staff was very excited about these revelations, we thought that there might be a more practical and community sensitive use for the free space. With the impending cuts to social service programs as indicated by the Kissimmee City Commission, maybe our community would be better served to give the space to local programs so they have a space to solicit private funding. This might not make as much money for KUA, but with the City exploring the idea of a food court in City Hall and now rumors of the County exploring opening a Rent-a-Wheel and an Amscot branch in their administration building, we believe the criteria for full service is going to be met.

As we end this article, we would like to welcome another blogger to our local community. It seems the Osceola County Chamber of Commerce has decided to get in on the action and has created its own 'Election 08' blog. We are glad to see that now that the roots of true economic development have taken hold in our community the Chamber has turned its eye toward politics. Welcome to the neighborhood.