Business tour spotlights a post-shuttle Brevard

Local economic leaders never get tired of showcasing Embraer jet’s North American headquarters at Melbourne International Airport.

They were at it again Wednesday, choosing the site to open a four-day tour of Brevard County’s economic jewels for international journalists and site-selection executives.

The tour includes the area’s substantial defense and aerospace presence, not to mention the area’s beaches and cruise ship industry.

The point local leaders hope to drive home is that while the end of the space shuttle program in 2011 hurt the area, it wasn’t the fatal blow that some contended it might be. More here.