Our 2026 Annual Meeting at the Straz Center was especially meaningful to me. It marked my tenth Annual Meeting as president and CEO of the Tampa Bay EDC and gave us an opportunity to celebrate the extraordinary people, partnerships and projects that have transformed our region over the past decade. Our IMPACT theme captured just how far we’ve come. Tampa has evolved from a low-cost business destination into a talent-rich, innovative and internationally competitive one. This year, we celebrated Tampa’s recognition as the nation’s #2 city for foreign businesses, a top five destination for corporate headquarters, and one of America’s best cities for launching a career. As I shared with our nearly 600 guests, Tampa is having a moment. Our job is to turn that moment into a movement.
We also celebrated a remarkable year of results. Our Business Development team closed 22 projects that will create 1,888 new jobs and generate more than $221 million in capital investment in Hillsborough County. We made significant progress in the first year of our Future Ready: Tampa Bay strategic action plan, advancing initiatives in business development, talent and place-based development. Our Make it Tampa Bay campaign reached new heights, generating over 100 million impressions and attracting nearly 190,000 website visitors. We strengthened our financial foundation through our successful Invest
in Impact campaign and showcased people whose lives have been changed through new career opportunities, innovative employers and community investment. One of the evening’s proudest moments was honoring Jason Woody, CEO of Lions World Vision Institute, with Tampa Electric’s Community Transformer Award for their extraordinary work restoring sight and improving lives around the world.
in Impact campaign and showcased people whose lives have been changed through new career opportunities, innovative employers and community investment. One of the evening’s proudest moments was honoring Jason Woody, CEO of Lions World Vision Institute, with Tampa Electric’s Community Transformer Award for their extraordinary work restoring sight and improving lives around the world.As we look ahead, I’m energized by the opportunities before us and grateful for the leadership that continues to move our organization forward. Archie Collins has been an exceptional Chair, trusted adviser and friend, and I couldn’t be more pleased to welcome Casey Ellison as our FY2027 Chair. Casey brings 
a passion for regional collaboration, thoughtful development and building a stronger economic future for all of Tampa Bay. With our Investors, elected officials and regional partners working together, we’re well positioned to accelerate our progress, attract new investment and create more pathways to prosperity. Our Annual Meeting was a powerful reminder that Tampa Bay’s success isn’t the work of any one organization. It’s the collective impact of people who believe in this community and are committed to making its future even brighter.
a passion for regional collaboration, thoughtful development and building a stronger economic future for all of Tampa Bay. With our Investors, elected officials and regional partners working together, we’re well positioned to accelerate our progress, attract new investment and create more pathways to prosperity. Our Annual Meeting was a powerful reminder that Tampa Bay’s success isn’t the work of any one organization. It’s the collective impact of people who believe in this community and are committed to making its future even brighter.Thank you for being a part of our journey and for all you do for Tampa Bay.
Craig
