Make it Tampa Bay’s third new web site launches – and it’s the best ever
It’s been nearly eight years since the Make it Tampa Bay web site and campaign launched in September 2017. Since that time, this campaign – the brainchild of Hillsborough County Assistant County Administrator Ron Barton – has received numerous awards and recognition as a best practice in talent attraction initiatives. Thanks to our successful partnership with Visit […]
Guest Column: Tampa Bay EDC Engages in National Conversations on Capital Access Programs
Tony Brown, the EDC’s Vice President of Community Development, participated in two national conversations promoting capital access for underserved areas: (1) Opportunity Zones (QOZ) and (2) the CDFI Fund, US Dept. of Treasury. In each instance, Tony advocated that both programs are needed and reported that Tampa’s small business and low-income communities benefited by attracting […]
Tampa Bay EDC kicks off transformational strategic planning process
Six years ago, the EDC engaged nationally renowned consultancy TIP Strategies to help us shape a new three-year strategic plan. That plan, Opportunity Tampa Bay, positioned our market to capitalize on our formidable and growing talent pool, build upon unique strengths within our target industry sectors, and develop placemaking initiatives that would enhance our competitiveness […]
AVID / McAdams to Add 15 New Jobs in Tampa
Design and engineering firm has already expanded to 17,000 square foot space earlier this year and will continue to increase its national presence here Tampa, FL (July 8, 2025) – AVID / McAdams, a national full-service planning, design and engineering firm, has announced plans to add 15 new jobs by the end of this […]
IEDC’s Leadership Summit Takeaways: What Economic Developers around the country are focused on now
Earlier this week, I joined my peer economic development leaders from across the country to discuss the significant challenges and opportunities we’re facing in our respective regions at the International Economic Development Council’s Leadership Summit. While it would take far more than a column to do justice to these conversations, I’ve cherry-picked three items that […]
Tampa City Council paves the way for a new chapter in East Tampa
Last week, Tampa City Councilmembers unanimously approved entering into a ground lease with Opportunity Tampa Bay, Inc. (OTBI), which will allow OTBI to seek funding to develop a transformational Live Learn Development in East Tampa. The Live Learn Development, which includes the East Tampa Innovation Center (ETIC) and 117 units of affordable housing, will provide job training […]
Tampa Bay’s life sciences industry shines with UK trade delegation visit and TMRD launch
September marks the final month of our fiscal year, and in typical Tampa Bay EDC style, it was filled with activities that propelled us to a strong finish for FY2024. Together with our partners in Global Tampa Bay, we traveled to Vancouver with our Chair, Tampa International Airport CEO Joe Lopano, as well as City […]
Lazy Days of Summer? Not for Us!
This month marks my eighth anniversary as CEO and President of the Tampa Bay EDC. When I was hired in 2016, I was convinced that Tampa had almost everything it needed to make a quantum leap forward as a top US destination for business and talent. I thought it was one of the best kept […]
Tampa Bay Economic Prosperity Foundation Receives $100,000 from Truist Foundation for Inclusive Economic Growth Initiative
Donation will advance implementation of capital improvement projects in East Tampa Industrial District, spur investment in local businesses and help train and retain area workers Tampa, Fla. – (Sept. 25, 2023) – The Tampa Bay Economic Prosperity Foundation, a 501 c 3 affiliated organization of the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council, today announced that it […]
Google joins Tampa Bay EDC as Investor, makes donation to Tampa Bay Economic Prosperity Foundation
Taylor Ferguson, head of government affairs and public policy, will serve on the Tampa Bay EDC’s board of directors Tampa, Fla. (May 18, 2023) – Multinational technology company Google has joined the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council as a Chairman’s Council Investor. Taylor Ferguson, head of government affairs and public policy in the Southeast will […]