Collaboration is key to Tampa Bay EDC’s recognition as a top economic development organization
September 28, 2023
Earlier this month, three members of the Tampa Bay EDC’s senior management team and I were in Dallas for the International Economic Development Council’s (IEDC’s) annual conference. With more than 4,300 members, IEDC is the largest international membership organization serving economic developers. While there, the Tampa Bay EDC was recognized with IEDC’s Gold Economic Development Organization of the Year award in the large market category (500,000+ population), placing us among the top economic development organizations in the world. One of only 72 Accredited Economic Development Organizations (AEDOs) across the globe, the Tampa Bay EDC is also renowned among IEDC members as a thought leader and leading authority on economic development issues. Additionally, IEDC recognized the Tampa Bay EDC with a Silver Excellence Award for our innovative paid LinkedIn advertising campaign to recruit strategic growth area companies and talent to our market.
Nathan Ohle, president and CEO of IEDC, said that the Tampa Bay EDC’s “outstanding performance in strategic planning, organizational management and innovative placemaking, as well as its visionary leadership, make it one of the best economic development organizations among large markets in North America.” We are truly honored by this recognition from our industry peers.
The reasons for our success are simple, but not easy. Since my arrival here over seven years ago, our team has been laser-focused on strengthening collaboration with our Investors, partners, and local government, business and higher education leaders. We have worked closely with our economic development partners in Pinellas and Pasco counties to develop a robust international business recruitment and export sales organization, Global Tampa Bay, to showcase Tampa Bay’s business climate and talent assets to foreign direct investment prospects. Our consistent efforts and clear messaging have resulted in Tampa Bay becoming a top destination for target industry growth, high wage jobs, and a steady influx of new talent. None of this would have happened if our Investors, partners, community leadership and regional collaborators failed to work together as they have. This is a testament to the power of effective collaboration on the success our economy.
Commissioner Ken Hagan, Chair of the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners, captures what makes Tampa and Hillsborough County’s economic development efforts such a success: “Hillsborough County and the Tampa Bay EDC have been collaborating successfully on transformative projects since the organization’s inception. Our nationally renowned talent attraction campaign, Make it Tampa Bay, is just one example. Thanks to our joint efforts, Hillsborough County has become one of the fastest growing destinations in the country for tech talent and tops the list of places Generation Z graduates want to move to launch their careers.”
We are driven to succeed and maximize the potential of every aspect of our region’s economy. Thanks to your support and leadership, I am confident that we will.
Craig
