Forward, Even Faster: New Headquarters, Expansion Announcements Signal Robust 2015
January 22, 2015
The theme of last October’s annual meeting, “Fast Forward!,” may need some revision for 2015. This year, we’re moving forward, but even faster. In less than a month, we’ve already welcomed the headquarters of one of the world’s most venerated nonprofits, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, to Tampa. We announced the expansions of global lighting innovator SLV’s North American operations and booming national specialty and emergency veterinary medical provider BluePearl. We just published news about the relocation of wholesale RV parts and accessory supplier Cody Talbert Distribution’s headquarters to Plant City.
Oh, and did we mention that we were a finalist for the relocation of Mercedes Benz’ North American headquarters – the most coveted corporate relocation deal in America? The world – not just the nation – is taking a look at Tampa and Hillsborough County with fresh eyes. And they really like what they see here.
On December 31, BluePearl Veterinary Partners shared the news that it will invest more than $1 million in a new building on its campus and hire another 50 people, doubling its workforce at the headquarters. The new employees will support BluePearl’s rapidly expanding empire of specialty veterinary hospitals across the United States, which has grown to more than 40 hospitals with nearly 2000 employees in 14 states from the first hospital established in Tampa in 1996.
On January 7, former Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio, now the CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, made a triumphant return to the city, bringing the headquarters of the 110 year old nonprofit organization with operations in all 50 states and 12 countries back to her hometown. The event was especially meaningful for the Tampa Hillsborough EDC, since then-Mayor Iorio helped to create the organization more than five years ago.
Pam Iorio and Rick Homans sat down with the Tampa Bay Times to share the history and what the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America relocation means for our community. The story was picked up across the country, once again shedding valuable light on what we have to offer for relocating companies here in Tampa and Hillsborough County.
Watch highlights from the press conference, which drew more than 100 community leaders, Big Brothers Big Sisters supporters, and media from local television news coverage here.
Click here to view the clips.
This week we had two more exciting announcements to share. Germany-based SLV Lighting, a global provider of innovative, high-end, contemporary commercial and residential LED lighting, announced that it is dramatically expanding its North American headquarters in Tampa. The company is building a new 75,000 square foot headquarters facility north of Tampa International Airport, to be designed and built by R.R. Simmons Construction, at 6101 Johns Road. SLV purchased enough land for two expansions of the facility on the same property, signaling its commitment to stay in the community and grow over the long term. The new staff SLV is planning to hire will fill key accounting, engineering, training, purchasing, project management and other roles. This project will generate close to $9 million in capital investment in Hillsborough County and generate over 20 new, above Florida average wage jobs.
Tampa Bay Business Journal, German lighting distributor expanding North American HQ, doubling workforce in Tampa
Today, we are happy to announce a big win for Plant City. Cody Talbert Distribution, a fast-growing provider of parts, supplies, and technology solutions for RV dealers, service centers, and campgrounds, is relocating its headquarters to Plant City. The company is expected to hire up to 30 people to handle the demand for its technology solutions division, which helps RV dealers manage their parts and services business. The new headquarters location will also serve as the hub for Cody Talbert Distribution’s sales and distribution facilities in other parts of the United States. This project will generate $200,000 in capital investment for eastern Hillsborough County.
Tampa Bay Business Journal, Hillsborough lures RV supplier HQ from Kissimmee
More great expansion and relocation news is coming up for Tampa and Hillsborough County next month. Fasten your seat belts – we’re about to pick up some serious speed!
