Investor Spotlight: Laser Spine Institute
December 21, 2014
Laser Spine Institute has called Tampa Bay home since 2005. Headquartered here, Laser Spine Institute employs more than 700 health professionals at its regional surgical centers in Tampa, Scottsdale, Ariz., Philadelphia, Oklahoma City, and Houston. Their presence in Tampa continues to grow, as they break ground on their new corporate headquarters building and ambulatory surgery center in Avion Park on Thursday, December 11. With a new expansion and community initiatives in place, including Give & Grub, a food truck that donates one meal to those in need for every meal bought, Laser Spine Institute has shown that they are invested in making our community a great place to live and to do business.
President and COO Dotty Bollinger took a few minutes to sit down with us and share her experiences as a business leader in Tampa and Hillsborough County, as well as an Executive Committee member of the Tampa Hillsborough EDC.
In your view, what was the biggest win for Tampa and Hillsborough County in the past five years?
I think the job that Jeff Vinik has done—not only with the Tampa Bay Lightning franchise, but in his efforts to revitalize Channelside and downtown Tampa—has been incredible. Mr. Vinik has embraced the Tampa community wholeheartedly since his arrival, putting forth a plan to reinvigorate the heart of the city. This area is lucky to have him.
What motivated you to become an investor of the Tampa Hillsborough EDC?
Though we’ve expanded nationally over the years, Tampa will always be Laser Spine Institute’s home. We’ve always felt that it was important for us to align our organization with others locally who share our desire to innovate and grow, and the EDC is a perfect example.
Where do you derive the most benefit for yourself and your organization as an Investor of the EDC?
Through our association with the EDC, we’ve gained valuable access to some of the area’s most influential leaders, both in our industry and others. We’ve tapped EDC resources on a number of initiatives, including an economic impact study and the December 11th groundbreaking of our new corporate headquarters and ambulatory surgery center in Tampa’s Avion Park.
What makes Tampa and Hillsborough County such a great place to do business?
We’ve had the fortune of growing up right here in Tampa—and Tampa has grown along with us over the last decade, evolving into a national hub of health care innovation. Together, with some of the nation’s most respected leaders in health care, like Moffitt Cancer Center, USF Health and the annual MediFuture conference, we’re helping ensure that Tampa stakes its claim as the place where health care gets reinvented. At Laser Spine Institute, patient-centered care is a priority, and that emphasis extends beyond just how we treat patients in the operating room. The local hotels, restaurants and attractions that serve our visiting patients all help to enhance their experiences.
