Investor Spotlight: Lewis, Longman & Walker, P.A.
March 23, 2021
For over 25 years, the attorneys at Lewis, Longman & Walker have helped the individuals, businesses and governments that have shaped Florida’s future. LLW offers solutions to issues associated with complex local, state, and federal laws and regulations. LLW attorneys focus on the specific, technical and seemingly ever-changing areas of Environmental, Land Use, Legislative and Governmental Law. The LLW team is comprised of well-known and respected attorneys with the experience and skill to quickly resolve difficult legal challenges.
Lori E. H. Killinger, Executive Shareholder and Chair of Legislative, Lobbying and Governmental Affairs
Lori Killinger’s practice focuses on Legislative, Administrative and Governmental representation. She represents clients before legislative and executive branches of government, regulatory agencies at the state and local levels, the Florida Cabinet, and legislative and gubernatorial commissions.
Lewis, Longman and Walker are fairly new Investors of the EDC. Why do you feel it is important to support local economic development efforts?
The past year unfortunately presented almost every industry in Florida and across the country with difficult challenges. As a Floridian, and now a full-time resident of Tampa, I also saw the resilience and perseverance of our city’s entrepreneurs who took the opportunity to come up with innovative and productive ways to keep our local economy humming. We call Tampa home, and it is important that we do our part by encouraging visitors and residents alike to invest in our local businesses, our restaurants, and our cultural offerings that make us unique and adds to the richness of what the City of Tampa has to offer.
What is the number one thing that you believe will impact Tampa Bay’s competitiveness in the coming decade?
I believe that Tampa has an opportunity to continue growing its economy. We need to be laser-focused on companies and organizations in other states that are considering relocating their headquarters by getting to the front of the line. We have a great story to tell and need to show them what we have to offer as a city.
When you’re talking to friends or colleagues from outside the market, what do you tell them about the Tampa Bay market?
I would say: “Welcome to Florida, a business-friendly state that is open for business and that provides companies and organizations with an opportunity to grow.” Not only do we have a highly trained workforce, but we are also centrally located, have a superb healthcare system, up and coming leaders from our institutions of higher learning, a booming real estate market, professional sports teams, and a dynamic cultural and arts community. And, if that isn’t enough, our city is surrounded by miles of beautiful beaches, state parks and is a growing hub for eco-tourism.
What excites you most about Tampa’s future?
As a lobbyist who represents clients before Florida’s legislature and the executive branch, I am excited about the opportunities Tampa will have to showcase our community and the region. We are fortunate to have so many great elected leaders from right here in the Tampa area who support our great city. Afterall, Tampa is a dynamic player in Florida’s strong economic future.
