Meet the Projects highlights seven companies and why they chose Tampa


June 15, 2018



From technology companies to a dairy processor, endurance sports to a specialty battery manufacturer, executives from seven companies that have either expanded or relocated to the Tampa area presented to THEDC Investors earlier this month at our semiannual “Meet the Projects” event.


During the event, executives explain in a five-minute format what their companies do, share why they chose Tampa and discuss how the EDC assisted them.

Here are some highlights about each of the presenting companies and why they chose Tampa:

  • Frank Recruitment Group, a multi-brand specialist global recruitment firm, chose Tampa for its sixth U.S. office. The company chose Tampa because not only is the East Coast a target area for its North American expansion plans, but it’s also an attractive place for their employees.
  • IRONMAN, operator of global endurance sporting events, had long been operating in Florida before it decided to relocate its corporate headquarters to Tampa in late 2017. One reason they love Tampa? Our awesome airport! But their employees are also enjoying the Tampa lifestyle and favorable cost of living and the company is also finding the talent it needs to support its growth.
  • Resistacap Energy Products, a custom battery manufacturer, announced last month that it will relocate its headquarters from Huntsville, Alabama to Hillsborough County. That decision may already be paying off as CEO Gary Bolohan said he expects to double the size of the company.
  • Through its strong partnership with the University of South Florida, Revature, a technology talent development company, hopes to place more technology jobs in the area. With eight employees currently training students at the USF Tampa campus, Senior VP Alan Coheley says they’re off to a great start in Tampa.
  • Saptuto, one of the top 10 dairy processors in the world, recently opened a plant in Plant City to help fuel its continued rapid growth. Jim Byam, plant manager, explained that THEDC is helping Saputo with workforce and training assistance.
  • USAA has been operating in Tampa for 45 years and continues to grow here with support from the local business community and Hillsborough County’s large population of veterans. When USAA was looking to expand its Tampa operations, it was THEDC that recommended building in East Tampa near Brandon. Fast forward a couple of years later, and USAA is about to double its footprint at that Crosstown facility and will add 1,000 more jobs!
  • Vendita, a global technology developer, relocated to Tampa from Ohio in 2017. Why Tampa? CEO Doug Sullinger said it’s all about the people and companies here. Tampa is a big city, but a small community where everyone does business together.


Meet the Projects was started as a casual way for presenters to meet THEDC Investors, celebrate their success, and find out how they might work together.

A big thank you goes out to our presenting sponsor Fifth Third Bank and our host venue, The Florida Aquarium, which kicked off the evening in a very adorable way. Pebbles, one of the Aquarium’s African penguins, greeted attendees and was loved by everyone as soon as he waddled into the room.

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