Tampa Bay Economic Development, Tourism and Chamber Organizations Release Back to Business Hillsborough Toolkit to Help Local Businesses Re-Open Safely
June 1, 2020
Toolkit was produced in response to the Economic Recovery Task Force Recommendations Report the three agencies delivered to Hillsborough County and City of Tampa elected officials
Tampa, Fla. – (June 1, 2020) – The Tampa Bay Economic Development Council (EDC), Tampa Bay Chamber, and Visit Tampa Bay have produced a toolkit designed to help local businesses re-open safely and restore employee and customer confidence. The Back to Business Hillsborough Toolkit is free and available for download from all three organizations’ web sites on their respective COVID-19 resources pages:
Tampa Bay EDC COVID-19 Resources
Tampa Bay Chamber Coronavirus Updates
Visit Tampa Bay COVID-19 Resources
In April, Hillsborough County and City of Tampa leaders asked the Tampa Bay EDC to convene an Economic Recovery Task Force comprised of business, academic, workforce, and community leaders to prepare recommendations for stimulating the recovery of our local economy, hiring dislocated workers, and assisting businesses affected by COVID-19-related circumstances. The toolkit was born out of one of the recommendations advanced by the working group co-chaired by Tampa Bay EDC President & CEO Craig Richard, Tampa Bay Chamber President & CEO Bob Rohrlack, and Visit Tampa Bay President & CEO Santiago C. Corrada.
“Our goal in producing the Back to Business Hillsborough toolkit is to provide local businesses with the resources they need to resume safe operation and restore both employee and consumer confidence,” said Craig J. Richard, president and CEO of the Tampa Bay EDC. “The toolkit includes practical guidance for planning a safe reopening during Phases 1 and 2 of the State of Florida’s Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step program as well as useful posters and checklists that business owners can print and display on their premises.”
“We’re proud to partner with the Tampa Bay EDC and Visit Tampa Bay on this toolkit that seeks to provide businesses with the necessary guidance and tips to opening safely and responsibly,” said Bob Rohrlack, presidents and CEO of the Tampa Bay Chamber. “We want to ensure that our business community feels supported and well equipped to reopen their businesses while following the guidelines set forth from government and healthcare entities.”
“The travel and hospitality sector plays a critical role in the recovery of our economy and workforce, supporting more than 50,000 jobs in 2019,” said Santiago C. Corrada, president and CEO of Visit Tampa Bay. “In creating this plan, it was important for us to ensure that our industry’s voice is heard loud and clear on this collaborative effort to retain and support local businesses. Tampa Bay’s local attractions, hotels, restaurants and retail spaces play an instrumental part in the success of Hillsborough County’s recovery.”
About the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council
The Tampa Bay Economic Development Council is the lead designated economic development agency for Hillsborough County and the cities of Tampa, Plant City and Temple Terrace. Established in 2009 as a partnership between the public sector and private corporate investors, the EDC works to develop and sustain a thriving local economy through the attraction, retention and expansion of high‐wage jobs and capital investment within targeted industry sectors, including Corporate Headquarters, Financial and Professional Services, Information Technology, Life Sciences, Defense and Security, Distribution and Logistics, and Manufacturing. The EDC exists because of the generous support of more than 100 corporations, Hillsborough County, and the cities of Tampa, Plant City and Temple Terrace. For more information, visit www.tampabayedc.com.
About the Tampa Bay Chamber
The Tampa Bay Chamber is committed to serving our members and enhancing our community by building business success. The Chamber provides a greater return on investment and involvement by providing innovative leadership, inside access, influential advocacy and increased opportunities. For more information on the Tampa Bay Chamber visit www.TampaBayChamber.com
About Visit Tampa Bay
The hip, urban heart of Florida’s Gulf coast beats in Tampa Bay. Visit Tampa Bay encourages adventurous travelers to unlock sun, fun and culture in Florida’s most diverse travel destination. The company is a not-for-profit corporation that works with more than 750 partners to tell the world the story of Tampa Bay. Treasure awaits. www.visittampabay.com.
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