Tampa Bay EDC’s Adam Myers Wins 40 Under 40 Award in Economic Development

March 17, 2021

Adam Myers, Director, Business Development at the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council, has been announced as a recipient of the 2021 Economic Development 40 Under 40 Award, the biennial award recognizing rising stars under 40 years old in the economic development industry.

The awards program is hosted by Development Counsellors International (DCI), a New York-based integrated marketing firm that works with economic development and travel organizations around the globe, and Jorgenson Consulting, a leading national executive search firm serving organizations in non-profit, economic, and community development industries. An independent selection committee of six economic development professionals and site selection consultants evaluated a record-number of 200-plus nominees.

“This past year has demonstrated the importance of economic development in building and sustaining resilient communities,” said Julie Curtin, president of DCI’s economic development practice. “I’m especially impressed by the diverse perspectives and skillsets of this year’s winners as they lead communities to prioritize new ways of thinking, building inclusive and equitable economies, and bringing an attitude of fresh new ideas to the challenges in the industry. The economic development future is bright with these young leaders.”

“We are extremely proud of Adam for receiving this much-deserved honor,” said Craig Richard, President and CEO, Tampa Bay Economic Development Council. “Not only is Adam an exceptional project director who handles complex deals with ease and professionalism, he continuously lends his expertise and demonstrates leadership to help move our organization, local community, and industry forward.”

Myers joined the Tampa Bay EDC in 2014 and has since announced nearly 50 companies that have chosen Hillsborough County for a relocation or expansion. These projects represent more than $562 million in capital investment, nearly 5,000 new jobs, and 3,000 retained jobs. He has worked with such companies as CAE USA, North American Roofing, United Airlines, Drift and OPSWAT.

In 2020, Myers was promoted to Director of Business Development, where he now oversees and enhances the Tampa Bay EDC’s Business Recruitment and BRE programs. As an industry thought leader, Myers has worked with the Florida Economic Development Council on advocacy and competitiveness issues and strategies for economic recovery. Myers currently serves as Chair of Emerging Leaders of Tampa Bay, the premier young professional leadership development organization, which helps grow and retain talent in the Tampa community. Myers earned his bachelor’s from the University of West Florida, graduated from the University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute, and is currently studying to take the CEcD (Certified Economic Developers) exam in 2022 as the next step for growth and leadership in economic development.

“The economic development industry is in good hands with these rising leaders,” said Todd Jorgenson, managing director and principal of Jorgenson Consulting, Inc. “The communities they represent—from Tuxpan, Mexico to Covington, Kentucky to Québec, Canada—are fortunate to have the smart, innovative ideas of this year’s winners.”

DCI and Jorgenson officially announced the winners last night at a virtual awards reception held in conjunction with the International Economic Development Council Leadership Summit.

For more information on the 40 Under 40 awards program and this year’s winners, visit https://aboutdci.com/40under40/.

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