The statewide celebration, taking place February 11-15, aims to highlight economic developers’ contributions to job growth, investment and workforce development
Tampa, Fla. – (Feb. 7, 2019) – The Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation will participate in the inaugural Florida Economic Development Week, taking place February 11-15. The campaign, hosted by the Florida Economic Development Council (FEDC), will highlight the significant contributions that economic development programs and professionals have on Florida communities and families.
“Economic development in all its various disciplines is vital to Florida’s competitiveness and prosperity,” said Crystal Stiles, director of economic development for Florida Power & Light and chair of the FEDC. “Our goal for Economic Development Week is to raise Floridians’ awareness of the role economic developers play in helping local businesses to grow, bringing high-wage jobs and capital investment to communities across the state, and connecting industry and higher education to make sure that our workforce has the skills today’s employers require.”
During the week, the Tampa Hillsborough EDC plans to share videos, research stats, media coverage and testimonials on social media that depict the important role economic development plays in the Tampa Bay community. Blog posts aimed to educate local companies about the EDC’s research capabilities and business services such as permitting assistance, workforce training grants, and real estate availability will be shared on its website.
“We are fortunate in Tampa and Hillsborough County to have a collaborative environment where leaders from the government, academic and private sectors work together to propel the local economy and help companies thrive,” said Judy Genshaft, Ph.D., chair of the Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation and president of the University of South Florida System. “We look forward to highlighting some of our partners and success stories throughout the week.”
FEDC, the statewide association of Florida’s economic, workforce, and community developers, announced the inaugural campaign at a press conference held today in the Florida Capitol that included proclamation presentations recognizing Florida Economic Development Week.
“Sound economic development practice helped to pull our state out of the recession and propel us toward the thriving economy and low unemployment we are seeing today,” said Representative Fentrice Driskell (D) – District 63. “The economic development ecosystem that includes our academic institutions, workforce agencies and state and local governments must continue working together to ensure that Florida can maintain its edge in an increasingly competitive global economy.”
The Tampa Hillsborough EDC and FEDC, along with its 150 member organizations, representing close to 500 practitioners, will celebrate Florida Economic Development Week with proclamations, events, seminars, and social media campaigns. Follow @TampaEDC on Facebook, twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn, and look for the hashtag #FLEconDevWeek19 to keep up with the latest news and campaigns from around the state.
About the Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation
The Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation is the lead designated economic development agency for Hillsborough County and the cities of Tampa, Plant City and Temple Terrace. 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 Shared Services, Life Sciences, Defense and Security, and Manufacturing.
The Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation exists because of the generous support of over 100 corporations, Hillsborough County, and the cities of Tampa, Plant City and Temple Terrace. For more information, visit www.tampaedc.com.
About the Florida Economic Development Council
The Florida Economic Development Council (FEDC) is a membership-based not-for-profit (501c6) corporation whose 500+ members engage business and government leaders in key economic development initiatives that improve local communities and elevate Florida’s global competitiveness. Since 1964, FEDC has invested in the professional development of its members, advocacy for sound economic development programs and policy, and recognition of excellence among economic, workforce and community development individuals and organizations. Learn more at www.fedconline.org.
###