PLANT CITY, Fla. – (Nov. 18, 2022) – The Plant City Economic Development Corporation (PCEDC) is pleased to announce that Steve Morey, a seasoned veteran in economic development and financial services, has been named its new president and chief executive officer (CEO). In late December, Steve will replace Jake Austin, the PCEDC’s inaugural CEO who announced his resignation earlier this month.
“We are grateful for the significant contributions that Jake Austin has made over the last seven years – from multiple economic development projects and new jobs to more than doubling the original number of EDC investors and supporting millions in capital investment,” said Plant City Mayor Nate Kilton. “We are looking forward to building on that momentum with a new chapter of sustainable, long-term economic growth under Steve’s expert leadership.”
Since 2013, Steve has served in a variety of roles at the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council (TBEDC), with his most recent being the position of senior vice president, economic development. During his time with the TBEDC, they announced over 250 projects, over 33,000 jobs, and over $3 billion in new capital investment within Hillsborough County.
Since its inception in 2015, the PCEDC has been a steadfast advocate for the community with a focus on promoting and enhancing the workforce, attracting and retaining businesses, and creating jobs to fuel economic growth. Over just seven years, the PCEDC has helped create 4,000 jobs, attracted over $750,000,000 in capital investment, supported over 70 businesses expanding or relocating to Plant City, and has over 80 current investors.
“Steve is a proven, trusted and respected leader in economic development throughout the country, and we are thrilled to have him join our team,” said Karen Kerr, chair of the PCEDC and president of South Florida Baptist Hospital and Bartow Regional Medical Center. “He is uniquely positioned to hit the ground running, and also continue to sell Plant City as one of the best places in the country to do business. We are proud of the great progress our organization has accomplished for our community under the leadership of Jake Austin alongside our board and investors, and we look forward to our exciting next era under the veteran stewardship of Steve Morey.”
About PCEDC
The Plant City Economic Development Corporation is a public-private partnership between the City of Plant City and local private-sector investors. Our primary goal is to attract new businesses and facilitate expansions of existing companies in Plant City which create jobs and strengthen the local tax base.