ST. PETERSBURG, Florida (May 17, 2019)— Greater St. Petersburg Area EDC Investors gathered at Green Bench Brewing's newest tasting room for the organization's second investor-exclusive event of 2019.
The forum, sponsored by public relations and communications firm Tucker/Hall, featured Executive Vice President of Conway Inc. and Site Selection Magazine, Ron Starner, who shared his insights on the latest trends in site selection, economic development strategies, and entrepreneurship indicators.
Bill Carlson, newly elected member of the Tampa City Council and President of Tucker/Hall welcomes attendees and expresses his full support of the St. Pete EDC
The afternoon event kicked off with remarks from sponsor, Bill Carlson of Tucker/Hall, followed by a short presentation from Joe Hamilton and James Faison of The Mainframe—a Tampa-St. Pete-based initiative to support the growth of black technologists, professionals, innovators and entrepreneurs throughout Florida.
"This innovative program builds a community value chain where each participant derives benefit for their mission and Tampa Bay as a whole benefits from the cumulative increase to our talent pool and its diversity," Hamilton said.
James Faison, Founder of The Mainframe and Joe Hamilton, Co-Founder of St. Petersburg Group invite attendees to learn more about programs of The Mainframe
Prior to joining the group for a Q&A session, Starner, who currently resides in Atlanta with his wife and daughter, spent the day touring St. Pete and learning about the recent revitalization.
"The beauty of St. Pete is that you can actually choose a site where you want to live, whether you are the CEO or just starting out— the quality of life factor makes St. Pete really special," Starner said.
Starner shared his findings from the day and answered investor questions including the most important site selection decision-making factors and potential opportunities for improvement in St. Pete and in other communities.
"At the end of the day, it comes down to talent," Starner said. "St. Petersburg is in a really good place from an access to workforce standpoint with the strong USF system, Ringling, and others."
Starner referenced the most recent issue of Site Selection Magazine that highlights the strong business environment and entrepreneurial community in St. Pete.
View the latest issue of Site Selection Magazine here.
EDC President, J.P. DuBuque also provided brief organizational updates, including a comprehensive business development mission schedule, 2019 conference plans, and welcomed the EDC's recently hired Sales Development Associate.
To learn more about hosting an upcoming investor-exclusive event, contact Mallory McClellan, mmcclellan@stpeteedc.com.