ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.(Jan. 25, 2018)- The St. Petersburg Area Economic Development Corporation, the organization responsible for the advancement of business recruitment, formation, expansion and retention of quality jobs and competitive businesses that will foster and maintain a diversified, year-round, and sustainable economy primarily for St. Petersburg, held its First Annual Shareholders Meeting at the Hilton St. Petersburg Carillon Park to celebrate the successes of its first year.
The St. Petersburg Area EDC, which was established November 2016 out of St. Petersburg’s Grow Smarter Strategy, closed five job creation projects that plan to create a total of 281 new jobs in St. Petersburg. In addition, the economic development organization participated in four out-of-market missions, hosted two consultant specific-events and launched a website, social media platforms and a digital marketing strategy to build awareness of St. Petersburg to a national audience.
Along with the EDC’s strategic business recruitment efforts, the St. Petersburg Area EDC held 135 local business visits that led to 21 business service projects and engaged with the Grow Smarter Strategy’s identified target industries of Life & Marine Sciences, Financial Services, Data Analytics, Specialized Manufacturing, and Creative Arts & Design, hosting roundtable events for three of these industries. The EDC also expanded its investor base and established procedures and committees to continue the organization’s future growth.
Over the course of 14 short months, DuBuque and his team laid a foundation and built the job creating organization from the ground up. In the coming year, the St. Petersburg Area EDC’s 2018 Strategic Plan highlights a focus in lead generation, awareness building, care & connection, contribution and organizational strength.
“We’re just getting started,” J.P. DuBuque, President, St. Petersburg Area EDC said. “I am proud of the work we’ve accomplished with our partners from the City, County, and across the bridge, but we have an aggressive work plan for 2018 to ensure our momentum continues.”
The EDC has nearly 50 investors and will soon launch a campaign to expand private investment funding and boost additional community involvement.
“It is critical to move our initiatives forward that will ensure the future vitality of the St. Petersburg area,” David Punzak, 2018 St. Petersburg Area EDC Chairman said. “I have not been this optimistic in a long time that our city is well positioned to compete for leading companies in our target industries.”
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About the St. Petersburg Economic Development Corporation
The St. Petersburg Area Economic Development Corporation is a partner in the Grow Smarter Strategy to create awareness of the business climate in St. Petersburg and to invigorate the growth of jobs in the target sectors of marine and life sciences, data analytics, financial and business services, specialized manufacturing and creative arts and design.
