Global Tampa Bay’s mission: Expand markets and compete globally

By Janice Roman Credit : GMI Post

Global Tampa Bay (GTB), a cross-county partnership between the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council, Pinellas County Economic Development, and the Pasco Economic Development Council, is focused on promoting the Tampa Bay region globally as a top business destination.

In the last few years, Tampa Bay has become one of the more attractive places in the U.S. to live and work. To improve the business climate in the region, GTB’s strategies include increasing business and trade opportunities for local companies and attracting foreign direct investments to create jobs in Tampa Bay. To enhance its attractiveness, GTB partnered with Tampa International Airport, Port Tampa Bay, as well as federal, state and local agencies to improve access to global markets for businesses.

While the cost of living in the area is among the lowest in the country, Tampa Bay also offers very affordable labor costs, salaries, benefits, utilities, low federal, regional, and local taxes, as well as various tax exemption programs that will attract investors looking to relocate or expand operations.

Tampa Bay also has nearly 80 colleges, universities, and technical schools, including top-ranking institutions like the University of South Florida, University of Tampa, and Saint Leo University, which guarantees companies with a steady stream of highly-skilled employees.

GTB organizes trade missions to meet potential clients in search of more export opportunities. Working with the U.S. Department of Commerce, it facilitates meetings with exporters and grants state and local assistance to offset the cost to participants.

In the past years, the region has seen dynamic growth in financial and professional services, manufacturing, distribution and logistics, life sciences and healthcare, information technology, corporate headquarters, and defense and security.