Tampa EDC Goes Global To Create Jobs

The Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Council (THEDC) has announced plans to create jobs through international and domestic initiatives. The goal is to stimulate job growth and boost the local economy. As part of this initiative, president and CEO of the Tampa Hillsborough EDC traveled to Germany to meet with international consultants and corporate leaders.

"The reason we chose to go to Germany first is because they have the 3^rd largest gross domestic product (GDP) in the world, and the largest in Europe," says Keith Norden, president and CEO of the Tampa Hillsborough EDC. "We have set up a two-year program where we will meet with corporate decision-makers about the possibilities of having a location in Tampa."

Norden says that the THEDC plans to set up similar programs with other counties including the United Kingdom, Canada and several Latin America countries. "We want to be proactive and recruit companies that are in line with our county's strategic plans," Norden says. "Instead of being reactive, we are setting up private funding that will allow us to have programming, and be proactive in our pursuit of recruiting international companies."

In addition to international initiatives, the THEDC is working on domestic projects as well. "We are increasing our domestic projects, seeking out-of-state companies that can grow and expand in the Tampa/Hillsborough area," Norden says.

While the economy has been challenging, Norden says that he is pleased with the work the Tampa Hillsborough EDC is doing. "We have closed 19 projects this year, with 1,500 jobs and we have more in the pipeline," Norden says. "We should have a very good 2011.''

Writer: Kimberly Patterson
Source: Keith Norden, Tampa HIllsbrogugh EDC