OEV
Newsletter 

March 6, 2026

MDSM Conference Returns to Tallahassee-Leon County, Catalyzing Innovation and Economic Growth

The Motor, Drive Systems & Magnetics (MDSM) Conference returned to Tallahassee-Leon County earlier this week. As the world’s premier technical conference and exhibition for motor design, drive systems, and magnetics, MDSM draws global leaders and innovators from sectors spanning automation, renewable energy, manufacturing, medical devices, and aerospace.

This year’s MDSM Conference welcomed over 250 participants and 36 exhibitors to the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center. Attendees engaged in keynotes, technical workshops, and networking sessions, and participated in exclusive tours of the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory and the Amazon Robotics Fulfillment Center. These hands-on experiences showcased Tallahassee’s advanced research assets and cutting-edge technology ecosystem, further cementing the city’s reputation as a center for innovation.

The economic impact extended across Tallahassee as hundreds of visitors boosted demand for hotels, restaurants, and local businesses. By facilitating direct connections between global decision-makers and the region’s leading institutions and workforce, this year’s conference accelerated new collaborations, potential investments, and long-term industry partnerships. The return of MDSM in 2026 highlights Tallahassee’s growing status on the global innovation stage and reflects the region’s ongoing commitment to attracting high-tech activity and supporting long-term economic growth.

Black Business Expo Tallahassee Continues to Expand Opportunity for Local Entrepreneurs

OEV is proud to support the continued growth of the Black Business Expo Tallahassee and Direct Connect Tallahassee, produced by Mega Ace Media. Now in its fifth year, the Expo has become a powerful platform for celebrating and supporting entrepreneurship in Tallahassee-Leon County. This year marked an important milestone, with the initiative surpassing $65,000 in grants awarded to local businesses since its inception—an investment that continues to help entrepreneurs expand operations, strengthen capacity, and grow their impact within the community.

Events like the Black Business Expo demonstrate the power of collaboration in driving economic opportunity. Partnerships among local government, established corporations, community organizations, and small businesses create pathways for entrepreneurs to access resources, build relationships, and pursue new opportunities. 

Celebrating Women Who Are Moving
Our Economy Forward

March is Women’s History Month, and at OEV we’re proud to spotlight the women helping shape the future of Tallahassee-Leon County’s economy. Through our Economic Vitality Unplugged podcast, we’ve had the opportunity to sit down with remarkable women—executives, innovators, and community leaders—who are supporting entrepreneurs, strengthening the talent pipeline, and creating new opportunities across our region. Their stories highlight the leadership, creativity, and determination that continue to move our community forward. This Women’s History Month, we celebrate their impact and invite you to listen, learn, and be inspired by the voices shaping the future of Tallahassee-Leon County!

Listen Now:

The Daily Flow: How Commuters Shape Tallahassee-Leon County’s Vibrant Workforce

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, OnTheMap Application and LEHD Origin-Destination Employment Statistics

Tallahassee-Leon County’s workforce tells a story of movement and connection. Every day, most people working in the metro area are also proud to call it home. But there’s a daily influx of commuters, tens of thousands, who travel in from nearby communities, adding energy and diversity to the city’s pulse. In 2025, Census data showed 196,532 workers in the region: 66% both lived and worked in Tallahassee-Leon County, while the other third commuted from outside. Out of all residents, nearly four out of five both live and work here, but about 21% head elsewhere for their jobs.

Notable News

Tallahassee workforce program expands training beyond culinary skills for people with disabilities

Brieanna Smith
WTXL

Tallahassee State College unveils $3.6M Innovation Hub designed to expand student learning 

Abraiya Ruffin
WCTV

Upcoming Opportunities
from Our Partners

Empowering the Whole Woman

On March 11th, the Capital City Chamber of Commerce is proud to host Empowering the Whole Woman, a speaker series in celebration of Women’s History Month. This event is designed to provide a meaningful platform for women in business to share insights and expertise on topics that support their overall well‑being—including financial, physical, and mental health. The featured health speakers include Dr. Andrea Friall and Heather Lincicome, who will offer valuable perspectives on women’s wellness.

Understanding Early Stage Fundraising Instruments and Incentive Equity Awards

Learn more about the various types of equity and equity-like instruments available when bringing early team members and seed investors into your start-up company.  This Lunch & Learn session will focus on understanding the vocabulary and key terms of common types of documents used in seed financing, including Simple Agreements for Future Equity (or SAFEs), convertible notes and preferred stock.  We will also cover the various types of incentive equity awards start-ups use to help recruit and retain talent, including option awards, profits interests, stock awards and phantom equity. Gain insights into how these agreements impact governance, fundraising strategy, founder dilution and team motivation. Perfect for founders, executives, angel investors and anyone looking to navigate equity-based compensation and investment structures with confidence.

Lunch provided, registration required.

Read Past Issues of the OEV Newsletter Online!

Delve into past issues of the OEV Newsletter to catch up on updates, insights, economic development initiatives, programs, and opportunities in Tallahassee-Leon County!