OEV
Newsletter 

February 19, 2024

Showcasing Tallahassee Innovation at the 2024 MDSM Conference

🧲🚀 The entrepreneurial spirit is magnetizing!

OEV's Business Development Team showcased why Tallahassee-Leon County is the Magnetic Capital of the World at the Motor, Drive Systems & Magnetics (MDSM) Conference in Orlando! They connected with industry experts, explored emerging technologies, and highlighted the incredible potential of our region for businesses engaged in magnetics technologies and applied sciences. 

OEV hosted a reception to close out Day 1 of the conference. During the festivities, Director Keith Bowers shared insights on Tallahassee-Leon County's approach to innovation and the common denominator in science and business. On Day 2 of the conference, we heard how local entrepreneur Jeff Whalen of MagCorp has made Tallahassee-Leon County a force field for accessible magnetics product development.

Thanks to all the trailblazers at #MDSM2024 for an electrifying ⚡ week!

Celebrate Black History Month with Us on Facebook!

Throughout February, we're shining a spotlight on some of the incredible black business leaders in our community. Join us on Facebook as we feature their inspiring stories, achievements, and contributions to our vibrant economy. 

We encourage our followers to actively engage with the featured posts by liking, commenting, and sharing. It's an opportunity to learn from the experiences of these remarkable individuals and show support for their endeavors.

At OEV, we're committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in the business community. By showcasing the achievements of black business leaders, we aim to celebrate diversity, promote equity, and inspire future generations to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.

Beyond Black History Month, we encourage ongoing support for black-owned businesses in our community. We can further empower and uplift black entrepreneurs by patronizing their establishments, collaborating on projects, and fostering mentorship opportunities.

Broadband Access is Growing in Leon County

OEV leads the Local Broadband Technology Planning Team’s (LTPT) efforts to

OEV and the LTPT have successfully obtained State and Federal dollars to this end. Most recently, the State has awarded $6.5 million to Comcast Cable Communications, LLC, to support broadband expansion projects in Leon County’s rural areas—with total project costs representing $15 million in new broadband investment over the next two years.  

OEV is the local lead for these efforts because of the importance broadband has with education and workforce development, business recruitment and retention, and business development and expansion, as well as the alignment with the Economic Development Strategic Plan and Targeted Industries (which include (1) Applied Sciences & Innovation, (2) Manufacturing & Transportation/Logistics, (3) Professional Services & Information Technology, and (4) Health Care). 

More detailed information will be presented at the Board of County Commissioners meeting on February 20. 

Out Now: Quarterly
Economic Dashboard

OEV is the #1 source for Tallahassee-Leon County economic information and data. Our team of expert analysts track, collect, and distill over 80 metrics—driving the information gathering and strategic planning efforts of businesses, ecosystem partners, and government offices throughout the Tallahassee Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Tallahassee Named Top
Black Employer

DiversityComm, Inc. has recognized the City of Tallahassee as a 2024 Top Black Employer of the Year!

Notable News

Danfoss Turbocor, Google to partner in use of AI to find energy-saving business solutions

TaMaryn Waters
Tallahassee Democrat

FAMU launches program with Apple to provide first-year students iPads, digital resources

Brianna Shaw
WCTV

Tallahassee International Airport Awarded Over $700 K Infrastructure Grant 

Talgov.com

Upcoming Opportunities
from Our Partners

Leap Into The Future Black History Celebration

Join us for the Leap Into The Future Black History Celebration, a collaboration between Working Class Wednesday (WCW), Loyalty Credit Union, and the Jim Moran Institute!

Leap Into The Future Black History Celebration 
Wednesday, February 28
6:00 –  9:00 pm
Tallahassee Nights Live Performing Arts Center
1533 S. Monroe Street.

Experience an ultimate networking evening with inspiring speakers like Talethia Edwards, Princess Ousley, and Darryl Jones, along with local artist performances and  youth entrepreneurs showcasing their products. Don’t miss out—let’s make history together as we leap into 2024! For vendor opportunities, call (850) 339-6191 or visit www.workingclasswednesday.com

Attend the 2024 Talent Innovation Summit

$45 Early Bird Rate Available Through February 19th

CareerSource Capital Region will host the 2024 Talent Innovation Summit on April 3rd from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm at the FSU Turnbull Conference Center. This premier regional conference is dedicated to transforming the workforce development landscape in the capital region. This year, the conference will focus on best practices for talent retention and growth—featuring two keynote speakers, a panel interview of subject matter experts, and services vendors from the Capital area. 

Click here to learn more about keynote speakers Jennifer Currence, MBA, SHRM-SCP, PCC, and Matthew Hemmerle, and panelists Allie Salyer, SHRM-CP, Blake Dowling, Miron Richardson , and Rachel Cone...and don’t miss that the ever-dynamic Paula DeBoles-Johnson, MPA, CCM will serve as emcee!

Talent Innovation Summit
Wednesday, April 3, 2024
8:30 AM - 2:30 PM
FSU Turnbull Conference Center

Growing Forward Business Resource Luncheon

Happening March 20th from 11:00 am to 1:30 pm. Whether you're planning to expand your business, upskill your team, or access valuable resources, this invite-only event is a great opportunity for you. To be considered for an invitation, please complete the application form below.

The event is invite-only to ensure attendees a more personalized and engaging experience. Not all applicants may receive an invitation to the event. However, we would like to encourage you to apply, and we will carefully consider all applications.

A CareerSource Capital Region staff member will follow up with a phone call to discuss resources CareerSource Capital Region or partners could provide for those who do not meet the minimum qualifications for the training grants. 

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!