Hurricane Preparedness for Business: Protect Your Operations Before the Storm
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As the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season approaches, which is projected to have above-normal hurricane activity, businesses in Tallahassee-Leon County must prepare for potential storms before they strike. Hurricanes can cause widespread disruption, but with a solid preparedness plan in place, your business can weather the storm and recover more quickly.
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Why Hurricane Preparedness Matters
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Natural disasters like hurricanes can lead to property damage, power outages, supply chain interruptions, and extended closures—all of which can impact your bottom line. Taking proactive steps can minimize downtime and safeguard your employees, customers, and assets.
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Financial Empowerment & Community Impact with Katrina Tuggerson
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In this episode of Economic Vitality Unplugged, host Keith Bowers welcomes Katrina Tuggerson to discuss the Financial Empowerment Blueprint, a bold new initiative shaping economic opportunity in Tallahassee-Leon County. Katrina shares how the Capital City Chamber, in partnership with the Office of Economic Vitality, the City of Tallahassee, and Leon County Government, developed the Blueprint through the national CityStart program. The episode explores the unique collaboration that brought national resources to local solutions for historically underserved communities.
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Tallahassee-Leon County’s Cost of Living Remains Below National Average in Q1 2025
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When it comes to making informed decisions about relocation or business expansion, understanding the cost-of-living is essential. That’s why the Office of Economic Vitality (OEV) relies on the Cost of Living Index (COLI), a respected research tool published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER).
The COLI provides a reliable comparison of living costs across urban areas in the U.S., allowing OEV to accurately benchmark Tallahassee-Leon County against more than 250 other communities nationwide.
According to the Q1 2025 data, the Tallahassee metropolitan area posted an overall composite index of 94.3—meaning living here is approximately 5.7% more affordable than the national average. This index reflects a range of everyday expenses, including housing, groceries, healthcare, transportation, and more. It also serves as a valuable tool for individuals considering a move to the region and for businesses evaluating our competitive advantage.
With a lower-than-average cost of living and a high quality of life, Tallahassee-Leon County remains an attractive choice for both talent and investment.
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Origins of FSU and FAMU Students
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Student origin demographics for Florida State University (FSU) and Florida A&M University (FAMU) is based on the latest data from the State University System Board of Governors from Fall 2024. The numbers closely mirror trends we've seen in recent years: roughly 12–13% of the student population continues to come from the Tallahassee Metropolitan Area, demonstrating a steady local presence at our major universities.
Overall, about 77% of FSU and FAMU students are Florida residents. While the Tallahassee Metro Area contributes 12.5%, five counties—Broward, Miami-Dade, Hillsborough, Palm Beach, and Orange—collectively account for nearly 30% of all students. The remaining student body includes 16% from out of state and 7% from outside the U.S., showcasing the universities’ broad geographic appeal.
These insights were also highlighted in our 2020 DataTALKS video on graduate retention, underscoring the ongoing importance of understanding where our students come from—and where they may go after graduation.
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TaMaryn Waters
Tallahassee Democrat
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| City of Tallahassee
YouTube.com
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Upcoming Opportunities
from Our Partners
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Innovation and Libations @ Proof Brewing
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Join fellow entrepreneurs and creative thinkers for a relaxed evening of conversation, connection, and craft beer at Proof Brewing.
Thursday, June 19, 2025
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Proof Brewing Company
(1320 South Monroe Street)
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Optimizing Business Processes: Promoting Effiency and Cost Savings
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Enhance your business operations with proven strategies to streamline processes, reduce costs, and boost productivity. Gain insights into tools and techniques that support growth and sustainability.
Thursday, June 26, 2025
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
SBDC at FAMU (625 E. Tennessee Street)
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Read Past Issues of the OEV Newsletter Online!
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Delve into past issues of the OEV Newsletter to catch up on updates, insights, economic development initiatives, programs, and opportunities in Tallahassee-Leon County!
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