OEV
Newsletter 

 October 26, 2023

Inaugural Worlds of Work  WOWS Community

The future of North Florida’s workforce shined bright last week as community stakeholders across industries came together for the first-ever Worlds of Work career expo. Better known as WoW, the two-day event highlighted a variety of professions, or “worlds,” that afforded local high school students a day-in-the-life experience of each. OEV, Career Source Capital Region, the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce, Lively Technical College, and Tallahassee Community College were presenting sponsors for the inaugural event.

Lively Technical College welcomed buses of eager 9th graders each morning, with WoW Varsity (10-12th grade) students on their heels Thursday afternoon for a self-guided tour of the worlds:

From bomb squad technology to therapy dogs and more, students engaged with a number of larger-than-life exhibits, and WOW Varsity participants who visited them all had the chance to win college scholarships! 

Sponsors and organizers celebrated the expo’s successful first year with a VIP breakfast at TCC’s student union Friday morning, with excitement for year two already in the air.

Amicus Brewing Ventures Opens in Downtown Tallahassee

Amicus Brewing Ventures, a vibrant addition to downtown Tallahassee, has recently opened its doors, offering a unique blend of craft brews in the historic Old City Waterworks building. 

As you know, Amicus was awarded Best Overall Brewery at the Tallahassee Beer Festival earlier this year. What you may not know is that they add to a strong group of advanced manufacturing in the beverage space—a flourishing industry sector in our community.

Last year, breweries in Leon County had a Gross Regional Product of $9.6 million with earnings of $2.1 million. Breweries also create jobs here in the community. There are approximately 65 brewery jobs in Leon County, with a projected job growth rate of 28% over the next five years. We look forward to Amicus driving these numbers even higher!

Celebrate National Women's Small Business Month

Find a Women-Owned Business

By backing women entrepreneurs, you contribute to bridging the gender gap in the business world, creating job opportunities, and encouraging innovation. Visit www.LoveYourLocalTLH.com today to find women-owned businesses!

MWSBE Academy VI:
Bid Estimating

Please join us for MWSBE Academy VI: Bid Estimating with the Construction Estimating Institute (CEI). This Academy will feature a two-part virtual series scheduled for Monday, November 6, and Monday, November 13, from 5:30 – 7:00 PM. 

This workshop will offer valuable information, learning experiences, and best practices from professionals in the construction industry. Contractors who excel in bid estimating are better positioned to thrive in the industry by delivering successful projects and building strong client relationships. Knowledge and skill in bid estimating enhances competitiveness, reduces risks, improves project planning, and ultimately contributes to the success and sustainability of construction projects and businesses.

This Academy is an opportunity to invest in your professional development, gain a competitive edge, and network with like-minded professionals. Learn how to navigate this foundational and multifaceted aspect of construction and excel in your projects!

Notable News

WOW Factor: North Florida career expo, and its $1 million employer investment, pays off

TaMaryn Waters
Tallahassee Democrat

Florida Ranks #1 in the Nation for Entrepreneurship

Governor Ron DeSantis
flgov.com

Upcoming Opportunities
from Our Partners

Juneau Subcontractor Open House

Network together at an open house hosted by Juneau Construction Company!

Juneau is looking for qualified trade partners to work with on the new construction of the Hub Tallahassee Off-Campus Student Housing project. The 366-unit structure will be 535,000 total square feet. This project offers trade opportunities including sitework, hybrid concrete/wood structure, interior buildout/finishes, exterior façade, and MEP systems.

Thursday, November 9, from 4:00 – 5:30 PM
Aloft Downtown Tallahassee, 200 N Monroe St., Tallahassee, FL 32301

Please register by 3 PM on Monday, November 6.

Impact Week 2023

November 13 – November 17

Step into the heart of Tallahassee at the Challenger Learning Center for Impact Week 2023 and experience our community's dynamic energy firsthand! With a lineup of workshops, panels, and provocative speakers, you'll have opportunities to network, engage, and collaborate with industry experts, business owners, entrepreneurs, and more.

Domi Pitch Event

Join Domi Station and sponsor, Challenger Learning Center, for a night of pitching from local entrepreneurs. The event will showcase six area entrepreneurs and their businesses. Our judge panel will choose the top three finalists who will take home both cash and in-kind prizes.

First Friday Happy Hour @ Domi Station

Join Domi Station on Friday, November 3, to enjoy drinks, food, and great conversations with the local community. 

Details:

Friday, November 3, from 5 PM – 7 PM
914 Railroad Ave. Tallahassee, FL 32310

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!