OEV
Newsletter 

January 10, 2025

Tallahassee-Leon County to Welcome the 2025 Motor, Drive Systems & Magnetics (MDSM) Conference in February 

The Office of Economic Vitality (OEV) is excited to announce that Tallahassee-Leon County will host the 2025 Motor, Drive Systems & Magnetics (MDSM) Conference, taking place this February 18–20, at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center. This event attracts more than 400 industry experts, innovators, and decision-makers from across the world to explore advancements in magnetics, motor design, drive systems, and motion control technologies. The MDSM Conference caters to industries such as automotive, renewable energy, electronics, healthcare, and beyond—drawing global corporations like Apple, Google, Philips, Samsung, CITGO, Amazon, Ford, Toshiba, Toyota, Hyundai, and HP. Attendees have the opportunity to discuss the latest economic trends, cutting-edge materials, and technical innovations driving the future of these industries. 

Introducing OEV's New Podcast:

Economic Vitality Unplugged

Your Insider Look at Tallahassee-Leon County’s Economic Growth

The Office of Economic Vitality (OEV) podcast, Economic Vitality Unplugged, is coming soon! Designed for business leaders, entrepreneurs, and community stakeholders, this new series brings you expert insights on economic development, innovation, and opportunities shaping Tallahassee-Leon County.

Each episode will feature industry experts, local success stories, and emerging trends to keep you informed and engaged in our region’s economic future.

Stay tuned for updates!

Tallahassee MSA Exports Reach Record $315.6M in 2023

The International Trade Administration (ITA) recently released metro-level export data for 2023. For the Tallahassee Metro Statistical Area (MSA), exports in 2023 totaled $315.6M, which is a 35.3% increase from 2022. Exports in 2023 were the highest for the Tallahassee MSA in ITA’s records going back to 2005 (nominal dollars, not adjusted for inflation). Major sectors for 2023 were:

The remaining $96.6M was undisclosed due to confidentiality. Major destinations included: Asia, $130.3M; European Union, $91.3M; South America, $19.9M; and Africa, $0.6M.

Over the past decade, total merchandise exports from the Tallahassee MSA have grown by 81%, with an average annual growth rate of around 8%. 

Connect with Future Talent at the 2025 Leon Works Expo

Is your business looking to expand its workforce with skilled, motivated talent? The 2025 Leon Works Expo is the perfect opportunity to connect with high school students exploring careers in healthcare, IT, business, trades, and creative industries.

Taking place on April 25, 2025, at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center, this event allows employers to engage directly with students, showcase career pathways, and build a pipeline of future employees.

Secure your exhibitor spot today at and invest in tomorrow’s workforce! Learn more at LeonCountyFL.gov/LeonWorks 

Notable News

Tallahassee sparks buzz, snags magnetics industry conference for February 2025

TaMaryn Waters
Tallahassee Democrat

From hotels to housing, here are the developments to watch in 2025

TaMaryn Waters
Tallahassee Democrat

Working together for Florida's future economy and workforce | Opinion

Adrienne Johnston and Mark Wilson
Tallahassee Democrat

Upcoming Opportunities
from Our Partners

FloridaCommerce Announces an Additional $167 Million Available For Florida Small Business through the State Small Business Credit Initiative 2.0

Today, FloridaCommerce has announced an additional $167 million is available for Florida small business through the State Small Business Credit Initiative 2.0 (SSBCI). Since January 2023, Florida has provided more than $202 million in loans and venture capital investments to 149 small businesses, stimulating more than $769 million in private capital that has created or retained nearly 4,967 jobs for Floridians.

Selling to the Florida Public Sector: Executive Education for Entrepreneurs

The State of Florida's Fiscal year 2024/2025 budget is set to top $116 billion in spending. Further, Florida's combined state and local direct general expenditures were $192.4 billion in FY 2021. Selling to the Florida Public Sector provides a comprehensive guide to navigating the complex landscape of government contracts, procurement processes, and public sector sales strategies. 

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!