OEV
Newsletter 

January 9, 2026

From Bookshelves to Job Skills: The New Role of the Leon County Library System with Pamela Monroe

Libraries aren’t just for books anymore, and this episode of Economic Vitality Unplugged proves it! Host Keith Bowers sits down with Pamela Monroe, Director of Library Services for Leon County, to reveal how local libraries are helping residents gain job-ready skills, explore new careers, and turn ideas into action. From hands-on workforce training to career support and entrepreneurial resources, this conversation may completely change how you see your neighborhood library.

Whether you’re a job seeker, small business owner, employer, or lifelong learner, this episode highlights why libraries are becoming powerful engines of economic vitality across Tallahassee–Leon County.

Flight Taxis Signal New Opportunities for Tallahassee-Leon County

Florida is soaring into the future as the first state in the nation poised to launch commercial Advanced Air Mobility—flight taxis that will revolutionize how we travel. The country’s inaugural aerial test site is landing at FDOT’s SunTrax facility in early 2026, paving the way for initial flight routes connecting major cities before expanding statewide. This groundbreaking development is a game-changer for Tallahassee-Leon County. With Tallahassee International Airport already among the select participating airports, the stage is set for direct flights linking Tallahassee to Pensacola, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, and beyond. This bold leap puts Tallahassee-Leon County at the heart of Florida’s emerging “highways in the sky,” unlocking better regional connections, attracting aviation and manufacturing investments, fueling workforce growth, and solidifying the community’s status as a powerhouse economic and transportation hub for North Florida as these cutting-edge technologies take off.

2026 Power Forward Speaker Series featuring Marcus Lemonis

Get ready for the 12^th Power Forward Speaker Series, hosted by First Commerce Credit Union and FSU’s Division of Research! This year, Marcus Lemonis—entrepreneur, investor, and reality TV star—will take the stage at Ruby Diamond Concert Hall on January 27th at 3:30 p.m. He’ll share his 3 P’s® philosophy (People, Process, Product) and how it sparks real change.

Event sponsored by the Office of Economic Vitality

New FloridaCommerce Data Signals a Decade of Job Growth and Opportunity for Tallahassee-Leon County

Exciting new data from FloridaCommerce reveals a bright future for Tallahassee’s workforce. By 2033, the Tallahassee metro area is projected to experience a 7% surge in job opportunities, resulting in approximately 10,400 new positions. Leading the charge in job creation are Education and Health Services (3,700 new jobs), Professional and Business Services (2,300), and Leisure and Hospitality (2,100). Meanwhile, the Construction, Leisure and Hospitality, and Information sectors are set to experience the fastest growth rates—10.7%, 10.3%, and 9.8%, respectively—signaling a dynamic decade of expansion and opportunity for the region.

Notable News

FloridaCommerce, CareerSource Florida, VISIT FLORIDA and Florida Housing Finance Corporation Highlight Major 2025 Accomplishments

FloridaCommerce

Danfoss Turbocor debuts testing area for refrigeration producers

TaMaryn Waters
Tallahassee Democrat

Upcoming Opportunities
from Our Partners

Goal Setting for a Busy World Workshop

Feeling stretched thin and struggling to keep up with your goals? Goal Setting for a Busy World offers practical strategies to help busy adults refocus, prioritize, and move forward with confidence. Led by professional development trainer Dolores King, CPM, this interactive session focuses on real-world tools for personal productivity.

Saturday, January 10, 2026
11:00 AM at the Lake Jackson Branch Library (Find on GoogleMaps)

Save the Date for

WOW Jobs!

WOW Jobs connects high school seniors with local employers ready to hire. The event is designed for students interested in entering the workforce full-time after graduation, working part-time while in college, or starting an apprenticeship with a regional company.

Leading up to the event, WOW partners and schools provide participating seniors with extra support—including help creating resumes, practicing interview skills, and completing career readiness certifications like Florida Ready to Work.

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!