OEV
Newsletter 

May 17, 2024

Small Business Recovery Resources Following North Florida Tornadoes

In the aftermath of the devastating North Florida tornadoes on May 10th, OEV is compiling a comprehensive list of small business recovery resources to assist those impacted. These resources will include information on financial aid, grants, loan programs, technical assistance, and other support services designed to help small businesses rebuild and thrive once again. View the list now at https://oevforbusiness.org/small-business-recovery-resources-following-the-north-florida-tornadoes/ and check back regularly for updates.

Tallahassee MSA Named Strongest Economy in the Nation by Area Development

The Tallahassee MSA was named the strongest economy in the Nation in the 2023 Leading Metro Locations report published in the Q4 2023 issue of Area Development magazine. Leading metro areas are poised for long-term growth and are often hubs of high-tech industry, where workers may benefit from an affordable cost of living. Area Development magazine has circulated since 1965 and has over 40,000 subscribers, primarily executives of large manufacturing companies and site selectors. 

City of Tallahassee Senior Center Groundbreaking

Tallahassee proudly broke ground on its second senior center located off Welaunee Boulevard. The new facility will offer expanded programs and activities for the rapidly growing population of active seniors, including educational classes, art programs, a double-size multipurpose gym, card games, and health opportunities. The Center, anticipated to be complete in 2025, has an estimated total cost of $25 million—of which roughly $5.7 million (or 23%) will be allocated to certified minority and women-owned firms.  

OEV Director Keith Bowers Featured on WCTV's The Usual Suspects

Director Bowers joined Sean Pittman for an engaging interview that shed light on strategic economic growth in Tallahassee-Leon County. Watch the full interview now for Keith's insights on public-private sector symbiosis and the workforce win that made the Amazon Robotics Fulfillment Center deal award-worthy.

Lively & TCC Recent Graduates Employed in Leon County

Each academic year, some 3,600 graduates complete degrees at Lively Technical College and Tallahassee Community College. Graduate retention averages around 30%, with about 17% found full-time employed in Leon County by the next Fall after graduation. 

TCC Graduate Retention Late

Lively Graduate Retention Rate

Notable News

A look at small businesses in the U.S.

Rebecca Leppert
Pew Research Center

Yes, Florida Is No. 1 in the Country for Education. Here’s Why.

Tim Smart
U.S. News & World Report 

Upcoming Opportunities
from Our Partners

Tallahassee Housing Authority Vendor Fair

Tallahassee Housing Authority Staff will be on-hand to provide direction on how your company can take advantage of their many opportunities to provide goods and services.  

Saturday, May 18
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Terrance Fregly Community Center

Power Hour: How to Showcase Your Culture and Recruit Talent in 2024

Highlight Your Work Culture and Improve Talent Recruitment!

Ruthann Campbell, Digital Marketing Manager, at Fiore Communications will present "Social Media Storytelling: How to Showcase Your Culture and Recruit Talent in 2024."

Session Take-A-Ways: (1) Gain skills to craft compelling narratives that resonate with candidates to ensure your organization stands out from the competition. (2) Learn the latest requirements for employment advertising on social platforms. (3) Gain practical recruitment tips that HR teams can implement right away.

Optimizing Business Processes: Promoting Efficiency and Cost Savings

This class discusses running your business and delivering value to your customers. The class will review how to optimize business processes to ensure that you are not 'stuck' in a cycle that prevents growth, development, and the active management of your business.   

‍June 26, 2024
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm

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!