OEV
Newsletter 

February 6, 2026

Tallahassee-Leon County’s Economy
Is Building Momentum—and the Numbers Show It

Real progress rarely happens overnight. In Tallahassee-Leon County, that progress is becoming easier to see and national data shows we are moving in the right direction.

Independent rankings that track jobs, workforce strength, and market potential all point to the same conclusion: Tallahassee-Leon County is building a solid foundation for long-term success. At the Office of Economic Vitality, we help drive that progress by supporting business expansion, coordinating partners, and strengthening the conditions that attract jobs and investment.

One widely used measure comes from Area Development’s 2025 Leading Metro Locations report, referenced by business leaders and site selectors to identify communities prepared for future growth. The report evaluates 949 metropolitan and micropolitan areas using 24 economic indicators and emphasizes three- and five-year trends, highlighting communities demonstrating steady, sustainable performance.

Local Businesses in Tallahassee: Discover New Features on LoveYourLocalTLH.com

If you’re searching for local businesses in Tallahassee, LoveYourLocalTLH.com just made it easier than ever to find, connect with, and support the small businesses that power our local economy! We’re excited to announce major website upgrades designed to improve the experience for both business owners and customers throughout Tallahassee and Leon County.

Whether you want to shop local, explore new services, or promote your business, these new tools help bring the community closer together.

Black History Month Spotlight: Steve Beasley’s Legacy of Leadership

This Black History Month, we’re proud to feature Steve Beasley, a lifelong Tallahassee leader whose career has blended entrepreneurship with deep community impact. After graduating from Florida A&M University, Beasley launched Beasley & Associates in 1965, building a successful photography and advertising business that led to founding influential local newspapers, including the Capital Hour and Capital Outlook. His business achievements laid the groundwork for decades of civic leadership, most notably as a co-founder and long-time President of the MLK Foundation of Florida, where he continues to advance Dr. King’s legacy by promoting charity, community leadership, and equality throughout the region. Beasley’s work has earned him recognition—such as the Key to the City and the 2023 Reggie L. Rolle Economic Development Champion of the Year—for his sustained contributions to community development, mentoring, and support for youth programs in Tallahassee’s Southside neighborhoods, making him a true example of business leadership in service to others.

Power Forward 2026: Putting People First

OEV was proud to sponsor the 2026 Power Forward Speaker Series, Tallahassee’s premier annual business event, which welcomed renowned entrepreneur and investor Marcus Lemonis.

Drawing from years of experience, Lemonis emphasized that sustainable growth starts with investing in people—employees, customers, and communities alike. His message reinforced a simple but powerful idea: when you lead with empathy, transparency, and trust, strong performance follows.

We were honored to support an event that aligned so closely with OEV’s values and sparked meaningful conversations about what effective leadership really looks like in 2026 and beyond.

Notable News

Florida’s Emerging Role in the Quantum Economy

The Quantum Insider 

Big Tech to Spend $650 Billion This Year as AI Race Intensifies

Matt Day, Annie Bang
Bloomberg

Upcoming Opportunities
from Our Partners

Women Wednesdays at Domi Station

A Midweek Meetup for Women Leaders, Women Doers & Women Supporters

Take a midweek break and celebrate community with a Galentine’s twist. This special edition of Women Wednesdays is all about connection, friendship, and a little fun! Women Wednesdays, presented by Domi Station and Tamarity Co., is our monthly meetup bringing together women leaders, women supporters, creatives, and founders for conversation, connection, and midday inspiration. Join Wednesday, February 11 from 12:00–1:30 PM at Domi Station for a relaxed coffee hour.

Planning Ahead for a Stronger Business Tomorrow

Successful small business owners don’t just plan for growth, they plan for continuity. Whether the future includes retirement, a leadership transition, or an unexpected life event, having a succession plan in place helps ensure your business stays stable and your intentions are honored. This session will explore smart, manageable ways to plan ahead, align legal and financial pieces, and create a clear path forward for owners, partners, and families so the business you built continues to work as intended.

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!