OEV
Newsletter 

October 31, 2025

Building North Florida’s Future Workforce at WOW

Last week, OEV was proud to sponsor North Florida Worlds of Work (WOW), a dynamic, hands-on career exploration event that welcomed more than 3,000 ninth graders, teachers, and parents from across the region to Tallahassee State College and Lively Technical College.

Over the course of two incredible days, students explored 11 interactive industry “worlds” representing North Florida’s most in-demand and high-wage career sectors—from advanced manufacturing and healthcare to information technology, construction, and beyond. Each world offered real-world demonstrations, hands-on activities, and direct engagement with more than 100 local employers and educators.

This immersive experience helps students graduate with a plan, connecting what they learn in the classroom to tangible, high-growth career opportunities right here in our region. By linking talent development to industry needs, WOW directly supports OEV’s mission to strengthen the local economy through workforce alignment and business growth.

The event also featured Community WOW, a special session open to job seekers of all ages. Attendees explored new career pathways, connected with employers, and even participated in on-site interviews for internships, part-time, and full-time positions.

By helping connect education, industry, and opportunity, North Florida WOW is shaping the next generation of skilled talent that will power our economy for years to come!

OEV Invites Local Businesses to Join the 2025 Love Your Local Campaign

Celebrate and support the unique businesses that make Tallahassee-Leon County thrive.  

The Office of Economic Vitality (OEV) is inviting local business owners across Tallahassee-Leon County to participate in the 2025 Love Your Local campaign. This community initiative highlights the small businesses that define the heart and character of our community.  

Launched in 2018, Love Your Local encourages residents to support locally owned retailers, restaurants, and service providers throughout the holiday season and beyond. This year’s campaign features new promotional opportunities, updated business toolkits, and expanded media outreach through OEV’s digital and community channels.  

Small Business Spotlight:
Selrahc Termite & Pest, LLC 

Since 2021, Selrahc Termite & Pest, LLC has been a trusted name in pest control across Leon, Jefferson, Wakulla, and Gadsden Counties. Founded by Charles Peterson, a veteran and seasoned professional with over 14 years of industry experience, Selrahc is a family-owned business built on integrity, expertise, and a deep commitment to customer care.

“With 14 years of experience and a vision for raising the standard of service, I took the leap in 2021 to launch Selrahc Termite & Pest – turning my skills and dedication into a business that puts people first.” — Charles Peterson

In 2024, Selrahc Termite & Pest certified with OEV's Minority, Women, & Small Business Enterprise (MWSBE) Division, which has expanded their visibility and opened doors to new procurement opportunities. With over 200 satisfied customers and recognition as one of the top small, locally-owned pest control businesses on Google, Selrahc continues to grow while staying true to its mission: keeping homes safe and pest-free.

Through MWSBE certification, Charles hopes to build stronger partnerships, compete for government contracts, and deepen his company’s impact in the community. His advice to fellow entrepreneurs: 

“Stay consistent, stay visible, and keep your customers first.”

Selrahc Termite & Pest exemplifies the power of experience, service, and certification in driving small business success. Family-owned, Veteran-owned, Community-trusted.

 Vision to Venture: Local Entrepreneurship Journeys 

Celebrate National Entrepreneurship Month by connecting with local business owners and innovators at every stage of their journey. The event opens with a panel of entrepreneurs sharing real-world insights and lessons learned, followed by a lively resource fair featuring organizations in Leon County that support new business development. Attendees will also have the chance to meet with entrepreneurship experts one-on-one. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to grow, this program will provide the tools and inspiration to help turn your vision into a venture.

Saturday, November 15, 2025
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Leon County Main Library 

Notable News

Tallahassee State College Named Entrepreneurial College of the Year by NACCE

Tallahassee Reports

FSU’s IGNITE Tallahassee Grand Opening celebrates innovation and entrepreneurship in North Florida

Logan Lowery
FSU News

Upcoming Opportunities
from Our Partners

TechTracks with IGNITE Tallahassee and Danfoss Turbocor®

See the impact of Innovation Park in action!

Ever want to know about what's happening over at Innovation Park? Wonder how companies are developing groundbreaking products right here in Tallahassee?

Hosted by the Innovation Park of Tallahassee, hear how industry partners and entrepreneur support systems grow a local innovation ecosystem. Learn about the needs of technology companies and how groundbreaking products come to market, then walk through two Innovation Park facilities that make it happen!

Start at the heart of invention—where early-stage ideas take root in lab spaces and are nurtured through incubator programs like IGNITE Tallahassee. Then, step into the world of advanced manufacturing with a behind-the-scenes look at Danfoss Turbocor®, a leading compressor technology corporation, and hear how their products evolve from concept to market. Attendees will gain a rare glimpse into how innovation grows beyond the lab into multinational operations.

Impact Week TLH: Nov 18 to Nov 20, 2025

Hosted at the Challenger Learning Center, this week-long event focuses on business development, collaboration, and growth. Targeting startups, small businesses, and nonprofits, Impact Week offers valuable networking opportunities and hands-on workshops covering essential business topics such as strategy, planning, exit, financial literacy, cybersecurity, digital marketing, creative services, AI and more.

Sponsored by the Office of Economic Vitality

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!