Tampa Bay Economic Development Council celebrates big wins in challenging year

On October 29, nearly 500 business and community leaders from across Tampa Bay tuned in to a live stream of the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council’s virtual annual meeting.   While 2020 was a nail biter of a year, the Tampa Bay EDC still closed 20 new recruitment and business expansion projects—securing 2,650 new jobs and … Read more

Small businesses in times of COVID-19

Eight months into the COVID-19 pandemic small local businesses are slowly regaining their equilibrium with some time to reflect. Throughout the Tampa Bay area some positive constants have emerged through the upheavals. J. Mark Stroud, developer and founder of The Stroud Corporation, says there is a widening national appeal for Florida’s year-round outdoor lifestyle and … Read more

Keeping it real: ACS sustains its vibrant passion on virtual platforms

Zoom confined their images to rectangles, but the virtual meeting room could not contain their passion. The American Cancer Society’s Southwest Florida team recently gathered a dedicated group of Making Strides Against Breast Cancer leaders, from Naples to New Port Richey, to swap tips, gain inspiration and emotionally connect for the cause. The Zoom meeting … Read more

Shumaker Advisors talks about leading in a crisis

Navigating the coronavirus’ challenges underscores the importance of quality information, guidance and direction in making responsible and effective business decisions. A strong ethos of community service enables Shumaker Advisors Florida to deliver on all these elements, demonstrating how strong government and business relationships facilitate solving complex problems. “In every crisis or emergency, there’s opportunity,” says … Read more

Geoff Dyer is ‘Crunch’-ing business goals

By mid-April, top Crunch Fitness franchisee Geoff Dyer was, like millions of other people nationwide, pining for gym life. He could picture it: The walk through the Crunch Fitness doorway, into a room with the latest updated equipment, Tampa Bay members working out alongside each other. A community of sweat and support with no coronavirus … Read more

Silver linings found during the COVID-19 pandemic

Settling into the long Florida summer, industries and individuals are still grappling with the new normal in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Even as our community, and business leaders, move forward with safety protocols for the re-emerging economy, families and companies are moving forward with positive lessons learned throughout the crisis. As John F. … Read more

Coronavirus is contagious, but so is compassion

As the economy grounded to a halt, many food-orientated businesses pivoted toward community service. Finding ways to feed hospital staff, people who lost their jobs and kids who suddenly couldn’t count on meals at school, all while offering take-out and delivery to keep some crucial cash coming in. Catering by the Family, in Tampa, was … Read more

The CARES Act fixes the “retail glitch”

The recently enacted Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act fixes the “retail glitch” and once again makes qualified improvement property eligible for bonus depreciation. Prior law required QIP placed in service after December 31, 2017 to use a 39-year tax life and the property was not eligible for bonus depreciation. The CARES Act … Read more