Thanks to the “Tampa Economic Outlook” Webinar organized by IACCSE on September 10th, attendees from the US and Italy were pleased to learn that the Tampa Bay area has the favorable business climate companies need to thrive, and the high quality of life that people crave.

According to panelist Deborah Wilkinson—Executive Director of Tampa Bay Trade & Protocol Council—Tampa Bay is constantly hiring and leading the Florida job market. “I bet you didn’t know that!” said Wilkinson “Just during the Covid-19 pandemic,7 new companies opened in Tampa Bay, creating 1,500 new jobs”.

The area offers abundant opportunities to build and grow a career in several fast-growing industries, from financial services and IT to healthcare and manufacturing.

Lots of businesses find a welcoming community and institutional support in Tampa Bay. “We have a number of financial tools to help small businesses start, grow and internationally expand their operations” said Sandro Murtas—SBA Regional Export Finance Manager—who explained the different kinds of loans available to most companies with less than 500 employees.

But the area also excels in the tourism industry, both for its natural beauty and the choice of entertainment activities. “We look forward to host you here in fabulous Tampa” added Sherri Brown—Visit Tampa Bay Vice President of Multicultural Sales and Development—mentioning a number of attractions and world-class events in the Tampa’s calendar, like the 55th Super Bowl, scheduled for February 2021.

While many envision Florida as nothing more than a premier tourist destination, the State has a solid industrial backbone. “Clevertech moved its US Headquarters from Colorado to Florida years ago” said Giorgio Zanardi—General Manager of Clevertech North America—, “because of its cost-friendly business environment and the abundance of professional talent available”.

In an area where 130 national identities are represented, talent is just a by-product of diversity. And all diverse communities come together in Tampa Bay.

“We are at the beginning of our journey here” said Andrea Ronchini—COO of Casa del Gelato USA—, “and what happened with Covid-19 didn’t help, but the support we got from the US government and the Italian-American community is something we can only be thankful for.”