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CFDC Brings in Heavy Hitter for EconDev Forum Event to Share Strategic Secrets of Success

January 16, 2025 News

If you’re looking for guidance to being competitive in today’s business climate, the Central Florida Economic Development (CFDC) can offer insights as it hosts the 2025 EconDev Forum- “Being Competitive in Today’s Market.”  

EconDev Forum graphic

Gray Swoope, President/CEO of VisionFirst Advisors in Tallahassee, will share his expert insights and actionable strategies to help communities thrive in today’s fast-paced and competitive race to win economic development projects at the EconDev Forum.

“We are truly honored to have the preeminent economic development advisor in the Southeast joining us. Gray is the ultimate professional when it comes to economic development and site selection in multiple states,” said Dave Shepp, chairman of the CFDC Board and a lobbyist with The Southern Group, which has a strategic partnership with VisionFirst Advisors.  

The EconDev Forum is a free event designed for those passionate about fostering innovation, growth and resilience in our region. If you’re interested in attending this “unique opportunity to connect with industry leaders, exchange ideas and position yourself for success in an ever-evolving market,” click here. The deadline to register is Jan. 31. 

About the EconDev Forum Speaker

CFDC President & CEO Sean Malott said Swoope has a proven track record. He is the man former Governor Rick Scott hired to put Florida on the map for economic projects.  

“It was a time when Florida was not seen as an ideal location for manufacturing and similar industries,” he said. “We were known more for tourism and people retiring here. Scott wanted to get more aggressive in putting Florida on the map for business and industry, where they could be successful.” 

He’s excited to hear from Swoope, a dynamic speaker who served as executive director of the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) before working with Scott in Florida. During his time there he recruited several global corporations and was critical in recovery efforts following Hurricane Katrina.  

In Florida from 2011 to 2015, when he started VisionFirst Advisors, he was secretary of commerce and President/CEO of Enterprise Florida Inc. (EFI), a public/private economic development organization. 

“When he was with the state, Amazon, Hertz, Verizon and others relocated to Florida,” Shepp said. Those were only a few of the successes EFI had under his leadership. 

“Swoope being able to impart his knowledge to the CFDC membership will be helpful,” Shepp said. “He truly understands what it takes to attract businesses to states and regions. The benefit that will bring to our audience is being able to hear from a professional about what it takes, what those conversations need to be at the highest level for the county.”  

VisionFirst Advisors Working Nationally

Malott said Swoope and his team at VisionFirst Advisors work on projects throughout the country. “They are on the front lines of competitiveness issues for states, communities and companies. Their purpose is to tell us what you have to do to be competitive in today’s very competitive market.” 

Costs are higher and there are more economic factors in the world that are very relevant right now, Malott said. “It’s about what they are seeing today and how we need to be thinking as a community.”  

Attracting companies that add to the tax base and add higher-wage jobs benefits everyone in the county. “Keeping people closer to home and continuing to add to the tax base of Polk County helps with transportation, public schools and more. We have to be ready for those types of developments; that’s the high quality we want to see.” 

Polk has not been successful in attracting higher-wage projects that are going to need people with enhanced technology skills or office space because it is not a main metro, Malott said. “If Google is looking in Florida, they are not looking in Polk County. They are looking at Orlando, Tampa and Miami, and then maybe Jacksonville and Fort Lauderdale.”  

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