In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred broadcasts from the 2024 Florida Rural Economic Development Summit at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida. He sits down with Wes Hudgens, Lead Project Manager at Florida Power & Light’s (FPL) Office of Economic Development, to discuss FPL’s role in driving business growth across the state.

Wes shares insights into FPL’s innovative initiatives, including the 35 Mules incubator program and the WonderFL campaign, which aims to reshape perceptions of Florida by highlighting career opportunities and quality of life. The conversation also covers FPL’s commitment to supporting small businesses through valuable resources, partnerships with organizations like the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), and strategic programs designed to fuel economic development in Florida’s rural and urban communities. This podcast episode was recorded live at the Florida Rural Economic Development Summit hosted at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

Connect with Our Guest: Learn more about FPL’s Economic Development Programs

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred broadcasts from the 2024 Florida Rural Economic Development Summit at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida. He is joined by Erica Sittler, Account Director at MWB, a full-service marketing firm specializing in tourism, economic development, and healthcare.

Erica shares her journey in the marketing industry and her passion for supporting economic development in Florida’s rural communities. The discussion explores the opportunities and challenges these areas face, emphasizing the importance of strategic planning, infrastructure development, and long-term vision. Erica also highlights the growing appeal of small-town living—what she calls a "rural renaissance"—and how marketing plays a crucial role in attracting both talent and businesses to these communities. This podcast episode was recorded live at the Florida Rural Economic Development Summit hosted at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

Connect with Our Guest: Learn more about MWB

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred sits down with Rod Jaeger, owner and operator of DC Jaeger Corporation, at the 2024 Florida Rural Economic Development Summit held at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida. The discussion focuses on the vital role of workforce education and training in Florida’s rural communities.

Rod shares the history of DC Jaeger Corporation, founded by his father in 1957, and its evolution from serving the space industry to becoming a leader in vocational and workforce training. The company provides technical training equipment and curriculum to schools and colleges across Florida, supporting the resurgence of skilled trades education in high schools.

The conversation also highlights Florida’s commitment to workforce development by 2030, the innovative training programs at Indian River State College, and how Rod’s family business continues to grow with the involvement of his two sons. The episode concludes with insights on how workforce education is shaping Florida’s future and how businesses can connect with DC Jaeger Corporation. This podcast episode was recorded live at the Florida Rural Economic Development Summit hosted at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

Connect with Our Guest: Learn more about DC Jaeger Corporation

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred speaks with Rabi Sami, Economic Development Specialist for the City of West Palm Beach, at the 2024 Florida Chamber Future of Florida Forum in Orlando. Rabi shares his journey from real estate and workforce management to his current role in fostering business growth and economic development in one of Florida’s most dynamic cities.

The conversation highlights key development projects, including the Nora Development and the thriving business community in Northwood Village. Rabi also details the grants, incentives, and resources available to small business owners through the city’s economic development office. He emphasizes the essential role small businesses play in West Palm Beach’s economy and encourages entrepreneurs to take advantage of local support programs.

The episode wraps up with a call to action for listeners to visit West Palm Beach, experience its vibrant food scene, explore its parks, and attend its many local events. This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2024 Florida Chamber Future of Florida Forum hosted at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in Orlando, Florida. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

Connect with Our Guest: Learn more about the City of West Palm Beach Economic Development

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred sits down with David A. Armstrong, J.D., President of St. Thomas University, at the 2024 Florida Chamber Future of Florida Forum in Orlando. David shares his inspiring journey from a small business family to leading a university, emphasizing the critical role of education in workforce development and ethical leadership.

The conversation highlights St. Thomas University’s commitment to experiential learning, requiring students to complete internships, co-ops, or apprenticeships before graduation. David also discusses the university’s economic impact, its impressive graduate employment outcomes, and how higher education plays a key role in regional economic growth. This episode provides valuable insights into how businesses and educational institutions can collaborate to shape the future workforce. This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2024 Florida Chamber Future of Florida Forum hosted at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in Orlando, Florida. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

Connect with Our Guest: Learn more about St. Thomas University

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred speaks with Dr. Jennifer B. King, Senior Vice President of Workforce and Education at Bisk, during the 2024 Florida Chamber Future of Florida Forum. The conversation explores the rapidly evolving EdTech space and how Bisk is transforming corporate training and education through innovative online learning solutions.

Dr. King shares her extensive background in education and explains how Bisk helps businesses design and implement effective online training programs. She highlights the benefits of digital learning, the role of Bisk Amplified as a comprehensive education marketplace, and how investing in workforce development leads to employee retention and business growth. This episode provides valuable insights for small businesses looking to upskill their teams and stay competitive in a changing economy. This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2024 Florida Chamber Future of Florida Forum hosted at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in Orlando, Florida. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

Connect with Our Guest: Learn more about Bisk

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred, Regional Director of the Small Business Development Center at Indian River State College, speaks with Kevin Carr, CEO of FloridaMakes, at the 2024 Florida Chamber Future of Florida Forum. The discussion centers on the rapid growth and evolving landscape of Florida’s manufacturing sector.

Kevin shares his extensive background in manufacturing, from working with the Navy and the National Institute of Standards and Technology to establishing Florida’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) center. He highlights how Florida’s manufacturing industry has outpaced traditional manufacturing states in GDP growth and job creation, with a strong focus on high-tech and advanced manufacturing.

The conversation also explores how FloridaMakes partners with regional manufacturing associations to provide business advisory services and support to manufacturers statewide. Kevin emphasizes the critical role manufacturing plays in Florida’s economy and the need to continue fostering innovation and workforce development in this sector. This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2024 Florida Chamber Future of Florida Forum hosted at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in Orlando, Florida. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

Connect with Our Guest: Learn more about FloridaMakes

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred takes a deep dive into Florida’s affordable housing crisis with Heather Kasten, President and CEO of the Greater Sarasota Chamber, and Ashon Nesbitt, CEO of the Florida Housing Coalition. Recorded at the 2024 Florida Chamber Future of Florida Forum, this discussion sheds light on the growing burden of housing costs and its direct impact on businesses, particularly in employee recruitment and retention.

Heather and Ashon explore potential solutions, including zoning law changes to increase housing density, public-private partnerships, and innovative housing approaches such as container homes and 3D-printed houses. Both guests emphasize the need for creative thinking and collaboration to ensure Florida’s workforce has access to affordable, sustainable housing options. This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2024 Florida Chamber Future of Florida Forum hosted at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in Orlando, Florida. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

Connect with Our Guests: Learn more about the Greater Sarasota Chamber Learn more about the Florida Housing Coalition