Media Relations
University of South Florida
Polytechnic
3433 Winter Lake Road
Lakeland, FL 33803
(863) 667-7077
Fax (863) 667-7097
:: Subscribe to eNews
:: Current
News
Archives 2007
:: Fall
2007
:: Summer 2007
:: Spring
2007
Archives 2006
:: Fall 2006
:: Summer 2006
:: Spring
2006
Archives 2005
:: Fall
2005
:: Summer
2005
:: Spring
2005
Archives 2004
:: Fall
2004
:: Summer
2004
:: Spring
2004
Archives 2003
:: Fall
2003
:: Summer
2003
:: Spring
2003
Archives 2002
:: Fall
2002
:: Summer
2002
::
Spring 2002
Archives 2001
:: Fall
2001
|
|
 |
Contact:
Tom Hagerty
(863)
667-7077
LAKELAND,
FL (February 21, 2008) - More than 100 regional leaders visited the University of South Florida Lakeland this morning for the Tampa Bay Partnership’s Chair’s Leadership Breakfast on the PCC/USF Lakeland campus. The Leadership Breakfast is held monthly, but today's event marked the first time it has been held in Polk County. According to TBP chairman Roy McCraw, "Today's turnout confirms that having the meeting here was a smart move. We will definitely be back."
In his opening remarks, Roy McCraw, chair of the Tampa Bay Partnership and regional president of Wachovia Bank, said, “I’m very optimistic about economic development in our region. We are in perhaps the most exciting area of the United States for development. The Tampa Bay Partnership aims to bring all attributes and advantages of the region together so we can grow and go forward.”
A former Lakelander, McCraw took pride in singling out Polk County leaders from the crowd by name. “This is a wonderful community, and it is good to be among friends,” he said later.
Rep. Seth McKeel, newly elected vice chair of the Bay Area Legislative Delegation, shared his views on this year’s legislative session and how the region can work together on advocacy to support its priorities.
Rep. Seth McKeel
"I see opportunities for legislative initiatives than can bring this area together," he said. "Transportation is the number-one focus of the Tampa Bay Partnership, and my vision is for a reliable commuter rail system connecting and uniting Tampa and Orlando."
Another high priority, said McKeel, is the new campus USF has planned for the intersection of I-4 and the Polk Parkway.
"This project is critical. It's going to be the most important economic development tool Polk County has ever had in its toolbox. This is truly a critical year in the Legislature, and I believe we're going to get it done."
USF Lakeland Vice President and CEO Marshall Goodman closed the meeting, thanking the audience for its continued commitment to economic development and an improved quality of life in the region.
In addition to leaders of TBP, the event included representatives of USF Lakeland, Polk Community College, at least seven area chambers of commerce, four economic development organizations, Lakeland Vision, Polk Vision and Leadership Polk and the Central Florida Regional Planning Council.
The Tampa Bay Partnership is a regional organization encompassing seven counties (Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk and Sarasota) and three metro areas (Tampa/St. Petersburg/Clearwater, Lakeland and Sarasota/Bradenton). Within that region the partnership works with its partners to market the region nationally and internationally, to conduct regional research and to coordinate efforts to influence business and government issues that impact economic growth and development. Recognized as a regional convener of leaders on regional economic development issues, the Tampa Bay Partnership is a non-profit organization supported by the financial commitments of over 150 private and public organizations. Polk County and its communities are active participants in myregion.org, a similar partnership serving Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Seminole and Volusia Counties.
|
|
