Stories

$1 Million SmartSteps Microloan Program Earns International Recognition for Economic Equity & Inclusion

September 20, 2022

The Office of Economic Vitality receives their first Gold Award at the 2022 International Economic Development Council Annual Conference for the SmartSteps Microloan Program TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) recognized the Tallahassee-Leon County Office of Economic Vitality (OEV) SmartSteps Microloan Program with a Gold Excellence in Economic Development Award for Economic […]

MWSBE Spotlight: Bannerman Landscape

August 23, 2022

Bannerman Landscape is a MWSBE Certified, women-owned business founded by Linda Hunkiar in 2008. They have over 25 years of industry experience in both commercial and residential landscaping. Their certified professional staff—including a FNGLA Certified Horticulturist; Florida Stormwater, Erosion, and Sedimentation Control Inspector; FNGLA Certified Landscape Technician; and ISA Certified Arborist—ensure all projects meet the […]

2021 Annual Economic Review

July 20, 2022

The Annual Economic Review is a one- and five-year retrospective of the 13 indicators featured in the quarterly economic dashboard. Annual data gives wider context than quarterly updates, enabling the evaluation of long-term strategic objectives. Whether an indicator is positive, negative, or neutral depends upon one’s perspective. Policymakers like tight labor markets more than employers […]

Amazon Selects Tallahassee-Leon County for a New Robotics Fulfillment Center

August 11, 2021

The 630,000 square-foot site is expected to open in 2022 and create over 1,000 full-time jobs Today, Amazon.com, Inc. announced plans to locate a new robotics fulfillment center in Leon County, Florida, creating more than 1,000 full-time jobs, paying a starting wage of at least $15 an hour with industry-leading benefits starting on day one […]

Upcoming Events
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May 5, 2026

Join us for the 43rd Annual Big Bend Regional Small Business Week—the region’s premier celebration of entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic development—from May 5 to 7, 2026. Hosted by the SBDC at FAMU, this three-day event brings together small business owners, corporate leaders, government agencies, and community stakeholders from across the nation. Expect inspiring speakers, valuable […]

May 13, 2026

The Economic Vitality Leadership Council is a 14-member advisory group that brings together business, public, and nonprofit leaders to assess Tallahassee-Leon County’s economic competitiveness, guide OEV’s strategic implementation, and recommend actions to the BPIA Board.