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Business trends for 2006

Economic development

Companies, retirees to provide push.

By KRIS HUNDLEY
Published January 8, 2006

A broader range of corporations will consider the Tampa bay area for relocation and expansion this year, though concerns about the quality of Florida schools will remain a major obstacle to completing deals.

Area economic development agencies will try not only to diversify the types of businesses being targeted, but also to pursue smaller companies than in the past. There will be renewed focus on capturing corporate headquarters for the region. And the push is on to get international companies to consider the advantages of putting an office in the area.

Meanwhile, the first wave of baby boomer retirees to Florida will help soften the blow of a slowing real estate market. And these new residents will generate their own economic boomlet of new businesses offering everything from eyeglasses to golf lessons.

While the region is busy touting its assets to new employers and residents, officials will be hard-pressed to manage the growth.

"One of the big challenges," said Kim Scheeler, president and chief executive of the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, "is how to continue to enjoy growth without having it strangle itself."

The area's growing population needs everything from water to schools to affordable housing to freeways free from gridlock. Look for increased pressure for regional collaboration on these issues in 2006.

One seemingly scarce resource - labor - has proved to be a nonissue. Thanks to a steady influx of new workers to Florida, the state has been able to pull off a neat parlor trick: It is enjoying continued growth and little pressure on wages despite having the nation's lowest unemployment rate.

[Last modified January 8, 2006, 11:16:03]