Google takes seat on Tampa Bay Economic Development Council

One of the biggest names in technology has joined the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council as a Chairman’s Council Investor, an investment level that also includes Florida Blue, BayCare Health System, Wells Fargo, UBS, Regions Bank and the Tampa Bay Lightning, Rays and Rowdies.

According to a news release, Taylor Ferguson, Google’s Southeast head of government affairs and public policy, will represent the company on the Tampa Bay EDC’s board of directors. Google has also donated $20,000 to Tampa Bay Economic Prosperity Foundation, a nonprofit affiliated with the Tampa Bay EDC that focuses on creating better career paths for residents.

“Thanks to this generous grant from Google, we can continue to promote short-term certificate and degree programs that lead to high-wage, high-demand career opportunities here in Tampa,” states Ken Atwater, president of Hillsborough Community College and chair of the Tampa Bay Economic Prosperity Foundation, in the release.