Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Google takes seat on Tampa Bay Economic Development Council

In addition to its investment, the multinational tech giant has also donated $20,000 to the nonprofit Tampa Bay Economic Prosperity Foundation.


  • By Brian Hartz
  • | 3:00 p.m. May 18, 2023
  • | 2 Free Articles Remaining!
Unsplash.com
  • Tampa Bay-Lakeland
  • Share

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.

Ferguson, the release states, has deep ties to Florida. He’s a Palm Beach native who’s now based in Tampa, and he’s a graduate of Florida Gulf Coast University with a bachelor’s degree in political communication.

"Since moving to Tampa, I've experienced firsthand how Tampa's tech scene has flourished, attracting new jobs in high-growth fields," Ferguson states in the release. "Google is proud to support the Tampa Bay EDC and its partners in our continued efforts to help Tampa Bay job seekers, small businesses, and startups thrive and unlock opportunities for growth."

 

author

Brian Hartz

Brian Hartz holds a master’s degree in journalism from Indiana University and has been a St. Petersburg resident since 2013. He has also worked for newspapers and magazines in Indiana, Canada and New Zealand.

Latest News

×

Special Offer: Only $1 Per Week For 1 Year!

Your free article limit has been reached this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited digital access to our award-winning business news.
Join thousands of executives who rely on us for insights spanning Tampa Bay to Naples.