The Orlando Economic Partnership (the Partnership) business development team traveled to New York City recently to sell executives and site location consultants on the benefits of doing business in the Orlando region. Over two days, the Partnership met with sixteen companies, including three active projects, to help move these companies closer to a decision.
“The Partnership’s business development missions are similar to trips that we arrange for our business – that is, we identify opportunities, develop relationships, and meet executives in their cities,” said Virgil Christian, Senior Director, Market Development and Collegiate Tennis at the United States Tennis Association (USTA). “The factors that made Orlando so attractive for our decision to relocate the USTA from New York to Orlando also resonates with many companies in various industries.”
Along with the business development team, several industry partners joined the mission to discuss Orlando’s unique attributes. Partner representatives included CBRE, Holland & Knight, Skanska, Tavistock Development Group, and USTA.
“Orlando’s cost of living, pro-business and talent rich environment is extremely attractive. Orlando can meet all of a company’s business needs, including transportation, workforce, and infrastructure, all for a fraction of the cost of operating in New York City,” said Glenn Adams, executive partner of Holland & Knight Orlando.
The mission generated four new business development leads and the Partnership will work aggressively to bring them to completion. The Partnership has already executed two missions in 2017, including a targeted mission in Silicon Valley in January.
“Sitting down in front of an executive to outline the region’s assets makes all the difference when it comes to encouraging companies to expand or locate in Orlando,” Bill Moss, Chair of the Business Development Committee. “When you have private sector business leaders helping to tell your story, it makes the message much more powerful.”