Florida, Tampa Bay Business Resources Join Forces At USF In Tampa

The University of South Florida (USF) is getting a new neighbor on its Tampa campus Labor Day weekend.

According to officials with USF CONNECT, the Florida Economic Development Council (FDEC) is moving to USF CONNECT's Research Park at 3802 Spectrum Boulevard. The move will bring two powerful business resources together in one location.

"The relocation will make it very easy to align what the university is doing with the goals of the FEDC and will provide a resource sharing opportunity," says Rod Casto, executive director of the USF Research Foundation, Inc.

USF CONNECT provides business support to technological businesses in the Tampa Bay region and throughout Florida. USF CONNECT's Research Park links research efforts with businesses in need of a research partner. The Tampa Bay Technology Incubator (TBTI) also is an integral part of USF CONNECT and provides quality office and lab space for biotech and life sciences research.

The Florida Economic Development Council provides economic development throughout the state, and serves as a primary resource for policy development, legislative updates, education, networking and professional advancement for more than 500 Florida professionals. The FEDC provides leadership, communications, peer recognition and networking. It is moving from Tallahassee to relocate to the Tampa campus.

The relocation brings the FEDC to a more central location, which facilitates its service to businesses throughout the state. It will also provide USF CONNECT and Tampa Bay businesses with convenient access to the FEDC and its services.

Writer: Missy Kavanaugh
Source: Rod Casto, USF Resarch Foundation, Inc.