The gig economy is largely considered a collection of unaffiliated free spirits who find contract work in their communities or via platforms such as TaskRabbit, DoorDash, and ride-share apps. When even two to five years are required for entry-level jobs,…
The global platform economy “It takes a village.” This African proverb became popular in America in the 1970’s to inspire community involvement in raising families. It speaks to both the cost of bringing up a new generation, as well as…
People often wonder how successful executives reach heights most can only dream about, but there are some common traits among CEOs: grit and a growth mindset. In 2020, a long-term study was published by Daeun Park, et al., establishing a…
As the Digital Age makes way for the Intelligence Age and the rise of the metaverse, there are concerns over the amount of time the growing mind is spending soaking up blue lights, altering dopamine thresholds from rewiring the brain…
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Not all markets are growing. As new industries rise, others fall. Below is a data-driven look at industry contraction, job shedding, and economic transition across Northwest Florida. Methodology: Analysis by David Ekrut, Ph.D. Data were extracted from the Bureau of…
Northwest Florida is emerging as an under-recognized hub for coastal resilience expertise, anchored by engineering, environmental science, flood modeling, and civil infrastructure firms that serve both public agencies and private developers. The region’s unique geography, from the Forgotten Coast and…
After 17 years of production as a print magazine, our business journal will be predominately online. We will remain in print as special sections inside Tallahassee Magazine and Emerald Coast Magazine, as well as an annual release in winter. As…
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Some principles are so fundamental, they are accepted as law. Every action has an equal and opposite reaction in nature. An object in motion will remain in motion until external forces change the object’s trajectory. Heat will diffuse from a…
Diane Scholz has spent more than two decades advancing economic development across rural Florida. As the economic development director at the John Scott Dailey Florida Institute of Government at Florida State University, she works closely with the North Florida Economic…
After a 30-year career in politics, including serving as the chief of staff to former Florida Governor Jeb Bush and as a White House staffer under President George H.W. Bush, Sally Bradshaw stepped away from political life to pursue a…
Dr. Sherry Hartnett is a leader in workforce development, mentoring, and higher education. After a successful corporate career in marketing and executive leadership, she transitioned into academia at the University of West Florida, where she founded the Women in Leadership…
According to the U.S. Organ Donation & Transplantation System, more than 100,000 patients are awaiting organ transplantation, with roughly 16 people dying per day on the waiting list. Patients with advanced kidney disease make up approximately 87% of these cases.…
Monique Ellsworth serves as chief executive officer of Second Harvest of the Big Bend, leading regional hunger-relief efforts across North Florida with a focus on access, dignity, and long-term community well-being. Under her leadership, the organization navigated the heightened demands…
Sue Dick served as president and CEO of the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce for 25 years, becoming the first woman to lead the organization. Under her leadership, the chamber expanded programming, strengthened regional economic development efforts, launched workforce and…
Dana Brooks is managing partner and a shareholder at Fasig Brooks, where she combines her legal expertise with a deep commitment to advocacy and community service. A graduate of Florida State University (BSW, cum laude) and FSU College of Law…
Shantelle Dedicke is the founder of Frances Roy Agency, established in 2016 after a successful career in hospitality management and destination marketing. Known for her ability to uncover and elevate a brand’s authentic identity, she leads her agency with a…
Remembering our founding principles: Soon after the Articles of Confederation were enacted in 1777, debate arose over the balance of power between the states and the federal government. Federalists such as James Madison and Alexander Hamilton argued for a stronger…
Katrina Tuggerson is a transformational leader with more than 30 years of experience in higher education, community development, and economic empowerment. As president and CEO of the Capital City Chamber of Commerce, she revitalized the organization after a period of…
Tiffany Edwards is a nationally recognized leader in the vacation rental industry. She is the owner of Weatherby Consulting, overseeing operations for a multi-state portfolio of vacation and long-term rental properties, and the founder of Coletta Consulting, where she leads…
Jennifer Vigil, MPA, CDME, TMP, has built her career in public service with experience across municipal, county, and state government. A former gubernatorial appointee, she has worked in governance, finance, utilities, engineering, real estate, and tourism. Today, as president and…
Research and development in the Motor, Drive Systems & Magnetics (MDSM) affects all aspects of technology, from automation, robotics, and manufacturing to renewable energy, medical devices, and aerospace engineering, as well as electric vehicles and industrial equipment. Using statistics from…
Megan Fry is an attorney and shareholder with Clark Partington in Pensacola, where she has practiced for 17 years. She represents financial institutions, title insurance companies, and small businesses in commercial litigation, achieving outcomes that support both legal and strategic…
According to Fortune Business Insights, the global market for data analytics is currently valued at more than $348.21 billion and will grow to $961.89 by 2032. North America takes nearly one-third of that market share. By 2030, global data creation…
Kelly Jasen is the first female president and CEO of United Way Emerald Coast, stepping into the role in 2019. With nearly 15 years of nonprofit leadership experience, she has guided the organization through significant community challenges and growth, including…
Whether in the creative, academic, or health and data, technology is evolving at a rapid pace. Adaptability is crucial to innovators and the business minded. Thought leaders agree that the human element will remain a key component to solving problems,…
Diego Medone is the founder and CEO of Consulting IQ, a company offering AI-human hybrid consulting. Their digital ecosystem provides an all-in-one platform to help small and medium-sized businesses grow. Here, Medone provides insights from a leading voice and user…
It was Gandhi who said, “Live as if you were to die tomorrow; learn as if you were to live forever,” which is the philosophy of living a meaningful life of continuous learning. Today, people proudly brandish this quote on…
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Learning a new skill or trade can be daunting, but there’s a lot of money that goes into these pursuits. Despite 59.3% reporting difficulties being able to afford spending on their favorite hobby, data from a Self Financial survey shows…
Ignorance creates confidence. Knowledge breeds humility. This is the short version of the Dunning-Kruger Effect (see side bar). This is to say, experience has a way of beating humility into us. There is a growing disparity in the durable skills…
The word “scholar” originally came from Greek skholē, meaning “leisure, especially time spent on intellectual endeavors.” Scholarly pursuits are a cornerstone of Western civilization and a driving force for technological change and innovations in the global economy. However, our modern…
Generative AI appeared like a slow-moving tsunami, just a ripple on the horizon that concerned citizens watched with great interest. GPT-1 (Generative Pre-trained Transformer 1) was released in 2018 and was largely limited in scope, accuracy, and comprehensibility. Those keeping…
Living near the coast has many benefits. According to a study of more than 1.3 million participants by the journal of Environmental Health Perspectives, residing close to a large body of water reports an overall reduction in mortality by 12…
Global Demand for Digital CurrencyCryptocurrencies are growing in popularity as a decentralized global currency. The current global market cap is roughly $2.73 trillion, with an increasing number of merchants accepting cryptocurrencies as legal tender. Unlike physical monies, which can always…
Beyond having a great business model, products, goods, and services, all businesses require stable financial and asset management. With approximately 92 percent of global trade conducted electronically, there is a growing need for innovative solutions to banking needs. We briefly…
I have recently spoken with business owners and entrepreneurs concerned over the rising costs of imported raw materials—many of which, such as precious minerals, cannot be easily obtained domestically. This issue’s letter is a response to these worries—an opening volley…
Evolution is a necessary aspect of business. With a landscape of ever-changing technological advancements and innovative ways to conduct business, companies must adapt to survive to reach and retain clients and customers. Though this notion is far from new, forecasting…
There is an old adage by Confucius that says, “Choose a job you love, and you will never work a day in your life.” Arguably one of the most brilliant Eastern philosophers of all time, he lived during simpler times.…
Glen McDonald, president of Gulf Coast State College, has a keen mind for science, the heart of an educator and the acumen of an entrepreneur. But his greatest strength is his compassion for people. McDonald received a bachelor’s degree in…
Fusion research is generating excitement
More than a philosophy, it’s a discipline
FSU offices help researchers monetize inventions
FSU institute develops materials of the future
Although easily overlooked by most residents, research and technology are economic drivers in Tallahassee
