Tampa Bay EDC

Philip Morris International U.S. to Launch New Business Solutions Center, Creating 180 Jobs in Tampa Bay Area

Chris Turner — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 12:08:21 +0000

New business hub will advance U.S. operations and support company’s mission to deliver a smoke-free America by moving legal-age adults who smoke to better alternatives

Tampa, Fla. (March 17, 2026) – Today, Philip Morris International’s U.S. businesses (“PMI U.S.”) announced an investment of approximately $50 million in a new Business Solutions Center in Tampa, Florida. The Center will create approximately 180 direct and indirect high-skilled jobs and represents a pivotal expansion of PMI U.S. operations, consolidating key functions—business solutions, distribution operations, and customer service—into a single hub. This investment is designed to enhance operational efficiency across these functions and underscores PMI U.S.’s commitment to supporting Florida’s business community and broader economic development.

“Florida has proven to be an exceptional partner—offering a business-friendly environment, robust infrastructure, and a deep pool of highly skilled talent,” said Stacey Kennedy, CEO of PMI U.S. “Our new Business Solutions Center underscores PMI U.S.’s long-term commitment to investing in American communities and the people who power them. It reflects our determination to build strong, local teams across the country to advance our mission of delivering a smoke‑free America. The Tampa Bay area, in particular, stands out for its dynamic culture and quality of life—both essential to attracting and retaining the talented workforce that drives our innovation.”

The new Business Solutions Center will provide career opportunities across a wide range of skill levels, including finance, data engineering and analytics, information technology, project management, sales enablement, talent acquisition, people operations, and more. Career opportunities and benefits will be shared at uspmi.com/en/careers/.

“Philip Morris International’s decision to establish a new office here is a strong vote of confidence in our region’s dynamic economy, talented workforce, and thriving business environment,” said Dr. Bob Rohrlack, Tampa Bay Chamber President and CEO. “Investments like these contribute to the continued economic growth and global competitiveness of the Tampa Bay area. We look forward to seeing PMI U.S. become an active member of our business community and a valued partner in shaping the region’s future.”

Today’s announced investment includes capital expenditures for the build‑out of the new workspace and PMI U.S.’s 10‑year lease commitment for the site. Since 2022, PMI U.S. has invested more than $1 billion in American manufacturing, operational capabilities and people costs (through September 30, 2025) as it continues to grow its workforce of more than 3,000 employees. This includes a $600 million commitment to build a new ZYN nicotine pouch manufacturing facility in Aurora, CO; a $232 million expansion of its existing ZYN production site in Owensboro, KY; and more than $37 million to support expanded operations in its Wilson, NC manufacturing facility.

“Philip Morris International U.S.’s corporate philanthropy and community investment practices make the organization a perfect fit for Tampa,” said Craig J. Richard, CEcD, president and CEO of the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council. “When we recruit companies like PMI U.S. to our market, we engage their teams with business leaders whose companies have not only created jobs here but have invested in making Tampa Bay an even better place to live, work and raise a family. We look forward to assisting the PMI U.S. team as they settle into their Westshore offices and supporting their success in Hillsborough County.”

In addition to these major capital investments, PMI U.S. contributes meaningfully to communities across the country through philanthropy and civic partnerships. Since 2022, the company has provided approximately $35 million to national and local charities—supporting veterans organizations, economic empowerment initiatives, and disaster relief efforts—and recently made donations to the Wounded Veterans Relief Fund, Tampa Bay Thrives, Urban League of Broward County, Tampa Bay Area Chiefs of Police Foundation, and University of Florida’s Veterans and Servicemembers Legal Clinic, all nonprofits in Florida. These efforts represent only a portion of PMI U.S.’s broader commitment to America, which includes creating hundreds of jobs, constructing new and expanded manufacturing facilities, and engaging thousands of suppliers and vendors nationwide.

PMI U.S.’s new Business Solutions Center will be located at Highwoods Bay Center in the Westshore Business District at 5426 Bay Center Drive in Tampa, Florida.

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Black leadership’s role in Tampa Bay’s economic transformation

Kaylea Schule — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 15:07:11 +0000

In honor of Black History Month, I’m dedicating my column to a few of the many Black business and local government leaders who’ve been shaping Tampa and Hillsborough County’s economic success. These leaders are remarkable not only for being best in class in their roles, but for the innovative programs they’ve championed to bring about more equitable prosperity in the region.

Troy Taylor founded Coke Florida in Tampa in 2015. A little over a decade later, Coke Florida is one of the largest Black-owned businesses in the United States and employs thousands of Floridians statewide. In addition to creating jobs, Coke Florida has committed millions of dollars in higher education scholarship, job training and digital literacy programs and donated thousands of laptops and mobile devices to schools and nonprofits throughout Florida.

Since Dr. Ken Atwater arrived at Hillsborough College in 2010, he has led sustained growth in enrollment, program offerings, and institutional impact. HC has become one of the largest in the Florida College System, serving over 46,000 students across multiple campuses and centers and generating $1.3 billion in economic impact annually. Dr. Atwater is a champion of career pathways and workforce programs that give those who are not on traditional four-year degree journeys the best opportunities for good jobs in our market. The number of degrees and certificates HC awards annually has grown from 3,000 when he started to more than 8,000 per year today. A champion of economic development from his first day on the job, Dr. Atwater served as Chair of the EDC in FY2017 and has served as Chair of the Tampa Bay Economic Prosperity Foundation since 2019.

As CEO of Tampa International Airport, Michael Stephens is driving TPA’s largest expansion in nearly 20 years. The new Airside D terminal project will add 16 gates and a dedicated international arrivals facility. Under Stephens’ leadership, TPA is planning to meet demand from an expected population surge and rapidly rising domestic and international air travel over the next decade. Studies suggest the airport could handle over 40 million passengers once the expansion is completed, which positions us well for even greater foreign direct investment that will influence the EDC’s business attraction strategies.

Brian Butler’s impact in Tampa Bay extends beyond running a successful business — he’s helped shape the region’s business ecosystem, fostered public-private collaborations, advanced educational engagement, championed diversity in leadership, and strengthened community organizations through board service and civic participation. He is also a highly decorated combat veteran who served 22 years in the Army. The CEO of Vistra Communications, Brian founded the CEOs in Schools initiative to connect business leaders with Hillsborough County public school principals, fostering partnerships that deliver strategic thinking, mentorship, and resources to local K-12 education leaders. He has been recognized as Outstanding Leader of the Year from the Tampa Bay Chamber and SBA Minority-Owned Small Businessperson of the Year for Florida among his many awards.

AC4S Technologies’ CEO Hugh Campbell, who, like Butler, served in the Army, brought the leadership skills he honed during his military service to the board room. Hugh’s contributions to the Tampa Bay region include leadership in major regional business organizations such as the CEO Council and civic engagement in healthcare and education governance. His contributions are helping to shape the region’s economic development, workforce readiness, and community well-being.

USF graduate and VoltAir CEO Julius Davis built a successful locally headquartered engineering firm, engaged in economic development leadership, and now shapes the next generation of engineers as a member of the University of South Florida College of Engineering Advisory Board, which advises the College on strategic planning, program quality, and industry engagement. He serves as a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs and engineers in Tampa Bay.

Allen Greene II, co-founder of Envision Construction Services, is committed to “building people, not just buildings.” He invests in workforce development and training and supporting supplier diversity initiatives that give minority contractors a more prominent role in the evolution of Tampa and Hillsborough’s built environment.

We are honored to have the guidance and expertise of these individuals on the Tampa Bay EDC board and Investor team.

As I am fond of saying, economic development is a team sport. And I am thankful to have Dr. Cynthia Johnson and Bemetra Simmons on our regional leadership team.

Dr. Cynthia Johnson, Director of Pinellas County Economic Development, has been a driver of Pinellas County’s extraordinary growth over the past 25 years. She has been recognized repeatedly among Tampa Bay’s Power 100 and numerous other awards over the years. Cynthia and I, together with our colleague Bill Cronin of Pasco EDC, have been representing the welcoming, opportunity-rich Tampa Bay region to businesses across the world together for the past ten years via our Global Tampa Bay missions.

Finally, Bemetra Simmons, CEO of the Tampa Bay Partnership, has advanced major regional initiatives in housing, workforce, education, and economic competitiveness that have had measurable impacts on Tampa Bay’s growth and civic well-being. Thanks to her leadership, the Partnership is galvanizing communities across nine counties to tackle some of the most intractable issues facing West Coast Floridians today.

As someone who was welcomed into this incredibly diverse, vibrant, and friendly community with open arms nearly ten years ago, I am proud to see Tampa Bay flourishing precisely because it values the contributions of the broad mix of people who come here to pursue their dreams. And as someone who sells this market for a living, I can tell you, without a doubt, that’s the secret ingredient that has fueled our region’s rise.

Craig

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Tampa ranks #5 on site selectors’ top 10 U.S. headquarters cities list

Kaylea Schule — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 21:05:57 +0000

Our new year got off to a great start with the publication of Site Selection Magazine’s January issue, which included the results of its annual site selectors survey. Each year, dozens of the most influential site selection consultants in the country are polled to pick their best states for business climate, manufacturing projects, headquarters projects and more. And this was the first time in the history of the poll that Tampa made it into the top 10 headquarters city list, debuting at number five. How’s that for an auspicious beginning to 2026?

As longtime EDC Investors and followers know, our leadership has always wanted Tampa and Hillsborough County to be among the most sought-after locations in the country for headquarters operations. This ranking, coming six months after the Financial Times-Nikkei ranking of Tampa as the #1 city in the U.S. for foreign businesses to locate, is further evidence that we’ve leveled up to a whole new category as a business destination. And we’re just getting started.

We invited Ron Starner, executive vice president of Conway Data and Site Selection Magazine, to join our board earlier this month to share some more data that sheds light on Tampa’s snowballing progress (sorry, since the weather is actually forecasting snow in Florida this weekend – I couldn’t resist!). In addition to our exceptional and growing pool of diversely skilled talent, Tampa is still considered a great value. Our city has the third lowest annual operating costs of the top 25 head office markets in the world, according to Biz Costs – behind Milan and Hong Kong. We’re a better value than domestic competitors Charlotte, Dallas and Atlanta as well. Another metric Ron cited that struck a chord with our leaders was our economic strength. Mark Fruth of Policom has been tracking the economic strength of 384 U.S. Metropolitan areas for the past twenty years. He classifies economic strength as a market’s long-term tendency to grow both in size and quality. The rankings are determined by measuring the MSAs’ growth and consistency across 23 specific economic issues. In 2015, the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metro area ranked 132 out of 384 metros. In 2024, we ranked number 25. In the past five years alone, we leapfrogged 65 spots. No matter what ranking or study you refer to, the evidence of Tampa’s robust economic vitality is undeniable.

Our Investors and team are fired up and determined to accelerate our momentum this year. Tampa is a truly special place, thanks to the remarkable people who live here, love this community, and strive to make it better every day. As our Chair, Archie Collins, said to Ron at the board meeting, we’re going to work hard to make it to number one on that headquarters list. Buckle up – it’s going to be a busy year!

Craig

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GE HealthCare’s Allia™ Moveo is the first in Florida and only the third in the world

Kaylea Schule — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 19:00:11 +0000

Photo courtesy of Tampa General Hospital

Tampa General Hospital (TGH), in partnership with USF Health, hosted its annual TGH Innovation Week, Feb. 9-13, at TGH locations and throughout the Tampa Medical & Research District (TMRD).

On Day 4 of TGH Innovation Week, several members of the Tampa Bay EDC’s team joined fellow community leaders at the University of South Florida’s Center for Advanced Medical Learning and Simulation (CAMLS) within the Tampa Medical & Research District for a ribbon-cutting event of GE HealthCare’s Allia Moveo.

This milestone celebration marked the opening of the unique next-generation, image-guided therapy system designed to advance clinical precision and patient care. The partnership between Tampa General Hospital and USF Health further strengthens Tampa’s growing leadership in academic medicine and technology-enabled care.

USF Health now joins an exclusive group of institutions worldwide to install GE HealthCare’s Allia Moveo. This is the first in Florida and only the third in the world.

Together, in close partnership with USF Health and Tampa General Hospital, this collaboration shows what is possible when academic excellence, clinical expertise, and innovative technology come together.

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Investor Spotlight: BankUnited

Kaylea Schule — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 17:48:36 +0000

BankUnited, Inc., with total assets of $35.1 billion as of September 30, 2025, is the bank holding company of BankUnited, N.A., a national bank headquartered in Miami Lakes, Florida, with operations in Florida, New York, Dallas, Atlanta, Morristown, New Jersey, and Charlotte, North Carolina. BankUnited provides a full range of consumer and commercial banking products and services to individuals, small businesses, middle-market companies, large corporations, and institutions, and offers certain commercial lending and deposit products through national platforms. For additional information, call (877) 779-2265 or visit www.BankUnited.com. BankUnited can be found on Facebook at facebook.com/BankUnited.official, LinkedIn @BankUnited and on X @BankUnited.

Michael Del Rocco,
Senior Vice President, Corporate Banking

With nearly four decades of banking experience, Michael Del Rocco began his career at Barnett Bank in Miami, where he built a strong foundation in financial services and client relationship management. For the past ten years, he has been an integral part of BankUnited’s Corporate Banking team, serving clients throughout Jacksonville and Tampa.

In his current role as Corporate Banking Team Leader, Michael focuses on providing customized financial solutions that support the diverse needs and strategic objectives of his corporate clients. His deep industry knowledge, collaborative leadership style, and commitment to client success have made him a trusted advisor to businesses across the region.

Q&A with Michael Del Rocco

What ignited your interest in becoming an Investor with the Tampa Bay EDC?

BankUnited’s interest was sparked by a common goal, healthy economic conditions in the Tampa Bay market, which includes a growing and diverse roster of corporations, a robust labor market, and a business community united to make conducting business in the area as enjoyable as possible.

Since BankUnited is headquartered in Miami Lakes, Florida, what attracted BankUnited to the Tampa market?

As a bank headquartered in Florida, all major markets in the state are important to BankUnited’s success. Tampa’s population of middle market and large corporate businesses is sizable and growing. BankUnited’s track record of meeting the financial needs of corporations makes Tampa an ideal market for success.

What does the financial industry in Tampa look like to you five, even ten, years from now?

Larger, more diverse, and even more exciting than it is today.

With nearly four decades in banking, what has been a lasting practice of success you have seen over time?

In my experience, the most enduring key to success in banking has always been the strength of client relationships. Trust is built over time, and it begins with a deep understanding of each client’s business and knowing how they operate, what challenges they face and what goals they are working toward. When you truly know your clients and align your efforts with their long-term objectives, you become a trusted advisor and a partner in their growth.

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Investor Spotlight: The Straz Center for Performing Arts

Kaylea Schule — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 17:09:09 +0000

David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts (formerly Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center) opened its doors in July of 1987, and since that time has welcomed nearly 20 million guests while driving nearly $130 million into the local economy during a typical year.

One of the largest performing arts complexes in the country, the 335,000-square-foot Straz Center provides an environment for a wide variety of world-class events. It boasts one of the nation’s leading Broadway series and is nationally respected for producing grand opera, as well as presenting a wide variety of concerts, performances and events. Straz is home to the resident companies Opera Tampa and Jobsite Theater. In a typical season, more than 600,000 patrons attend 1,500+ events at Straz Center.

With the 2004 addition of Patel Conservatory, Straz Center added 45,000 square feet for its extensive arts education programs that serve nearly 65,000 students annually.

In early 2025, Straz Center broke ground on an $80 million, 170,000 square feet Master Plan expansion project. With completion expected in late 2027, the project ensures that Straz Center programs remain relevant and accessible for the growing Tampa Bay community.

For more information about the Straz Center, Opera Tampa or Patel Conservatory, visit www.strazcenter.org.

Greg Holland,
President & CEO

An arts executive, theater administrator, revenue builder and dealmaker with more than 25 years of experience, Greg Holland became the president and CEO of the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts in October of 2022.

He came to Tampa’s performing arts center after serving as the president of Brown-Holland Entertainment which provided business development services for Nederlander Worldwide. Additionally, Holland was the chief operating officer for Lighthouse Immersive which aims to cultivate community and creativity through large-scale events and exhibitions of all art forms.

Q&A with Greg Holland

What motivated The Straz Center to become an Investor in the Tampa Bay EDC?

The Straz Center was built to be, among other things, a catalyst for the economic development of Central Tampa and Tampa Bay. We want to show community leaders that the Straz Center takes this commitment seriously. We want to be actively involved in growing business and development opportunities.

Since opening its doors in 1987, The Straz Center has welcomed nearly 20 million guests, making a significant contribution to Tampa’s local economy year after year. What impact do you anticipate the Straz’ master plan expansion project will have on Hillsborough County’s future economy?

Straz master plan expansion is expected to be a significant driver of Hillsborough County’s future economy by increasing tourism and visitor spending while building on the Straz’s current $140 million annual economic impact to generate sustained growth in jobs, revenue and the tax base. By activating the downtown riverfront, strengthening the hospitality sector and enhancing the county’s quality of life, the project will help attract and retain businesses, talent and investment. Over the long term, expanded arts education and creative infrastructure will support workforce readiness, innovation and economic resilience across the county.

Arts education is a critical part of the Straz’s mission to inspire, educate and connect the community through the power of shared performing arts experiences. How do you predict arts education will evolve at the Straz following the completion of the new Arts Education Center?

Following completion of the new arts education center, Straz will expand arts education offerings in both scale and depth, allowing the organization to serve more than the 84,986 students reached in FY25, with a significant increase in on-site learning beyond the current 10,399 students. The new three-story, 10,000-square-foot facility will provide additional studios, classrooms, and flexible spaces that support growing demand, enhance instructional quality and expand Straz’s arts and health programming.

What do you see as the Straz’s role or arts and culture’s role in making Tampa a top destination for business in the United States?

Straz Center plays a central role in making Tampa a top destination for business by serving as one of the city’s most visible and influential cultural anchors. Its national-caliber programming, arts education and community partnerships elevate Tampa’s profile among peer cities and contribute directly to the quality of life that businesses seek when choosing where to invest. By activating downtown, connecting to the Riverwalk and developing future-ready creative skills through education initiatives, Straz helps position Tampa as a culturally vibrant, economically competitive city built for long-term growth.

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Investor Spotlight: Gensler

Kaylea Schule — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 21:05:23 +0000

At Gensler, the value of our work stems from its positive impact on the human experience. We are a dynamic and collaborative design firm uniting creativity, research, and innovation to create impactful, cutting-edge solutions for our clients. Together, we are reimagining the cities, places, and experiences that impact people’s everyday lives. Founded in 1965, Gensler has built a team of 6,000 professionals who partner with clients in over 100 countries each year on projects that act as catalysts for growth. Everything we do is guided by our mission: to create a better world through the power of design.

Located in downtown Tampa, Gensler brings the best ideas from across the world coupled with incredible knowledge of the local market to provide personalized attention with creative, business-focused design solutions. We have created new identities, aspirational workplaces, and transformative adaptive re-use projects, all while finding new ways to enhance the way people live, work, play, and learn.

Sarah Joubert,
Principal and Managing Director

Sarah leads Gensler’s Tampa office as Principal and Co-Managing Director, delivering high-impact design solutions that align with client goals and business objectives. She sets the strategic direction for the office and guides multidisciplinary teams to define success metrics, activate specialized expertise, and execute projects with precision and excellence. With a deep understanding of client priorities, Sarah transforms complex challenges into actionable strategies that foster innovation, efficiency, and measurable outcomes. Her leadership is grounded in clarity, collaboration, and trust—building long-term partnerships and consistently elevating project performance.

Q&A with Sarah Joubert

Why did Gensler decide to become an Investor in the Tampa Bay EDC?

Our goals are inextricably linked. The Economic Development Council assembles our local business community to provide invaluable resources to companies looking to move to Hillsborough County. And as a firm, we’re eager to partner with companies in the private and public sectors to design incredible destinations and experiences, because we know it’s for the betterment of the city we call home. Gensler Tampa was founded 20 years ago, and the business community continues to champion our growth and success, so we were eager to pass that forward — to welcome and support the businesses taking root here.

Guided by Gensler’s mission of creating a better world through the power of design, how do you foresee the future of design in Tampa and Hillsborough County?

The EDC is committed to demonstrating that Tampa has something to offer everyone, and that’s a philosophy we share. Human-centered design will continue to support and bolster quality of life for Tampa residents and visitors, whether that’s for a residential tower, hotel, educational campus, or office headquarters. We’re lucky that the market is strong and there is a wealth of new development across industries. We can capitalize on this moment and momentum to design more connected communities.

Since many more professionals are now working in the office instead of from home, how does Gensler design a modern workspace?

Our strategy teams work with client decision-makers to understand what employees across all levels want and need from their workplaces. The workplaces of 2026 will be a blend of physical and digital: functional, social, and tech-equipped environments where employees can connect with each other to support their personal and professional development. We’ll continue to prioritize design solutions that engage employees and offer variety and options for people to collaborate and complete their best work. But most importantly, these spaces are designed with experience at the forefront: they are places that champion a company’s identity, where people can feel included, understood, and valued. We find that ultimately fosters a sense of pride and belonging within the organization.

With 6,000 professionals in over 100 countries, what would you say is the best attribute of Gensler’s cultural “people-first” philosophy?

Our people – our talent – are our greatest asset. Gensler likes to say we are a constellation of stars. And we think we demonstrate that in our projects: we’re often blending teams across practice areas, expertise, and offices to create exceptional spaces that put the human experience first. Our Tampa office is a mix of architects, designers, strategists, and administrative support who bridge local market knowledge and global insights to create one-of-a-kind design solutions for clients in Florida and beyond.

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Gratitude and Warm Wishes for a Joyful Holiday Season

Kaylea Schule — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 20:56:28 +0000

I experienced one of the great honors of my life last week at the University of South Florida’s Commencement ceremonies, when President Rhea Law and Provost Prasant Mohapatra presented me with the Distinguished Citizen Award. Receiving such prestigious recognition from my friend and mentor, Rhea Law, was overwhelming. As she retires from USF as its eighth president, I am in awe of her contributions to the entire region over the course of the last four decades. Rhea is one of the chief architects of USF’s rise to the top ranks of American research universities, beginning with her services as a student, an employee, a founding member of the Board of Trustees, and the first alumna to be named President. She has chaired and served on countless regional nonprofit and business leadership organization boards, including ours. She championed the EDC’s spinout from the Tampa Chamber in 2009. And she accomplished all of these extraordinary leadership feats while running some of the state’s top law firms as her day job. Legends like Rhea – whose vision and wisdom have shaped Tampa Bay’s growth – deserve more thanks than we can possibly give them. And there I stood on stage at commencement, with this incomparable woman honoring me. Humbling doesn’t begin to describe it.

Reflecting on 2025, I am reminded of how lucky we are to have so many people who truly love this community and have dedicated their time, talent and resources to making it an even better place to live, work and pursue your dreams. Here at the EDC, I’ve had the privilege of serving with our board for nearly ten years. A good number of our board members have been with us since the EDC’s earliest days, and their commitment and enthusiasm for our mission is just as strong today as it was when we were a startup. Along the way, we’ve added many new Investors who have helped shaped the EDC with their fresh perspectives and desire to engage and help shape the future of Tampa and Hillsborough County. Whenever I ask these leaders for help, the answer is always yes. My team and I rely on them, and they are always there for us. For that, we are truly grateful.

My warmest wishes to you and your families for holidays filled with joy and precious time with your loved ones and friends.

Sincerely,

Craig

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Investor Spotlight: Catalent

Kaylea Schule — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 16:58:15 +0000

Catalent, Inc. is a leading global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) championing the missions that help people live better and healthier lives. Every product that Catalent helps develop, manufacture and launch reflects its commitment to improve health outcomes around the world through its Patient First approach. Catalent provides unparalleled service to pharma, biotech and consumer health customers, delivering on their missions to transform lives. Catalent tailors end-to-end solutions to meet customers’ needs in all phases of development and manufacturing. With thousands of scientists and technicians and the latest technology platforms at more than 40 global sites, Catalent supplies billions of doses of life-enhancing and life-saving treatments for patients annually.

Trish Hunt,
Group Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer

Trish Hunt currently serves as Group Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer at Catalent, Inc., a leading global CDMO.

Since joining Catalent in 2011, Ms. Hunt has served in a variety of roles of increasing responsibility including VP, Business Development Nutritionals & Beauty; Global VP, Softgel & Oral Technologies; and President, Consumer Health.

In addition to her tenure at Catalent, Ms. Hunt has over 20 years of progressive operational and leadership experience holding various roles across different industries from Fortune 500 companies including The Disney Company and JPMorganChase.

Ms. Hunt holds a bachelor’s in hospitality management from Niagara University, and a master’s in organizational leadership from Pfeiffer University.

Q&A with Trish Hunt

Why does participating as an Investor in the Tampa Bay EDC make sense for Catalent?

Catalent champions the missions that matter—those that help people live better and healthier lives. Our strong presence in the Tampa Bay region reflects our commitment to innovation and growth, and investing in the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council (EDC) is a natural extension of that commitment. Tampa offers us a vibrant and growing healthcare and innovation hub, which allows us to easily expand capabilities, attract top talent, and drive advancements that improve patient outcomes. By supporting the EDC, Catalent helps strengthen the region as a hub for business, talent, and healthcare innovation. This investment will help build on the strong foundation established by the EDC and further enhance an ecosystem where life-changing therapies can thrive, benefiting patients and communities locally and globally.

Since Catalent currently has a catalog of 1,000 products, what is the pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical product that is the most unique?

Catalent partners with innovators of all sizes—biotech, pharma, and consumer health—to bring forward therapies that transform lives. Among the most unique are those developed for rare diseases, where treatment options are limited or nonexistent. Catalent supports pioneering programs such as gene therapies for rare diseases like Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and new mechanisms to treat cancer, which represent breakthroughs for patient populations with urgent unmet needs. These programs are enabled by Catalent’s advanced technologies and end-to-end expertise, which allow us to overcome complex development and manufacturing challenges. Our role as an innovator of delivery technologies and multi-modality manufacturing platforms ensures that bold ideas become therapies that matter.

What will Catalent’s presence in Tampa Bay look like a decade from now?

Catalent’s vision for Tampa Bay is one of continued growth and leadership. We see the region evolving into an even stronger healthcare and innovation hub, where Catalent will be at the forefront, strengthening our business, driving innovation, investing in our people – all with the goal of improving patient outcomes. Our commitment to the community and to our customers means we will continue to invest in infrastructure, technology, and people, ensuring that Tampa Bay remains integral to Catalent’s global network and to the future of health.

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Investor Spotlight: TD Bank

Kaylea Schule — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 22:35:26 +0000

TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank, is one of the 10 largest banks in the U.S. by assets, providing over 10 million customers with a full range of retail, small business and commercial banking products and services at more than 1,100 convenient locations throughout the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Metro D.C., the Carolinas and Florida. In addition, TD Auto Finance, a division of TD Bank, N.A., offers vehicle financing and dealer commercial services. TD Bank and its subsidiaries also offer customized private banking and wealth management services through TD Wealth®. TD Bank is headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J.

TD Bank is a subsidiary of The Toronto-Dominion Bank, a top 10 North American bank. The Toronto-Dominion Bank trades on the New York and Toronto stock exchanges under the ticker symbol “TD”. To learn more, visit www.td.com/us.

Lindsay August,
Regional Vice President, Greater Tampa Bay

Lindsay August is Regional Vice President of Greater Tampa Bay at TD Bank where she leads a team responsible for commercial and small business banking in the area. After graduating from the University of Florida, Lindsay moved to Tampa Bay where she has worked in banking for over 20 years, serving in various commercial lending, middle market, and credit analysis roles.

Outside of work, Lindsay volunteers with multiple nonprofits including the Tampa Jewish Community Centers & Federation, Tampa Bay Chamber, and Tampa Bay Economic Development Council. She also participated in Leadership Tampa and has received numerous awards including Tampa Bay Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 and the Tampa JCC Bobbe Karpay Women of Distinction Award.

Lindsay is married with two kids and enjoys traveling, going to the beach, reading, and spending time with friends and family in her spare time.

Q&A with Lindsay August

As the 10^th largest bank in the U.S. by assets, what is a key factor the drives TD Bank’s success?

TD Bank’s success is built upon meaningful relationships and an unwavering commitment to our clients. With 10 million retails clients and nearly 700,000 small business and commercial clients across our footprint from Maine to Florida, we deliver a differentiated level of client service. We are deeply embedded in our communities and always put the client first in everything we do. In addition, TD has a strong purpose-driven culture underscored by the tenure of our colleagues, with many having worked at the bank for decades.

How does TD Bank plan to grow over the next five years?

We have ambitious goals and plan to achieve them in myriad ways. The bank is reimagining our retail model with a focus on digital and mobile capabilities, accelerating commercial banking in partnership with our investment banking arm, TD Securities, deepening our Wealth business, and scaling the consumer asset portfolio. With a commitment to becoming an even simpler and faster organization, we are also focused on investing in our colleagues and bringing top talent to the organization.

Why did the TD Bank team decide to invest in the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council?

Economic development is critical to the future of Tampa Bay, and the EDC is at the forefront of this effort. As TD Bank continues to support and invest in the community, partnering with the EDC was a no-brainer. I love hearing from companies that recently relocated here about the positive experience they had working with the EDC, from introductions to business and civic leaders to navigating incentive opportunities.

Where do you see the financial industry headed in the next three years?

The financial industry will continue its digital transformation with more automated processes and mobile banking options to enhance efficiency. Like in all industries, AI will have a huge impact by improving the user experience and providing personalized services. Fraud will remain a challenge with firms perpetually investing heavily in cybersecurity. Lastly, it will be imperative to focus on the human element, because as Bob Burg taught us, people do business with those they know, like, and trust.

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