Elevating Charlotte

Careers Are Built Here: Building Charlotte County’s Talent Pipeline Workforce development does not start when someone applies for a job. It starts much earlier, with early learning, childcare, career exposure, technical training, adult learners, employer partnerships, and clear pathways from learning to earning. In this episode of Cleared for Takeoff , Charlotte County Economic Development explore...

In this episode, Charlotte County Economic Development explores why workforce attraction is not only about bringing new talent into the community. It is also about building stronger pathways for the students, workers, and employers already here. The episode highlights how workforce development connects directly to economic development, business growth, and long-term competitiveness. It also points...

Government contracting can feel complicated, but it is often simpler than most businesses think. In this episode of Elevate Charlotte, I take you inside a recent Reverse Trade Show and break down key insights from Mark “On the Move’s” session on government contracting. From understanding how to clearly define what your business does, to creating a capability statement, to the importance of showing...

Here’s a clean, RSS-ready episode description that fits your tone and EDO positioning: Episode Description: Southwest Florida is seeing real growth in technology-related jobs, but what does it actually take to become a true tech economy? In this episode of Elevate Charlotte, we break down key insights from the SWFL Tech Pulse Forum, where leaders from industry, workforce development, education, an...

In Parts 1 and 2 we talked about why businesses struggle — not because of the product, but because of people, systems, and consistency. But that raises a bigger question. If running a business is this complex… how do owners actually succeed long-term? After attending a local leadership event in Punta Gorda featuring former McDonald’s USA President & CEO Ed Rensi, one thing became clear: busine...

In Part 1 we talked about mindset — that restaurants aren’t really food businesses, they’re people and experience businesses. But that leads to a bigger question. Why does a restaurant open strong, stay packed for a few months… and then slowly change? You’ve seen it. The place everyone recommended. The wait list. The excitement. Then six months later the service feels different, the experience is...

Everyone thinks a successful restaurant is about recipes. It isn’t. After attending a leadership event in Punta Gorda featuring former McDonald’s USA CEO Ed Rensi, Maria walked away with a completely different understanding of what actually determines whether a business succeeds or fails — and it had almost nothing to do with food. In Part 1 of this 3-part Elevate Charlotte series, we break down t...

In this episode of Elevate Charlotte , Mark Odell and Maria Vastola explore how businesses are planning for growth in an environment defined by uncertainty. From shifting supply chains and changing cost structures to workforce availability and long-term site selection decisions, the conversation focuses on how companies are adapting without overreacting. Rather than predicting policy outcomes, thi...

Florida is one of the fastest-growing economies in the nation — but what careers will fuel the next decade of opportunity? In this episode of The Deep Dive , we unpack the Florida Chamber Foundation’s new Top 30 High-Demand Careers (2032) report. From high-skill tech jobs to the essential trades that keep our state moving, we break down which roles are growing, what they pay, and the education or...

This episode dives into the real, unfiltered conversations from the FGCU Regional Workforce Roundtable. Powered by Elevate Charlotte, the discussion covers bold new strategies in data-driven education, work-based learning, early childhood readiness, adult workforce access, and regional collaboration. These five takeaways aren’t just ideas — they’re action plans for transforming how Southwest Flori...

In this special edition of the Cleared for Takeoff Podcast , Charlotte County business and education leaders come together for a powerful conversation on growth, innovation, and opportunity. Hosted by Kay Tracy , Director of the Charlotte County Economic Development Office , this live panel features insights from Dr. Eileen DeLuca (FGCU), Michael Ehrat (HCA Florida Fawcett Hospital), Mark Vianello...

Charlotte County Jazz Society at the Heart of Elevate Charlotte Charlotte County, Florida is a place where creativity, community, and business meet. In the first episode of Elevate Charlotte – Behind the Business , listeners were introduced to Jordan Aquila , President of the Charlotte County Jazz Society and leader of Buffalo Graphics. The conversation explored more than just business—it highligh...

In this episode of Elevate Charlotte , we sit down with Jordan, Charlotte County’s Economic Development Specialist. Jordan shares insights on how data, property analysis, and developer support play a vital role in shaping the county’s growth. From helping site selectors find the right locations to guiding projects that strengthen our economy, this conversation highlights the behind-the-scenes work...

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Brian Granstra, Director of Career and Technical Education, and Kay Tracy, Director of the Charlotte County Economic Development Office, to discuss the intersection of education and economic development in Charlotte County. Discover how their unified approach is creating a talent pipeline for high-paying jobs, benefiting students and businesses alike. Learn about th...

New Podcast Episode Drop: Hurricane Preparedness—Business Edition What’s your plan when the next storm hits? In our latest Elevate Charlotte episode, host Maria Vastola brings together voices from SBDC at FGCU, Charlotte County Emergency Management, Florida Commerce, CareerSource SWFL, United Way, and local chambers to talk about hurricane readiness—and why it’s a team effort. From emergency loans...

Florida isn’t just planning for the future of work—it’s building it now. In this solo episode of Elevate Charlotte , Maria Vastola shares key takeaways from the 2025 Learners to Earners Workforce Summit hosted by the Florida Chamber Foundation. From third-grade literacy to stackable credentials, from childcare access to AI-driven job forecasting, discover how Florida is flipping the script on work...

In this episode of Elevate Charlotte , we’re taking you inside SOF Week in Tampa with our very own Mark Odell, Business Retention & Expansion Manager, and Kristy Sisler, Strategic Engagement Specialist. Together, they represent Charlotte County’s bold approach to supporting our veterans, growing defense-aligned businesses, and forging partnerships that matter. Mark and Kristy share what it was...

In this episode of Elevating Charlotte , we’re excited to introduce Kristy Sisler , one of the newest faces on the Charlotte County Economic Development team. Kristy shares her journey into economic development, her first impressions of Charlotte County, and what excites her most about helping businesses grow in our community. We’ll also dive into Kristy's recent trip to MRO Americas 2025 in Atlan...

Discover why Charlotte County, FL is becoming the next big move for manufacturers seeking location advantages, faster permitting, and real business support. Tune in to the latest episode of Elevating Charlotte to learn how we’re helping businesses take off.

Thinking about relocating your manufacturing business? In this episode of Elevating Charlotte , discover why Charlotte County, Florida, is quickly becoming the go-to destination for manufacturers seeking space to grow, faster timelines, and unmatched support.

Join host Maria Vastola, Marketing Manager for Charlotte County Economic Development, as she sits down with Business Retention and Expansion Manager Mark Odell to explore what’s fueling Charlotte County’s smart, sustainable growth. From attracting aerospace and manufacturing giants to strengthening the local workforce and supporting small businesses, this episode dives deep into the partnerships a...

In this episode, you’ll learn about: The strategic advantages of doing business in Charlotte County, FL How the County is addressing workforce housing, childcare, and transportation Local success stories from the business community How Charlotte County balances development with preserving its identity Why now is the time to invest in this growing Southwest Florida region

In this episode of Elevating Charlotte, we’re diving into an innovative approach to business networking that’s changing the game for local businesses—the Reverse Trade Show. Host Maria Vastola sits down with Mark Odell, Business Retention & Expansion Manager for Charlotte County, to explore how this unique event flips the traditional trade show model on its head. Instead of small businesses se...