Economic Vitality Unplugged

Discover how creating a strong sense of place fuels economic growth in Tallahassee-Leon County. Host Keith Bowers sits down with Betsy Couch, Executive Director of the Knight Creative Communities Institute (KCCI) , to explore how placemaking transforms communities into destinations where people want to live, work, build businesses, and invest. From the iconic TLH letters and The Stacks project to...

This episode of Economic Vitality Unplugged features Ana Melendez, owner of A&E Wholesale of North Florida , discussing how her company supports over 1,200 convenience retailers through flexible distribution, local logistics, and strong relationships with small businesses. She shares insights on running a wholesale operation, navigating industry challenges such as rising fuel costs, leveraging...

In this episode, host Keith Bowers sits down with Pamela Monroe, Director of Library Services for Leon County, to explore how modern libraries are driving workforce development, entrepreneurship, and economic opportunity across Tallahassee–Leon County. Pamela explains how the Leon County Library System was reimagined through the Essential Libraries Initiative , a strategic plan adopted in 2021 tha...

In this episode, host Keith Bowers sits down with Bryan Gibson, founder of i2X Solutions , a Tallahassee-based tech consulting firm helping businesses turn ideas into action. Bryan shares how i2X bridges the gap between complex technology and real-world business needs through automation, cybersecurity, and hands-on support. With a people-first approach, i2X simplifies technology to strengthen orga...

This episode of Economic Vitality Unplugged features Jabaree Allen, founder of Phusion AI , discussing how artificial intelligence is transforming local business and workforce development in Tallahassee-Leon County. Allen shares his journey from growing up in Perry, Florida, and studying entrepreneurship at Florida State University to becoming an early tester of ChatGPT and launching his own AI co...

Host Keith Bowers, Director of the Office of Economic Vitality, interviews Dr. Susan Fiorito, founding Dean of the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship at Florida State University. Dr. Fiorito shares her personal journey from high school teacher and retail business owner to higher education leader, eventually helping establish the nation’s only stand-alone College of Entrepreneurship. She explain...

In this episode of Economic Vitality Unplugged , host Keith Bowers sits down with BJ Van Camp, Director of Lively Technical College , for a compelling conversation about the evolving landscape of workforce development in Tallahassee-Leon County.  BJ shares her personal journey from a lifelong passion for education to leading a workforce-focused institution. She shares her perspective on what makes...

In this episode of Economic Vitality Unplugged , host Keith Bowers sits down with Eddie Gonzalez Loumiet, Chairman and Co-founder of Ruvos , a Tallahassee-based health IT company with a national and global impact. Their conversation explores how data, technology, and healthcare intersect to create jobs, drive innovation, and improve public health systems. Eddie shares Ruvos’ incredible journey fro...

In this episode of Economic Vitality Unplugged , host Keith Bowers speaks with Ed Murray, Jr., president of NAI TALCOR , about the commercial real estate landscape in Tallahassee-Leon County. They discuss current trends in office, retail, and mixed-use developments as well as the overall economic health of the region. Ed shares his expert perspective on market stability, local investment, and grow...

In this episode of Economic Vitality Unplugged , host Keith Bowers sits down with Katrina Tuggerson, President of the Capital City Chamber of Commerce , for an inspiring conversation on the CityStart initiative and the creation of the Financial Empowerment Blueprint for Tallahassee-Leon County. Tuggerson shares her passion for closing equity gaps in access to capital, affordable housing, and finan...

In the inaugural episode of Economic Vitality Unplugged , host Keith Bowers and MagLab Director Dr. Kathleen Amm discuss how the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory contributes to research, education, and innovation in Tallahassee-Leon County. In addition to highlighting her personal journey and the lab’s global scientific leadership, Dr. Amm discusses several exciting initiatives that are sha...