In recent years, Tallahassee-Leon County has become a rising star in the economic development landscape of the Southeast. Alongside national recognition and impressive industry expansion, the city’s holistic approach continues to build a strong foundation for future growth. Under the strategic leadership of Keith Bowers, Director of the Tallahassee-Leon County Office of Economic Vitality (OEV), the region is forging a path defined by innovation, strategic partnerships, and a future-focused investment strategy.
A recent highlight was hosting the prestigious 2025 Motor, Drive Systems & Magnetics (MDSM) Conference, a significant step in establishing Tallahassee as the “Magnetic Capital of the World.”
The 2025 MDSM Conference, hosted by the OEV in February, marked a turning point in Tallahassee’s efforts to position itself as a global hub for magnetic technologies. Bowers and his team had been advocating for years to bring the event to Tallahassee, attending the conference annually in Orlando and forging strong relationships with participants and stakeholders.
“One of the things that we kept emphasizing was that Tallahassee and Leon County are home to the world’s largest and most powerful research magnet,” says Bowers. This magnet is housed at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, colloquially known as MagLab, located at Florida State University. The lab welcomes over 1,500 researchers annually from around the world, making it a nucleus of discovery and scientific collaboration.
The MDSM Conference provided a unique opportunity to showcase Tallahassee’s exceptional assets. Bowers notes that the event brought “decision makers, researchers, and corporate representatives” directly into contact with the region’s technological capabilities, including MagLab and key companies like Danfoss Turbocor Compressors. This synergy between research, academia, and industry helps build what Bowers refers to as “a pretty good business case” for companies looking to invest or relocate.
Indeed, this initiative is more than just hosting a conference; it’s a foundational step in building a dedicated industry cluster centered around magnetic technology. According to Bowers, “It aligns with our vision and our brand in Tallahassee-Leon County as the magnetic capital of the world,” and supports the long-term strategy of clustering research and development companies involved in applied sciences and magnetic science.
Recognition for these efforts has come from myriad respected sources—Tallahassee was recently ranked as the #4 overall metro location in the United States by Chmura Economics & Analytics, a comprehensive ranking that evaluated economic development activity and job creation, comparing metropolitan statistical areas across the nation.
When asked about the factors that led to this ranking, Bowers credits the “intentionality of the leadership” in Tallahassee and Leon County. He highlights the collaboration between local government and the business community as a major strength, explaining, “We have a very engaged business community. Our leadership both at the city and the county are very focused on economic vitality.”
This collaborative focus, combined with a highly educated population, sets Tallahassee apart. “Tallahassee is the most educated city in the state of Florida and #12 in the country,” Bowers points out. This educated workforce is a critical asset, especially for companies operating in STEM fields. He also emphasizes the region’s moderate cost of living, strong GDP growth, and expanding labor force as appealing factors for corporate decision-makers.
For companies exploring expansion or relocation, third-party recognition like the Chmura ranking provides a vital layer of validation. “Having a third party validate that for us is invaluable,” he says. “It has put us on the map and on the radar screen for a lot of decision-makers at the corporate level as well as the site selectors that they would hire.”
Tallahassee is not just attracting attention; it’s delivering results. The Chmura ranking and MDSM conference have accelerated growth in several key industries, particularly those aligned with the region’s strengths in research and development. “Applied sciences, professional services, software development, and skilled manufacturing are the cornerstone industries of our community,” says Bowers, noting that a targeted industry study helped the OEV prioritize sectors for business recruitment and expansion. Top priorities now include transportation and logistics, healthcare, IT and software, and applied sciences.
Bowers emphasizes the rapid growth of the healthcare sector in particular. “Healthcare is a growing industry. It is very dynamic, and it really leverages technology.” With Tallahassee’s strategic focus on quality-of-life assets and talent development, the region is well-positioned to support healthcare innovation and expansion.
The interconnection between industries and the academic ecosystem—especially Florida State University and Florida A&M University—plays a pivotal role in this expansion. These institutions not only fuel the local talent pipeline but also offer collaborative opportunities in R&D, training, and entrepreneurship. Bowers emphasizes that these universities serve as “anchors” for innovation, helping to commercialize research and launch startups that can grow locally.
Additionally, the city’s strategic location in the southeast U.S., with access to highways and ports, positions it well for growth in logistics and transportation, a sector increasingly driven by advanced technologies and efficient infrastructure planning.
Industry expansion is supported by available sites and infrastructure geared toward scalable, long-term growth. According to Bowers, the OEV maintains a “very robust toolkit of incentives” and provides both financial and technical support to companies. One major advantage is the public ownership of Tallahassee’s utility system. This allows for direct, real-time engagement with companies needing infrastructure upgrades, bypassing much of the bureaucracy that hinders investment in other cities. “We are able to bring people directly from that department to sit down and talk with those folks in real time. That increases our value proposition, and it speaks to the desire to continue to be a very business-friendly environment.”
Available sites across the region, from Innovation Park to industrial corridors, are primed for growth. This physical readiness combined with talent availability and a collaborative business climate makes Tallahassee highly attractive to expanding industries. Bowers also points out that Tallahassee’s unique mix of government, research institutions, and entrepreneurial momentum creates a trifecta that de-risks investment.
A standout feature of Tallahassee’s economic development strategy is its holistic, people-first approach. Rather than working in silos, the OEV coordinates efforts across sectors, guiding businesses through every phase of expansion or relocation. This “concierge approach,” as Bowers describes it, means that businesses don’t get passed around from agency to agency; instead, they’re connected directly to decision-makers and resource providers. “You’re not talking to someone that’s just answering the phone and taking a message. The OEV serves as a resource connector.”
Whether it’s workforce training, permitting, infrastructure, or financial incentives, the OEV ensures nothing falls through the cracks. “We have coalesced the resource providers [and gotten everyone] on the same page,” Bowers explains. “There’s no opportunity for things to fall through the cracks with the system that we have developed and refined.”
This coordination fosters long-term partnerships and creates a business-friendly climate that can scale with a company’s needs. It also aligns with the community’s inclusive and intentional leadership philosophy, which Bowers praises for shaping a strong civic and economic foundation.
For businesses and investors considering Tallahassee-Leon County, the message is clear: come prepared, and you’ll find a willing and capable partner. With a wealth of data, a clear growth strategy, and a collaborative ecosystem, Tallahassee is well-equipped to attract and retain forward-thinking companies. Bowers encourages a realistic, data-driven exploration of the region. “I would say, honestly, do your homework—and we can help you in providing that information,” he advises.
The OEV’s commitment to transparency and partnership means that businesses can assess opportunities with confidence and clarity. “If Tallahassee and Leon County is the right fit, we need to have a very serious conversation to really understand what your goals and objectives are for your company,” he says.
The OEV also offers detailed, customized reports and site selection assistance to empower companies to make strategic, long-term decisions. Whether relocating a headquarters or expanding a manufacturing operation, the Tallahassee team helps streamline the path forward.
With momentum building, Tallahassee-Leon County is poised for continued success. Whether it’s hosting global conferences, nurturing a new cluster of magnetics-based tech companies, or landing in the top five metro areas for economic development, Tallahassee is on a winning trajectory and the region is executing a thoughtful, comprehensive vision. Keith Bowers and his team at the Office of Economic Vitality are focused not just on growth for its own sake, but on building a community where businesses, researchers, and families can thrive together. “Our vision is to create an environment where opportunity is accessible to all, and innovation is nurtured at every level,” Bowers says.
Backed by collaborative leadership, top-tier institutions, and a commitment to strategic investment, it’s no wonder that businesses across the country are taking notice. For Keith Bowers and the Office of Economic Vitality, the mission is clear: to foster a thriving, inclusive, innovation-driven economy that works for everyone.
And judging by the results, they’re just getting started.
