Leaders of the Tampa Bay Export Alliance (TBEA), a cooperative effort of the Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation and Pinellas County Economic Development, are sharing the outcomes of last month’s joint trade mission to San José, Costa Rica, which took place from April 12-15.
Positive Impact Across Sectors
“The trade mission to Costa Rica allowed the Tampa Bay region to shine across sectors,” said Mike Meidel, Director of Pinellas County Economic Development. Companies in industries from pharmaceuticals and manufacturing to fuel management and authentic craft brewing participated and found a receptive market for their products and services.
Gold Key Matching Service Success
Fourteen companies participated in the U.S. Commercial Service’s Gold Key Matching Service, conducting over 70 meetings with potential customers and reporting 116 sales leads and $12.1 million in actual and expected export sales.
“SCI was able to meet with a number of strong prospects while in Costa Rica and we are optimistic that we will see a return on our efforts in the near future,” said .
Tal Ezra, president and CEO of Scientific Control Instruments
Networking Events and Key Meetings
The 44 trade mission attendees participated in several networking events, including:
- A welcome dinner at Mirador Tiquicia
- A commercial briefing by the U.S. Embassy
- A luncheon hosted by Port Tampa Bay
- A welcome reception hosted by U.S. Ambassador S. Fitzgerald Haney
- A luncheon with the American Chamber of Commerce of Costa Rica
Visit Tampa Bay and Visit St. Pete Clearwater also traveled to San José, conducting a series of meetings and events to promote tourism to Tampa Bay, engaging with over 100 travel professionals during the three-day trip.
Building International Relationships
“Every time we go abroad and represent Tampa Bay on a mission, or create a new travel route, we have an opportunity to plant a flag and elevate our status as a global center of commerce,” said J.P. DuBuque, interim president and CEO of the Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation.
Past and Future Missions
April’s mission to Costa Rica was the third joint mission between the Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation and Pinellas County Economic Development as TBEA. Previous missions included trips to Chile in December 2014 and Canada in December 2015 to build relationships and increase trade activity in Tampa Bay.
About Tampa Bay Export Alliance (TBEA)
The Tampa Bay Export Alliance (TBEA) is a partnership between Pinellas County Economic Development and the Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation, formed in 2014 to grow jobs and capital investment by increasing the international export of products and services within the bi-county area. For more information, visit tampabayexportalliance.com.
About Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation
The Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation is the lead designated economic development agency for Hillsborough County and the cities of Tampa, Plant City, and Temple Terrace. Established in 2009, the EDC works to develop and sustain a thriving local economy through the attraction, retention, and expansion of high-wage jobs and capital investment within targeted industry sectors.
About Pinellas County Economic Development
Pinellas County Economic Development (PCED) works with existing businesses to encourage expansion and seeks to attract new companies with high-wage careers to our community. Through investment tools, business classes, professional consulting services, trade missions, and strategic partnerships, PCED fosters a pro-business environment and promotes the Ideal Business Climate of Pinellas County, Florida.
Conclusion
The trade mission to Costa Rica was a resounding success, highlighting the collaborative efforts of Tampa Bay’s economic development agencies and the potential for local businesses to expand into international markets. With ongoing support from TBEA, Tampa Bay companies are well-positioned to capitalize on global opportunities and drive regional economic growth.
