Targeted Industry Sectors

While Florida’s Capital Region is attractive for nearly all types of economic development, the EDC has identified six targeted industry sectors that match the region’s strengths, goals and assets, as well as provide for a diversified and sustainable regional economy. These targeted sectors were chosen based upon the opportunity for growth, creation of quality jobs above the average wage, role in regional development and their connections to other industries.

Helpful Links:
Industry Sector GIS map
Industry Sector Roundtables

Renewable Energy and Environment (CleanTech)

As a community committed to clean technology and protecting the area’s considerable natural resources, Tallahassee has found great success developing its renewable energy sector. Companies such as Danfoss Turbocor (oil-free compressors for large scale air-condition systems), Bing Energy (developing a less expensive hydrogen fuel cell), Verdicorp (turning waste heat into electricity) and SunnyLand Solar (making high efficiency solar tubes), are just a few recent examples. Partnerships with university-based research institutes have allowed this sector to flourish.

Aviation, Aerospace, Defense and National Security

As home to many industry-leading companies in this sector, Tallahassee fits in nicely with its Gulf Coast neighbors as one of the largest concentrations of aviation, aerospace and defense assets in the world. Aviation leaders include Flightline Group, which is a regional dealer for PiperJet and HondaJet. TeligentEMS in Gadsden County, Chemring Ordnance and General Dynamics Land Systems serve the defense industry as does Datamaxx Group, which provides cutting-edge technology solutions to local, state and federal law-enforcement agencies.

Health Sciences and Human Performance Enhancement

The EDC has been focused on health care for years as a targeted industry sector painted with the broader brush of health sciences and human performance enhancement. Because Tallahassee serves as an “urban island” that provides health care to a 23-county radius, development of this sector is crucial for the well-being of the region, both in delivering care and creating good jobs. In the last year alone, several cutting-edge facilities and treatment centers have opened across the region.

Information Technology

One of the largest private business sectors in the Capitol Region, information technology supports a vibrant business climate. Industry leaders and start-up CEOs work side by side with university researchers and investors in attracting and nurturing technology-based businesses and innovative pursuits. Local start-up activity in the sector substantially exceeds national averages as Tallahassee grows in its reputation as a place where good ideas become profitable businesses.

Research and Engineering

University-based research is changing the face of economic development in this region as it causes community leaders to redefine targeted industry sectors. Tallahassee’s research community and related workforce-training programs are attracting companies that are producing products in high-wage, capital-intensive industry sectors such as life sciences and clean technology. This sector is led by FSU’s High Magnetic Field Laboratory, which has been the catalyst for the creation of complementary local job-creating entities including the Center for Advanced Power Systems and the High Performance Materials Institute.

Transportation and Logistics

Tallahassee’s unique geographic location within the state of Florida makes it an ideal location for companies involved in transportation, distribution and logistics. The Capital Region offers multiple access points to Interstate 10, CSX rail service, the Tallahassee Regional Airport and nearby access to 17 public general aviation airports, two deep-water ports — both of which are designated Foreign Trade Zones — and a barge port with direct Intracoastal Waterway and Gulf of Mexico access. Plus, Tallahassee is a one-day truck haul to virtually all primary markets in the Southeast.