1. South Florida unemployment declining, but challenges remain for tourism
South Florida’s tri-county area is steadily getting back to work. Although all signs are pointing toward a strong economic rebound for the region, labor shortages within the hospitality and tourism sectors could threaten to impede this progression if they are not immediately addressed.
2. Architectural leaders share their outlook for the Triangle
Construction spending in the United States is pushing all-time highs, with the most recent data showing total construction spending exceeding $1.5 trillion. As expected in the nation’s second-fastest-growing large metro, construction activity is bustling. Of course, construction activity and predictability going forward isn’t equal across all sectors. Here is what local architectural leaders told Invest: with regard to their outlook for the construction industry across various sectors in the Triangle.
3. Maintaining housing affordability in South Florida
The demand for affordable housing in South Florida was already strong prior to the onset of the pandemic. Factors such as the current seller’s market, record-low housing inventory numbers, supply chain disruptions impacting construction prices, and the year-over-year rise in home prices alongside continued in-migration and a recovering state and national economy reinforce the need for affordable housing options in a post-COVID world.
4. Sykes College of Business toasts an out-of-the-box Executive MBA travel experience
Thinking outside the box, the University of Tampa’s Executive MBA program, faculty and students found a way to exercise a normal part of the curriculum that became difficult due to the pandemic: traveling to gain consulting experience. With the usual international destinations out of the question, the school’s Sykes College of Business turned to the domestic market – and the wine industry.
5. Regional leaders bullish on future of Tampa Bay
Optimism, innovation and a vision of long-term success for the Tampa Bay region echoed throughout the official Invest: Tampa Bay 2021 launch conference on Thursday, June 10, with Florida House of Representatives Speaker Chris Sprowls saying there is an excitement permeating the Tampa Bay region but that a focus on people and prosperity is necessary.