Economic Vitality Unplugged

About Economic Vitality Unplugged

Economic Vitality Unplugged takes a deep dive into people, policies, and projects, shaping Tallahassee-Leon County’s economy.

Publisher

Tallahassee-Leon County Office of Economic Vitality

Category

business · business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

16 May 2025

Latest episode

26 Jun 2026

Latest episodes

11 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   26 Jun 2026

   The Economic Power of Place: How Placemaking Drives Growth

   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) (https://kccitallahassee.com), to explore how placemaking transforms communities into destinations where people want to live, work, build businesses, and invest. From the iconic TLH letters (https://kccitallahassee.com/project/ihearttally/) and The Stacks (https://kccitallahassee.com/project/southside-public-arts-initiative-somo-walls-murals/) project to the Community Catalyst program (https://kccitallahassee.com/who-we-are/community-catalysts/), learn how thoughtful investments in public spaces, neighborhood identity, and community amenities enhance quality of life, attract and retain talent, encourage private investment, and strengthen the region’s competitive advantage. This conversation highlights why placemaking is more than community enhancement—it’s a strategic economic development tool that helps build a resilient, prosperous economy.

2. 

   1 May 2026

   From Pit Lane to Supply Chain: Inside A&E Wholesale with Ana Melendez

   This episode of Economic Vitality Unplugged features Ana Melendez, owner of A&E Wholesale of North Florida (https://aewholesalenf.com), 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 data and AI to improve efficiency, and her vision for future growth and community impact.

3. 

   9 Jan 2026

   From Bookshelves to Job Skills: The New Role of the Leon County Library System with Pamela Monroe

   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 (https://cms.leoncountyfl.gov/library/Support-Services/Library-Information/Mission), a strategic plan adopted in 2021 that shifted libraries from traditional book-centered spaces into community-led hubs for learning, innovation, and career advancement. One of the four focus areas, Business and Workforce Development, takes center stage in the conversation. A key highlight is the library’s CAT Excavator Simulator (https://cms.leoncountyfl.gov/library/Support-Services/Simulator-Lab), a no-cost training program available to anyone 18 years or older with a library card (https://lcpl.ent.sirsi.net/custom/web/registration/) and driver's license. Through nine self-paced courses and hands-on simulator experience, participants can earn a certificate of completion that prepares them for in-demand construction and skilled trades jobs, thereby lowering barriers to employment and helping local employers find trained workers. Beyond heavy equipment training, Pamela outlines a wide range of career and workforce services, including resume assistance, time management and goal-setting workshops, entrepreneurial programming, teen job readiness initiatives, and partnerships with organizations such as CareerSource Capital Region, Domi Station, and the Small Business Development Center at FAMU. The library also serves as a connector, helping residents navigate career pathways and small business resources (https://cms.leoncountyfl.gov/library/Browse-Borrow/Digital-Library/filters/LmMtMTM1NzA=). The episode also showcases recent renovations at the main library, which added flexible study rooms, meeting spaces, hybrid-ready conference rooms (https://cms.leoncountyfl.gov/library/Support-Services/Reserve-a-Room), and a soundproof podcasting studio (https://cms.leoncountyfl.gov/library/Support-Services/Sound-Booth)—making the library a valuable workspace for students, entrepreneurs, and small businesses alike. Overall, the conversation reframes the library as an essential economic development partner: a trusted, accessible place where residents can build skills, explore careers, launch ideas, and connect with resources that strengthen the local workforce and business community.

4. 

   14 Nov 2025

   Simplifying Tech, Amplifying Success: How i2X Solutions Turns Ideas into Action with Bryan Gibson

   In this episode, host Keith Bowers sits down with Bryan Gibson, founder of i2X Solutions (https://www.i2xsolutions.com), 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 organizations and build resilience in an increasingly digital world. From leveraging local talent to promoting cybersecurity awareness, i2X is demonstrating that innovation and community impact go hand in hand right here in Tallahassee-Leon County.

5. 

   19 Sept 2025

   Driving Innovation and Workforce Development Through Artificial Intelligence with Jabaree Allen

   This episode of Economic Vitality Unplugged features Jabaree Allen, founder of Phusion AI (https://phusionai.com), 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 companies. He explains how Phusion AI began by building chatbots to help small businesses handle customer inquiries and has evolved to deploying voice agents that can make and receive calls, freeing up valuable time for business owners.

6. 

   5 Sept 2025

   How FSU’s Jim Moran College Prepares the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs with Dr. Susan Fiorito

   Host Keith Bowers, Director of the Office of Economic Vitality, interviews Dr. Susan Fiorito, founding Dean of the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship (https://jimmorancollege.fsu.edu) 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 explains how the college differs from traditional business schools by focusing on startups, creativity, and real-world problem-solving rather than corporate careers.

7. 

   11 Jul 2025

   From Skills to Success: How Lively Technical College Fuels Our Talent with BJ Van Camp

   In this episode of Economic Vitality Unplugged, host Keith Bowers sits down with BJ Van Camp, Director of Lively Technical College (https://www.livelytech.com), 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 technical training impactful today and how institutions like Lively prepare students for meaningful, in-demand careers. The episode explores how data, partnerships, and community engagement all play a role in building a strong talent pipeline and how early exposure to skilled career pathways can change lives. The episode offers a powerful reminder that workforce development is not just about filling jobs—it's about creating futures. If your organization wants to shape our future talent through mentorship, please contact Carolyn LaFaille, Program Specialist, at lafaillec@leonschools.net (mailto:lafaillec@leonschools.net). Additional Show Notes Florida Department of Education FETPIP (Florida Education & Training Placement Information Program) (https://www.fldoe.org/accountability/fl-edu-training-placement-info-program/) Florida Local Targeted Occupational List (LTOL) (https://www.floridajobs.org/office-directory/division-of-workforce-services/workforce-programs/local-targeted-occupations-list) OEV job growth and community data (https://oevforbusiness.org/data-center/interactive-data) The Florida MCL using the REACH Act (https://careersourceflorida.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/MCL-One-Pager-2025_Final-ACB.pdf) Florida Ready To Work & Soft Skill Training Credential  (https://www.floridareadytowork.com/softskills)

8. 

   27 Jun 2025

   The Intersection of Healthcare and IT in Tallahassee-Leon County with Eddie Gonzalez Loumiet

   Eddie Gonzalez Loumiet discusses the intersection of healthcare and IT with host Keith Bowers, revealing how data and technology create jobs and improve public health systems in this interview.

9. 

   13 Jun 2025

   Building the Future: Insights on Tallahassee's Commercial Real Estate Landscape

   Ed Murray Jr., President of NAI TALCOR, examines Tallahassee's commercial real estate landscape with Keith Bowers, exploring trends, market stability, and growth opportunities in this interview.

10. 

    30 May 2025

    Financial Empowerment & Community Impact with Katrina Tuggerson

    Katrina Tuggerson discusses the CityStart initiative and Financial Empowerment Blueprint for Tallahassee-Leon County with Keith Bowers, highlighting efforts to close equity gaps in capital access and promote financial education in an interview.

11. 

    16 May 2025

    Magnetic Innovations in Tallahassee-Leon County with Dr. Kathleen Amm

    MagLab Director Dr. Kathleen Amm explores the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory's impact on Tallahassee-Leon County's research, education, and innovation with host Keith Bowers in an interview.

Who has been a guest on Economic Vitality Unplugged

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Eddie Gonzalez Loumiet
• Katrina Tuggerson
• Dr Kathleen Amm

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

9,054

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 33 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

26

Social presence

0

YouTube

68

Engagement

32