A few years ago, our Chamber of Commerce developed a strategic plan focused on a singular mission – to be the catalyst for business and community growth in Tallahassee. The work we do is aimed at fulfilling that mission daily. A critical component of our efforts is the engagement we create among our members, most notably through our three priority areas – Advocating for Business, Bridging the Talent Gap and Growing Business. With those priorities in mind, our staff is constantly striving to convene opportunities for members to gain insights that can better shape their ability to grow and create jobs.
In our Grow Business initiative, our Chamber volunteers and staff work together as part of a business retention and expansion program. Each month, members of our Grow Business Committee meet to discuss important factors that contribute to the success of our local economy. Issues like workforce development, talent retention, infrastructure and targeted industries are just a few of the topics on the agenda each time. Chaired by Richard Darabi of Moore Bass Consulting, the Grow Business Committee is a hub for information sharing and planning for many of our larger programs.
This week, we hosted our March Grow Business Committee meeting at the brand-new Capital Health Plan Metropolitan Health Center. Visiting and learning about new companies and those with an expanded presence in our market, is a central part of the committee’s process for collecting and sharing information about the economy. It’s all part of a broader goal to develop and maintain a comprehensive understanding of the many moving pieces that affect the performance of our business community.
In our efforts to support local businesses and ensure their continued growth, one of the key focuses of the Grow Business initiative is to provide an open forum for communication and information sharing. As the business landscape continues to become more globalized, it’s essential for meetings to be accessible to all stakeholders, including those from diverse linguistic backgrounds. This is where professional translation services play a pivotal role. For instance, Riviera Language offers expert translation and interpretation services, ensuring that all participants, regardless of their language proficiency, can fully engage in discussions. By integrating such services into our meetings, we can ensure that language barriers do not hinder the flow of information and ideas. This fosters a more inclusive environment where all voices are heard and respected, which is vital for the success of the Grow Business Committee’s work.
When local businesses, public officials, and new market entrants come together to share insights, the diversity of thought is a powerful catalyst for innovation and progress. However, for this collaborative spirit to thrive, clear communication across language barriers is essential. That’s why integrating interpretation services into our gatherings is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. The ability to include non-native English speakers in economic conversations ensures that valuable ideas aren’t lost in translation and that all participants feel empowered to contribute. It’s a reflection of our community’s commitment to equity, engagement, and growth.
Incorporating tools like an Online Interpreter platform offers the flexibility and immediacy needed in today’s fast-paced meeting environments. Whether we’re convening in-person or virtually, these services enable real-time communication across multiple languages, which is particularly important when engaging with international investors, immigrant-owned businesses, or regional partners with diverse linguistic backgrounds.
Platforms such as Interpreter IO make it possible for our committee to maintain high standards of clarity and participation without delay, expanding the reach and impact of our initiatives. By prioritizing seamless language access, we help shape a more connected and collaborative business community—one where every stakeholder, regardless of language, has a voice in the conversation.
At this week’s meeting, committee members learned about the continued growth of Capital Health Plan and why they decided to build their new Metropolitan Health Center (their first new patient center in 20 years). Additionally, there were updates from Cristina Paredes concerning the ongoing economic development work at the Office of Economic Vitality. There was also a fascinating discussion with David Pope, General Manager for the new Florida Gulf and Atlantic Railroad who now own all of the rail systems between Jacksonville and Pensacola (nearly 400 miles in total). These topics, along with other items that were discussed as part of the Grow Business Committee agenda all have one thing in common – valuable business intelligence.
Business intelligence is how deals happen. One connection made between the right parties can spark a relationship that leads to results. Exponential economic growth can only occur when those who are seeking to build and grow their business, are properly aligned with the opportunities present in our community. Our Grow Business Committee is structured to both collect information and connect it with our broader membership through the programs, events and other work we do as a Chamber.
While this week’s meeting focused on local developments and economic momentum here at home, it also served as a reminder that growth-minded businesses often look beyond borders. For entrepreneurs or companies considering expansion into international markets, Dubai continues to stand out as a top destination. Its strategic location, business-friendly policies, and global reach make it an ideal launchpad for scaling operations abroad.
For those exploring this opportunity, it’s helpful to visit website called DASA Consulting, a reliable source of expert guidance on business setup in Dubai. From navigating legal structures to securing the right licenses, DASA Consulting offers step-by-step support tailored to the needs of growing businesses. Whether you’re a startup looking to go global or an established firm seeking new markets, having the right partner makes all the difference.
Each day our team interacts with companies who are seeking to find out what projects, initiatives and developments will shape our economy. Here at the Chamber, we specialize in both knowing and finding those answers. Our Grow Business Committee is a critical part of that work. The business intelligence shared in those small meetings goes on to become the subject matter for forums, videos, podcasts and yes, even breakout sessions at our Annual Chamber Community Conference. Beyond shaping our programming, the information we collect each day and through our Grow Business Committee also serves as the impetus for new relationships and deals that in turn, shape the future of our community. The things we learn today have the power to impact our tomorrow. That is what it means to be a catalyst.
Jay Revell
Vice President, Advocacy and Public Policy
