The City of Plant City is putting together a committee to plan an economic development council to better manage business activity and opportunities in the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World.
Former Plant City mayor Randy Larson and David Sullivan, senior executive vice president at Platinum Bank, have been selected to lead the group of 20. Larson is serving as chairman, while Sullivan is serving as vice chairman.
Currently, Plant City is part of the Tampa and Hillsborough County Economic Development Corporation. Sullivan says that residents need not be concerned about the city leaving this group. When Plant City moves past the planning stages of its own economic development commission, they will continue to remain a part of the corporation.
“This is more coming alongside,” Sullivan said. “We can take control of our future instead of relying [on the corporation].”
Currently, the committee is in the preliminary stages. Its members are working with Larson and Sullivan to determine the bylaws, staffing needs and outreach programs. At the next meeting, the committee will be split into their own subcommittees.
“We’re just now starting,” Sullivan said. “I want to see the city continue to grow. I hope we’re able to garner plenty of economic support.”
Sullivan, Larson and the rest of the committee are also working to create a board of directors. Once that is done, they will begin recruiting local businesses and determining different levels of membership. The focus, Sullivan said, is to raise support and put Plant City on the map. Sullivan hopes that if this enterprise is successful, other corporations and businesses will see Plant City as a viable option for potential expansion.
City Manager Mike Herr, who grew up in a small town in Indiana that lacked economic opportunities, fully supports the commission.
“What’s really exciting is that we’re having this conversation,” Herr said. “It’s an exploratory committee of private sector business leaders. Anything we can do to be proactive, we should.”
Herr said that the average age in Plant City is 35. With a commission that brings more economic development and business opportunities to the city, he hopes that families will choose to stay in the area.
“Plant City is such a wonderful community that is strong in family,” Herr said. “We want to keep those families here.”
In the near future, the exploratory committee will also elect one person to focus on the needs and potential of Plant City.
“It’s a full-court press on Plant City every day, looking for new business opportunities and helping local businesses expand,” Herr said.
“We have a great little story to tell,” Sullivan said. “Now is the time to shine and show what we have to offer.”
Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com