As a Tampa Bay photographer, it’s important to me that local businesses grow and prosper. After all, a rising tide carries all boats, and what we want to see in our community is economic rise, innovation and progression towards a community of financial freedom. A recent State of the Region business report, covered by Tampa Bay Business Journal this week, suggests the Tampa region has a lot of room for improvement. Here’s are the facts.
Tampa’s economy is steady…ish
It’s true the 2019 data shows our economic competitiveness has been in decline since before COVID-19, but wages seem relatively stable. That said, Tampa Bay, which, for the purpose of the study consists of Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton, Homosassa Springs and Lakeland-Winter Haven, reported lower wages than other sister cities, like Atlanta, and even other nearby Florida regions.
Still economists are happy that there isn’t in any known immediate danger of major economic upheaval for the region, which is a victory all things considered. According to the Business Journal, Dave Sobush, director of policy and research at the Tampa Bay Partnership, predictably thinks millennials are to blame for the problems in the economy, and not companies paying low wages.
He was quoted this week saying, “We are growing but our low labor force participation rate and relatively high rate of disconnected youth has stunted our development.”
Corporate responsibility?
As business owners, what is our role in ensuring today’s youth have positions available that produce engaged and effective employees? It’s no secret young people need and deserve a few things from whatever roles they choose to take in society: Security, healthcare, and fair pay among them. As a millennial photographer, one thing I never compromise on is the value of my time. As a corporate steward, I know I want to do my best to ensure anyone I hire is paid what they deserve. Get what you’re worth in 2021 by asking for your value, and pay it forward by hiring people there. That’s the message I took from the 2021 State of the Region economic report.
Personal Branding Photographer: Poised and Ready
My name is Kristina Maness, and I’m a personal branding photographer, Instagram expert and digital marketer. For more content like this, or to see what I do in action, follow me on Instagram.