My hope for Tallahassee: Robust growth in our private sector
As 2024 ends, Tallahassee sits at a critical crossroads. It’s a good time for all of us to reflect on our progress as a community and our future together. As chair of the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce, I’ve seen firsthand that Tallahassee is a special place — but like many business leaders, I believe it can be much better.
For Tallahassee to reach its full potential, we must more fully support and grow our private sector. It is well established that communities with thriving businesses and industries enjoy a higher quality of life, increased tax revenues for parks and social services, reduced crime, better air service, support for the arts and non-profits, and, most importantly, more jobs.
Jobs are transformative
Jobs provide individuals with stability and purpose. Jobs also provide a community with a statistically proven way to reduce poverty and crime. Stanford economist John Taylor aptly said, “Economic growth in a community is the most powerful instrument for reducing poverty and improving quality of life.” When businesses succeed and create jobs, our entire community thrives.
The impact of job growth on those who need it most
The new Amazon Fulfillment Center, as reported in March 2024, employs 1,402 workers, paying $47 million in wages annually.
Residents from our three poorest zip codes make up 43% of that workforce, earning approximately $20.6 million annually. These jobs, with benefits like healthcare and free tuition, create a bridge out of poverty and recirculate wealth into our community.
The same principle applies each time a Tallahassee business expands, or a new one opens its door. Business growth transforms a community one job at a time.
Thriving businesses define our community’s character
Vibrant cities are known for their bustling shops, restaurants, and cultural offerings—all made possible by a robust private sector. Such growth doesn’t have to compromise what makes Tallahassee unique. With thoughtful planning, we can balance the need for business expansion with preserving our natural beauty and charm. This obviously requires leaders willing to think differently and work to induce growth that is “true” to what makes Tallahassee special.
Unfortunately, some in Tallahassee harbor anti-growth sentiments that hinder job creation. This mindset perpetuates stagnant job growth, crime, and stark and pervasive economic and educational disparities in our community.
These circumstances are unacceptable and should no longer be tolerated. Instead of criticizing business owners (and those who support them), we must embrace policies that encourage business expansion.
We must also move past the mindset that Tallahassee will always be “just a government town.” Many state capitals in our country boast thriving business communities that serve as hubs for innovation and opportunity. Why not Tallahassee?
Our greatest success can be achieved if we challenge ourselves to create a common vision with our private sector, local and state government, and our amazing universities.
When we are aligned, Tallahassee will not only be special, it will be a place of economic opportunity and hope.
It has truly been an honor to serve as chair of the chamber and be surrounded by community-minded business leaders. I have learned a lot about what makes Tallahassee a great place to live.
To make Tallahassee even better, it is my hope that our future is marked by robust growth in our private sector, community pride, and a higher quality of life for all of us who call this place our home.
Rob Clarke, a shareholder with Ausley McMullen, is chair of the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce.
JOIN THE CONVERSATION
Send letters to the editor (up to 200 words) or Your Turn columns (about 500 words) to letters@tallahassee.com. Please include your address for verification purposes only, and if you send a Your Turn, also include a photo and 1-2 line bio of yourself. You can also submit anonymous Zing!s at Tallahassee.com/Zing. Submissions are published on a space-available basis. All submissions may be edited for content, clarity and length, and may also be published by any part of the USA TODAY NETWORK.