New EDC names first president

JP DuBuque, former interim president and CEO of the Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corp., was named president of the newly formed St. Petersburg Area Economic Development Corp.

“It's an honor and privilege to be selected for this position,” DuBuque says in a release. “St. Petersburg is building an enviable brand as an inclusive, forward-thinking community that can stack up quite favorably against any other market when it comes to opportunity for success and quality of life. This business community is invigorated and deep with talent. I can't wait to work with all the partners in this city to show the world what we have become.”

DuBuque's most recent position at the Tampa Hillsborough EDC was vice president of finance and administration, and he led the organization on a temporary basis from October 2015 through June. DuBuque has also worked in banking, education administration and insurance.

The new St. Petersburg EDC stems from the “Grow Smarter” strategic plan adopted by the chamber, city and other officials more than two years ago, according to the release. The St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce will announce and convene the founding board members and founding investors later this month, the release adds. Valpak President and CEO Michael Vivio, vice chair of economic development on the chamber's executive committee, has been chairman of the new EDC.