Firm plans to double workforce, move into larger space

TAMPA — Public relations firm Vistra Communications plans to nearly double its workforce in the region by 2022 and invest $1.3 million into the community.

To accommodate the anticipated growth and addition of 50 new jobs, Vistra has relocated its headquarters to 7,400 square feet in 18315 N. U.S. Highway 41, Lutz.

“The Vistra team is not only focused on our growth as an organization, but committed to the development and sustainability of the Tampa Bay area,” says Brian Butler, Vistra's president and CEO.

Vistra's headquarters' search and move was assisted by the Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corp., and CareerSource Tampa Bay and Hillsborough County also provided help with workforce programs, training grants and permitting assistance, according to a statement.

Founded in 2007, Vistra is a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business that currently employs about 60. Last year, the firm was named Small Business of the Year in the 21-50 employee category by the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce. Butler was named Veteran-Owned Small Business Person of the Year for 2016 for the Small Business Administration's South Florida District.

“Our community understands the enormous value that veteran-owned businesses like Vistra Communications add to Hillsborough County and we pride ourselves on supporting our servicemen and women as they transition into our workforce,” says Dr. Ken Atwater, chairman of the Tampa Hillsborough EDC.