Trade mission scores $35M in deals for area firms

TAMPA — Representatives from Global Tampa Bay member companies, accompanied by area elected officials, embarked on a trade mission to Mexico City in April and returned with $35.3 million in projected future sales and economic activity, according to a press release.

Formerly known as Tampa Bay Export Alliance, Global Tampa Bay is a cooperative effort of the Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corp., Pinellas County Economic Development and the Pasco Economic Development Council.

“This mission generated the largest projected sales figures of any export mission we’ve done so far as a region,” states Craig Richard, president and CEO of the Tampa Hillsborough EDC, in the release. “There are tremendous opportunities in the Mexican market for Tampa Bay companies right now, and we’re delighted that this trip delivered such outstanding results for them.”

More than 40 business leaders and elected officials from the Tampa Bay region, including Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn, traveled to Mexico April 10 to 13 to participate in the export sales mission.

“This mission was first class from start to finish,” states Michael Ferris, CEO of Tampa cybersecurity firm Abacode, in the release. “The quality of the prospect companies we met with and the program of receptions and events was remarkable. We came away with excellent leads and important new relationships that will help us make significant inroads in the Mexican market.”