Google takes seat on Tampa Bay Economic Development Council

One of the biggest names in technology has joined the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council as a Chairman’s Council Investor, an investment level that also includes Florida Blue, BayCare Health System, Wells Fargo, UBS, Regions Bank and the Tampa Bay Lightning, Rays and Rowdies.

According to a news release, Taylor Ferguson, Google’s Southeast head of government affairs and public policy, will represent the company on the Tampa Bay EDC’s board of directors. Google has also donated $20,000 to Tampa Bay Economic Prosperity Foundation, a nonprofit affiliated with the Tampa Bay EDC that focuses on creating better career paths for residents.

“Thanks to this generous grant from Google, we can continue to promote short-term certificate and degree programs that lead to high-wage, high-demand career opportunities here in Tampa,” states Ken Atwater, president of Hillsborough Community College and chair of the Tampa Bay Economic Prosperity Foundation, in the release.

Ferguson, the release states, has deep ties to Florida. He’s a Palm Beach native who’s now based in Tampa, and he’s a graduate of Florida Gulf Coast University with a bachelor’s degree in political communication.

"Since moving to Tampa, I've experienced firsthand how Tampa's tech scene has flourished, attracting new jobs in high-growth fields," Ferguson states in the release. "Google is proud to support the Tampa Bay EDC and its partners in our continued efforts to help Tampa Bay job seekers, small businesses, and startups thrive and unlock opportunities for growth."