A Brighter
Outlook Ahead
‘Burg Life talks with three key St. Pete business and civic leaders about
how the business community is faring after the COVID pandemic.
They see sun in the forecast after a tough year.
J.P. DUBUQUE
PRESIDENT & CEO
GREATER ST. PETERSBURG AREA
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
CORPORATION
How has the St. Pete
business community
weathered the challenges?
The pandemic and the
multiple crises that ensued
impacted businesses differently.
Some were devastated,
some struggled, but some
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saw the best results could do
work virtually or provide the tech
and supplies that allowed others to
do so. Online retail businesses have
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and strategies that have been put into place
will lead to the continuation of certain industries.
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help?
We can’t give enough credit to the Mayor, Rick Kriseman,
and the City for launching the Fighting Chance Fund, which
put cash in the hands of businesses that really needed it.
The Business Resiliency Team, a collaboration between the
Chamber of Commerce, Greenhouse Economic Development
Corporation and Grow Smarter, was also extremely supportive.
The team launched a proactive outreach campaign,
reaching out to local businesses and helping
them navigate and connect with
available resources to mitigate the
challenges.
Is St. Pete still considered a
desirable business location?
We’re talking to many businesses
right now that are
looking to expand or relocate
here. For the right business,
no place is better than St.
Pete. We’re unique, we’re
inclusive and we’re collaborative.
The businesses that thrive
here are those whose values
match our culture. St. Petersburg
Area Chamber of Commerce
President Chris Steinocher calls this
“the St. Pete Way”. These are companies
that build relationships, become part of the
community and give back where they can.
BUSINESS
"We can’t give enough credit to the Mayor,
Rick Kriseman, and the City for launching the
Fighting Chance Fund, which put cash in the
hands of businesses that really needed it."
— J.P. Dubuque
12 'BURGLIFE | Living, Working and Playing in St. Petersburg, FL