Pensacola, Fla.- CTS America, a manufacturer of public safety software with 55 high-wage, high-tech jobs, has relocated to 180 N. Palafox Street.
In an effort known as “Project Ellington,” the Chamber helped CTS America find suitable office space in downtown Pensacola since learning the company was unhappy with its current location and considering leaving the county.
“The Chamber’s recruitment efforts and expansion projects typically make the headlines since they involve the creation of jobs,” said Charles Wood, senior vice president of economic development at the Pensacola Bay Area Chamber of Commerce. “However, another key focus of the Chamber is retention – making sure the companies that are already here in Escambia County are happy and have the resources they need to be successful.”
“Keeping CTS in downtown Pensacola is definitely a win,” added Mayor Mike Wiggins. “We have to support our existing companies if we want to continue to grow our downtown as a hub for tech-based companies.”
In the past five years, downtown Pensacola has seen a significant increase in the number of tech firms, including the addition of Coco Design, Actigraph, TinBu, Hixardt, Overgroup Consulting and The Analyst Group. The Chamber’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship is currently the home of several start-up tech firms. Last spring, the Chamber received a $2 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration to help build a downtown tech park to be home to some 1,000 jobs.
Downtown Pensacola has several major benefits for tech-based firms. Businesses can meet their data needs by utilizing the technology infrastructure already in place, network with other tech-based companies and improve the quality of life for their employees by working close to amenities such as the waterfront, city parks and restaurants. |
