The more than 1,200 new jobs at New Tampa’s USAA location didn’t go unnoticed by the company’s development peers at the national level, as the United Services Automobile Association has helped Florida win another Silver Shovel award for job creation.
The award, which is given by Area Development magazine, recognizes state economic development agencies that drive significant job creation through innovative policies, infrastructure improvements, processes and promotions that attract new employers and investments in new and expanded facilities, according to a release from Gov. Rick Scott’s office.
The awards are presented annually to states that have achieved significant success in terms of job creation and economic impact.
USAA, which is expanding its existing Bruce B. Downs Boulevard campus into Brandon, will create an estimated 1,215 jobs through a capital investment of $164.3 million. Only Navy Federal Credit Union in Pensacola is bringing in more jobs — 2,200 after a capital investment of $206 million.
“Florida continues to draw the attention of business leaders and site selectors across the nation, and this recognition will certainly shine a light on the work we’re doing to tell the state’s business story,” said Gary Swoope, the president and chief executive of Enterprise Florida, in a release. “Florida’s resources and pro-business climate allow us (to) compete for community-changing projects, and we’re thrilled so many industry leaders have chosen to locate or expand in the state. The future is bright for business in Florida.”
All 50 states were invited by the magazine to submit information about its top 10 job creation and investment projects started in 2013. Those states were then rated based on direct jobs creation, new jobs per capita, amount of investment, number of projects creating high value-added jobs, industry diversity, and number of new facilities.
Based on its score, Florida won one of three Silver Shovel awards for significant job creation and economic impact.
Enterprise Florida, which received the award on behalf of the state, is a partnership between Florida’s businesses and government leaders, and is the principal economic development organization for the state. Enterprise Florida facilitates job growth for Florida businesses through recruitment and retention, international trade and exporting, sporting event promotion, and capital funding programs to assist small and minority businesses.
