Why Tampa Bay Is a Top Location to Grow a Global Business

Why are international companies choosing Tampa Bay as a place to invest, expand, and build their U.S. operations?

This panel brings together leaders from global companies that have made significant investments in the Tampa Bay region to discuss what attracted them to the market, what they have learned from operating here, and why they continue to grow their presence.

Representing industries ranging from financial services and food manufacturing to defense technology and autonomous systems, panelists will offer a firsthand perspective on Tampa Bay as a destination for international business.

The discussion will feature companies with roots in Japan, Israel, and Brazil, including MUFG in Tampa, XTEND in Tampa, and Bauducco Foods in Zephyrhills. Their experiences provide different perspectives on the factors that make the region competitive for international companies—from access to talent, infrastructure, transportation, and customers to operating costs, quality of life, business relationships, and connections to global markets.

Rather than simply asking how Tampa Bay markets itself to international companies, this session asks the companies themselves: Why did you choose Tampa Bay, what has helped you succeed here, and what would make the region even more competitive for the next global company considering an investment?

The conversation will also explore the role that relationships, economic development organizations, universities, government, and Tampa Bay’s broader international community play in helping foreign companies establish themselves and grow.