Uploaded November 2025 | Updated September 2026, 40 minutes ago
St. Petersburg is on fire and not just with construction cranes on every corner. We’re back in this Bay boomtown on “Money” Market with host Owen LaFave as he sits down with Mike Swesey, President & CEO of St. Pete Economic Development Corporation, to talk about why businesses are flocking to this coastal city. With more than 30 years of experience driving growth, Mike shares how the EDC is putting St. Pete on the map as a destination for headquarters relocations, tech firms, and financial services companies. From high-profile business moves to a growing FinTech hub, get the inside scoop on how St. Pete is winning projects that bring both investment and jobs.
But it’s not all sunshine and sailboats – Mike digs into challenges like office space, affordable housing, and transportation, while highlighting how the city is taking action to stay ahead. Tune in to hear how St. Pete is unique compared to Tampa and other coastal competitors: a walkable downtown, vibrant lifestyle, zero personal income tax, and a culture that blends business-friendly with laid-back charm. If you’ve ever wondered why national companies are packing their bags for Pinellas County, this conversation will tell you why.
WATCH NEXT: WHY CEOS SHOULD TRAIN LIKE QUARTERBACKS W/ EXOS DIRECTOR OF PHYSICAL THERAPY JIM GODIN youtu.be/M8PQkq5yu2s
SUBSCRIBE: youtube.com/channel/UCz_7yNs7dOuyKApAkohqJIQ
Follow The "Money" Market Podcast here:
Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/6e7E0DaJZQkuw339G7nGI4?si=27d047641a1d4b17
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-money-market-podcast/id1733948143
Instagram: instagram.com/moneymarketpodcast
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Website: moneymarketpodcast.com
The Bank of Tampa | Member FDIC
St. Petersburg is on fire and not just with construction cranes on every corner. We’re back in this Bay boomtown on “Money” Market with host Owen LaFave as he sits down with Mike Swesey, President & CEO of St. Pete Economic Development Corporation, to talk about why businesses are flocking to this coastal city. With more than 30 years of experience driving growth, Mike shares how the EDC is putting St. Pete on the map as a destination for headquarters relocations, tech firms, and financial services companies. From high-profile business moves to a growing FinTech hub, get the inside scoop on how St. Pete is winning projects that bring both investment and jobs.
But it’s not all sunshine and sailboats – Mike digs into challenges like office space, affordable housing, and transportation, while highlighting how the city is taking action to stay ahead. Tune in to hear how St. Pete is unique compared to Tampa and other coastal competitors: a walkable downtown, vibrant lifestyle, zero personal income tax, and a culture that blends business-friendly with laid-back charm. If you’ve ever wondered why national companies are packing their bags for Pinellas County, this conversation will tell you why.
WATCH NEXT: WHY CEOS SHOULD TRAIN LIKE QUARTERBACKS W/ EXOS DIRECTOR OF PHYSICAL THERAPY JIM GODIN youtu.be/M8PQkq5yu2s
SUBSCRIBE: youtube.com/channel/UCz_7yNs7dOuyKApAkohqJIQ
Follow The "Money" Market Podcast here:
Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/6e7E0DaJZQkuw339G7nGI4?si=27d047641a1d4b17
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-money-market-podcast/id1733948143
Instagram: instagram.com/moneymarketpodcast
Facebook: facebook.com/moneymarketpodcast
Website: moneymarketpodcast.com
The Bank of Tampa | Member FDIC
