Invest:Insights by Capital Analytics

Career development goes virtual

Executive coaching, training and corporate development programs are best suited as in-person endeavors. For GCI Worldwide Corporation, an executive and coaching and training firm, the adaptation from live events to the digital environment was not without its challenge, but proved successful throughout the pandemic landscape. Human ingenuity will step up in unique ways to solve problems, President and CEO Giselle Cheminand told Invest:Insights. Despite the challenges of connections in a virtual world, GCI Worldwidewas able to add value for clients by creatively shifting conferences and programs to the remote setting. Increased representation of women in corporate roles is an area that needs continuing improvement, Cheminand pointed out. More women on corporate boards and leadership positions will be a litmus test for true change in the corporate world, she said. For more information about our interviewee, visit: https://www.gciwcorp.com/ Register to read all Capital Analytics reports for free: https://www.capitalanalyticsassociate...

Matching academic knowledge with real world experience

Adapting academic curriculums to the job sites of tomorrow is increasingly important in such a rapidly evolving landscape. For Johnson C. Smith University, esports is an example of this movement. Digital analytics is another area the university is bolstering, President Clarence "Clay" Armbrister told Invest:Insights. Partnering with Charlotte’s business community to provide experimental and external learning is key to make sure their students are well prepared for the careers they take on, he said. For more information about our interviewee, visit: https://www.jcsu.edu/ Register to read all Capital Analytics reports for free: https://www.capitalanalyticsassociate...

Tampa’s legal professionals assist the business community

At the peak of COVID’s uncertainty, Tampa Bay’s Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP hosted a 24-hour hotline that took calls from CEOs and advised them on COVID related concerns. This was a community effort which was important for the firm to be involved with, Managing Partner Ronald Christaldi told Invest:Insights. Technology has permanently changed the legal sector however there is still a face-to-face human element that is lost in online trials and mediations, Christaldi said.The human spirit will continue to grow in this environment and adapt, he remarked. For more information about our interviewee, visit: https://www.shumaker.com/ Register to read all Capital Analytics reports for free: https://www.capitalanalyticsassociate...

Legal sector rises to COVID-19 disruptions

Many legislative efforts put forth to mitigate the pandemic challenges also created some disruption for various legal practices. In the same vein, businesses were pushed to adapt and innovate in ways that will benefit the market for years to come, Greenberg Traurig Managing Shareholder Theodore Blum told Invest:Insights.Blum has had to lean into his areas of expertise to be more creative and find solutions for his clients, he said. Technology has allowed staying on top of legal work much easier. The hardest part about the remote work setting, however, is the mentorship of new legal professionals, Blum stated. For more information about our interviewee, visit: https://www.gtlaw.com/en Register to read all Capital Analytics reports for free: https://www.capitalanalyticsassociate...

COVID could not pin Pinellas County

Within the Tampa Bay market, Pinellas county is positioned to attract businesses and residents to the area despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Key industries such as financial and manufacturing have enjoyed growth throughout the pandemic landscape, Pinellas County Economic Development Director Michael Meidel told Invest:Insights. For his operations, its new business incubator project is world class and will further accelerate local entrepreneurialism connected to the local key industries. The employment sites program will dedicate $8 million of funding a year to developers for office and warehouse spaces. These efforts will be key in supporting the growth expected for the market. For more information about our interviewee, visit: https://www.pced.org/ Register to read all Capital Analytics reports for free: https://www.capitalanalyticsassociate...

Sailing through the tempestuous pandemic landscape

The cruise industry came to a complete standstill as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the industry is positioned for a bounce back thanks to significant pent up demand, buoyed by the ongoing vaccination efforts. Global Marine Travel, a leading maritime travel management company, saw an increase in activity among private yachts and offshore oil, Founder & Managing Director Tim Davey told Invest:Insights. He characterizes what it was like for the maritime industry in the wake of the pandemic. For more information about our interviewee, visit: https://www.flygmt.com/ Register to read all Capital Analytics reports for free: https://www.capitalanalyticsassociate...

Guiding local business through ongoing health crisis

Traditionally, chambers of commerce have been key partners for local businesses. Their role as a community partner was further pronounced during the current health crisis. In Palm Beach County, the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce has actively advocated for the local business community with key initiatives such as extending ordinances to have outside seating at restaurants. The safe return to events is currently a major focus for the chamber, Noel Martinez President and CEO told Invest:Insights.  For more information about our interviewee, visit: https://www.pbnchamber.com/ Register to read all Capital Analytics reports for free: https://www.capitalanalyticsassociate...

Navigating the current times while still staying the course

In the COVID environment, Pasco-Hernando State College has been keen on meeting students where they are. Online classes will continue with hopes of more in person this summer as the nation begins to emerge from the pandemic, President of the College Dr. Timothy Beard told Invest:Insights. The higher education sector will play a critical role in tackling the economic inequalities, Beard said. For more information about our interviewee, visit: https://phsc.edu/ Register to read all Capital Analytics reports for free: https://www.capitalanalyticsassociate...

Navigating the Triangle’s red hot housing market

The Triangle housing market has never been hotter. The historically low inventory is going faster than the brokers can process the paperwork, Jim Allen Group President Jim Allen told Invest:Insights. They have seen an emphasis on the escalation clause in offers as a result of the tight market. As a result of the low inventory, they’ve had to knock on doors and call old sales to see if they can list. The Triangle’s continued migration and business expansion has bolstered urban sprawl creating opportunities for areas as far back as three hours away from Raleigh, Allen said. For more information about our interviewee, visit: https://www.jimallen.com/ Register to read all Capital Analytics reports for free: https://www.capitalanalyticsassociate...

Georgia flexes economic development muscles despite COVID challenges

While there is no economic development playbook for the pandemic landscape, The Georgia Department Of Economic Development saw robust job growth over a number of industries. For example, the Peach State saw a 70% job growth in manufacturing food processing and logistics, Commissioner Pat Wilson told Invest:Insights. The state is up 40% in job creation from last year. Unemployment currently sits at 5.7% and the majority of that comes from the hospitality and tourism sector. The state has dedicated $1 million in tourism marketing to encourage travel and boost the sector’s recovery efforts, Wilson said. For more information about our interviewee, visit: https://www.georgia.org/ Register to read all Capital Analytics reports for free: https://www.capitalanalyticsassociate...