Ok - it’s Labor Day - so let’s talk Tampa Bay and jobs.

I have been asked repeatedly just what type of jobs can the Tampa Bay area hope to create over the next decade and what role does government play, if any, in the process.

To the first question see the Tampa Bay Business Journals coverage of the jobs summit held at MOSI on Friday, August 27: http://tampabay.bizjournals.com/tampabay/stories/2010/08/23/daily47.html?jst=pn_pn_lk

For more see: http://www.tampaedc.com/userfiles/files/BioScience%20Summit%20Invitation%20FINAL.pdf

Tampa Bay can help lead the state out of it’s doldrums with an aggressive focus on the life sciences. This does not mean we ignore the banking industry, construction, international trade, or entertainment. To the contrary, we must parlay our past success by taking advantage of the effort by former Governor Bush to create an environment conducive to the one industry that continues to create jobs in our weak economy - health care.

To the second point let me be clear. Government’s role should be limited, but its mission is none the less vital by building a solid foundation for business to thrive. This includes first rate public safety (fire, police and sheriff departments), quality transportation networks that are linked regionally, great schools, affordable & abundant energy, to seamless government operations that provide key services without delay or duplication.

Florida can lead the nation in building a vibrant economy that competes with the rest of the world. Tampa Bay can partner with Orlando and Miami to build a powerhouse mega-region that will provide job opportunities for our college graduates while protecting the quality of life that current residents expect from a state that offers urban to rural lifestyles.

Today is a great day to think jobs, but our mission is one that demands a 24/7 focus 365 days out of the year.

It is time to get to work.

Mark Sharpe