South Florida economic development organizations travel to New York City to strengthen business connections and explore new opportunities

South Florida – Economic leaders from South Florida are heading to New York City in a bold, collaborative effort to deepen business ties and spotlight the dynamic opportunities emerging across the region. The delegation, composed of representatives from the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County, the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance, and the Miami-Dade Beacon Council, will spend three days in the city beginning December 9, meeting with corporate executives, site selectors, professional advisors, and other influential market stakeholders.

The trip comes at a time when South Florida’s economy is experiencing rapid expansion, and the delegation hopes to leverage the historic connections between the region and New York City to attract new business, encourage expansion, and reinforce the already strong economic links shared by the two regions. With companies and talent often operating across both geographies, the visit aims to promote South Florida as a united, globally connected business gateway.

“South Florida is at its strongest point yet and has become an exceptional destination for businesses looking to expand or relocate their headquarters,” said Kelly Smallridge, President & CEO of the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County. “Through our unified regional collaboration, we’re sharing a more powerful narrative about our shared advantages—from a diverse talent pool to expanding infrastructure and a flourishing innovation ecosystem.”

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The Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach metropolitan area, home to more than 6.3 million residents, is recognized as a ‘mega-region’ for future U.S. economic growth, with a GDP exceeding $533 billion. The region boasts a multilingual workforce, robust infrastructure, and a business climate that has helped it outpace national averages. Over the year ending June 2025, the three counties added 42,600 jobs, achieving a 1.5 percent growth rate compared with the 1.1 percent national average. Industries such as education, health services, transportation, and utilities have been leading employment gains, further solidifying the area’s economic momentum.

“South Florida is not just growing; our diverse modern economy is outpacing national averages in economic output and business formation, particularly within our tech, aviation, life sciences, healthcare, and finance sectors,” said Bob Swindell, President & CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance. “Further strengthening the connectivity between New York City and South Florida, with its business-friendly tax and regulatory environment, can create low-risk, high-margin opportunities in both regions.”

The delegation’s visit will combine strategic discussions with direct engagement, highlighting South Florida’s collective strengths and future potential. Central to the trip is a program organized in partnership with Hickey Global, a full-service economic development consulting firm with offices in New York and Fort Lauderdale. Hickey Global works with private, public, and non-profit organizations worldwide, providing market insights and strategic advice.

As part of the program, the delegation will participate in a briefing on New York market trends, followed by a high-level fireside chat featuring Smallridge, Swindell, and Rodrick T. Miller, President & CEO of the Miami-Dade Beacon Council. The discussion will focus on the forces driving South Florida’s transformative growth, including innovation, workforce development, and infrastructure, while emphasizing how inter-county collaboration can create the next wave of opportunity.

“This trip is about listening, learning, and deepening partnerships with companies and talent that call both regions ‘home’,” said Miller. “By working together across county lines, we are strengthening the ties that already connect South Florida with New York City and setting a new benchmark for how regions can collaborate to support shared growth and opportunity.”

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In addition to panel discussions, the delegation will hold one-on-one meetings with corporate leaders and professional advisors to explore specific opportunities for investment, expansion, and collaboration. These conversations are expected to cover topics such as site selection, talent recruitment, cross-market partnerships, and sector-specific growth strategies, providing a platform for tailored engagement that can result in tangible economic outcomes for both South Florida and New York City.

The collaborative initiative underscores South Florida’s commitment to presenting a unified voice to the global business community. By emphasizing the region’s shared strengths—including a multilingual and skilled workforce, internationally connected infrastructure, and a thriving innovation ecosystem—the three counties aim to position themselves as a premier destination for companies seeking growth and expansion.

With New York City serving as a key hub for finance, technology, and corporate decision-making, the mission provides South Florida economic leaders a platform to amplify the region’s story on a global stage. Through strategic engagement, cross-market collaboration, and focused discussions, the trip is expected to create new avenues for business development, strengthen economic ties, and showcase the South Florida region as one of the nation’s most dynamic economic centers.

The delegation’s work in New York City reflects a broader trend of regional collaboration across South Florida, highlighting the benefits of a united economic strategy. By pooling resources, knowledge, and influence, the three counties are demonstrating how strategic cooperation can enhance competitiveness, attract investment, and foster sustainable growth, ultimately benefiting businesses and communities across the region.

As South Florida continues to expand its influence nationally and internationally, the New York City mission represents a critical step in building stronger, more resilient economic relationships while positioning the region for the next phase of growth and opportunity.