Consultants from the International Trade Hub at Port Manatee recently met with business leaders in Ocala, Florida, who also visited the port to tour the facilities.
The purpose of the trips was to explore establishing commercial ties between Central Florida and the port, 120 miles away.
Both groups were optimistic about future opportunities.
“We have already identified several companies trading at the port which we plan on linking to businesses in Ocala,” Ryan Lilly, vice president of business creation at the Ocala/Marion County Chamber & Economic Partnership, said. “We are also encouraging businesses in our area to pursue trade opportunities at Port Manatee. Even if a local company is unsure of where to begin with importing or exporting, the team at Port Manatee is generously willing to help and well-equipped to do so.”
The Ocala/Marion County Chamber and Economic Partnership was formed with the goal of creating and maintaining businesses in the area. By 2021, it hopes to attract $400 million in capital investments and create jobs with wages 15 percent above the county average.
Port Manatee generates $2.3 billion annually for the local economy.
The International Trade Hub at Port Manatee has recently met with business leaders throughout Florida as well as Central America with the goal of establishing global connections.