Shows
Elevating CharlotteEpisode 16 - Planning for Growth When the Rules Keep ChangingIn this episode of Elevate Charlotte, Mark Odell and Maria Vastola explore how businesses are planning for growth in an environment defined by uncertainty. From shifting supply chains and changing cost structures to workforce availability and long-term site selection decisions, the conversation focuses on how companies are adapting without overreacting.Rather than predicting policy outcomes, this episode examines how flexibility, resilience, and strong fundamentals are shaping modern growth strategies—and what communities can do to remain competitive as conditions continue to evolve.
2025-12-2316 min
Elevating CharlotteEpisode 15 - From Classroom to Career: Florida Jobs You Should Know AboutFlorida is one of the fastest-growing economies in the nation — but what careers will fuel the next decade of opportunity? In this episode of The Deep Dive, we unpack the Florida Chamber Foundation’s new Top 30 High-Demand Careers (2032) report. From high-skill tech jobs to the essential trades that keep our state moving, we break down which roles are growing, what they pay, and the education or credentials needed to land them. If you influence career development — from classroom to corporate — this forecast is your roadmap to Florida’s future workforce.
2025-12-2005 min
Elevating CharlotteEpisode 14 - 5 Bold Workforce Takeaways from the Southwest Florida Data Hub RoundtableThis episode dives into the real, unfiltered conversations from the FGCU Regional Workforce Roundtable. Powered by Elevate Charlotte, the discussion covers bold new strategies in data-driven education, work-based learning, early childhood readiness, adult workforce access, and regional collaboration. These five takeaways aren’t just ideas — they’re action plans for transforming how Southwest Florida grows, trains, and retains its talent.
2025-11-2505 min
Elevating CharlotteEpisode 13 - Charlotte County Workforce Development: A United Strategy for TomorrowIn this special edition of the Cleared for Takeoff Podcast, Charlotte County business and education leaders come together for a powerful conversation on growth, innovation, and opportunity.Hosted by Kay Tracy, Director of the Charlotte County Economic Development Office, this live panel features insights from Dr. Eileen DeLuca (FGCU), Michael Ehrat (HCA Florida Fawcett Hospital), Mark Vianello (Charlotte County Public Schools), and Dr. Chris Westley (FGCU Lutgert College of Business).Together, they discuss the four pillars driving Charlotte County Workforce Development — education alignment, healthcare resilience, innovation, and quality of life — and how collaboration is shaping the region’s next chapte
2025-10-211h 03
Elevating CharlotteEpisode 12 - Elevate Charlotte - Behind The Business - Jordan Aquila & The Charlotte County Jazz SocietyCharlotte County Jazz Society at the Heart of Elevate CharlotteCharlotte County, Florida is a place where creativity, community, and business meet. In the first episode of Elevate Charlotte – Behind the Business, listeners were introduced to Jordan Aquila, President of the Charlotte County Jazz Society and leader of Buffalo Graphics. The conversation explored more than just business—it highlighted the passion behind local arts, the value of community support, and the future of cultural growth in the region.The Charlotte County Jazz Society stands out as both a nonprofit and a cultural driver. It doesn’t just...
2025-09-2320 min
Elevating CharlotteEpisode 11 - Elevate Charlotte: Business & BeyondIn this episode of Elevate Charlotte , we sit down with Jordan, Charlotte County’s Economic Development Specialist. Jordan shares insights on how data, property analysis, and developer support play a vital role in shaping the county’s growth. From helping site selectors find the right locations to guiding projects that strengthen our economy, this conversation highlights the behind-the-scenes work driving Charlotte County’s future.
2025-08-201h 00
Elevating CharlotteEpisode 10 - Building a Talent Bridge: Charlotte's CTE SuccessIn this episode, we welcome Dr. Brian Granstra, Director of Career and Technical Education, and Kay Tracy, Director of the Charlotte County Economic Development Office, to discuss the intersection of education and economic development in Charlotte County. Discover how their unified approach is creating a talent pipeline for high-paying jobs, benefiting students and businesses alike. Learn about the unique Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs offered, the importance of aligning educational programs with economic needs, and how this collaboration is attracting new businesses to the area.Explore the success stories of students landing significant roles and the...
2025-07-071h 11
Elevating CharlotteEpisode 9 - Hurricane Preparedness—Business EditionNew Podcast Episode Drop: Hurricane Preparedness—Business EditionWhat’s your plan when the next storm hits?In our latest Elevate Charlotte episode, host Maria Vastola brings together voices from SBDC at FGCU, Charlotte County Emergency Management, Florida Commerce, CareerSource SWFL, United Way, and local chambers to talk about hurricane readiness—and why it’s a team effort.From emergency loans to workforce recovery and community coordination, this episode is packed with real strategies and resources your business can act on today.🎧 Listen now: [Insert link to podcast or cleared4takeoff.com podcast...
2025-07-0108 min
Elevating CharlotteEpisode 8 - Talent Is the New Tool: Lessons from Florida’s Workforce SummitFlorida isn’t just planning for the future of work—it’s building it now. In this solo episode of Elevate Charlotte, Maria Vastola shares key takeaways from the 2025 Learners to Earners Workforce Summit hosted by the Florida Chamber Foundation. From third-grade literacy to stackable credentials, from childcare access to AI-driven job forecasting, discover how Florida is flipping the script on workforce development—and what it means for the future of Charlotte County.
2025-06-2606 min
Elevating CharlotteEpisode 7 - SOF Week 2025 - Featuring Kristy Sisler and Mark OdellIn this episode of Elevate Charlotte, we’re taking you inside SOF Week in Tampa with our very own Mark Odell, Business Retention & Expansion Manager, and Kristy Sisler, Strategic Engagement Specialist. Together, they represent Charlotte County’s bold approach to supporting our veterans, growing defense-aligned businesses, and forging partnerships that matter.Mark and Kristy share what it was like connecting with elite Special Operations leaders, innovative defense contractors, and veteran entrepreneurs. You'll hear:Why Charlotte County is doubling down on veteran workforce developmentHow our region is uniquely positioned to support defense, aerospace, and manufacturing industriesFirsthand stories from...
2025-05-2332 min
Elevating CharlotteLanding in Charlotte County: Kristy Sisler Talks Economic Development and MRO Americas InsightsIn this episode of Elevating Charlotte, we’re excited to introduce Kristy Sisler, one of the newest faces on the Charlotte County Economic Development team. Kristy shares her journey into economic development, her first impressions of Charlotte County, and what excites her most about helping businesses grow in our community.We’ll also dive into Kristy's recent trip to MRO Americas 2025 in Atlanta — one of the largest aviation and aerospace shows in the country. She gives us an insider’s look at the major trends shaping the future of the industry, how those trends tie back to opportun...
2025-04-2824 min
Elevating CharlotteCharlotte County: The New Hub for Manufacturing Success Discover why Charlotte County, FL is becoming the next big move for manufacturers seeking location advantages, faster permitting, and real business support. Tune in to the latest episode of Elevating Charlotte to learn how we’re helping businesses take off.
2025-04-2105 min
Elevating CharlotteCharlotte County: A Manufacturing Paradise AwaitsThinking about relocating your manufacturing business? In this episode of Elevating Charlotte, discover why Charlotte County, Florida, is quickly becoming the go-to destination for manufacturers seeking space to grow, faster timelines, and unmatched support.
2025-04-2105 min
Elevating CharlotteEconomic Development in Action: Behind the Scenes in Charlotte CountyJoin host Maria Vastola, Marketing Manager for Charlotte County Economic Development, as she sits down with Business Retention and Expansion Manager Mark Odell to explore what’s fueling Charlotte County’s smart, sustainable growth. From attracting aerospace and manufacturing giants to strengthening the local workforce and supporting small businesses, this episode dives deep into the partnerships and strategies shaping the region’s economic future. Whether you're a startup, investor, or just curious about how economic development really works—this is one conversation you won’t want to miss.
2025-04-0306 min
Elevating CharlotteCharlotte County Florida’s Launchpad for Business, Community, and GrowthIn this episode, you’ll learn about:The strategic advantages of doing business in Charlotte County, FLHow the County is addressing workforce housing, childcare, and transportationLocal success stories from the business communityHow Charlotte County balances development with preserving its identityWhy now is the time to invest in this growing Southwest Florida region
2025-03-2510 min
Elevating CharlotteThe Reverse Trade Show RevolutionIn this episode of Elevating Charlotte, we’re diving into an innovative approach to business networking that’s changing the game for local businesses—the Reverse Trade Show.Host Maria Vastola sits down with Mark Odell, Business Retention & Expansion Manager for Charlotte County, to explore how this unique event flips the traditional trade show model on its head. Instead of small businesses setting up booths and hoping to attract buyers, government agencies, large businesses, and major organizations are the ones at the booths, ready to connect with suppliers and service providers.Key Topics Covered:What i...
2025-03-1208 min