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Spotlight On: John McDonald, Charlotte Office Managing Partner, McGuireWoods

By: Felipe Rivas

2 min read December 2019 — The economy and legal services go hand in hand. As a result, Charlotte, well-known for its banking and financial services industry, is attracting top legal talent. With the rise of the region’s healthcare and technology sectors, the legal needs of the business community are evolving with the diversification of the economy. In an interview with Invest: Charlotte, McGuireWoods Charlotte Office Managing Partner John McDonald talks about the factors that influence the region’s legal market, the large talent pool available, and outlooks for the legal market heading into 2020.

How have the legal needs of the business community evolved with the growth of the region?

The majority of the lawyers in our Charlotte office are involved in the financial services sector in some fashion, whether that is through securities, debt finance, or litigation practices. Charlotte’s large banking community influences the work we do. We also have one of the largest healthcare practices in Charlotte. We are nationally known for our healthcare practice and Charlotte is our second-largest hub for that practice. We also have a very strong energy practice and work with a number of energy clients in the region, as well as nationally. The legal needs of the Charlotte community are very sophisticated. Major national and global companies, such as Bank of America, Wells Fargo and Duke Energy, bring sophistication to the business world, which translates to the legal market. Firms in the Charlotte market have to provide high-end legal services because of the sophistication of the work that is demanded by our clients.

What do law firms need to do differently in today’s technological era to attract and retain clients?

Generally, lawyers by nature are behind the curve because we are cautious and skeptical, especially when it comes to new technologies. Part of McGuireWoods’ strategic plan is to identify and embrace technology that will help us better serve our clients. Whether through artificial intelligence or data analytics, we are always looking for ways to leverage technology to help us drive the results our clients are looking for. Technology can help us identify legal factors and anticipate issues to accomplish the desired results in the most cost-effective way. If firms do not embrace the use of technology, they will fall behind.

What is the state of the region’s legal talent pool?

We recruit from the regional law schools. Charlotte draws lawyers from across the country. In a dynamic market like this, it can be challenging to both attract and retain qualified talent. There is a lot of competition. In addition, the in-house market for lawyers is really impressive in Charlotte. Between the banks and other major corporations in the area, there are a lot of sophisticated in-house legal teams that are an attractive option for some of our lawyers. We acknowledge this, and frankly, it can be a great opportunity for us. When our lawyers leave, they almost always end up going to an in-house team. That is a great way for us to build relationships with clients. At McGuireWoods, our lawyers are always looking for ways to help their community, which they do through pro-bono work or by serving on nonprofit boards. Over 90 percent of our lawyers provide pro-bono services on an annual basis. We take great pride in this and are always looking for ways to do more. I find that law students today have a great sense of wanting to give back.

What is the outlook for Charlotte’s legal sector heading into 2020?

The national and international economies impact the work in the financial services sector. There are signs that some sectors of the national economy might be slowing. That is a concern and we need to prepare for that. At the same time, in the legal market, there is always work to do regardless of the economy. We have to be able to adjust and recognize our clients’ needs and how they are impacted by the broader economy. Overall, we are excited about what 2020 has in store. I know our clients are trying to put together some amazing deals and there is a lot of optimism that it will be a great 2020.

To learn more about our interviewee, visit: https://www.mcguirewoods.com/people/m/john-g-mcdonald

Spotlight On: Donald Borden, President, Camden County College

By: Yolanda Rivas

2 min read December 2019 — Beyond typical degree programs, South New Jersey’s Camden County College is challenged to keep up with demand for certifying students like automobile technicians and machinists. The school is attracting increased involvement from local business and the industrial community to tailor its courses to the market’s demands. The Invest: team recently spoke with Camden County College President Donald Borden, who highlighted the areas of growth for the college and the region’s workforce.

Which of the college’s programs are experiencing more demand?

We have the most certification programs in southern New Jersey. In terms of what is in demand, we can’t keep our machinists on the floor. Companies come to hire them as soon as they become proficient. Students trained in robotics, automobile tech and optometry all find work after graduating. We offer some of those programs that are not traditionally seen as higher ed, but they have been in very high demand. We also continue to graduate students in the areas of business and education, as well as criminal justice, to name a few. The important factor is to have the connections that provide students with opportunities, such as the police academy, which we oversee here in Camden County.

As the college’s 2017-2020 strategic plan winds down, what factors will be central to the next plan?

We are already working on our next strategic plan. What is encouraging is that much of the focus in our town halls or when talking to our stakeholders is making sure our strategic plan includes partnering with business and industry. We have really increased the number of businesses and industries on our advisory boards, and my view is that we have to be servants to those individuals. It used to be that higher education was a “take it or leave it” proposition, but now we need to understand what the business community needs from our graduates. They have an opportunity to weigh in on our curricula and program development. As a result, when our graduates enter the local business community it helps them, it helps the business community and industry, and it helps the community in general.

What impact is technology having on education?

It is not just instructional. When you talk about automobile techs, I don’t think they can be called mechanics anymore. They are technicians who are very involved in the computer technology business. I think that is true in almost any area. How does that affect us? Instructionally, we need to be meeting the needs of those businesses and industries, which is where the advisory boards and partnerships come in. We need to know what kind of equipment our students need to be trained on. That is true of both certification programs and degree programs.

In addition, sometimes we need to rely on those partners to help us with equipment, because of financial issues. But even beyond that, our students live in that world on a day-to-day basis, so we try to help them. More students are simply living their education through technology. We are also expanding our online programs, which is an area of focus as we work to have more degree options available online.

What main challenges is the college and the education sector in South Jersey dealing with?

One of the main challenges for all of us is fewer traditional students graduating from high school. That population is diminishing and that makes it more competitive for all the institutions that serve those students.

Another challenge that we face, and which is very typical in public institutions, is state and federal funding. Our county has been extremely generous. Most recently, the community college opportunity grant has had an influence on how we do business. It provides every student making $65,000 or less in combined yearly family income with free tuition at local community colleges.

To learn more about our interviewee, visit:

Camden County College: https://www.camdencc.edu/

Public and Private Collaboration Key to Camden’s Eds and Meds Corridor

By: Yolanda Rivas

2 min read December 2019 — The life sciences industry is one of the fastest-growing industries in New Jersey, with the largest concentration of scientists and engineers per square mile in the world. The southern New Jersey region is no exception, with Camden’s “eds and meds” corridor boasting numerous healthcare, educational and research institutions.

The city’s eds and meds corridor has been experiencing steady growth over the last few years, thanks to the commitment of anchor institutions and the city’s leadership. According to Cooper’s Ferry Partnership statistics, the corridor employs almost 40% of the Camden workforce and over $1 billion has been invested in the “eds and meds” sector, with an additional $175 million planned.

Created in 2012 by the New Jersey Medical and Health Sciences Education Restructuring Act, the Rowan University / Rutgers – Camden Board of Governors has been a catalyst in the corridor’s extension and economic development. In October, the board reached a milestone with the opening of the new Joint Health and Sciences Center, which provides lab and training spaces for Rowan University, Rutgers-Camden and Camden County College.

“By leveraging the power of these institutions, the Center is poised to become the research and innovation hub of South Jersey. This campus will be the beating heart of Camden’s eds and meds corridor, injecting opportunity, growth, and innovation throughout the entire region,” said Joint Board CEO Dana Redd in a press release.

The center houses research laboratory spaces for both Rowan and Rutgers-Camden, simulation rooms for medical students at Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, instructional space and additional simulation labs for Camden County College, and office space for the Joint Board, according to the press release. The center will help expand the city’s transformation into a hub for medical research and innovation and attract top talent into the region.

Camden’s “eds and meds” corridor growth is also due to the numerous partnerships between healthcare and education organizations in the area. These community collaborations and initiatives have helped combat social determinants and support local residents. For example, Camden residents now have expanded access to care as a result of efforts by institutions such as Cooper University Health Care, Virtua Health System, CAMcare Health Corporation and Camden Coalition of Healthcare Providers.

The Coriell Institute for Medical Research, an independent, nonprofit biomedical research center, has been a leader in Camden’s health sciences sector. The institute hosts one of the world’s leading biobanks, distributing biological samples and offering research and biobanking services to scientists in 85 countries around the globe. By conducting groundbreaking research in biobanking, personalized medicine and stem cell biology, the Coriell Institute has been and continues to be a main driver of the corridor’s growth.

Another example is the MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper, which has also significantly contributed to Camden’s eds and meds corridor since its opening in 2013. The center not only brought a new option for cancer patients across the region, but its innovative clinical trials and research has helped Camden’s reputation as a hub for groundbreaking healthcare research and education.

To learn more, visit:

Cooper’s Ferry Partnership: https://coopersferry.com/

Rowan University / Rutgers – Camden Board of Governors: https://rurcbog.com/

Coriell Institute for Medical Research: https://www.coriell.org/

MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper: https://www.mdanderson.org/about-md-anderson/our-locations/md-anderson-at-cooper.html

Truist completes merger to create country’s sixth-largest commercial bank

By: Felipe Rivas

2 min read December 2019 — The banking industry welcomed the nation’s sixth-largest commercial bank earlier this month as regulatory authorities completed the merger between BB&T and SunTrust banks, now officially known as the Truist Financial Corporation. The new bank will be headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, while Atlanta retains its corporate and investment banking division. The conversion to the Truist brand will be phased out over two years as systems are integrated and will serve approximately 10 million U.S consumer households and businesses. The Truist brand will keep its predecessors’ philanthropic culture by contributing close to $100 million annually to various metro Atlanta community organizations over the next three years.

“This is a historic moment for Truist – a financial services organization created from two companies with shared values and a deep commitment to building a better future for our clients and communities,” said former BB&T Corporation CEO and Truist Chairman Kelly King in a press release. “The completion of this merger of equals is a tremendous achievement and a testament to the thousands of Truist teammates who have diligently worked to ensure its timely conclusion.”

Truist will have the largest market share of any bank in metro Atlanta and will rank as one of the leading commercial banks in most of the major markets in its territory. Prior to the merger, SunTrust had been Georgia’s largest bank. “We have much work ahead of us, but we’re well-positioned to create meaningful change for the clients we serve and the communities where we live and work,” said former SunTrust CEO and Truist President William Rogers in a press release.

To that end, its leaders announced a $60 billion community benefits plan in July earmarked for lending or investment in low- and moderate-income communities from 2020–2022. The commitment includes monies slated to help customers with home purchase mortgages and small business loans, as well as creating affordable housing developments and investments in local community redevelopment agencies across its markets.

Metro Atlanta can expect close to $100 million in community investments annually for the next three years. The community investments will support varying initiatives each year aimed at addressing the diverse needs of the region. Previously, SunTrust supported nonprofit organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club of Atlanta, YMCA of Metro Atlanta, as well as investing more than $10 million in Low-Income Housing Tax Credits to help construct 175 units of affordable senior housing in greater Atlanta, according to its website.

As for the Atlanta Braves’ newly built home, SunTrust Park will keep its namesake for now. Much like the systems integrations, the rebranding efforts, including BB&T and SunTrust sports related facilities, could take close to two years to bear the Truist name, per different reports.

For now, clients can continue to use their perspective BB&T or SunTrust branches, websites, mobile apps, financial advisers and relationship managers, as well as use BB&T and SunTrust ATMs to make withdrawals without incurring out-of-network fees, Truist officials said.

To learn more, visit: https://www.thepremierfinancialinstitution.com/

Spotlight On: Douglas Zaren, CEO, Memorial Regional Hospital South

By: Max Crampton-Thomas

2 min read December 2019 — As the population continues to grow, the need for specialized healthcare follows suit. For Memorial Regional Hospital South, the focus is on being able to adapt and grow areas that will benefit the future of post-acute care. Invest: spoke with CEO Douglas Zaren about how the hospital is adapting its practices to meet increased demand while also being open and flexible when it comes to adopting new technology into the hospital.

What differentiates Memorial Regional Hospital South from the other hospitals in the region?

As the home of the Memorial Rehabilitation Institute, Memorial Regional Hospital South is made unique by our focus on post-acute care. One of our rehabilitative programs is Determination Drive, where we have created a community with an ATM, grocery store, library, park and a MINI Cooper. We use these environments to help patients re-learn different skills in realistic scenarios. By practicing everyday tasks under the supervision and guidance of our therapists, our patients will be ready to leave our hospital with confidence. We also take pride in our Adaptive Sports program, which helps our disabled patients reach their maximum potential. Different activities, such as wheelchair basketball, adaptive bowling and adaptive cycling help our patients gain confidence as they adapt to life with a disability. Our patients are the center of all that we do, and we strive to help them recover both physically and emotionally.

As the population in Broward County continues to grow, how is the hospital preparing for the increased demand?

As our population grows, it is important for us to be able to adapt and grow the areas that will be necessary for the future of post-acute care. This need to adapt is further exacerbated by pressures to provide more efficient care. As a result, we focus on the entire continuum of post-acute care, going beyond inpatient rehab to outpatient rehab, home health and Memorial Manor, our Skilled Nursing Facility. By expanding the capabilities to these providers, more patients are able to receive appropriate care. An example of this dedication to growth is the expansion of our electronic medical records technology to Memorial Manor, which will allow the caregivers to easily see the patient’s medical history. Our expansions of outpatient rehab and home health services allow more patients to receive care outside of the hospital setting, in the comfort of their home and on their schedule. Finally, our continued focus on excellent quality in our hospital still gives those patients with higher needs the care they need through our inpatient rehabilitation services,

How are you implementing new technology to better serve your patients and physicians.

Technology is advancing rapidly in all aspects of life, including patient care. We have a strong commitment to leverage this expanding technology to provide our patients with the most modern and innovative care in the market. An example of this is our recent acquisition of a C-mill treadmill, which utilizes virtual reality technology to simulate realistic environments for patients. This allows patients to get acclimated to walking in environments they would see outside the hospital, while still being in a safe, monitored situation. In addition, we help our patients become accustomed to using technology in their everyday life. By training our patients with an Amazon Alexa smart home system, they will be able to use these tools in their homes after discharge to help with tasks, such as turning on the lights and controlling the TV, that may be difficult for them as they continue their recovery.

For more on our interviewee, visit:

https://www.mhs.net/locations/memorial-south

All Aboard! Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade Ready to Set Sail

By: Max Crampton-Thomas

2 min read December 2019 — The annual Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade is just around the corner, and event organizers are adding the finishing touches to “The Greatest Show on H2O.” That’s no understatement, with an estimated economic impact of $50 million and 1 million live spectators, plus online and TV streams. “There is nothing like the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade in the entire world,” said Lisa Scott-Founds, the event’s President and CEO.

Taking place on Dec. 14, the show – the seventh-largest one-day spectator event in the country – is not to be missed. “Private boats to the giant showboats and corporate megayachts will be adorned with hundreds of thousands of lights, music, entertainment, decorations, celebrities, musical groups, beauty queens and many other exciting entries,” the event’s website promises. Think the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, but on water.

According to Scott-Founds, as a nonprofit organization, organizers are constantly innovating to think of new ways to make the event stand out without breaking the bank. “We always want to integrate the newest technology into our event, like the use of holograms, which we hope is a real possibility for this year,” she said. “We are always asking people, ‘What is something that you’ve never seen us do before?’ We take their suggestion, develop a budget to execute the idea and bring it to our board and possible sponsors to help with underwriting the “new wow factor idea.”

This year, the 12-mile parade route will begin at Stranahan House and will sail eastward into Fort Lauderdale to the Intracoastal Waterway, and ending at Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach. It costs a minimum of $35 to enter a boat with no advertising, while the heftiest sponsorship package comes in at a cool $65,000. Spectators can also purchase a ticket to the Grandstand Viewing Area inside the Hugh Taylor Birch State Park with prices starting at $25 for children 10 and under.

The economic bump in the county’s coffers comes at a good time, says Scott-Founds. “The beginning of December is a little slower for tourism, as opposed to other months when tourism in South Florida sees a boom, so we feel a responsibility to bring people into the region and put heads in beds,” she says.

For the event, it seems that all stakeholders in the area come together to enhance the experience for visitors. “Our success is due to collaboration with organizations like our Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau and working with area hotels,” says Scott-Founds. “Tourists should experience a Winterfest weekend, a show at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, eat at our restaurants and immerse themselves in our community. There is just so much to do in Fort Lauderdale, and in Broward County for that matter.”

To learn more, visit:

https://winterfestparade.com/

Spotlight On: Robert Kane, Market President, KeyBank

By: Yolanda Rivas

2 min read December 2019 — Philadelphia’s growing economy and robust education and life sciences sectors have been some of the main drivers of small businesses to the area. As reported in our Invest: Philadelphia 2020, many banks are seeing growth in small-business lending and services. KeyBank Market President Robert Kane, spoke to the Invest: Philadelphia team about the ways the institution supports the region’s small businesses and other services in high demand.

How have you seen the small-business community grow in Philadelphia over the last few years and how is the bank supporting these businesses?

Philadelphia has long been home to successful small businesses, but in recent years the collaboration between the public, private and nonprofit sectors is spurring a new level of growth. Companies are creating quality jobs that are attracting a new generation of talented workers to the region. It is very exciting. As a bank, our most direct link to supporting these businesses is to provide them with the solutions they need to identify and realize their goals. From accounts to lending, payments, workplace solutions and more, we help small businesses thrive. For example, KeyBank is 13th among more than 1,800 SBA Lenders nationally. In the last five years, we have loaned more than $1.13 billion to small businesses across our footprint. We also created an award-winning, AI-enabled tool that provides clients with customized attention and allows a deeper understanding of their needs: the top challenges they face, sales and payment trends and entrepreneurial motivation. In 2019, the biggest challenges small-business owners face are improving cash flow, reducing operating costs, improving financial wellness, balancing growth with quality and hiring and retaining talented employees. We have a number of products to aid in meeting these challenges, including Key@Work, which is a comprehensive, no-cost employee financial wellness program. We also have a program, Key4Women, that supports the financial progress of women in business. It’s a great program, offering mentorship opportunities, access to capital and professional development.

Which of your services is seeing the most growth in Philly and what opportunities does this present?

We’re seeing the most growth in commercial lending, which serves the needs of companies with $10 million to $250 in annual sales. In 2018, we had growth just short of 16 percent. Our differentiator in the market is we are both a commercial and investment bank. Years ago, you had commercial banks and investment banks. They were separate entities. This is important because when a company decides they want to sell, they typically need to hire an investment banker. KeyBank can provide our commercial clients with access to investment bankers as well as industry experts. It really helps us build deeper relationships. In the greater Philadelphia region, we have a few companies under mandate with KeyBanc Capital Markets to be the companies’ investment banker as part of the sale process. What that does is helps KeyBank become more of a trusted financial adviser to their commercial borrower. If the commercial borrower is going to be sold, we can also introduce our wealth management team to the entrepreneur for advice on his or her estate plan and investment strategy for the proceeds from the sale of the company. All of this results in KeyBank acting as the lender, the investment banker and the wealth manager. Clients value deep relationships. Our model provides that, and we’re experiencing great growth as a result. Last year was our strongest year yet, and 2019 looks equally promising.

What is your outlook for the industry in Philly over the next 18 months?

The outlook for the region is good and overall the economy is very healthy. Manufacturing, industrial technology, healthcare, sustainability—each of these areas and many others are poised for continued growth. At KeyBank, our goal is to grow as well. My job is to expose the bank even further in the marketplace. 2017 was a year of complete consolidation for us. 2018 was a transitional year that got things moving in the right direction and created momentum. 2019 is our year to hire the right people and continue to expand the products we have and begin winning in the market. We want to compete with the Top 5 banks in the region. It’s a very competitive marketplace, and we currently rank 10th. We’re actively trying to grow households and add new clients. This will further grow our loan base. These are the most important factors to our outlook for the future.

To learn more about our interviewees, visit:

KeyBank: https://www.key.com/personal/index.jsp

Decatur embraces “hipsturbia”

By: Felipe Rivas

2 min read December 2019 — Downtowns throughout the nation are popular among millennials for their walkability and myriad retail, recreation and lifestyle choices. But as millennials settle down and begin to outgrow their trendy Downtown apartments, the need to find a suburban neighborhood that is affordable, yet vibrant and walkable, has solidified itself as a trend to watch out for in 2020. Aptly described as “hipsturbia,” millennials across the nation are trading their city lifestyle for the suburbs, without losing their affinity for walkability and access to cool, a-la mode restaurants, retail and recreation options. Developers are tapping into the hipsturbia trend as seen by the proliferation of affordable, multi-use suburban communities in cities like San Francisco, Chicago and Atlanta. As a result, in October, The Urban Land Institute named “hipsturbia” one of the top emerging trends for 2020.

In essence, “hipsturbia” suburbs are characterized by their vibrant downtowns that offer walkability, public transit and a variety of “hip” restaurants, retail and recreation. In the Atlanta Metro Area, Decatur, located In Dekalb County, is quickly embracing “hipsturbia.” Approximately one-third of Decatur residents could be considered millennials, according to the population figures on Decatur’s official website. This year, Niche.com, the neighborhood ranking and review site, rated Decatur as the No. 1 place, and suburb, to live in Georgia. Downtown Decatur offers a bevy of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks, that add to its “cool” factor. The area has an urban-suburban feel that fits in with the “hipsturbia” trend. According to the Urban Land Institute, people living in communities like Decatur, are discovering that smaller communities can have the same appeal as big cities. The institute predicts that millennials will continue to move to communities that offer walkable spaces and “hip” amenities.

Once touted as cash-strapped and debt-ridden, millennials are making an impact in the national housing market. According to the institute, “hipsturbia” is happening in major cities like San Francisco and Chicago, as well as smaller cities such as Charleston and Phoenix. As the lack of home affordability draws young families away from big cities and into the suburbs, it is possible that it will not take long for “hipsturbia” to transform from a trend into the preferred suburban development style of the future.

For more information, visit:

https://www.decaturga.com/

https://ulidigitalmarketing.blob.core.windows.net/emergingtrendspdfs/ET2020FallMeeting.pdf

Spotlight On: Lynn Stoner, Mayor, City of Plantation

By: Max Crampton-Thomas

4 min read December 2019 — To move a city forward both economically and community-wise, it takes a leadership with the forethought to develop for the future and individuals with their finger on the community’s pulse. The Mayor of the City of Plantation Lynn Stoner recently sat down with Invest: and discussed her first year as mayor, the key challenges her city faces, and how customer service has become the buzz phrase for her administration and how it deals with the community.

What has been a key focus of your first year as mayor of Plantation?

One of the many components that I chose to focus on is our transportation corridor. Plantation’s population is approximately 94,000 residents, 22 square miles and it’s right in the middle of the county, 10 minutes away from the Port Everglades and 15 minutes away from the airport. About 70% of the pass-through traffic on University Drive does not originate in Plantation, so one of my priorities was to be on the Board of Broward County’s Metropolitan Planning Organization. As a result, we will have adaptive lighting installed on University Drive starting in 2020. The following year, we will start the project on Pine Island, and we are in conversation regarding the bridge from Midtown across the river to State Road 84. These are hugely important and beneficial initiatives. Another major city initiative stems from 2016 when our citizens approved a $60-million bond issue. We are working now to complete these projects in the areas of public works, public safety, and parks and recreation. These projects will provide tangible improvements for residents, visitors, and businesses.

We have people arriving to Plantation every day, calling or visiting to explore areas and opportunities, which has us absolutely thrilled. Being a strong mayor, I am trying to retain our hometown feel. I’ve lived here since 1970. I went to high school here and my three children and granddaughter are still in town. I understand the family component of Plantation. And keeping with this hometown feel, our first Light Up City Hall event was held on Dec. 7 and we anticipate making this as an annual event.

What makes Plantation attractive to new businesses?

There was a time when Plantation was the golden city of the county. Now, many of the people that were raised here, are coming back . They have fond memories of where they used to fish, ride their bikes and go to our parks. They want to come back to raise their children in a similar environment.

We are focusing on maintaining that hometown feeling amid the development. We are now putting the finishing touches on our Midtown district, which was created in 1980 to be high density. We are handling the traffic in a manner that you feel comfortable coming here, taking a walk, riding a bike or taking a shuttle. We are focused on finding the right balance for our residents, visitors and businesses.

How is Plantation focused on government as a customer service?

As a contractor, I understand when people talk about their project costs. I understand their financial constraints when trying to put a project together. The city has codes that must be complied with but there is a way to present that information in a more palatable manner. City staff needs to understand the business consequences of their comments and we as a city need to understand the impacts of our rules and regulations and take a balanced approach. We are also striving to streamline business processes with a goal of transitioning to online plan review and permitting over the next several years as part of our “Paperless Plantation” initiative. This particular initiative is part of an overall effort through strategic planning that will focus on providing greater customer service across all 16 city departments. The City of Plantation believes in continuous improvement and every day we look for ways to better serve our stakeholders.

What are the main challenges that the city is facing as it grows economically?

Coming from the private sector, I always want things done a little faster. Still, when I look back over the last year, we’ve come a long way. Traffic and transportation are the main challenges, as well as sustainability. Along with our partners, Broward County, FDOT and MPO, our transportation initiatives together with Midtown upgrades will continue to offer a welcoming hometown feel that everyone will enjoy.

For more on our interviewee, visit:

http://www.plantation.org/

Spotlight On: John McDonald, Charlotte Office Managing Partner, McGuireWoods

Spotlight On: Donald Borden, President, Camden County College

Public and Private Collaboration Key to Camden’s Eds and Meds Corridor

Truist completes merger to create country’s sixth-largest commercial bank

Spotlight On: Douglas Zaren, CEO, Memorial Regional Hospital South

All Aboard! Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade Ready to Set Sail

Spotlight On: Robert Kane, Market President, KeyBank

Decatur embraces “hipsturbia”

Spotlight On: Lynn Stoner, Mayor, City of Plantation

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