VisionFirst Advisors

Your Trusted Partners...Experts in resolving complex economic development issues connecting opportunity with resources and the right people, to generate results

[VisionFirst Advisors @VFAdvisors]

Standing out starts with authenticity.

At the Women in Economic Development conference, Meghan DiGiacomo moderated a thoughtful conversation “How to Stand Out When Competing for a Project: Winning the RFI/RFP Game.”

The panel brought together professionals from across the country to share how female leaders are shaping the future of economic development through shared vision, community partnerships, and a people-first focus.

The conversation wasn’t just about policies or projects » it was about what truly makes communities thrive: authenticity, inclusion, and long-term resilience.

We’re proud to learn alongside women driving meaningful change every day.

#WinED #WomenInED #EconomicDevelopment #Leadership #Community #Collaboration #VisionFirstAdvisors

[VisionFirst Advisors @VFAdvisors]

Highlands County—in the heart of Florida—is a community with a proud agricultural heritage, a strong sense of belonging and a shared desire to grow while preserving the charm built over 100 years of history and tradition.

To develop its first-ever county strategic plan and update its economic development strategic plan, county leaders turned to VisionFirst Advisors—and team member and Highlands County native Meghan DiGiacomo—to bring new ideas while building on a legacy of fiscal responsibility and resident-first initiatives.

Working hand in hand with the county, Griff Salmon, @NancyBlum and Meghan guided both planning efforts simultaneously. Our approach combined data analysis, stakeholder engagement and benchmarking. Together, these efforts produced:

A countywide strategic plan — an implementable roadmap rooted in mission, values and essential services, designed around four priority pillars.

An economic development plan — a new suite of strategies, building off prior success, focused on growth, workforce, business retention and marketing, all aligned with the county’s broader vision.

By developing both plans side by side, Highlands County gained not just two roadmaps but one coordinated strategy—ensuring that government services and economic competitiveness advance together.

Explore the strategic plan here 👉 https://t.co/uMY6GnNRBK
📷 credit: Ebyabe, Wikimedia Commons

[VisionFirst Advisors @VFAdvisors]

At this year’s Florida Association of Chamber Professionals Conference, @NancyBlum joined chambers and other industry leaders, such as @SeminoleChamber and Lake Economic Area Development (LEAD) Partnership, from across the state to share practical insights on strengthening local storytelling and community engagement through effective media strategies.

In her session, “Media Tips and Tricks 101: Building Relationships and Responding with Confidence,” Nancy shared actionable insights to help chamber leaders become trusted, go-to sources for local reporters. She discussed how strong media relationships empower chambers to tell their story before, during, and after the headlines. Participants learned practical strategies for preparing for interviews, managing messaging during sensitive issues or crises, and positioning their organizations as credible, reliable community resources.

Nancy also covered tips for proactive media outreach, on-camera confidence, and message control — all designed to help protect credibility and strengthen public trust when it matters most.

We’re grateful to be part of a network that continues to elevate the work of chambers and the communities they serve.

#FACP #VisionFirstAdvisors #ChamberProfessionals #CommunityLeadership #FloridaBusiness #Storytelling #MediaStrategy

[VisionFirst Advisors @VFAdvisors]

Economic development in a can? Jackson County and PackEx USA just popped the top.

PackEx USA is set to open a 400,000-square-foot aluminum packaging facility in January 2026, which includes a $50 million investment by the company and a commitment to create 75 new local jobs.

As one of the few aluminum bottling plants on the East Coast, PackEx USA is filling a market gap while expanding high quality job opportunities. Even better, they're teaming up with local colleges to develop a skilled workforce and create high-quality opportunities for residents.

Full story here: https://t.co/eqi6QTRj7S

#EconomicDevelopment #Manufacturing #WorkforceDevelopment #VisionFirstAdvisors

[VisionFirst Advisors @VFAdvisors]

@SiteSelection Magazine’s ‘Helene’s Heroes’ shines a light on North Carolina’s recovery after Hurricane Helene, and we’re honored to be part of the story.

VisionFirst Advisors had the privilege of partnering with Henderson County to align resources, strategy, and partnerships with the kind of precision usually reserved for fine watchmaking, all in service of charting a blueprint for long-term economic recovery.

As Brittany Jones Brady, President & CEO of the Henderson County Partnership for Economic Development, put it:

“The North Carolina Railroad Company gave us a grant to bring in a consultant to write a business recovery plan for the county. We hired VisionFirst Advisors out of Florida. They have done a fantastic job in developing a master plan to lead us on a road to recovery.”

Full feature here: https://t.co/48VTfCtcBA

#VisionFirst #EconomicDevelopment #CommunityResilience #HeleneRecovery

[VisionFirst Advisors @VFAdvisors]

Our President & CEO, @GraySwoope, recently joined the TalentWise podcast with @MarksteinCo to talk about the shifting economics of talent and why yesterday’s playbook won’t cut it in tomorrow’s economy.

Gray unpacked how workforce realities are rewriting the rules of economic development, what it really takes to keep talent rooted, and how leaders can prepare their communities and companies for the decade ahead.

Big thanks to @DannyMarkstein for the insightful questions and great conversation. Listen to the full episode here:

https://t.co/NcUBzeD2ki

#VisionFirst #WorkforceDevelopment #EconomicDevelopment #Strategy #TalentWise

[VisionFirst Advisors @VFAdvisors]

🎉 Congratulations to our fellow economic development friend, Jennifer Daniels, now Economic Development Director of Columbia County, on achieving the prestigious designation of Certified Economic Developer (CEcD)!

This recognition from the International Economic Development Council highlights Jennifer’s commitment, expertise, and leadership in driving economic growth and opportunity.

We’re proud to celebrate this milestone with her and look forward to the incredible impact she will continue to make in the field of economic development.

#EconomicDevelopment #CEcD #VisionFirstAdvisors #Congratulations

[VisionFirst Advisors @VFAdvisors]

As we celebrate 10 years at VisionFirst Advisors, we’re spotlighting longtime partners like @ARTXRedi.

Two states, two counties, and one clear mission: be REDI for growth.

With smart data + sharper strategy, we helped map out the region’s competitive edge.

📖Case study: https://t.co/icGl1tH3Hd

#VisionFirstAdvisors #ARTXREDI #10YearsOfVision #WorkforceIntelligence #EconomicDevelopment

[VisionFirst Advisors @VFAdvisors]

When Arcosa Inc. - Wind Towers needed a strategic partner to help find the perfect site for its next manufacturing facility, they didn’t just throw a pin at the map – they called VisionFirst Advisors.

As a leading manufacturer of structural wind towers, Arcosa was looking to expand in the Southwest to meet growing demand in the wind energy sector. VisionFirst got to work by evaluating locations, analyzing incentives, building a risk matrix, and working closely with state and local partners to bring everything into alignment.

The result? A $78 million investment in Belen, New Mexico, and 250 full-time jobs coming to a community that’s ready to grow.

From tax incentives to workforce training programs, our team was glad to help Arcosa cut through the headwinds and find the perfect site.

📖 Read the case study: https://t.co/CzGVrZZ8dv

#VisionFirstAdvisors #ArcosaWindTowers #SiteSelection #CleanEnergy #IncentiveNegotiation #StrategicGrowth

[VisionFirst Advisors @VFAdvisors]

At the recent Business Council of Alabama Government Affairs Conference, @GraySwoope, President & CEO of VisionFirst Advisors, spotlighted Alabama’s biggest infrastructure hurdle: electricity capacity.

With demand projected to surge 33% in the next decade, the real challenge isn’t just generating more power—it’s generating it smarter. Senate Bill 304, creating a $1B Energy Infrastructure Bank with 40% earmarked for rural areas, is a step in the right direction.
Smart infrastructure is the current that drives economic growth.

Full story via @ALDailyNews:
https://t.co/PZQMXWJNTr

#EnergyPolicy #Infrastructure #EconomicGrowth #VisionFirstAdvisors

[VisionFirst Advisors @VFAdvisors]

Congratulations to @GraySwoope for being recognized as one of @newsservicefla's 'Fifty Over 50' award recipients!

As President and CEO of VisionFirst Advisors, Gray's leadership and dedication continue to impact the economic development industry and beyond. As

Join us in celebrating this well-deserved recognition!

View the full list here: https://t.co/LPeWe0lc96

[VisionFirst Advisors @VFAdvisors]

At VisionFirst Advisors, we are proud to mark a decade of delivering impactful results for clients and shaping new innovation.

"The future of VisionFirst is bright. Our corporate structure allows for sustainability and core concepts to be carried forward in future decades. I am indebted to all our clients, allies, friends, family, and team for your unwavering support. Happy 10th anniversary, VisionFirst Advisors." – @GraySwoope, President & CEO

Our success is driven by our people—our VisionFirst family. This year, we welcomed @minah_hall, Jennifer Carroll (@taxcandi), and Heather Dollar to our team, joining Griff Salmon, @NancyBlum, @gregword1, Kathy Gelston, Lesley Hatfield, Meghan DiGiacomo, Brenda Lathan, and Maria Crume. Together, we are building a culture of excellence, delivering results for our clients, and fostering opportunities for professional growth. Throughout the year, we’ll highlight the team and the value they bring to our client engagements.

Here’s to the next decade of success at VisionFirst Advisors! 🚀

#VisionFirst10 #Strategy #Results #EconomicDevelopment

[VisionFirst Advisors @VFAdvisors]

Celebrating 10 Years of Vision, Strategy & Results! 🎉🎉

At VisionFirst Advisors, we are proud to mark a decade of delivering impact and innovation. Since day one, our mission has been to guide clients through complex challenges in economic development, site selection, workforce analytics, and beyond.

A heartfelt thank you to our incredible team, valued partners, and loyal clients who have trusted us to help shape their success. Your collaboration, vision, and dedication have been instrumental in making the past 10 years possible. We are grateful for the opportunity to work alongside you in building stronger communities, businesses, and economic opportunities.

As we look ahead, our commitment remains the same—delivering strategic solutions and driving results. Here’s to the next decade of success at VisionFirst Advisors! 🚀

#VisionFirst10 #ThankYou #Strategy #Results #EconomicDevelopment

[VisionFirst Advisors @VFAdvisors]

Congratulations to our strategic partner, @SouthernGroupFL for coming in as the top earning lobbying firm in Florida in 2024! 🎉⬇️

[The Southern Group, Florida @SouthernGroupFL]

Our team of advocates continuously work together to win for all the firm's clients, which these numbers reflect. Thank you to our incredible team, partners and clients for a great 2024. We're proud to be recognized as Florida's No. 1 earning firm! 🎉 #TeamSouthern #Topearning2024

Read more here: https://t.co/jc3nMqQL8r

[VisionFirst Advisors @VFAdvisors]

🔍 Our Approach at VisionFirst Advisors

Success isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution — that’s why we focus on what matters most:

- Experience: Proven expertise that drives results.
- Connections: A far-reaching network to open doors.
- Perspective: Fresh, innovative ideas tailored to your needs.
- Strategy: Actionable plans that deliver impact.

With VisionFirst Advisors, you’re not just working with a team — you’re gaining a partner dedicated to helping you achieve your goals. Let’s create a winning strategy together! 🚀

#VisionFirstAdvisors #Strategy #Action #Results #ClientSuccess

[VisionFirst Advisors @VFAdvisors]

🌟 At VisionFirst Advisors, we help corporations and communities stay ahead in today's competitive landscape.

With decades of experience, our team excels at turning ideas into action, connecting resources to goals, and crafting innovative solutions that drive real results. Whether you're in the private or non-profit sector, we bring a fresh perspective and clear vision to every project.

Below is just a sampling of our services:
- Economic Development Strategy
- Location Advisory
- Marketing & Communications
- Labor & Market Intelligence

Ready to maximize your competitiveness in the field and achieve better results? Contact us today to learn how we can help you. 💼✨

#VisionFirstAdvisors #StrategicSuccess #Innovation #EconomicDevelopment

[VisionFirst Advisors @VFAdvisors]

Check this out! We were featured in @FloridaTrend's Movers & Influencers section, which highlighted the hiring of our new team members @minah_hall and Jennifer Carroll (@taxcandi). The addition of Minah and Jennifer solidifies VisionFirst's position as a premier economic development firm, growing the team's capacity for site selection, workforce intelligence, and strategic economic development solutions.

Ready to turn your growth vision into reality? We've got the team to make it happen. #FloridaTrend #MoversInfluencers #Newhires ⬇️

Read more here: https://t.co/03jlHfHSMP

[VisionFirst Advisors @VFAdvisors]

Our work speaks for itself. Our newest team members @minah_hall and Jennifer Carroll (@taxcandi) position VisionFirst to continue growing on ourbillions in investments & creation of thousands of jobs nationwide. 🚀 Contact us to learn how we can help you and your organization!

[VisionFirst Advisors @VFAdvisors]

Our newest team members @minah_hall and Jennifer Carroll (@taxcandi) significantly strengthen VisionFirst’s national footprint, adding Chicago and Dallas to the firm’s office locations. Together, they will build on VisionFirst’s areas of influence such as tax incentives and site selection. Our firm offers clients a turnkey solution to any business looking to relocate or expand.

#EconomicDevelopment #Growth

[VisionFirst Advisors @VFAdvisors]

“We are thrilled to welcome @minah_hall and Jennifer Carroll (@taxcandi) to the VisionFirst Advisors team,” said @GraySwoope, President and CEO of VisionFirst Advisors and former Secretary of the Florida Department of Commerce.

ICYMI, we recently welcomed Minah and Jennifer to our team! Their tax and incentive expertise further propels VisionFirst’s position as a location advisory powerhouse 📍🚀

#SiteSelection #EconomicDevelopment #LocationAdvisory