Greetings, Capital Tiger Bay Members and Guests,
Thank you to everyone who joined us on Thursday, June 18, for another engaging and thought-provoking Capital Tiger Bay Club luncheon featuring Skip Foster, Founder of Red Tape Florida and former President and Publisher of the Tallahassee Democrat.
Our June program sparked candid, spirited discussion about Tallahassee’s economic future, the challenges facing our community, and the difficult questions local leaders, institutions, and stakeholders must address if Florida’s capital city is to remain competitive in the years ahead.
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We extend our sincere thanks to Skip for delivering a presentation that was equal parts data-driven, provocative, and solution-oriented. Drawing on economic statistics, historical trends, and firsthand observations from decades in journalism, communications, and community leadership, Skip made the case that Tallahassee is falling behind economically compared to peer communities across Florida and offered a series of recommendations for local government, higher education institutions, the private sector, civic organizations, and the broader business community.
As is often the case at Tiger Bay, the remarks were followed by a robust and spirited question-and-answer session that reflected the passion, expertise, and civic engagement of our members and guests. While attendees may not have agreed with every conclusion, all were fortunate to participate in the type of substantive dialogue that has long defined Capital Tiger Bay Club.
In Case You Missed It (ICYMI): Skip has published a transcript and recap of his remarks on his site Red Tape Florida under the article “Skip Foster Brings the Receipts at Tiger Bay.
“For those interested in a different perspective on one of the economic topics discussed during the program, we also encourage you to read a recent response from Steve Stewart of Tallahassee Reports, “5,000 Leon County Jobs Did Not Vanish: Here’s Why.” Together, the two pieces offer an example of the spirited debate and exchange of ideas that Capital Tiger Bay Club exists to foster.
We would also like to take a moment to acknowledge the tribute held during the program in memory of longtime Capital Tiger Bay Club Board member and supporter Dave Barrett. Our sincere thanks to John Clark for his heartfelt remarks honoring Dave’s life and legacy, and to Jeremy Cohen and the team at Target Print & Mail for producing the commemorative palm cards placed on each table. Dave’s commitment to civic engagement, thoughtful dialogue, and the mission of Tiger Bay will not be forgotten, and we were grateful for the opportunity to recognize his many contributions.
Special thanks as well to our emcee, John Clark, for guiding the afternoon’s discussion; to Tim Center for his introduction of Skip; to Karen Stripling and Jeremy Cohen for joining us at the head table; and to all of our members and guests whose attendance and participation continue to make these conversations possible.
Looking Ahead:
Capital Tiger Bay Club will take a brief summer recess during July as we prepare for a busy election season.
Please save the date for Tuesday, August 11, when we will host the Democratic Primary Debate for Florida’s Congressional District 2. All four qualified Democratic candidates have confirmed their participation, and ticket information will be shared via email and posted to our website shortly after the July 4 holiday.
Thank you again for joining us for another timely, substantive, and memorable Tiger Bay conversation. The thoughtful questions, strong attendance, and continued civic curiosity of our members and guests are what make Capital Tiger Bay Club such a valued institution in Tallahassee.We look forward to seeing you again in August.
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