New Director of Economic Development Named

Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Mike Meidel has been named as the new Director of Pinellas County Economic Development.  Meidel was named to replace Richard “Buzz” David who will be leaving the department on July 16^th to become President of the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) in Amarillo, Texas.

Meidel has been active in economic development activities around the bay area since 1982.  He joined the Florida Power (now Progress Energy) Economic Development Department in 1987, becoming Area Manager in 1996.  He served in that capacity for three years, and was selected as President and CEO of the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce in 1999.  Meidel has participated in a variety of community-based initiatives including serving on the Transportation Impact Fee Task Force, the Pinellas County Economic Development Council and the Board of WorkNet Pinellas.  Meidel has built his career around various aspects of economic development, and regards bringing quality jobs to area residents as extremely rewarding work.  He is looking forward to recruiting new businesses to the area as well as assisting existing firms in expanding their entrepreneurial activities.

“Mike Meidel is a dynamic force within Pinellas County’s economic development activities on many levels,” says County Administrator Steve Spratt.  “Mike has been working hand in glove with the County and regional business partners for over 15 years.  He knows the business of economic development, issues and opportunities and Pinellas County stakeholders very well.  Mike brings strong knowledge and experience to the County’s economic development program and can ‘hit the ground running’.”

Meidel begins his new job on August 2^nd.

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