129 - Tallahassee’s Innovation Economy: Chamber CEO Michael Dalby on Talent, Growth, and Startups

The InNOLEvation® Mindset Host Mark McNees interviews Michael Dalby, CEO of the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce, about what surprised him after arriving (the scale of business tied to government), the region’s distinct North Florida character, and why students should engage with the chamber as a connector to local employers and opportunities. Dalby discusses Tallahassee’s “innovation economy” potential driven by FSU, FAMU, TSC, and research assets, and the need to bridge university IP into the marketplace through support systems like IGNITE, plus post-incubator real estate, mentorship, and a more growth-oriented regulatory environment. He describes the importance of balancing small business strength with attracting larger employers, cites Austin and Columbus as transformation examples, and notes challenges like air connectivity, limited business/industrial parks, and trailing spouse jobs. The conversation highlights quality-of-life strengths, collaboration across sectors, and a gap in local angel/seed capital; Dalby closes with advice on giving yourself grace and learning to sell. Powered by: FSU, Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 00:49 Tallahassee Business Surprise 01:56 Discovering the City 02:52 What the Chamber Does 04:20 Universities and Innovation 06:23 Building the Innovation Economy 08:29 Chamber Priorities and Identity 10:58 Small Business Support Network 12:38 Keeping Startups Local 14:28 Economic Mix and Corporate Growth 17:32 Models Austin and Columbus 21:23 Barriers Air Travel and Real Estate 25:41 Quality of Life Pushback 26:44 Tallahassee’s New Appeal 27:24 Commutes and Spouse Jobs 30:46 Growth Fears and City Balance 31:59 Building Opportunity Ecosystems 34:56 Who Must Be at the Table 38:21 Breaking Silos for Momentum 40:10 Outdoor Assets and Tourism Wins 42:34 Open-Door Business Culture 44:58 Student Feedback to the Chamber 46:15 Angel Investing Capital Gap 49:14 Career Advice Grace and Sales 50:35 Wrap-Up and Call to Action