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