FloridaWest Launches CyberCoast “Remote from Here†Campaign
New website at the heart of efforts to attract and retain talented remote cybersecurity workers
Pensacola, FL – November 16, 2020 – With a host of military, government, and private sector cybersecurity assets in the area, FloridaWest Economic Development Alliance today unveiled a new website, CyberCoastFlorida.com. The site will serve as the centerpiece of an ongoing “Remote from Here†campaign kicking off in January. The primary purpose of the site and the campaign is to encourage qualified cybersecurity workers to work remotely and ultimately move to the Pensacola area.
The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated a remote work trend that will likely be permanent for many in technology and professional services fields. According to a study by the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, the anticipated share of working days at home is set to triple after the pandemic ends—rising from 5.5 percent to 16.6 percent of all working days. Perhaps even more striking, firms anticipate that 10 percent of their full-time workforce will be working from home permanently five days a week.
“Talented cybersecurity employees are rightly considering whether it still makes sense to stay in cities that lured them simply because that’s where the jobs are,†said FloridaWest CEO Scott Luth. “Now, many of them are looking for just the kind of quality of life that our region provides – the perfect blend of history, natural beauty, and a warm climate.
The website is built on three pillars – our people, our place, our possibilities – and encourages prospective new residents to “bring your talent, bring your laptop, and bring your company.†The idea is to reach cyber professionals who may be looking for a new job with one of the area’s many cybersecurity companies; ones who have a good job but want a better quality of life; and decision-makers considering expanding or relocating their companies to the area.
“Organizations with high-demand, high-wage specialties like cybersecurity thrive where they can find the best talent in the highest numbers,†he said. “FloridaWest is leveraging this trend to keep our homegrown cyber talent here and bring in more from around the country. If we have a great quality of life and great people, companies and innovative startups will follow.â€
Other website sections will highlight the educational opportunities offered by the University of West Florida through the Center for Cybersecurity, Pensacola State College with its four-year cybersecurity degree program, and the programs offered by Pensacola Christian College.
The campaign was inspired by the experiences of cybersecurity professionals like Scottie Cole. Now a senior penetration tester for Raxis, an Atlanta-based cybersecurity firm, Cole says remote work gave him the best of both worlds.
“I have an amazing job with a great company, and the instant I leave work, I’m at home,” Cole said. “And home just happens to be one of the most beautiful places in the world.â€
Beginning in January, FloridaWest will launch a series of ads aimed at cybersecurity professionals in other cities who are looking for a change. The ads will drive traffic to the site and promote the area’s advantages in terms of climate, commute times, cost-of-living, and overall quality of life. FloridaWest is working with local tourism officials, hoteliers, and real estate companies to offer incentives to try out a remote-work week in the area.
