Community Leader Forum - Miami - Beacon Council Discusses Perspectives on Economic Development

GrayRobinson, P.A.’s Miami office continued the Firm’s tradition of hosting its signature Community Leader Forum on April 15, 2014 at The Four Seasons Hotel. Clients, attorneys and friends of the Firm gathered to listen to featured speaker, Larry K. Williams, President and CEO of The Beacon Council, discuss "Perspectives on Economic Development."

Williams’ presentation touched upon a number of factors currently influencing the economic growth presently occurring in Miami-Dade County. He attributed much of the community’s success to elements such as diversity, geography and status as a 21st century global city. Williams went on to mention the tremendous impact that the universities in the area have on businesses by providing local markets with access to a great amount of talent. Williams’ tone was overall positive as he indicated how Miami-Dade is experiencing more commercial interest from Europe and gaining interest from Asia. He attributed this to the County’s thoughtful approach to economic development.  

Since its creation in 1985, The Beacon Council has served as Miami-Dade County’s official economic development partnership working to enhance the community by facilitating business investment and promoting the area as the ideal location for businesses to operate. Williams has been responsible for leading, further developing and implementing strategies of The Beacon Council since October 2013. Before coming to The Beacon Council, Williams worked as an economic development professional in multiple cities throughout the country. He was Vice President of Technology Industry Development for the Metro Atlanta Chamber, Assistant Director of International Trade and Economic Development for the Washington State Department of Commerce, and rose through the ranks to Director of Operations of the International Trade Division for the North Carolina Department of Commerce.