For Lea Anne Welsh, Tampa has been a favorite place for more than four decades. In a video for the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council’s Investor Spotlight, the President of AVE shares why the region has captured her heart since 1983, and why it has become an exciting home for AVE. She describes a city with something for everyone: a lively restaurant scene, rich cultural attractions like the Straz Center beside the Tampa Riverwalk, great golf, and easy access to beautiful beaches.

Lea Anne has spent 35 years with Korman Communities, the real estate company behind AVE and its sister brand, AKA. She explains that Tampa Bay’s thriving business community and steady growth made it a natural choice. People are moving to the region, and with growth come jobs and opportunity. When AVE began exploring the market, the Tampa Bay EDC was one of its first resources for understanding what drives demand, helping the team build the right plan for its investment. Becoming an EDC investor was an easy decision, giving AVE a trusted partner with deep local knowledge and connections.

For Lea Anne, success in any market comes back to people. AVE sees its partnership with the Tampa Bay EDC as an opportunity to collaborate with the region’s brightest business minds and help Tampa Bay continue to grow. She believes the region will keep expanding as a diverse, vibrant destination for businesses of every kind, and AVE is proud to help residents Live Better® along the way.