At Elevate, Inc., we always encourage our clients to invest in the lives of their employees by sponsoring them for Leadership Tampa. The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce founded Leadership Tampa in 1971 with the mission of connecting leaders within the community and challenging them to see their community as they never have before. Throughout this nine-month intensive program, participants partake in briefings, tours, seminars and hands-on learning for an interactive and exclusive look at Tampa.

I had the pleasure of interviewing the Senior Vice President of the CI Group, Neal Anderson, to learn more about him and his company before he begins his Leadership Tampa journey! Neal is a graduate of Greenville College where he received his Bachelors of Science in Marketing. Neal is going on three years with the CI Group and believes the company has done an excellent job of establishing itself in the community. The CI Group creates a healthy and exciting work environment and jobs in the local economy through expansion of the organization. The CI Group is also involved with charitable outreach and advocacy for a better Tampa Bay community.  While in his position as Senior Vice President, Neal aspires to develop the industrial business unit into the leading provider of material handling solutions in the Southeast United States.

From my interview, I learned that like many others, the diversity of the Tampa Bay area is what Neal appreciates most. He believes that Tampa channels strength through the differences that exist in the community, which helps propel it forward.

The CI Group is an avid supporter of Leadership Tampa, and Neal has been aware of its influence and connectivity in the community. He hopes to gain a better understanding of the city of Tampa while developing long-term relationships with his classmates and community leaders. Neal is most excited about the opportunity to build new relationships that will impact the Tampa Bay area, CI Group, and his career.

Neal has such a charitable, friendly and humble spirit and shared the fun fact that he earned three college credits for spending one week in Las Vegas! While attending college, Neal accepted an internship which led to a promotion of a full-time position while pursuing his degree.  He was able to incorporate a business trip to Las Vegas as part of his curriculum and earned three credits.

Thank you, Neal, for being so open with Elevate, Inc. We wish you the best as you prepare to embark on your new journey with Leadership Tampa!