Job numbers grow, but Tampa lacks in corporate HQs

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There was lots of fanfare as Johnson & Johnson announced it would open about 500 new job opportunities in Tampa.

They include finance, information technology, and human resources positions, with an average salary of $75,000 annually.  

"I promise you this: This is just the beginning, because this is Tampa's time," Mayor Bob Buckhorn said Wednesday.

But, some believe Tampa's big time won't happen until big companies bring their corporate headquarters to the Bay Area. The lack of big corporate players has been blamed for everything from poor ticket sales at sporting events to potholes.

Tampa still rates far down the list for cities seeking major corporate headquarters.

"San Diego comes to mind. Austin is another city; Boston, Seattle. Those are cities we can aspire to," said Kaushal Chari, Associate Dean for Research and Professional Programs at the USF Muma College of Business.

He believes, however, that USF's new medical school, which is being built downtown could attract major players, especially in the pharmaceutical and medical bioengineering industries. Chari says establishing a research and development hub in Tampa could accelerate the business economy.