"Mayor, your city is the best kept secret in the United States."

Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio, in an interview with WUSF:

But after eight years as mayor one thing that’s very clear to me is that we don’t have an outside presence. People don’t realize the enormity of what goes on at the University of South Florida, Moffitt Cancer, all the other medical institutions, the kind of technological advances that are occurring, things like CAMLS. We need to build on that, and we need to create an image to the outside world so that when people think of Tampa they think innovation, medical technology. That’s what needs to happen. We don’t have that image. Many times as I’ve entertained businesspeople from throughout the country here they say, ‘Mayor, your city is the best kept secret in the United States.’ I say, ‘You’re right. It is.’

Is that true? Best kept secret in the U.S.? Tampa has things in the plus column: quality of life, affordable housing (newly/once again!), cost-of-living and tax advantages, arts (no, really), big-time sports and a large university. We have items in the minus column, as well. A work force that isn't as educated as other major metros. A lack of top-tier corporations. We're a mixed bag, as are most American cities. I like the medical technology angle. But it's awfully hard (impossible?) for government to really foster that kind of organic growth through marketing spend and big committee decisions. Here's hoping the next mayor knows that the best way to help launch a nascent industry is to keep government from stomping on the grassroots.