OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Angela Suggs, a leader in the competitive world of sports, shared her insights on Dec. 18 at the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership’s (CEP) ExCEPtional Mornings breakfast held at the Reilly Arts Center.

Suggs, Vice President and Director of Athletics at Florida A&M University, previously served for over seven years as the president and CEO of the Florida Sports Foundation. Reflecting on her time there, Suggs expressed pride in the organization’s collaboration with partners such as Corry Locke, STS Group Sales Supervisor for the Ocala/Marion County Visitors and Convention Bureau. Together, they traveled the globe promoting Florida as “the place the world comes to play.”

“Sports’ impact in the State of Florida is huge,” said Suggs, noting it generates more than $70 billion annually across youth, amateur, professional, recreational, and leisure sports. Beyond her professional career, Suggs and her husband have also been dedicated sports parents, supporting their daughter’s success in softball.

Sports and Economic Impact

“How does that show itself as it relates to economic impact?” asked Suggs, who worked at Florida A&M University as Senior Associate Athletics Director for External Affairs before joining the Florida Sports Foundation in 2017. She emphasized the wide-ranging influence of sports, from mid-major programs to resource-limited institutions like Florida A&M University, a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) and one of Florida’s two land-grant universities.

“In that way, we do a lot with a little,” she said. “Sports is like an octopus—it stretches itself into the community.”

Suggs highlighted Ocala and Marion County’s unique strengths, including the equine industry and the Florida Aquatics Swimming and Training (FAST) facility. “FAST will become, I promise you, where the world comes to get in the water,” she said.

She outlined the ripple effect sports have on local economies, from families patronizing local businesses to spending on gas, dining, and accommodations. These events form part of an ecosystem that sustains communities.

“When Corry and the team go out and bid, they’re not just talking about the venue, they’re talking about the community,” said Suggs. “When we would go out with them, we would be behind the comma—Ocala/Marion County, Florida—selling your community to the world.”

Lessons from Sports

Suggs also emphasized the broader life lessons sports teach, noting that 95% of Fortune 500 CEOs have participated in sports. Sports foster resilience, creativity, and the ability to overcome failure, lessons applicable in both personal and professional success.

“As business owners, you’re not just looking at your bottom line—you’re looking at the homes of people, their children, how they are participating in sports, and whatever it is they’re doing,” said Suggs.

She concluded with an inspiring vision for the community, reminding the audience that today’s young athletes could be tomorrow’s leaders. “These are going to be your next vice presidents. Maybe these are the people who will purchase your company, from what they did through sport. You provided the opportunity for them to come here because the community is rich, strong, and supportive. And it will provide an experience that makes people not only want to come once but keep coming back.”