Alyssa Cerrito joined the Plant City Economic Development Corp. in June and has already found her niche in the community.
A self-described people person, Alyssa Cerrito has found what she loves as the new marketing and communications manager of the Plant City Economic Development Corp., a group focused on attracting businesses to Plant City.
“I like being in front of people,” Cerrito said. “I love meeting new people, and I love hearing their stories.”
Cerrito joined the team of the Plant City EDC on June 20. The Lake Nona resident previously worked as the marketing coordinator for the Orlando Economic Development Commission. Though she’s well versed in the major metro market, she felt connected to the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World.
“There was something enticing,” Cerrito said. “I was drawn to Plant City by the people and how much they loved their community.”
It’s a community Cerrito has come to call a second home.
The Perfect Fit
Cerrito is a graduate of the University of Central Florida’s Rosen College of Hospitality. Upon graduating, she began working for the Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport as the marketing and events coordinator.
“I loved the company culture and values,” Cerrito said. “But I realized I didn’t want to be in a service-oriented industry.”
Cerrito transitioned into the marketing and communications side of the company. However, the company’s corporate headquarters were based in Chicago. In love with the Sunshine State and all it had to offer, Cerrito made the decision to move to the Orlando EDC.
“I fell in love with it,” Cerrito said. “It always works out the way it’s supposed to. Everything kind of fell into place. I haven’t looked back since.”
Now, she’s looking forward to the Plant City EDC. Cerrito is excited to work in a community that is supportive of opportunities for growth.
“When we have the support of our citizens, it makes our jobs easier,” Cerrito said. “I don’t know that there’s a community that fits that ‘open for business’ model more than this one. There’s such a sense of family. The cultures of the companies align with the culture of the community.”
As the marketing and communications manager for a corporation that became official less than one year ago, Cerrito has jumped into the action.
“I wear many hats,” she said.
She is a major contributor to the EDC’s creative ideas and events and has a hand in investor relations.
“It’s about keeping people informed and engaged,” Cerrito said.
She’s working alongside Plant City EDC President Jake Austin, as well as the EDC’s board members.
“We both try to be front-facing in every aspect,” Cerrito said. “We’re here for the community.”
“She is the perfect fit,” Yvonne Fry, who serves on the executive committee, said. “They feel strongly about that.”
Not Just A Boy's Club
Cerrito’s hospitality and metro market experience have made her an asset for the Plant City EDC’s team.
“I love that it’s a blank canvas community,” Cerrito said. “We can shape the future, and I’m excited to have a hand in what the community lends itself to. It’s building and evolving.”
Like the rest of the team, Cerrito is focused on getting the EDC’s name more ingrained in the community while highlighting all Plant City has to offer for outside investors.
“Plant City is not just a stop on someone’s list,” she said. “It’s a destination. (The EDC) is a startup in a sense, and to be a part of it is so exciting. We’re painting what the future looks like. It’s the community, it’s everyone.”
“When we have the support of our citizens, it makes our jobs easier. I don’t know that there’s a community that fits that ‘open for business’ model more than this one. There’s such a sense of family.”
— Alyssa Cerrito
Besides continuing to put Plant City on the map, Cerrito’s goals in her new position include building ongoing partnerships and engaging investors in a meaningful way.
“That’s a key component in the recipe to making all of this work,” Cerrito said. “The closer you are with your partners, the easier it is to get things done. It’s a joint effort, and everyone here realizes that … we’re making it meaningful for investors to be a part of this.”
Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com.
