LA social media firm expanding to Orlando, adding jobs

by Megan Ribbens

Orlando soon will welcome a new social media marketing firm to the downtown tech scene.
Los Angeles-based Fifty & Five selected downtown Orlando for its east coast expansion, the firm announced Feb. 4.
The firm plans to hire 20 employees from the Orlando area through 2014-15.
“Orlando is positioned to be a hotbed for high-tech growth in the coming years,” said Lucas Vandenberg, founder and managing director at Fifty & Five, in a prepared statement. “Plus, Orlando’s entrepreneurial spirit and the continued growth of Central Florida makes downtown a perfect fit to grow our company and our national footprint.”
Related: Orlando on list of most promising tech hubs in 2014
The expansion into Central Florida not only will bring more jobs to the area, but also will help put Orlando on the map as a growing technology market. The move also creates a need for office space in downtown Orlando.
Fifty & Five said it chose the City Beautiful over major markets including New York, Austin and Chicago, according to a news release.
“Central Florida has such great local talent with alumni from universities like UCF, Rollins and Full Sail. Great weather, easy access to public transportation and a burgeoning artisan food scene didn’t hurt our decision as well,” said Vandenberg.
Fifty & Five provides social media marketing strategy, execution and management for local, national and global brands, with clients ranging from tourism and entertainment to health care and high-tech firms.
Check back for more information on Fifty & Five’s expansion into Orlando.