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Clothing Company Cuts Ribbon On East Tampa Facility

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By KATHY STEELE | The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 6, 2008

EAST TAMPA - More than three years ago, Juan and Lori Davis took a risk in deciding to relocate their garment factory from Drew Park to East Tampa.

Today, they celebrated with the grand opening of Fast Lane Clothing on Shadowlawn Avenue, off 22nd Street. About 75 people gathered for the ribbon-cutting, including Mayor Pam Iorio.

"All good entrepreneurs have to take risks," Iorio said, recalling that the Fast Lane site was a vacant city lot most often used for illegal dumping.

"Instead of an empty lot we have a vibrant business that is now on the tax rolls, employing people," she said.

Iorio expects Fast Lane to attract more businesses to the area.

The groundbreaking for the approximately 10,000-square-foot facility was in late 2006.

The Davises have about 14 employees, including several East Tampa residents. Fast Lane manufactures and supplies custom screen-printed clothing, casual wear, uniforms and scrub caps. Clients include Busch Entertainment Corp.

Lori Davis praised the East Tampa community.

"Without them, we couldn't be doing any of this," she said. "There was a time when the neighborhood had a bad reputation. It's turning around. It's safe, it's pleasant and we love

Reporter Kathy Steele can be reached at (813) 835-2103 or ksteele@tampatrib.com.

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