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April 30, 2008 |
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This Issue Features... |
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Just Off the Wire...
New Chihuly Collection Signing
Table Restaurant Opens
Honda Grand Prix thru 2013 -
Peer Communities
launched by i4cp
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Vinoy Goes AAA
Four Diamond
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WorkNet Pinellas
New Image
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Looper Reaches
1-Million
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Konica-Minolta
Purchases Danka
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2008 Business
Woman of the Year
Good Report Card
2008 Economic Yearbook on "The Bay" - Florida Trend
Eight in Nation as Cleanest City - Forbes
Second in Nation for Lowest Overall Business Costs - KPMG
Pinellas Income Leads Area
Regional Economic Scorecard - Tampa Bay Partnership
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Activity
Highlights...
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Dali
Museum Building Approval
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Stylists along 4th Street N
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Saturday Morning Market - Jumbo Status
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2008
Commercial Broker Real Estate Tour
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TBTF &
SRI Open House
Captivating Corridors...
- Grand Central
- 49th Street South Festival
Previews of the Month...
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Super Bowl XLIII Opportunities
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2008 Governor's Business Awards
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2008 Regional Leadership Conference
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2008 Business Fast 50
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Ultimate CEO
Honors
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Just Off the Wire... |
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 New Chihuly Collection Signing -
On March 25th, Mayor Rick Baker, Dale Chihuly and
The Arts Center of St. Petersburg officially signed a recommitment to bring
a world-class collection of Dale Chihuly glass blowing
artwork collection to permanently reside at The Arts Center. The Chihuly Collection
will be housed in a new 32,000 square foot new wing at The Arts Center
located at 719 Central Avenue. Construction is scheduled to begin in
September 2008 with an anticipated completion by Spring 2010.
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Table Restaurant Opens
- Located in the ground
 floor
of The Alexander Building at 5th Street and Central Avenue a new dining
destination is open for business - Table. The culinary experiences
of the restaurant from Sarasota is excited to call
downtown St. Petersburg home. Its official opening was on Friday,
April 18th with 750 guests attending the premier event. The Table
restaurant is open for both lunch and dinner and also offers a 22 person
meeting room fully equipped with a flat screen TV and LCD projection unit.
To learn more please contact the general manager, Rafael Rottiers at
727-823-3700. ■
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 Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg thru 2013 -
On April 8, 2008 on the Padock stage during Grand Prix race weekend, the City
of St. Petersburg, Indy Racing League, American Le Mans Series, Andretti
Green Promotions, Honda and Acura jointly announced the extension of the
city's agreement to host another five years of the popular
street race - running through 2013. This signature event
drew crowds in excess of 125,000 with the two international races
televised on ABC and ESPN and broadcast to 200+ countries around the world.
"It's another great day as racing begins in the City of St. Petersburg
and we are looking forward to many more years to come," expressed Mayor
Rick Baker.
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 Peer Communities launched by i4cp -
The Institute for Corporate Productivity (i4cp), a human resources company
devoted to improving the performance of employee and workplace
productivity, launched its Peer Communities discussion platform for members to share best
practices and a means to survey HR issues in a safe an secure
environment. i4cp headquartered in St. Petersburg,
publishes over 10,000 pages of productivity research per year and is the
second largest research team in the U.S. devoted to productivity and HR
issues.
www.i4cp.com
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 Vinoy
Earns AAA Four Diamond
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The Vinoy has recently completed a $3.5 million interior renovation as well
as a new
$5 million
marina facility that now offers 74
slips. In addition, a full amenity resort-spa facility is on the drawing
boards for groundbreaking. These enhancements have earned the
city's premier downtown resort AAA's exclusive four-diamond club
prestige honors.
Visit the
Renaissance Vinoy online to learn more. ■
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 WorkNet Pinellas New Image - "A strong visual
identity is critical in communicating a company's presence, expertise and
commitment to quality," expressed Jacqueline Skryd, WorkNet marketing
coordinator. WorkNet Pinellas' new logo reflects a cleaner, more modern
look, designed to appeal to two very different customers: employers and job
seekers. Industry Forums are the new focus this year for WorkNet Pinellas,
running
May 29 - Information Technology; June 26 - Financial/Professional Services;
July 31 - Automotive. Visit WorkNet Pinellas
online to learn more
about these planning sessions.
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 Konica-Minolta
Purchases Danka
- During the month of April, Danka announced it was being acquired by one of
its biggest suppliers, Konica-Minolta Business Solutions USA Inc.
Konica-Minolta expressed it will maintain the existing Danka headquarters
in St. Petersburg which represents a workforce of 300. Doreen Maiak,
spokeswoman for Danka expressed "It's good for Danka and a great move for
Konica Minolta." In 2007, Danka celebrated its 30th year in business. www.konicaminolta.com ■
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 Looper Reaches 1 Million - On March 24th, the
Looper Downtown Trolley boarded its one millionth passenger! In its 12th
year of operation, the Looper's riders continues to increase. For March
2008, the Looper transported 21% more patrons than in March 2007, between the
city's downtown hotels and attractions, all for just a 25-cent fare.
Congratulations! ■
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 2008 Business Woman of the Year - This year's
honor goes to Suzanne B. Pomerantzeff, Academy of Ballet Arts Inc. located
in Grand Central district. From its inception, 38 years ago, the academy has
produced professional dancers, teachers, choreographers, writers, actors, singers and its family atmosphere has supported
the dreams of thousands of children. To learn more about
this long established business and its owner's community dedication,
please visit
online.
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Good Report Card... |
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2008 Economic Yearbook on "The Bay"
 Florida Trend
released in April,
its 2008 Economic
Yearbook which explores population, job and income trends for each of
Florida's 10 regions. The Bay Area's biggest challenge appears to be
battling a business perception that its economy is lingering when in fact
it remains steady and strong. Also, meet
local leaders that are turning heads during the economy's turbulent times.
Click here to visit the publication
online.
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Eighth Cleanest City
in the Nation
 Forbes' 2008 list of America's Cleanest Cities ranked the St.
Petersburg-Tampa area Number 8 out of 49 U.S. metro areas with populations
of more than 1 million. Four Florida cities take honors in Forbes' Top 10
listing of America's Cleanest Cities.
Click
here to learn more.
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Second in Nation for Lowest Overall Business Costs
 Great
local
business news came during the month of April when KPMG released
its Competitive
Analysis Business Cost Index report which ranked the Bay Area second out of the Top 25
major U.S.
cities for lowest overall business costs. The KPMG study measures the
combined impact of 27 cost components that are most likely to vary by
location. Components include tax, labor and facility costs.
Even more impressive in this report, the region was first for lowest business costs
for Shared Services, a key industry cluster for the region with over 40
shared services operations employing over 40,000 workers. To learn more,
please visit
KPMG's Competitive Analysis Business
Cost Index.
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Pinellas Income Leads Area
 Recently
reported by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Pinellas County's per
capita personal income grew to $41,448, representing a 7.6% increase.
Pinellas' personal income out-performed that of the nation as a whole.
For more information please visit the
economic analysis online.
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Regional Economic Scorecard
 The
Regional Economic Scorecard, produced by the Tampa Bay Partnership, was
designed to provide an unbiased assessment and serve as a benchmarking tool
to aid in focusing resources and addressing areas in need of attention.
The March 2008 edition marks the fourth consecutive scorecard analysis on
the Bay Area. The scorecard focus is on five key areas of business:
Workforce & Employment, Income & Productivity, Housing, Innovation, and
Education. The rankings are then compared to five competitor regions in the
Southeast: Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas, Jacksonville, and Raleigh-Durham.
Click here to access the Regional Economic
Scorecard online. ■
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Activity Highlights... |
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Dali Museum Building
Approval
 During City Council's Thursday, April 17th
meeting, the New Salvador Dali
Museum building design was approved.
Referred to as "Placa Dali" by the architect, the waterfront structure
features a cascading river of glass emerging from the center of the
three-story building that wraps around the front to serve as the museum's
main entrance. Construction is expected to begin during Fall 2008 and will
feature an extensive permanent collection of surreal art, a cafe,
gift shop, sculpture garden, and a 31,000 square foot elevated plaza near
the entrance for outdoor dining and museum events. "Placa Dali" will
be
across from the Progress Energy Center for the Arts and expected to open in
2010.
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Stylists along 4th Street North
 Salon Lofts, home to individual stylists, manicurists, and facialists
located at 1068 Fourth Street N, is now home to Albie Mulcahy, famed
hairstylist catering to artsy clients.
Now a permanent resident of St. Petersburg, he worked with
renowned stylist Paul Mitchell, Mulcahy is open for business and ready
to make his image/style known in a city that thrives in the arts and
culture scene. "I want to put St. Petersburg on the map for the hair
industry to learn, it has that capability," expressed Albie Mulcahy. Visit
Salon
Lofts to learn more and book an appointment
for a style update.
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Saturday Morning Market reaches Jumbo Status
 The
Saturday Morning Market has reached jumbo status for outdoor markets, which
represents 100+ vendor participants and 5,000+ visitors each weekend. Its
community atmosphere and eclectic product offerings has made it one of the
largest "open air markets" defined as jumbo status in the Southeast.
Seventeen percent
of its visitors are from out of state; 66% heard of the
market via word of mouth publicity; and it's composed of the largest mix of
"international" vendors in the country. The market,
operating
October through May, brings awareness to St. Petersburg as a
destination for great
experiences and delicacies. Visit them
online
to learn more.
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2008 Commercial Broker Real Estate Tour
 On May 20, 2008 the City of St. Petersburg, Downtown
Business Partnership, Pinellas County and
Commercial Real Estate brokers will host a tour of downtown St.
Petersburg to share its atmosphere and available commercial buildings with
brokers from outside the area. The tour will begin at 9am and includes lunch and remarks
presented by Mayor Rick Baker, Dr. Peter Betzer, and Roger Zeh at the New Hough Wing
of the Fine Arts Museum
located along Beach Drive. If interested in learning more about the
tour and its sponsorship opportunities, please
contact Andrea Falvey at 727-893-7035.
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TBTF & SRI Open House
The Tampa Bay Technology Forum (TBTF)
and SRI International are joining forces to host a networking social at the
University of Tampa from 5:30pm-7:30pm on Wednesday, May 14, 2008. Besides
the opportunity to network with fellow entrepreneurs in the region, the
"open house" is unveiling the Emerging Companies Academy (ECA) which
provides startup companies with business development assistance for new
products, competition techniques in global technology markets, and
the attraction of essential resources for growth.
Learn more today about attending.
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Captivating Corridors... |
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Grand Central
 This
district of the city is fast approaching a destination identity of
distinctive and unique businesses that offers the best lease
rates in town. Designated as a Florida Mainstreet since
2001,
it has become home to more than 45+ thriving businesses over the past year
including boutique shops, restaurants, antique shops, artists, and
professional offices and services. Its
eye appeal, colorful building facades, and enticing sidewalk activity
encompass a 16-block radius of 16th Street through 31st Street along 1st
Avenues North and South, in addition to Central Avenue.
The Grand Central Board recently welcomed a new
president, Mona Burrows, January 2008, to aid the businesses that call
its district home. Its "4th Fridays" event takes place
each month featuring extended shop hours, entertainment and vendors. Each
June the district welcomes 75,000+ visitors from all across the country for
the Pride Festival, and November highlights its Chili Cookoff represented by
45+ entries heating up a signature event for the district.
New businesses in
Grand Central include: Cigar Loft, Southern Boarder
skate shop, Pandora's Box, and Wild West Shrimp Company (just to name a
few). This neighborhood based business district offers plenty of unique experiences,
so take the opportunity to visit, stroll and shop Grand Central's merchants. ■
49th Street South Festival
 There has been
an unprecedented growth rate of businesses along the 49th Street South corridor, offering
a diverse array
of services and products. The cities of Gulfport, St. Petersburg and the
Childs Parks initiative are hosting a 49th Street South Festival, May 17th
from 12:00pm-4:00pm. The festival will be held on Tangerine Greenway in
Gulfport, also known as 18th
Avenue South in City of St. Petersburg, where numerous businesses will showcase their
products and services. The day will also include a parade along 49th Street
South from 22nd Avenue South to 18th Avenue South. To learn more, contact
Paul Stellrecht, Midtown Economic Development, 727-892-5561 for additional
details on the festival. ■
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Previews of the Month...
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Super Bowl XLIII Opportunities for Minority and Woman Owned Businesses
 Local businesses can receive
certification for Super Bowl procurement opportunities through the NFL
Emerging Business program. Approved businesses (which must have a business website
for consideration) will be added to the exclusive online Business Resource guide, the
primary source for Super Bowl XLIII contractors and vendors.
Click here to learn more
about this revenue generating program. ■
2008 Governor's Business Diversification Awards
 Nominations are now being accepted by
Enterprise Florida for this year's awards program that recognizes Florida
companies for their contributions to the state's economic diversification and
growth. Awards are available in the following categories: Business Expansion,
Entrepreneurship, Export Excellence, Innovation, and Newcomer. Last year,
Phoenix X-Ray Systems took home a distinctive honor, to learn more visit
eFlorida online. ■
2008 Regional Leadership Conference
 The Tampa Bay Partnership's 9th Annual
Regional Leadership Conference,
regarded as the region's premier leadership event -
runs May 21-23, 2008 at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota.
This year's theme, "In My Lifetime" is the call for action today on the
critical issues that will shape and impact our community tomorrow. The conference
purpose is to energize and engage leaders throughout the region.
Discussion topics will include: Influencing the Score, Evolving Regional
Relationships, Keeping Tampa Bay Competitive, and ONE BAY: "What If?"
Click here to learn more and register for
this leadership event. ■
2008 Business Fast 50
 Tampa Bay Business Journal's Fast 50, a
distinctive list of the fastest growing privately held companies in Tampa
Bay, will be unveiled based on percentage of annual growth rankings over
a three-year period. There will also be a special list and award for total
revenue growth in dollars from 2005 to 2007.
Now is the time to submit your business
for consideration. Businesses will be honored at the awards banquet being held
July 7, 2008. Click here
to learn more about this
premier business recognition event. ■
Ultimate CEO Honors
Several
CEOs
from the city's business community are in the running for this year's honor
to be announced on May 29th at the awards banquet. CEO nominees represented
include: Great Explorations Childrens Museum, Raymond James & Associates,
and Lifestyle Family Fitness.
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To learn more
information about St. Petersburg's business
environment, you can visit
www.StPeteShines.com, call (727)
893-7100, or email a member of the City of St. Petersburg's Economic
Development Department:
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Dave
Goodwin
Economic Development Director
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Sophia
Sorolis
Economic Development Manager
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Rick Smith
CRA Coordinator, Community Redevelopment, CEcD
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Gary Jones
Planner III, Annexation, Main Streets Program
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Andrea Falvey
Eco. Dev. Coordinator, Real Estate/ Business Retention/ Brownfields
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Kimberly Bailey
Eco. Dev. Coordinator, Website/ News & Events/ Retail Marketplace
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Jon Fleming
Eco. Dev. Coordinator, Market Research/ International Trade/
Incentives
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Helaine Neal
Economic Development Department Assistant
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Have a development update? New project announcement? Success story?
We'd love to hear about it.
Click Here
to submit your
information today!
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