Tampa Bay's Latest Business News

February, 2011
Aquarium Expansion Makes a Splash in Pinellas
Thanks in part to the issuance of an Industrial Revenue Bond through the Pinellas County Economic Development Authority/Industrial Development Authority, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium is expanding its facilities significantly, providing exciting new opportunities for visitors.  “We are very excited about this project,” says David Yates, CEO of the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.  “Our mission has always been to restore and preserve our marine environment and these expansion plans will enable us to reach more visitors in more ways, helping us spread the word and fulfill our mission.”

Oshkosh Expansion – 50 New Jobs to Clearwater in 2011
“We’re very pleased to welcome Oshkosh Specialty Vehicles as they expand their operations with Frontline Communications. Announcing new jobs is a great way to begin the year, and promoting Pinellas’ pro-business climate to encourage the creation of high-wage careers is our priority. This expansion further illustrates our commitment to economic development in Pinellas County,” said Susan Latvala, Chair of the Pinellas Board of County Commissioners. Click to read more…

With Diverse Tools for Diverse Businesses, Advanced Manufacturing Thrives in Pinellas
Ranked second in the state for manufacturing employment and third in the state for manufacturing firms, Pinellas County features the strong infrastructure necessary for expanding manufacturing firms, including world-class airports serving passenger and cargo needs, major seaports and convenient access to interstate highways.  Companies as diverse as Oshkosh Corp., JSKaraoke and Davidoff have all found opportunities for success in Pinellas and have utilized a range of expansion tools as diverse as their products to offset the costs associated with growth.  And local business growth means more jobs for Pinellas; Pinellas County manufacturing industry expansions in 2010 will bring more than 150 new jobs to the area, most paying more than the average annual wage.  Discover how your manufacturing business can succeed in Pinellas at http://pced.org/expansion_relocation/subpage.asp?manufacturing.

Spotlight on Pinellas Park

Conveniently located with excellent transportation access and affordable land costs, Pinellas Park is already a major industrial and office employment center. It offers prime redevelopment opportunities for businesses and a variety of affordable lifestyle opportunities for residents.  These includes properties that permit horse ownership within the corporate limits, designated areas of the city as an “Equestrian Community,” and recreational trails and activities for equine owners.

Read more here: www.siliconbay.org/redevelopment/subpage.asp?PinellasPark.

Volunteering and Pinellas’ Business Community:
join us for an eTownHall: Volunteers In Pinellas, an online, phone-in and live video discussion on February 10. Pinellas County is seeking your thoughts about its Volunteer In Pinellas (VIP) program.  Can the strength of our business teams help to make a difference in projects like Adopt-A-Park and Adopt-A-Mile?  Explore the opportunities for team building and share volunteer programs that have worked for your businesses, learn more at: www.pinellascounty.org/etownhall.

Pinellas Exporters: Learn About Incoterms on Feb. 11
What are Incoterms? They are the internationally accepted commercial rules (formerly called terms of sale). The rules define the obligations, risks, and costs shared by the buyer and seller in completing an international transaction with respect to delivery of goods.  Learn about recent changes, responsibilities, how to use Incoterms to your benefit, and more at this Incoterms seminar.  More information and registration at www.floridaexporter.com/incoterms.

RFP Issued for Lease of Former Gulf Coast Museum of Art
The former site for the Gulf Coast Museum of Art in Largo is now available for lease. Proposals are being accepted until Feb. 15 at 3:00 p.m by the Pinellas Board of County Commissioners at the office of the Director of Purchasing, County Annex Office Building, 400 S. Fort Harrison Ave., sixth floor, Clearwater, FL 33756. Proposals will be opened immediately after the proposal submittal due date and time at 3:00 p.m. For information visit http://www.demandstar.com/supplier/bids/agency_inc/bid_list.asp?f=search&LP=BB&mi=1163227 or call the Pinellas County Purchasing Department at (727) 464-3766.