February 2003  Issue No. 1

Pinellas Economic Development marketing and communications programs to reach nearly 5 million this year: Figures compiled for 02/03 show that Pinellas County Economic Development's TV show - Good Business Pinellas is viewed by approximately 100,000 residents monthly, its Good Business Pinellas Radio program reaches an estimated 260,000 listeners in our six county area annually, and Economic Development's e-newsletters and advertisements in magazines and trade publications reach 2,937,000 readers annually. These numbers, combined with our website, promotional signage and brochure distribution, bring the estimated total marketing outreach for the year to 4,847,000. This exposure through multiple media outlets promotes Pinellas County as having the economic vitality and quality of life that attracts and supports increased business success. For more information, call (727) 464-7425.

Manufacturers, please take note: The Modern Manufacturing Conference, sponsored by the Bay Area Manufacturers Association (BAMA) is scheduled for Tuesday, March 25, at the Safety Harbor Resort and Spa. The purpose of the conference is to expose attendees to a variety of tools, information systems, and knowledge in a global economy. Topics include technical training and educational needs, specialty software, advanced business solutions, and a Business Leaders Roundtable. Who should attend? CEOs and CFOs, IT and plant managers, purchasing directors, human relations directors, owners, controllers and accounting managers. For more information, contact BAMA at (727) 937-3232 or visit www.bama-fl.org.

St. Petersburg College continues its educational leaderships with largest e-campus in Florida and addition of UF pharmacy building: St. Petersburg College's (SPC) eCampus program remains Florida's No. 1 community college provider of online courses - nearly double those of the second-largest electronic campus provider, Florida Community College at Jacksonville, according to latest statewide statistics. For 2001-2002, SPC had 17,469 students in 731 courses. For information about the eCampus, call (727) 394-6278. SPC, working with its University Partnership Center, will see the University of Florida College of Pharmacy begin building an 8,000 square foot facility on the Seminole Campus with completion expected by January 2004. The UF College of Pharmacy has 44 students currently enrolled with an anticipated enrollment of 50 students a year until it reaches its capacity of 200 students. Classes began last August. "This will gain national attention as it will be one of the first times a university program will build on a different college campus," said Lars Hafner, associate vice president in charge of the UPC. For information, contact (727) 394-6200.

Pinellas County - most economical place to live in Florida and the entire Southeast United States according to the latest ACCRA Cost of Living Index: The composite index for Florida cities shows the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area cost of living is 90.5, a drop of 3% from 2002's first quarter and below the state's highest, West Palm Beach - Boca Raton at 107.7. Nationally, the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area is below Montgomery, Alabama (92.3) and Durham, North Carolina (94.9). Factors included in measuring living costs are housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, health, and miscellaneous goods and services. For information, contact (727) 464-7344.

Remember Good Business Pinellas TV and Radio: Good Business Pinellas TV airs weeknights at 7 p.m. on St. Petersburg College TV Channel 19 and at various times on Pinellas 18 and Channels 15 and 35 in St. Petersburg and Clearwater. Also, listen to Good Business Pinellas Radio, WHNZ 1250 AM, at 1 p.m., every Wednesday, and anytime - 24/7 - on www.siliconbay.org. For information, call (727) 464-7498.