FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 21, 2004

CONTACT:  Stacey Swank, Business Development Manager, Pinellas County Economic Development, sswank@pinellascounty.org, or (727) 464-7425.

               Pinellas County Sponsors Statewide
                        Brownfields Conference

Pinellas County Economic Development is proud to sponsor the statewide 7^th Annual Brownfields Conference from August 15^th-18^th, 2004, at the Sarasota Hyatt.  The conference brings together key experts from all levels of government, business, finance, and local communities to share ideas and experiences in the field of urban development and environmental challenges, highlighting challenges in rural areas and smaller communities.

Conference participants will learn about Brownfield properties - abandoned, idle, or underutilized industrial and commercial properties at which real or perceived contamination hinders expansion or redevelopment efforts.  Through the Brownfield Program, Pinellas County is able to offer incentives and aid to those interested in joining Pinellas’ redevelopment efforts. 

“The Brownfield Program enhances redevelopment opportunities and economic vitality in Pinellas County, while improving quality of life,” states Joyce Gibbs, Environmental Manager with Pinellas County Economic Development.  “I encourage Pinellas business leaders, government officials, and community stakeholders to attend this valuable event.”

For more information or to register, visit the conference website at www.floridabrownfields.org.