February 2005

Redevelopment Summit Highlights Available at www.SiliconBay.org. If you are unable to attend the Draft Plan Redevelopment Summit on February 1, 2 or 3, you can download presentations, frequently asked questions, and summit topics at www.SiliconBay.org. Presentations from the Summit will be available online beginning February 7, 2005. For more information about Pinellas County’s Redevelopment Plan, or the Draft Plan Redevelopment Summit, please call (727) 464-7332. 

WorkNet Pinellas Releases RFP for Employee Training on February 3. WorkNet Pinellas, in conjunction with the Florida High Tech Corridor, is pleased to announce the allocation of training funds for Pinellas County employers. Companies are encouraged to apply for this funding to upgrade current employees' skills in a targeted industry. Businesses may view the request for proposal at www.WorkNetPinellas.org, under “Funding Opportunities”.

It’s Rocket Science! Let the U.S. Space Program go to Work for Your Business. The Florida Medical Manufacturers’ Consortium’s monthly meeting will highlight the Space Alliance Technology Outreach Program (SATOP), a free service designed to provide engineering assistance to small businesses. Over 45 space companies, universities, colleges and NASA centers have partnered to provide businesses with technical, cost-effective business solutions. To register for the February 10^th breakfast meeting, visit www.FlaMedMfg.org.

Increase Export Sales on the Mexico Trade Mission, March 6-11.  Join Tampa Bay trade officials and local businesses on a mission to Veracruz, Mexico City, and Puebla, March 6-11, 2005. The mission will build on existing community ties, strengthen trade relationships with Mexico, and position the Tampa Bay area as a strategic market in this region. Participants will meet one-on-one with buyers, potential partners, agents and distributors. The fee for the Mexico Trade Mission is $2,300 per person. For more information, or to register, click here.

Does Your Business Need a Comprehensive Marketing Plan? The Pinellas County Business Development Center can help with its Marketing Your Small Business course on February 16, from 1:30 – 4:30 p.m. Participants will learn low cost marketing tips to boost sales; when, where, and how much to spend on marketing efforts; basic market research skills; pricing and promotion strategies; and how to market specific product features and benefits. In addition, the class will examine web-marketing and website sales strategies to maximize profit goals. There is no fee to attend this workshop, but advanced registration is required. To register, email businesshelp@siliconbay.org or call (727) 453-7200.

Understanding the Financial Infrastructure for Globalization Briefing, February 4. The University of South Florida, Center for International Business, is pleased to host a luncheon briefing for accountants, financial executives and business leaders interested in global financial issues and trade. The program will feature work sessions, financial briefings and a keynote luncheon address by Thomas Jones, Vice-Chairman, International Accounting Standards Board. The conference can be used for CPE credit (5 Accounting & Auditing and 3 Technical Business). To register, click here or call (813) 974-4684. The cost for this workshop is $125 and all events will be held at the Doubletree Hotel (Tampa Airport Westshore).

EnviroBusiness Collection: Dispose of Hazardous Waste and Electronics, February 9. All businesses that qualify as small waste generators (produce less than 25 gallons or 220 pounds of chemical waste per month) may bring their hazardous waste and electronics to the quarterly EnviroBusiness Collection on February 9, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Household Electronics & Chemical Collection Center, 2990 110th Avenue North, St. Petersburg. For more information, click here or call (727) 464-7500.

“Maximizing Your Marketing Investment” on February 16. The High Tech Council, a joint effort of the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce, St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, is pleased to present “Maximizing Your Marketing Investment". This free program will be held Wednesday, February 16, at Feather Sound Country Club, with registration at 3:30 p.m. and the program from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., followed by a reception. The program will assist participants in defining prospect and customer needs and perceptions, evaluating competitors, identifying target audiences and successful messages to reach them, selecting proper marketing elements and evaluating marketing efforts. To register, visit www.clearwaterflorida.org.

Creative Tampa Bay: a Grassroots Movement to Make Tampa Bay More Attractive to Creative Workers. Creative Tampa Bay is dedicated to synergizing the community’s assets to cultivate an environment that encourages innovation, expands the economy and acts a magnet for creative people. The organization expands on economist Richard Florida’s views of a creative economy in today’s technology savvy business environment. To learn more, subscribe to Creative Tampa Bay’s e-newsletter at www.creativetampabay.com.

PCBDC Releases Schedule of Business Training Seminars. The Pinellas County Business Development Center offers business training in marketing, financing, business start-up, business accounting procedures, government contracting, and market research. To view the complete schedule of seminars for February, click here.