Blast Off to Business Success:
What Florida’s Space Industry Means to Your Bottom Line

The Joint Hi-Tech Councils of the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce are pleased to present Blast Off to Business Success, an event identifying business and partnership opportunities with Florida’s Space Initiative. Lynda Weatherman, President and CEO of the Economic Development Commission for Florida’s Space Coast, will be the speaker. Blast Off to Business Success will be held on April 18, 2006, from 8:00am to 10:00am, at Catalina Marketing, 200 Carillon Parkway, in St. Petersburg.

Ms. Weatherman leads economic development efforts on Florida’s east coast through the Economic Development Commission for Florida’s Space Coast. She works diligently with business leaders, government officials, and industry partners to cultivate a trained workforce and identify business opportunities for high-tech firms involved in the aerospace industry.

Pinellas County Economic Development (PCED), WorkNet Pinellas, and the City of St. Petersburg’s Economic Development Department are pleased to sponsor this event, noting that Florida is a top choice for expanding and relocating aviation and aerospace firms.

Explains PCED Director, Mike Meidel, “There are over 7,000 professionals employed in the aviation and aerospace industry throughout Pinellas County. This event will help firms within the aviation and aerospace industry, as well as supporting industries such as information technology and manufacturing to evaluate the exciting partnerships available with Florida’s Space Program.”

Ed Peachey, WorkNet Pinellas’ Executive Director, notes the importance of supporting high-tech industries that create jobs and provide employment opportunities for Pinellas County citizens. “WorkNet Pinellas works with employers to recruit qualified candidates for expanding or relocating firms. Identifying new business opportunities that allow local firms to grow is a vital component to placing qualified Pinellas County workers in available jobs.”

Pre-registration is required and seating is limited to 150 participants. To register, visit the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce at www.clearwaterflorida.org, or call (727) 461-0011. Participants may also register with the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce by phoning (727) 821-4069, or by emailing amiller@stpete.com.

A continental breakfast will be served beginning at 8:00 a.m., with the program commencing at 8:30 a.m. Businesses are encouraged to learn about one of Florida’s most exciting high-tech industries by attending this special event.  Parking will be available on the third and fourth floor of Catalina Marketing’s garage.

###