February 2007

Penny for Pinellas – Vote March 13.  The Penny is a one cent sales tax used to fund new capital projects across Pinellas County.  On March 13, voters will be asked whether they want to renew the Penny for another ten years.  It is important to remember that this is not a new tax – it is a renewal of a one cent sales tax paid by all who spend money in the County, including tourists and other visitors who contribute about one third of the Penny revenue.  A renewal of the Penny would provide funding for some exciting future projects, such as an extension of 118th Ave. N. linking US 19 to I-275, more affordable workforce housing, a coordinated emergency radio system, additional hurricane shelter space and increased public beach access.  Please visit www.pinellascounty.org/penny to learn more about the Penny, and don’t forget to vote on March 13.

Pinellas County Job Corps Town Hall Meeting, Wednesday, February 14, 2007, 6:00pm at the Perkins Elementary Auditorium.  Pinellas County’s Job Corps Task Force invites the community to a Town Hall Meeting to discuss the new Pinellas County Job Corps Center in Midtown, St. Petersburg.  Officials from the US Department of Labor, Pinellas County and the City of St. Petersburg will be available to answer questions. Perkins Elementary is located at 2205 18th Avenue South, St. Petersburg.

Donated Inventory Can Provide Tax Benefits for Corporations.  While most donated business property and inventory can be written off at cost, a special provision allows a higher deduction for C corporations that donate gifts to organizations that serve the ill, needy or infants.  Another law provides a similar deduction for donated computer technology to primary and secondary schools.  For more information about these and other business-related tax deductions, visit www.irs.gov or contact a tax professional.

FMMC State of the Industry Breakfast Meeting, February 21.  The Florida Medical Manufacturers’ Consortium invites you to this informative meeting.  Networking begins at 7:30am, followed by the breakfast program at 8:00am.  The event takes place at the Feather Sound Country Club, 2201 Feather Sound Dr., Clearwater, 33762.  For more information, visit www.flamedmfg.org.

WorkNet Rolls Out Featured Employer Partnership.  Let WorkNet Pinellas help your company recruit for those hard to fill positions through their Featured Employer Partnership.  As part of their new Talent Acquisition Solutions program, WorkNet can provide your company with economic exposure via an outdoor and online advertising package. WorkNet has partnered with CBS Outdoor to offer reduced rates on billboard advertising that will highlight you as a "Featured Employer". In addition to billboard exposure, the Featured Employer Partnership extends its value through a package of benefits.  For more details visit www.worknetpinellas.org and select "HR Solutions", or call (727) 524-4344 and ask to speak with a Business Services Representative.

Tips and Tricks of Energy Savings, February 10.  Business owners can learn energy-efficiency measures and other tips at a monthly series of business energy programs beginning at 11am Saturday, February 10, at The Home Depot, 10689 Ulmerton Road, Largo. This month’s program, "Tuning up your A.C. unit”, is sponsored by The Home Depot, Progress Energy, and the University of Florida/IFAS/Pinellas County Extension.  Business owners may speak with UF Energy Extension faculty member, Bert Henderson, and a representative from Progress Energy about ways to stay comfortable, save money on utility bills and understand the basics of equipment operation.  To register for the free program call (727) 582-2673. For program content information only contact Energy Extension faculty member Bert Henderson at (727) 582-2660.

February 2007 Pinellas County Success Story

Savannas – Growing in Pinellas.  Founded in 2002, Savannas Nursery, Inc. in St. Petersburg has grown from a local retail nursery to a full service garden center that specializes in custom landscape consulting, design and installation.  General Manager Jesse Woods noticed a growing need for landscaping services in the community and, after meeting with a counselor at the Pinellas County Business Development Center, developed a business plan that would couple his love of plants and landscape design with a wholesale/retail store.  Today, Savannas has 14 employees providing a professional approach to creating quality outdoor spaces.  Mr. Woods attributes his success to Savannas’ customer service: “The customer is our family and our family always comes first.  We pride ourselves on service delivery, a quality product and knowledgeable staff.”

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How can the Pinellas County Business Development Center help grow your business?  Call (727) 453-7200 to learn more, or visit www.pced.org/business_dev_center.