MEDIA ADVISORY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 24, 2008

Contact: Stacey Swank

Pinellas County Economic Development

(727) 464-7425 or sswank@pinellascounty.org

Pinellas County to Honor Emerging Entrepreneurs at Bright House Field

On Monday, April 28, Pinellas County Economic Development’s Business Development Center will honor a group of Emerging Entrepreneur Award Recipients and graduates of the Business Development Center’s NxLevel™ Business Start-Up class.  The presentation will take place during pre-game program of the Clearwater Threshers baseball game at Bright House Field, 601 Old Coachmen Road, Clearwater, 33765.

Mike Meidel, Director of Pinellas County Development, explains the impact of entrepreneurship on Pinellas County’s economy: “Nearly 83% of Pinellas County’s companies have 10 or fewer employees.  Small business is a critical component of our economic base and we strive to provide Pinellas’ entrepreneurs with the resources and support they need to succeed.  We want to take the opportunity to recognize these individuals who have worked hard and found business success in Pinellas County.” 

The Pinellas County Business Development Center offers training resources and personal assistance for small and emerging businesses.  The center’s NxLeveL™ program is a nationally-recognized, 10-session course designed for people who want to start a business or grow a business and need the skills to test the feasibility of their business concept.  Other training opportunities can be found at www.PCED.org/entrepreneurs.  

For more information, please contact Stacey Swank at Pinellas County Economic Development, (727) 464-7425, sswank@pinellascounty.org, or visit www.pced.org.

Event:             Pinellas County’s Emerging Entrepreneur Awards

                        at the Clearwater Threshers Baseball game

Date:               Monday, April 28, 2008

Time:               6:30 p.m.

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