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Tampa Bay Export Alliance Encourages Growth
Through Trade
The Tampa Bay Export Alliance joined St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman, Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn and Assistant U.S. Trade Representative Omar Khan at Electric Supply to showcase contributions to the economy through exporting and to cut a ribbon to celebrate their new facility. Browse the pictures and watch the video.
Read more about how Tampa Bay area businesses are expanding trade with Chile and creating local jobs - The CEOs of Hydro-Dyne, Custom Manufacturing & Engineering, Pro-Tech Coatings and First Choice Marine Supply are featured in this 83 Degrees Media story by Marianne Hayes.
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Paleo Simplified - Making Profits from Scratch
Frustrated with the lack of on-the-go Paleo snacks on the market, Eileen Forte used her background in cooking to create the Paleo Simplified line of Paleo diet-friendly products. Armed with a great product and an idea to take it to market, Forte utilized the services of the Florida Small Business Assistance Centers at USF and Pinellas County Economic Development to learn the tools and skills necessary to launch her own business.
"I didn't know how to do anything," Forte says. "I didn't know how to set up a website, run a business or even make a business plan."
With help from FSBDC consultants, Forte repackaged her website and grew her online traffic from about 1,000 visitors per month to over 17,000 per week. She has hired two full-time employees and has placed her products in stores across the US. Looking toward the future, Forte is gaining insight from the FSBDC Network into government contracting and has begun the process to earn her woman-owned business certification. Over her two and a half years in business, she has seen her profits triple.
Creating a business from scratch isn't always easy, but Forte knows where to go for help as she continues to grow Paleo Simplified: the FSBDC Network.
"I know where to go if I have a problem," she attests. "Having that support in your pocket as a young entrepreneur is the most valuable resource you can have."
Learn how the FSBDC at Pinellas County Economic Development can help grow your small business - visit www.pced.org/sbdc.
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The Nolen Groundbreaking in the City of Clearwater
Business leaders, developers and dignitaries broke ground Feb. 4 on The Nolen, a much anticipated new urban rental apartment community in Downtown Clearwater. In collaboration with the City of Clearwater's long-term strategic vision, The Nolen is the first new rental offering in Clearwater's urban core within the last few years and will cater to young Tech District professionals looking for a cool urban environment.
Read more and view photos from the event...
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CONGRATULATIONS
to the Tampa Bay winners of the 2015 Bright House Networks Regional Business Awards!
And a special Thank You for choosing to do business in Pinellas to the Pinellas County winners:
Kobie Marketing - 1st Place, Large Business
Geographic Solutions - 2nd Place, Large Business
Bankers Insurance Group, Inc. - 3rd Place, Large Business
Doctors Administrative Solutions - 2nd Place, Medium Business
LumaStream, Inc. - 3rd Place, Medium Business
Spring Engineering, Inc. - 1st Place, Small Business
Nationwide Appraisal Network - 2nd Place, Small Business
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Registration is open for the 2015 Tampa Bay
International Town Hall, Friday, May 8
Kick off World Trade Month with an in-depth look at the people and programs driving international business growth in Tampa Bay. Presented by the Tampa Bay Export Alliance. Please click here for more details about the Town Hall and click here to register. Use discount code PCED.
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March 24: Website Design for the Global Marketplace
 Learn how to make your website work to grow your global presence. Explore best practices, learn about effective tools, and discover simple modifications. $49 registration includes a continental breakfast. Presented by the U.S. Commercial Service, Florida District Export Council and Pinellas County Economic Development. Learn more and register at http://go.usa.gov/3qUxR.
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FREE hazardous waste training for small businesses
Pinellas County's Small Quantity Generator Program training is designed to provide qualified small businesses with a general overview of hazardous waste regulations and also includes industry examples and regulatory updates. The training session will be held Mar. 24 at the Pinellas County Extension, 12520 Ulmerton Rd., Largo. The training will be broken into two sessions, 9 a.m. to noon and 1:30 to 3 p.m. The morning session will provide an overview of hazardous waste management requirements, and the afternoon session will present information regarding the new Globally Harmonized System (GHS) for chemical classification and labeling, as well as recycling opportunities. Learn more and register at www.pinellascounty.org/solidwaste/sqg.htm.
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