FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 7, 2015

Media Contact: Stacey Swank

Pinellas County Economic Development

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

Pinellas County, Fla - May 7, 2015 - Today, Power Design, Inc., a national, family run electrical contracting business announced an expansion of their headquarters operations within the City of St. Petersburg in Pinellas County, Florida.  The expansion is projected to create 60 new jobs locally and retain approximately 200 positions in Florida, with an expected capital investment of $3 million.

Having recently purchased the building adjacent to its 70,000-square-foot facility, Power Design is planning a renovation to take place over the next year. The renovation includes moving and growing their training and evaluation center, adding assembly space, creating a 4,000-square-foot employee fitness center and building out several offices.

"This is a very exciting time for all of us", said Mitch Permuy, Chief Executive Officer at Power Design, "We are focused on our long-term strategic growth, continued commitment to training and development, and supporting the communities where we live and work."

"Power Design's headquarters expansion is more great news for Pinellas," shared Commissioner John Morroni, Chairman of the Pinellas Board of County Commissioners. "Long-term strategic growth is the goal for Power Design and Pinellas County.  The best way to build our local economy is to ensure our home grown companies, like Power Design, continue their success and create new jobs in our community."

"Mitch, Dana, and their team are continuing Power Design's remarkable growth by expanding their headquarters in the Sunshine City," said St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman. "St. Petersburg is one of the brightest spots in the nation for cost effective growth enabled by a productive, talented, and diverse workforce.  I'm pleased that the company has elected to remain and grow in St. Petersburg."

"In Pinellas County, the retention and facilitated expansion of our existing companies is the most effective strategy for creating new high wage jobs," said Mike Meidel, Director of Pinellas County Economic Development. "We're pleased to compete and prove the advantages of a Pinellas headquarters location. It is especially rewarding to celebrate a hometown success story like Power Design."

Founded in 1989, Power Design strives for innovation and quality work. Today the company has more than 130 active projects, and is able to offer clients a complete build from design to completion. Power Design's specialties include: design build, electrical construction services, engineering, systems expertise and lighting needs.

This project was made possible by the partnerships between Pinellas County Economic Development, the City of St. Petersburg, Enterprise Florida and the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity.

Governor Rick Scott remarked, "Today's announcement that Power Design will expand operations in Florida creating 60 new jobs is great news for Florida families."

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Pinellas County Economic Development (PCED) works with existing businesses to encourage expansion and seeks to attract new companies with high-wage careers to our community. Through investment tools, business classes, professional consulting services, trade missions to open new markets, and strategic partnerships, PCED fosters a pro-business environment and promotes the Ideal Business Climate of Pinellas County, Florida.

Power Design, Inc. has over 130 active projects, a 70,000 square foot national headquarter facility and accumulative revenue exceeding $2 billion dollars, Power Design is a key player in the electrical contracting industry. Power Design has the unique ability to serve its customers in diverse geographic locations, offer a complete scope of services ranging from design build to project completion and to provide performance and payment bonds on the largest of projects.

Since being founded in 1989, Power Design has attracted a best-in-class customer base, performing work for more than 75 of the top 100 general contractors and developers by revenue volume in the country.

The Economic Development Division of the City of St. Petersburg works with new, existing and expanding businesses  to support quality, diverse, economic growth now and for the future. From entrepreneurship to expansion, the City's economic development programs foster a business friendly environment in our vibrant city.