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AGR Florida celebrates relocation and expansion in St. Petersburg
AGR Florida hosted a Ribbon Cutting ceremony on April 5th with their staff, several elected officials, and the community at their new location in the Gateway area, 9701 International Court North. The company, which is engaged in energy telemarketing and sales, relocated from Clearwater last year.
Matt Judkin, President, CEO, and co-founder, reports that AGR has flourished ever since their move and will be doubling their number of employees within the next year. Judkin expressed appreciation to the community for welcoming the company, as well as to the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA), who they worked with to install a new bus stop nearby.
Many of the 600 employees are transit dependent, relying on the bus to get to and from their jobs. When AGR approached PSTA with this issue, PSTA staff responded quickly and efficiently by installing the new bus stop, giving all current and future employees improved access to their workplace. Please join us in welcoming AGR Florida to our city! |
Mayor Kriseman: "St. Petersburg is open for business!"
In response to the recent passage of anti-LGBT legislation in North Carolina, Mayor Rick Kriseman shared a message to North Carolina businesses: "St. Petersburg, where the sun shines on all, is open to business and eager to provide a new home where hard work, not prejudice and discrimination, determine how high you can climb."
The Mayor's message was published in The Charlotte Observer inviting any and all businesses interested in relocating to come to the Sunshine City, noting that St. Petersburg consistently receives the top ranking in the Municipal Equality Index - a nationwide evaluation of municipal laws and policies.
Additionally, the Mayor and Chris Steinocher, CEO and Chair of the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce, have reached out to the CEO of PayPal, Dan Schulman, inviting him to bring his company to St. Petersburg. After the discriminatory legislation passed, PayPal canceled their plans to open a new global operations center in Charlotte, which would have employed 400+ people in skilled jobs. |
Marxent Labs receives new funding, emerges as a leader in augmented and virtual reality
Marxent Labs, which provides 3D visualization for retailers and manufacturers, received $10 million in their latest round of funding. Headquartered in downtown St. Petersburg with operations in Ohio, Marxent has 12 employees and expects to double or triple in the next 18 months.
"Augmented reality and virtual reality are the hottest spaces you can be in right now. Everyone is interested in investing in this space," says Beck Besecker, CEO and co-founder. In fact, an analysis by Goldman Sachs Research predicts augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) to become an $80 billion market by 2025.
Marxent has attracted the attention of big investors like Dan Gilbert, founder and chairman of Quicken Loans Inc. "AR and VR will affect everything from gaming to entertainment to commerce," said Gilbert. "We believe Marxent has the momentum to achieve widespread adoption of their products. In addition, the culture and talent leading this company are both exceptional." |
Clear Labs offers unique, creative co-working space in the Grand Central District
The offices of Clear Labs, known simply as The Lab, are located in an 1,800 SF historic loft space in the Grand Central District at 2529 Central Avenue.
Clear Labs, a hybrid co-working space and advertising agency (The Un-Agency), is a totally unique creative consortium strategically boasting zero employees. But, on any given day you can visit and find the Lab bustling with committed, entrepreneurial, highly experienced freelancers and contractors, happily co-workÂing and collaborating together on projects.
All co-workers come from the creative and communications industry. From graphic designers to web developers, media buyers to brand strategists and everything in between, the doors are open and ready for all big thinkers at Clear Labs.
"You may be a freelancer who prefers to work independently but you want a more professional space than a coffee shop to meet clients and work every day, or you may be a freelancer who loves owning your own hours and work choices but you miss the collaboration and big project opportunities that require a curated team. We offer the space and relationships for both at Clear Labs," says founder and director Jenn Greacen.
Clear Labs offers full access dedicated desk spaces for only
$200 per month (private offices also available for just
$450 a month). Plus,
free space is available on a limited basis for teachers or highly qualified professionals willing to dedicate time to mentor students in the Clear Labs Internship program.
All space includes
24/7 key-code and security system access; p
arking;
conference room with presentation friendly Apple TV; e
vent space with projector and screen;
kitchen stocked with coffee and snacks; i
n-house pre-certified internship program (USF, UT, SPC, Ringling); and e
ndless opportunities for collaboration and innovation.
If you are interested in learning more or seeing the space, contact [email protected] or 727-489-2332.
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City building department sees huge permit numbers in March
The number of permits issued, permit revenue, and construction value have all increased from a year ago reflecting the feeling that many residents and visitors have - there's a lot going on in St. Petersburg! To date in Fiscal Year 2016, there has been $3,234,025 in total revenue to the city. In comparison to this time last year, which saw $2,663,413 in total revenue, this is a 21.42% increase.
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New Publix in Skyway Marina District under construction
Residents of the Skyway Marina District will soon be enjoying a brand new Publix. The existing store in Baypointe Plaza, 5295 34th Street South, is being replaced. A new 55,000 SF model, one of the grocer's largest, will include a pharmacy and is expected to open by the end of the year. |
Host your next event in the South's Finest Historic Ballroom, The Coliseum in Downtown St. Petersburg
The Coliseum ballroom opens its oak dance floor for everything from ballroom dancing to corporate functions. Built in
1924 and purchased by the city in 1989, the historic Coliseum has undergone extensive renovations, making it one of the Tampa Bay area's most unique multi-use facilities. The Coliseum is located in downtown St. Petersburg in the local historic district.
Over
800 parking spaces are within convenient walking distance, as are many downtown restaurants, shops & hotels. To make your event the very best, the Coliseum offers an extensive preferred catering list, in-house beverage service, and a friendly, professional, and experienced staff.
The architecture and ambiance the Coliseum provides makes the facility flexible and an exciting place to host your next event. Groups up to 1,800 can be accommodated. 2016 Holiday Parties are booking now!
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Are you interested in a business visit?
As part of the city's new business outreach program, Economic Development staff are meeting with local businesses to help them grow. Any business interested in a visit should contact Sophia Sorolis, Economic Development Manager, at 727-893-7787 or [email protected]. |
Share your transportation concerns at upcoming PPC/MPO Listening Tour
The Pinellas Planning Council and Metropolitan Planning Organization (PPC/MPO) designated the Gateway/Mid-County Area, US 19 Corridor, and Beach Access as three planning "emphasis areas" for 2016-2018 as part of its SPOTlight Pinellas Initiative. Attention and resources will be focused to where transportation improvements can make a significant difference to employers and employees by reducing commute time and improving accessibility throughout Pinellas County.
The PPC/MPO is currently developing work plans for the three areas and will be hosting listening sessions as a starting point. During these sessions, people are invited to share their concerns and comments about the emphasis areas. Although the sessions are open for anyone to attend, the PPC/MPO is particularly interested in hearing from businesses.
The first two sessions were held on April 11th looking at A Vision for US 19. The two remaining listening sessions are as follows:
Beach Access
May 3, 9:00 - 11:00 am
Madeira Beach City Hall, 300 Municipal Drive
Gateway/Mid-County
May 16, 8:00 - 10:00 am
Pinellas Park Performing Arts Center, 4951 78th Avenue
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Small Business Week: Business Expo on May 3
Small Business Week is celebrated across America during the first week of May. On Tuesday, May 3rd from 4:00 to 7:00 pm, local businesses will gather at the Coliseum for the 3rd Annual St. Petersburg Business Expo. This is a great chance for businesses to connect and showcase their products and services. The expo attracts over 500 businesses from large job providers to small boutiques. If you are interested in participating, please register through the St. Petersburg Chamber.
In addition to the Business Expo, the Chamber will be hosting events throughout the week:
Monday, May 2nd
- Think Small Kickoff Webcast, 9:00 - 10:00 am
Tuesday, May 3rd
- Business Expo, 4:00 - 7:00 pm, The Coliseum
Wednesday, May 4th
- 1 Million Cups, 9:00 - 10:00 am, St. Petersburg Greenhouse
- Get Your Business Online Workshop, 10:30 - 11:30 am & 1:00 - 2:00 pm, Chamber Boardroom
- Member Appreciation BBQ, 11:30 am - 1:00 pm, Chamber Courtyard
Thursday, May 5th
- Growing Business Seminars, Various Times, Various Locations
Learn more about these great opportunities by visiting the Chamber's Small Business Week page.
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Upcoming Events
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April 21, 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Green Bench Brewing Co., 1133 Baum Avenue
April 28 to May 1
Downtown St. Petersburg
May 3, 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
The Coliseum, 535 4th Avenue North
May 6, 7:30 am - 10:00 am
Port Tampa Bay, Cruise Terminal 2, 651 Channelside Drive, Tampa
6 Saturdays, beginning May 7, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
SPC Midtown Campus, 1300 22nd Street South
May 7, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Courts, 559 Mirror Lake Drive North
May 9-10
Hilton Carillon Park, 950 Lake Carillon Drive, 33716
May 13, 9:00 am - 11:00 am
The Greenhouse, 440 2nd Avenue North
Special note:
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Have a development update, project announcement, or success
story to share?
Contact Briana Ozor, 727.893.7784.
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City of St. Petersburg
Economic Development Division
P.O. Box 2842
St. Petersburg, FL 33731
800.874.9026 (toll free)
727.893.7100 (phone)
727.892.5465 (fax)
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