Pinellas County Business News
June, 2018
Be Ready, Pinellas: 2018 Atlantic Hurricane Season Begins June 1
 
Throughout the 2018 Atlantic Hurricane season, we will be here, sharing information and resources, to help Pinellas businesses prepare for and recover from any storms that may come our way. Now is the time to make sure you have a plan in place for your business and to assess potential risks! You can find tips and tools to make your business storm-ready at www.PCED.org/disaster and www.pinellascounty.org/emergency

 
June 1-7 marks Florida's Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday - the perfect time to stock up on items that can help your home or business be best prepared. Click here for full details on the tax holiday, including qualifying items and exclusions.
 
FEDC Deal of the Year - Jabil HQ
Mike Meidel, Pinellas County Economic Development; Sophia Sorolis, City of St. Petersburg Economic Development; Kimberly Merkel, Expansion Solutions Magazine; Suzanne Christman, Pinellas County Economic Development

Pinellas County Economic Development and the City of St. Petersburg Economic Development were the winners of the Florida Economic Development Council's 2018 Deal of the Year Award for outstanding achievement in the relocation or expansion of a business in the State of Florida.  The collaborative team was recognized for facilitating  The team was recognized for facilitating Jabil's new worldwide headquarters expansion in Pinellas County, a project that will bring Jabil's 2,000 local employees onto one cohesive campus in St. Petersburg, and is projected to create 300 new jobs.
Introducing Global Tampa Bay/ Trade Mission to Mexico Yields $35 Million in Projected Economic Activity for Local Companies
 
The Tampa Bay Export Alliance is now Global Tampa Bay. The cooperative effort of Pinellas County Economic Development, Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation, and Pasco Economic Development Council announced its new name at a May 25 event. Global Tampa Bay was established to increase international business opportunities for companies in the Tampa Bay region, and to market the region globally as a top business destination.
Global Tampa Bay traveled to Mexico City in April 2018. Fifteen local companies participated in the U.S. Commercial Service's Gold Key Service (GKS) Matchmaker program, which provided customized one-on-one meetings with companies in Mexico. These Gold Key companies conducted approximately 80 meetings with potential customers. The mission is expected to yield $35 million in projected sales and investment. Read more about the mission here.

Mercury Medical Wins the "E" Award for Exports

Pictured from left to right: U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, Ivette Compton, International Sales Director for Mercury Medical; Karen Meranda, Government/VA Sales Director for Mercury Medical

The "E" Award is the highest recognition any U.S. entity can receive for making a significant contribution to the expansion of U.S. exports.  The Awards Committee was very impressed with Mercury Medical's record of exports to 78 countries.  The company's commitment to developing legally compliant sales to Iran to help save infant lives was also particularly notable. Founded locally in 1963, Mercury Medical has evolved into an internationally recognized medical device manufacturer that is headquartered in Pinellas County.  The company has over 150 employees and a presence in over 80 countries.  Congratulations to Stanley Tangalakis, Mercury Medical's Chairman and Owner, and his talented team.  Thank you for choosing Pinellas!  Read the entire announcement.
 
New in the Data Center...
 
Arts and the Economy

Did you know that creative arts industries employ more than 16,000 workers in Pinellas County at more than 1,800 different business locations? And the average earnings for Pinellas arts employees are 20% more than in other industries? How about that arts industries contribute over $1.8 billion to the local economy? Learn more exciting ways the arts contribute to Pinellas County's economy in this new report.

2018 Q1 Economic Indicators
The first quarter of 2018 saw gains in employment, consumer spending, and visitors compared to the same time one year ago. View the full 2018 Q1 Pinellas County Economic Indicators report here.
 
Construction Job Fair, June 14 at the EpiCenter, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
 
At this free Construction Job Fair, job seekers will meet face-to-face with amazing employers with open positions. There is no cost to attend, and job seekers should pre-register here . Employers with career opportunities can register here . There is no cost to employers.
 
Pinellas Citizens invited to comment on Land Development Code update
 
Pinellas County is in the final stages of updating its Land Development Code and is inviting public input. The Land Development Code is composed of 10 chapters of regulatory guidance aimed at protecting the health, safety and welfare of county residents. The first major update since 1990 will reflect the changing conditions and character of the unincorporated county and establish a framework to incentivize economic investment, promote responsible growth and improve urban design. It addresses everything from zoning, site development, the natural environment and stormwater management to parking, sidewalks, lanscaping and energy efficiency. Interested citizens are encouraged to review the updated chapters and provide comments and/or suggested edits through the county's public engagement platform, Open Pinellas, at www.opentownhall.com/portals/255/forum_home?phase=open.
 
St. Petersburg Releases RFP for Tangerine Plaza Development Site
 
The City of St. Petersburg invites developers, end-users and interested parties to submit proposals to lease and develop the city-owned property at 1794 22nd Street South, located within the South St. Petersburg Community Redevelopment Area (CRA). Proposals must be delivered by 10 a.m. July 2, 2018 to City of St. Petersburg, Real Estate and Property Management, Municipal Services Center, One Fourth St. N. - Ninth Floor, St. Petersburg, Florida 33701. Full details can be found here.
 
Pinellas News
 


Tech company considering St. Pete HQ increases its job projections
(Tampa Bay Business Journal)


In This Issue
Quick Links
Business Workshops
The Florida Small Business Development Center at Pinellas County Economic Development hosts a number of business workshops each month. Find a full schedule of upcoming workshops at pced.org/workshops.

Pinellas County Economic Development | 727-464-7332 | econdev@pinellascounty.org | http://www.pced.org
13805 58th Street N.
Suite 1-200
Clearwater, FL 33760