TAMPA BAY, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--News briefs concerning economic and business growth in the Tampa Bay region from the Tampa Bay Partnership:
Health Management Associates Expands, Adds 217 Jobs in Tampa Bay
Health Management Associates Inc. (HMA), parent corporation of Venice Regional Medical Center and the largest hospital system based in Florida, plans to expand its regional central business office in Sarasota County, a move expected to preserve 148 and add 217 local jobs over two years. The company’s network of physician practices, Gulf Coast Medical Group, has 320 employees at 12 locations throughout Sarasota County. The new 28,500 square-foot office in Sarasota will serve HMA’s operations in Florida and elsewhere with back office functions such as billing, collections and other shared services. (Contact: Alan Levine, 239-598-3131, Alan.Levine@hma.com)
Dental Products Manufacturer to Expand in Tampa Bay, Retain and Add Jobs
Dental products manufacturer DENTSPLY Raintree Essix Glenroe is consolidating operations from three facilities into one location in Manatee County, preserving 150 and adding 48 local jobs in 2012. The company’s operations in Manatee County will encompass more than 20 injection molding machines, high-speed cutting systems and resin extruders, as well as sales, marketing and support functions. The new facility will house more than 200 associates to serve orthodontic and dental customers in 38 countries worldwide, with room to grow. (Contact: Sharon Hillstrom, 941-748-4842, ext. 126, info@ManateeEDC.com)
ConMed Linvatec Expands in Tampa Bay with Center for Orthopaedic Education
On March 30, 2012 ConMed Linvatec celebrated the grand opening of its new Center for Orthopaedic Education in Pinellas County, Florida. The 16,000-square-foot training facility will provide advanced surgeon education, surgical skills training and professional development on the company's existing medical device development and manufacturing operations. The expansion is expected to have an economic impact of nearly $2.8 million. (Contact: Stacey Swank, 727-464-7425, sswank@pinellascounty.org)
Great Bay Distributors Buys 96-Acres in Tampa Bay
In March 2012, Great Bay Distributors, one of the largest distributors of Anheuser-Busch products in Florida, closed on a $9.75 million real estate deal, purchasing 96-acres in Gateway St. Petersburg. The land assembled parcel borders Interstate 275 with neighboring business entities including Valpak, Halkey Roberts, and the future headquarters site of Jabil Circuit. Great Bay Distributors intends to build a new warehouse and distribution facility, relocating a former facility in Pinellas County with a workforce of 300 employees. (Contact: Ron Petrini, 727-584-8626)
USF and Florida Hospital Form Alliance
Florida Hospital and University of South Florida Health have formed a strategic alliance, combining Adventist Health System’s innovative approach to patient-centered care with the USF’s leading research to deliver cutting-edge medical therapies in hospital and outpatient settings. Through this unique public/private partnership, Florida Hospital is making an investment of approximately $14 million in four key specialty areas to bring enhanced patient care, state-of-the-art technology and expanded services to Tampa Bay. (Contact: Anne Baier, 813-974-3300)
Tampa Named One of the “Best American Cities for Business”
Tampa has been named one of the “Best American Cities for Business,” according to a recent report by consulting firm KPMG. Of the 27 cities studied, Tampa offers the lowest labor costs and the best rating for professional and support services, as well as highly competitive leasing prices. Under the direction of Mayor Bob Buckhorn, the city has also developed a series of new initiatives to increase the economic advantages and ease of doing business in Tampa, including the launch of a Development Service Center, which creates a consolidated, “one-stop shop” for permitting and regulatory review. (Contact: Jennifer Mikosky, 813-218-3310, jmikosky@tampaedc.com)
Tampa Bay’s Dais Analytic Listed in Forbes Top 12 Energy Projects to Watch
Forbes magazine named Pasco County-based Dais Analytic Corporation as one of the 12 “Energy Projects to Watch” in 2012. Selected by the U.S. Department of Defense, Dais Analytic was ranked number two on the list of the most promising clean-energy projects. Last year, the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners approved a $254,000 grant for Dais Analytic to aid the company in developing a new generation of energy efficient, environmentally friendly heating, cooling and refrigeration products called “NanoAir.” The county grant will enable the company to hire additional employees. In addition, Pasco Economic Development Council (EDC) has provided help with training, job placement, consulting services, local government support and investor opportunities. (Contact: Summer Martin, 813-926-0827, smartin@pascoedc.com)
Port of Tampa Selected as ‘Import Gateway’ for New Honda CR-Vs
On April 3, 2012, the Port of Tampa, one of the largest and most diversified seaports in the U.S., welcomed the first of what will become monthly shipments of Honda CR-Vs. American Honda Motor Co., Inc. selected the Port of Tampa as the import gateway for new model CR-Vs, built in Guadalajara, Mexico, that are ultimately destined to Haiti, Dominican Republic, St. Maarten and the Bahamas. The shipment of CR-Vs arrived on board a NYK vessel, one of the world’s leading shipping lines which operates regularly scheduled RoRo (roll on/roll off) shipping service at the Port. Their specialized RoRo vessels are designed to accommodate rolling stock such as a wide variety of vehicles and heavy construction equipment. With ample facilities and its geographic location, the Port of Tampa is perfectly suited for vehicle movements, as well as the full spectrum of large and specialty cargoes. (Contact: Andy Fobes, 813-905-5132, afobes@tampaport.com)
Tampa Bay Business and University Leaders Collaborate to Elevate Workforce
Business and higher education leaders from across Tampa Bay have come together to launch Graduate Tampa Bay, a campaign developed to elevate the region’s workforce and increase Tampa Bay’s global competitiveness and business productivity by achieving a one percent increase in college completion throughout the region. The announcement was made in collaboration by the Presidents of Hillsborough Community College, University of South Florida, St. Petersburg College, Saint Leo University, Pasco-Hernando Community College, Polk State College, DeVry University, SunTrust Bank and TECO Energy. Led by the Tampa Bay Partnership’s ONE BAY: Lifelong Learning initiative, Graduate Tampa Bay encompasses all three major Tampa Bay metropolitan statistical areas (Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater; Bradenton-Sarasota-Venice; and Lakeland-Winter Haven). Research shows that Tampa Bay economy would see a $3.06 billion economic impact with a one percent increase in college attainment. (Contact: Kenny Quirk, 813-281-0088, kquirk@cappellroberts.com)