Author

Kimberly Patterson

Kimberly Patterson is a writer and native Floridian, born and raised in the Tampa Bay area. She graduated from the University of South Florida with a BA in Communication, where she found her passion -- writing. When not glued to a laptop, she can be found around town with her two young children exploring the Bay area, and experiencing the region from their point of view.

Kimberly Patterson's Latest Articles

Peek Traffic + Telvent = Smooth Travels In Tampa Bay

By Kimberly Patterson

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Technology & Innovation

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January 18, 2011

Peek Traffic, which manufactures traffic control equipment, recently announced its partnership with Telvent, a high-technology firm. Peek Traffic does a majority of its manufacturing at a 70,000-square-feet facility in Palmetto. According to company Representative Clara Alarcon, the partnership will result in better traffic control products and services.One of the products that the companies are currently working on together is the ATC-1000 Controller. Alarcon says there are similar products out there already, but the ATC-1000 will be more efficient."All of us have driven by these machines; next time you are in your car stopped at an intersection, look for a metal box nearby a traffic pole," Alarcon says. "Inside it there are devices which control the traffic lights on that particular intersection. The ATC-1000 is the most advanced microcomputer available in the market today, however, with our partnership with Telvent's user-friendly interface, it will allow traffic operations in mid- and large-sized cities an advanced and cost-effective solution to increase the traffic flow and decrease traffic incidents." Alacron goes on to explain why the new product is so important. "It is no longer enough to turn the traffic lights green or red," Alacron says. "Nowadays, it is necessary to monitor the amount of traffic that is traveling at a certain intersection, it is also important to be able to adapt to the ever-changing circumstances of living in cities. For example, the traffic at a particular corridor will not be the same at rush hour on Monday, as it is an hour before a main sporting event; therefore a multiple number of our devices will be installed on the roads in order to detect the traffic and interact with the traffic lights."Peek Traffic employs nearly 100 people in the Tampa Bay region.Writer: Kimberly Patterson Source: Clara Alarcon, Peek Traffic

Prudential Lakewood Ranch Realty To Add Jobs

By Kimberly Patterson

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Environment

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January 18, 2011

Prudential Lakewood Ranch Realty, which recently won an award for sales achievement, plans to hire in 2011. Prudential Lakewood Ranch, was ranked as the top realty group by Trendgraphix, one of the nation's leading providers of MLS-based real estate reports. The group was recognized as the top performer in several categories, including total sales, percentage of listing, percentage of buyers, listing sales and buyer sales. Helen Sosso, president and CEO of Prudential Lakewood Ranch Realty, explains that her employees and the use of modern technology attributed to the success of obtaining such a high award. She goes on to say that her company uses innovative sales strategies through the use of technology to drive business as well. "Prudential offers online systems that provide data, feedback and statistics to buyers and sellers who can then make informed decisions," Sosso says. Sosso shares that with the opening of a new storefront, and the success the group has had, she plans to hire soon. "We are planning to hire and train real estate sales associates who will be focused on doing business via web products," Sosso says. "In addition, we will be looking for personnel who will assist in office management and expand our business in the new construction arena."Once hired, Sosso says real estate agents can expect on-going support and training. "We invest and believe in our agents," Sosso says. "We spent the last year extensively training our associates on the use of Internet tools to service and market listings, attract and keep in touch with buyers, and to promote the agent and the agent's business. Prudential Lakewood Ranch Realty opened its new storefront this month on Main Street in Lakewood Ranch. Writer: Kimberly PattersonSource: Helen Sosso, Prudential Lakewood Ranch Realty

Hire Velocity of Tampa Plans Expansion In 2011

By Kimberly Patterson

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Economic Development

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January 18, 2011

Valeri Marks, CEO of Hire Velocity, has experienced tremendous success since coming on board, and expects her company to acquire continued growth in the future. Hire Velocity, is in the recruitment process outsourcing (RPO) industry, which means they provide companies HR services such as recruiting and benefits enrollment. "As an RPO, Hire Velocity, works as a trusted partner to a company's internal recruiting team," Marks says. "We become an extension of their team, as we're dedicated exclusively to helping that company with their hiring goals, from job description, to onboarding or just helping them find candidates." The Tampa-based company has offices in Atlanta as well and, due to an acquisition of another recruiting firm, TSC Services, Hire Velocity will be expanding into the Washington D.C. market. Marks says the economy has definitely posed a threat to hiring, however, her company has overcome the challenge. "I am very excited to share that we grew by over 100 percent from 2009 to 2010, and continue to be on a strong growth trajectory." With the acquisition of TSC Services, Marks says her company will double its revenues and workforce in 2011, hiring recruiters to help keep up with the workflow. Marks goes on to say that Hire Velocity rewards its employees for their hard work. "We have performance incentives in place for our recruiters; we have fun events to build team work and recognize top performers," Marks says. "We clearly understand that people make the difference, and are honored to have some of the best recruiters on our team." Hire Velocity now employs 84, including approximately 40 people in the Tampa Bay region. Writer: Kimberly PattersonSource: Valeri Marks, Hire Velocity

Hiregy: Tampa Recruiting Firm Sees Jobs In 2011

By Kimberly Patterson

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Economic Development

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January 18, 2011

Hiregy, a professional staffing and recruiting firm in Tampa, is looking for talented people to place with their clients. According to Hiregy's president and CEO Bill Fries, the hiring trend will continue through 2011. "While still cautious, companies in most industries are planning for growth this year, which means an increase in hiring," Fries says. "Since the holidays, we've seen an increase in hiring activity and a renewed energy from both candidates and employers." Founded in 2004, Hiregy specializes in administrative, accounting, legal, customer service, HR and IT placements. "Hiregy has helped companies find top-notch talent in a wide variety of positions from nurses to controllers," Fries says. "Hiregy's client companies' hiring needs change on an hourly basis." Fries goes on to say that Nicole Palmieri, recruiting director for the company, and her team could be working on 20-40 positions at any given time. "Currently we have opening for legal administrative assistants, bilingual customer service representatives, office managers, RN case managers, software developers, collections managers and more," Fries says. Hiregy also offers jobseekers resources on its website, everything from resume writing to interview tips. "If you're looking for a position, and have been for a while, don't let your frustration come across when talking with potential employers," Fries says. "While we know this is difficult, the negative energy will decrease your chances." Fries also suggests that jobseekers use online tools such as LinkedIn or Facebook to network and find work, and not to depend on online job postings alone. "Recruiting and staffing firms are a great way to stand out because they will introduce you personally to hiring managers at a variety of companies," Fries says. Hiregy's office is at 1111 N. Westshore Blvd., Suite 102, in Tampa. Writer: Kimberly PattersonSource: Bill Fries, Hiregy

Sarasota Manufacturing Company Creates 4-6 Jobs

By Kimberly Patterson

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Economic Development

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January 11, 2011

Sarasota Precision Engineering, an automotive and aerospace manufacturing company in Sarasota, is opening a medical manufacturing division. While the company has grown and performed well over the years, the company started to feel the effects of the recession in the aerospace industry. Therefore, the company made the decision to open Sarasota Precision Engineering Medical Division, Inc. (SPEM). The new division will focus on manufacturing medical device solutions, particularly medical molding. CEO Doug Mansfield explains the reason for the company's move into the medical field. "The medical molding industry is expected to have far more rapid growth than aerospace," Mansfield says. With the opening of the medical division, Mansfield expects to hire in 2011, however he says the hiring will be company-wide, not just the medical division. "We are probably going to be adding 4 to 6 positions in 2011," Mansfield says. "We will be adding positions in quality control, and plastic molding production." Mansfield says that he looks for local job candidates, and that potential employees must have experience in the field, as well as on-the-job training and skills for the position that they are applying for. "We would rather hire people who are already familiar with the industry," Mansfield says. He goes on to say that while he prefers experienced candidates, his company offers employees a pay rate that is higher than normal for their skills and expertise. Sarasota Precision Engineering is located at 2305 72nd Avenue East in Sarasota. Writer: Kimberly PattersonSource: Doug Mansfield and Michael Ontiveros, Sarasota Precision Engineering

Innovative Vacuum Moves To Tampa Bay, 10 Jobs

By Kimberly Patterson

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Economic Development

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January 11, 2011

Innovative Vacuum Solutions, which specializes in high-vacuum pump technology, selected the Tampa Bay region for its new service center. The New Hampshire-based company repairs and rebuilds industrial vacuum pump systems, and plans to hire 10 people in 2011 for various positions at the new facility.Michael Metropolis, president of Innovative Vacuum Solutions, says there are several reasons why he chose to open a service center in Tampa Bay. "Our company has an existing customer base in the area, and providing local service is better than having customers ship to our other locations," Metropolis says. He also cites the weather as a draw to the area. "Being from New Hampshire, the weather doesn't get any better than it is here. My wife and I always wanted to move south, and Tampa's diversity was something we were looking for, it reminds us of the islands." Innovative Vacuum Solutions was incorporated in 1996 and has offices in Pennsylvania, New Hampshire and now Florida. The new service center officially opened for business Jan. 3, 2011. Metropolis says he is ready to hire. "We are hiring mechanics and technicians to start," Metropolis says. "Then we will be hiring sales and administrative staff." Metropolis and his wife are no strangers to the industry. In fact, while Metropolis is president, his wife Michele is the chief operating officer. "We got our start as employees of a New Jersey company that did a similar business in 1992," Metropolis says. We worked our way up the corporate ladder into management positions, and then started our own company." The new service center is located at 11461 N. U.S. Highway 301, Suite 110, in Thonotosassa. Writer: Kimberly PattersonSource: Michael Metropolis and Michele Metropolis, Innovative Vacuum Solutions

Entrepreneur Plans To Bring 90 New Jobs To Manatee

By Kimberly Patterson

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Entrepreneurship

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January 11, 2011

"Look younger and live longer" is the philosophy behind the company It Works Global Inc. CEO Mark Pentecost started It Works in March, 2001. A teacher by trade, Pentecost was looking for a business opportunity that would get him out from behind his desk. He says starting It Works Global gave him the financial freedom he was looking for. Pentecost recently made the decision to relocate the company's corporate headquarters from Grand Rapids, MI to Manatee County, and plans to create jobs. According to Pentecost, the warm weather and gulf beaches of the Tampa Bay area were the biggest draw to Manatee County. It Works Global is a direct sales company, that offers innovative products, including nutritional supplements, as well as a line of luxury skincare products. The company is known for its Ultimate Body Applicator™ product, which is an all-natural, detoxifying body wrap that tones and tightens. While Pentecost has not finalized a lease for the new headquarters, he plans to renovate and operate out of the Stoneybrook Golf Club facility in Sarasota. "Being on the golf course, we are able to recognize our distributors, give them a break, and have some fun," Pentecost says. "At It Works, we work hard, but we also play hard." When the new corporate office does open, which Pentecost expects to happen later this month, he says he will be hiring 20-30 people right away. "We will be hiring a creative team, social media experts, customer service, and management positions from the get go," Pentecost says. "We project to hire 90 people over the next three years." Writer: Kimberly PattersonSource: Mark Pentecost, It Works Global, Inc.

Career Expo For Veterans Coming to Tampa

By Kimberly Patterson

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Economic Development

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January 11, 2011

Are you a veteran either transitioning out of the service, have been out of the service for some time with civilian work experience, or a spouse/family member of a veteran looking for work? If so, then you may want to check out the Opportunity Expo, hosted by RecruitMilitary, on Thursday, Jan. 20, in Tampa. RecruitMilitary is a military-to-civilian recruiting firm, which helps vets find work. The event is exclusively for veterans and their families. Robert Walker, director of events & national accounts for RecruitMilitary, says that the organization has hosted similar events in Tampa before, and has had up to approximately 500 job-seekers attend in the past. According to Walker 29 companies have already signed up to be in attendance, and he expects another seven to 10 to sign up between now and the event. "Job candidates can get a full list of the companies by preregistering for the event," Walker says. "Job-seekers do not have to preregister for the event, but they can get more details and a full list of the organizations attending by doing so." The companies that have already registered to attend include AutoNation, BayCare Health, the CIA, Gerdau Ameristeel, Goodman Manufacturing, the Department of Veteran Affairs, Progressive Insurance Corporation, Prudential Insurance Company, USAA and the Transportation Security Administration, among others. For jobseekers planning to attend the event, Walker has the following advice. "Bring at least 20 copies of your resume, dress to impress, and be prepared to interview," Walker says. "We have had clients interview candidates at the event, and some candidates have even received contingent offers on the spot." The Opportunity Expo will take place at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts located at 1010 North W.C. Macinnes Place in Tampa, on Thursday, Jan. 20, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Writer: Kimberly PattersonSource: Robert Walker, RecruitMilitary

Tampa Natives Launch Online Clothing Business

By Kimberly Patterson

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Entrepreneurship

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December 14, 2010

Lending Luxury, an online service, offers women the opportunity to rent high couture clothing at a fraction of the cost. The founders of the company, Sarah Jon Porreca and Jennifer Rosen, are natives of Tampa. Both have always had an eye for fashion and a desire to be entrepreneurs.When Porreca and Rosen met they were both fitness models wanting to dress fashionably, look great and feel like a million dollars without having to spend a million dollars. The duo imagined offering women the opportunity to rent high couture clothing at a fraction of the cost, and before long, their business was born. In just the first few months, the co-founders say, this innovative alternative to shopping has given their business tremendous growth. "Since we launched, people have been going crazy over this new concept, and can't get enough of it," Porreca says. "Our growth has been exceptional as we have been shipping orders all over the United States and can't wait to expand internationally." The owners describe how the service works. "We allow customers to rent a dress, top or bottom for 5 days with shipping, dry cleaning and insurance all included in the rental price," Porreca says. The company also offers women an option to purchase slightly used luxury clothing at a discounted price. Lending Luxury was launched on August 23, 2010. Writer: Kimberly PattersonSource: Sarah Jon Porreca and Jennifer Rosen, Lending Luxury

Lucky Dog Daycare, Resort Opens In South Tampa

By Kimberly Patterson

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Entrepreneurship

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December 14, 2010

Gone are the days when you dropped your pooch off at a kennel, where a majority of the time they were caged and crated with a bowl of food and water. Lucky Dog, an innovative alternative to a traditional kennel, offers pups an indoor playground, 2 pools, 2 grassy outdoor play areas and a hand-crafted dog door that gives dogs the option to go outside into a secured outdoor sunning area. Chelsea Smith, general manager of Lucky Dog, explains that the operation offers the comforts of home for four-legged clientele. "Some of our unique services include social boarding which allows the dogs to participate in daycare during the day, and group sleep in a large room by night," Smith says. "Many of our customers like this service because it cancels out the caged alternative, which is restrictive to the dog, and does not allow them to socialize outside of staff interaction. This social alternative provides a home away from home feeling." Lucky Dog offers owners of these four-legged family members a chance to remotely check in on their beloved pets from virtually anywhere. The facility has 7 webcams placed so that owners can view their pets at play via its website. The company has experienced steady growth since opening in October, and averages approximately 85 dogs per week in daycare. "We are in the process of building a large café style viewing room, which will give owners a view into our indoor splash pool area. The café will be complete with WiFi, tables and four one-way viewing windows," Smith says. Lucky Dog is located at 311 N. Newport Ave. in South Tampa. Writer: Kimberly PattersonSource: Chelsea Smith, Lucky Dog