Newsroom's Latest Articles
Haines City Business Leaders Prepare For Legoland Visitors To Florida
Legoland is coming to Winter Haven in Polk County, and like a minifig on a Lego pirate ship, Haines City is hoping to share in the booty that its new neighbor is likely to attract. So city leaders are laying plans to lure tourists traveling between Disney and the new attraction."We're extending a leg to trip them on their way to a park," says Jane Patton, president of the Haines City-Northeast Polk County Regional Chamber. "We sit at the beginning of the Scenic Highway 17, a beautiful drive through orange groves, past lakes and some undeveloped land between Haines City and Frostproof."Allison Beeman, deputy director of the Haines City Economic Development Council, is working on getting the word out to hotel chains, developers and investors. "Our location is perfect for business coming to and from Disney and Legoland. We are just off I-4 and along US 27. We have property owners who are willing to work with investment folks and/or developers. They are willing to work out a deal."Patton likens the arrival of Legoland and its impact on her community to the impact Disney had on Orlando and Kissimmee, and wants to see deliberate planning take place. "We are holding a tourism forum to raise awareness, identify people interested in participating on a task force and develop an action plan."Beeman sees it as an opportunity for Haines City residents who currently commute to the Disney Resort for work to find employment closer to home. "If you look at our county, we're positioned northeast of Orlando," she says. "There are lots of people who live in Haines City and work in Orlando. Hopefully the new park will bring lots of opportunities for people to work closer to home."Writer: Missy KavanaughSources: Jane Patton, Haines City-Northeast Polk County Regional Chamber; Allison Beeman, Haines City Economic Development Council
Scottrade Opens New Investment Branch In Bradenton
Scottrade online investment firm opened a Bradenton branch on March 8, 2010, at 1528 Cortez Road West. The new branch serves as both a resource center for local customers who prefer to handle their investments online and those who prefer to use a traditional broker. At the new branch local customers will be able to access resources ranging from online tutorials of Scottrade's Web site, to advice on individual accounts and opportunities to trade through an on-site stock broker. "We are committed to making the trading process easier and as effective for the customer as possible," explains Brooks Vanderzee, manager of the new branch. "At our office, we can give people full demonstrations of how the Web site works, and when they get home they can call us with further questions. We want to make sure they have a fully supported, positive experience. And we do have traditional accounts available through a broker here on site." Vanderzee foresees adding to his staff within the next year. "We'll absolutely be looking for new talent as the need develops and as the economy improves." The Bradenton branch is one of 40 across the state of Florida. Scottrade is one of the largest online investment firms providing self-directed customers access to trading at transaction rates as low as $7. The new office will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, with after-hours support available from 7 a.m. until 11 p.m., Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Saturdays.
Upcoming Sarasota Arts Festival Includes World Premieres
The Ringling International Arts Festival announced plans for its upcoming October event including premieres by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Nilo Cruz and performances by renowned dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov. The success of last year's inaugural event led to the announcement that the festival would be held on an annual basis instead of biennially.Read the complete story.
Tampa Company Awarded Foreign Military Sales Contract
MSN Money reports that Tampa-based company RiverHawk Fast Sea Frames, LLC has been awarded with a $70 million FMS contract for the detail, design and construction of two offshore support vessels and equipment for the Iraqi Navy.Read the complete story.
Obama To Discuss Future Of Space Program At Florida Conference
The New York Times announced President Obama's plans to visit Florida in April to speak at a conference regarding his proposal for the future of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration program.Read the complete story.
Continual Transportation Growth For Tampa Bay Region
Improvements to Tampa's transportation system continue with a multi-million dollar project to assist traffic flow on Interstate 275 and a proposed penny sales tax increase in Hillsborough County to expand transportation development.The Tampa Bay Business Journal also reports the The Tampa Port Authority celebrated an accomplished fiscal year due to their diverse endeavors in trade, shipbuilding and repair, and cruise passenger traffic.Read the special report.
USF College Of Business Students Selected For International Competition
A team of graduate students from the College of Business at the University of South Florida have been named as finalists in the International Case Competition on the Strategic Value of IT Management. CNBC reports that USF is one of 11 schools chosen to compete at CA's user conference, CA World 2010, in Las Vegas.Read the complete story.
Sarasota Offers Holiday Gift Mart
The Merry Marketplace will begin with The Red Hot Preview Party and Fashion Show on Friday, Nov. 20, from 6-10pm. Tickets are $25 and include a fashion show, early shopping, food and a complimentary drink ticket.
