You may not know her name, yet. But those who know her work predict that USF student Filmmaker Sarah Wilson will one day capture your attention on the big screen and, maybe, even on Hollywood's red carpet.
The growing interest in renewable energy sources and demand for products that can help power homes and businesses is energizing Sybac Solar's presence in the Tampa Bay region. The company, the U.S. subsidiary of Sybac Germany, is a design, engineering and installation company for solar energy systems. Sybac Solar moved into a new 10,000-square-foot facility in Polk County earlier this year to support its installation efforts in Central Florida. The company opened an office in Lakeland in November and is already looking to expand. "We will build a production plant to produce solar modules right here in Florida and so therefore, we are looking for the right location," says Marcus Falz, sales and marketing director. Business is brisk and Sybac is planning an expansion from working with local contractors to install solar systems to producing them. Falz says company leaders want to build the plant in the Tampa Bay region and expect to open that portion of their business in the next three to six months, creating about 40 new jobs, in addition to a current need for 10 new employees to help staff its distribution facility. Engineers, supervisors and sales people will make up many of the new hires. "We need people with higher qualifications," says Falz. Besides increasing the company payroll, Sybac Solar is pursuing business relationships with local companies and is particularly interested in connecting with architects, electrical engineers and existing companies in the solar industry. Writer: Brad Stager Source: Marcus Falz, Sybac Solar
Florida's first outdoor, carbon-neutral concert will be on Friday, Apr. 16, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Lake Mirror Promenade & Amphitheatre in Lakeland.Green Celebration Concert & Showcase: Turn Up the Volume, a free community concert in honor of Earth Day's 40th anniversary, will feature the band, Think Big, and be powered by solar panels."We're going to actually set out solar panels supplied by Solar Source Interactive that morning, and the solar panels will power the band," says Stacie Jones, director of marketing/communications at Furr & Wegman Architects, PA. "We also have Lakeland Electric involved and they're going to be providing us with renewable energy credits for any excess electricity that's used." Planning for the event, the brainchild of Michael B. Furr, co-principal at Furr & Wegman Architects, began in September 2009. The event is sponsored by Magnify Credit Union, and companies with a commitment to being green, including: Publix Super Markets, City of Lakeland, American Compliance Technologies and Keiser University.Vendors will be set-up around the lake to showcase alternate energy sources, transportation initiatives, green-related business and technology efforts, all-natural products, organic foods and recycling efforts. Attendees will have an opportunity to learn how to green their homes and promote awareness and appreciation of our environment. There also will be giveaways, product samples, food and drink available. In addition, 25 Polk County schools will participate in a recycle bin decorating contest, and attendees will vote for their favorite bin. A $300 prize will be awarded to the elementary, middle and high schools receiving the most votes. For more information, contact Stacie Jones at 863-688-1211.Writer: Nancy VaughnSource: Stacie Jones, Furr & Wegman Architects
In celebration of Earth Day's 40th's anniversary, Tampa's Museum of Science and Industry will feature the first national juried art exhibition, EarthVisions.The call for artists to be featured in MOSI's Arc Gallery is currently underway. The deadline for submission is April 19. The concept of EarthVisions is said to include: "A vivid mental image produced by the imagination; foresight, future goals or aspirations; a person or thing of extraordinary beauty." Presented artworks should explore any of the aforementioned concepts in relation to Earth Day. The exhibit will feature all forms of art including painting, sculpture, photography, installation and video art. Curators for the exhibit are Zarth Bertsch, director of IMAX Dome Theatre, and Ofra Friedman, award-winning sculptor. The entry fee for artists is $25 for 2 images and $5 for each additional image. Student artists' fees are $20 for 2 images and $5 for each additional image. Selected artists will have their work featured in the EarthVisions exhibit, which will run from April 30 to May 28.For application information, click here or e-mail arcgallery@mosi.org for more information.Writer: Nancy VaughnSource: MOSI news release
As the health care industry continues to lead the nation's economic rebound, Humana Cares is adding 140 jobs at its St. Petersburg facility. The jobs will be added between now and July, according to Mitch Lubitz of Humana's corporate communications office. Positions to be staffed include health care managers, community health educators, field care managers and health coaches. The increase will bring the number of employees working at Humana Cares' national operations and service center in Carillon Business Park office, which opened in February 2009, to about 500."Humana Cares is quickly becoming one of the fastest-growing health care employers in the Tampa Bay area, doubling its St. Petersburg workforce in the past year," he says.Humana Cares provides telephonic health care management and support to chronically ill Humana members nationwide and in-person services to members in 24 states. Its health professionals work with patients suffering from medical conditions such as diabetes, congestive heart failure, cancer and Alzheimer's. Services provided include health care education and support, medication education, physician care coordination and end of life planning as well as depression screening.Lubitz says Humana Cares uses a holistic approach requiring health care professionals who deliver services to possess "seasoned communication skills, including verbal, interpersonal, written and negotiation. " Nursing experience and the ability to collaborate and coordinate patient care with multiple health care disciplines are also important attributes the company will be looking for in applicants. Visit Humana's employment web page to find out more information. Writer: Brad StagerSource: Mitch Lubitz, Humana Cares
Forty workers at AAR Composites' Clearwater facility will gain new skills and improved advancement potential as a result of the company receiving $42,000 from Florida's Incumbent Worker Training program. AAR Composites develops, manufactures and markets composite-material products for the aerospace industry, including parts for the U.S. Air Force's F-22 advanced tactical fighter and other Department of Defense and commercial aviation projects. The funds will be used to create a certification program that will include reviews and testing of workers' knowledge and skill level in the field of composite manufacturing. AAR spokesperson Chris Mason says the program will enhance advancement opportunities for employees and help the company meet customer needs."The goal is to implement a road map for promotions based on knowledge, skill set, and objective, standardized testing that fosters ongoing professional development."says AAR spokesperson Chris Mason. "The Incumbent Worker Training program demonstrates the state's commitment to provide support for the businesses that operate in Florida and to the advancement of its resident employees."The program is administered by Workforce Florida. Companies applying for IWT funds must have been operating for at least one year and be current on all state tax obligations. Funding priority is given to what Workforce Florida refers to as "qualified targeted industries," including manufacturing, information, management and financial industries, among others. Reimbursable training expenses include instructors' salaries, tuition, textbooks and curriculum development. A complete explanation of the IWT program can be found at Workforce Florida's website.Writer: Brad StagerSource: Chris Mason, AAR Composites
UCF graduate Erin Kitzinger's thesis film "Hope For A Thorn" won the Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature at the 2010 Gasparilla International Film Festival in Tampa. Kitzinger, a graduate of St. Petersburg High School, will also screen the 74-minute film at the upcoming Sunscreen Film Festival April 14-18 in St. Petersburg.Read the complete story.
The New York Times reports Florida Gov. Charlie Crist's plans to commit to the $536 million purchase of 73,000 acres of land from U.S. Sugar. District officials are currently negotiating the probability of the purchase and its long term effect on the Everglades.Read the complete story.
The $1.25 billion high-speed rail project from Tampa to Orlando was recently examined by The New York Times. The article is critical of the stimulus-funded project's key components and also discusses alternative routes that would benefit from a high-speed rail.Read the complete story.
In the March issue of Delta Sky Magazine Tampa Theatre is listed as the number six iconic show place in the world. The list puts the 83-year-old Tampa venue ahead of Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood and Teatro Colon in Buenos Aires, among others.Open the issue to page 22 to read the complete list.
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