BIC Graphic North America, a promotional products supplier in Clearwater, is changing its company name to Koozie Group, effective Jan 1. The company has operated under the BIC name since 1969. It considered more than 800 new names before choosing Koozie, a brand it has owned since 2009, a statement from the company said. The Koozie name has roots in drinkware, but Koozie Group will still provide a robust assortment of products, categories and 40+ brands that BIC Graphic is known for, the statement said. The company also has a new tagline, "Keep the Good Going," that it said aligns with an updated purpose to provide long-lasting promotional solutions that insulate a brand’s image and preserve a best moment. The company also is implementing a social impact and sustainability commitment program in 2021 called "Keep it Give it."
MarineMax, a Clearwater-based recreational boat and yacht retailer, reported $74.6 million in net income, or $3.37 a share, on revenue of $1.51 billion for the fiscal year ended Sept.30. Revenue was up 22 percent from the prior year and net income more than doubled, the company said in a news release. The boating industry experienced a "foundational shift" in 2020, CEO and President Brett McGill said. The company expanded its customer base and expects many existing and new customers to upgrade to larger boats and additional services in the future. Based on current business conditions and retail trends, MarineMax expects earnings per share in fiscal 2021 to be between $3.70 and $3.90.
The St. Pete Greenhouse has launched St. Petersburg's first small business map in an effort to help residents shop local. The interactive map can be used from any device to find local businesses including restaurants and retailers, and results can be filtered by business type and owner demographics. Business owners can add themselves by clicking here.
Tabish Siddiquie has been named general manager of The Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club. Siddiquie will be responsible for all aspects of daily operations. Siddiquie previously served as the general manager of The Ritz-Carlton Denver, which attained its highest ever revenue and profit under Siddiquie’s leadership, a news release said. Prior to that, he served at Ritz-Carlton hotels in Abu Dhabi, Kazakhstan, Grand Cayman and San Francisco. He oversaw food and beverage at The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota, including the hotel’s members club and golf course, from 2008 to 2011. The Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort and Golf Club is a 361-room hotel with a private 72-slip marina, 18-hole golf course, 12-court tennis complex and 5,000-square-foot fitness center
Citing a continued need to add technology talent in the Tampa-St. Petersburg area, Tampa Bay Tech and its Software CEO Council will hold a virtual Career Expo on Wednesday, Oct. 28 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Job candidates will be able to visit virtual employer booths to research companies, apply for positions, network and live chat with recruiters, as well as explore webinars and educational and training resources. The event is free for job seekers and Tampa Bay Tech member employers. Non-member companies may participate for a registration fee. Jobseekers can register here. Employers must contact team@tampabay.tech for a registration link and details.
Spectrum Reach is conducting a nationwide campaign to encourage consumers to support local businesses this holiday season with a virtual mosaic that visually unites the local businesses and serves as an interactive directory that consumers can explore. Simply upload a business image or logo here and share a few business details. Once the virtual mosaic is complete in early December, Spectrum Reach will email a mosaic video for businesses to share through their marketing and social channels.
211 Tampa Bay Cares will host a virtual town hall discussion on Oct. 30, 2020 from 9 a.m. until 10 a.m. about the size, scope and impact of evictions in Pinellas County, which is expected to be significant as the Covid-19 eviction moratorium expires. Panelists include Tampa Bay Cares CEO Micki Thompson, Duggan Cooley, CEO at the Pinellas Community Foundation, Tiffany Coleman, staff attorney at Bay Area Legal Services and Eric Garduno, government affairs director at Bay Area Apartment Association. During the discussion, panelists will also outline the supply and gaps in resources available to help tenants, landlords, area businesses and nonprofits as they navigate this challenge. To register, click here.
The Federal Aviation Administration has issued a Finding of No Significant Impact-Record of Decision for the South-Central Florida Metroplex. That's the FAA's plan to modernize air traffic procedures for 21 airports in the southern half of the state, including at Tampa International Airport and St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport. The decision lets the FAA move forward with new satellite-based procedures. The procedures create more direct routes, decrease congestion at airports and in the air, improve air traffic flows enhancing safety and efficiency, and make the system safer by reducing the complexity in communications between air traffic controllers and pilots, Michael O’Harra, regional administrator for the Federal Aviation Administration’s Southern Region, said previously. The changes only impact planes when they are flying at 10,000 feet or higher. The FAA plans to implement the new procedures in mid-2021. The FAA has posted the document and the Final Environmental Assessment (EA) on the Florida Metroplex Environmental website.
Healthy St. Pete has launched a Healthier Together certification program to promote wellness, encourage the adoption of healthy behaviors and establish supportive communities. This certification process recognizes St. Petersburg workplaces and neighborhoods for their outstanding efforts in contributing to making St. Petersburg a healthy place to live, shop, eat and play. The Healthier Together Workplace Certification is appropriate for workplaces of all sizes from locally owned startups to international companies with locations in St. Petersburg. Nonprofits and workplaces are welcome to apply by clicking here.
KnowBe4, a Clearwater-based cybersecurity training company, has opened a new office in Dubai. Cybersecurity attacks and breaches are increasing across the Middle East and the new office will better equip cybersecurity professionals across the Middle East with international, diverse security awareness training and simulated phishing to help protect their organizations, Stu Sjouwerman, CEO of KnowBe4, said in a news release. KnowBe4 now has offices in 10 different countries around the world
Voting is now open for the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce's 8th annual Good 'Burger Awards. The awards were established to honor local businesses and individuals that contribute positively to the community. Categories include arts and culture, eats and treats, community conscious (grassroots and large), makers and creators, cool companies (small and large), trailblazers and change agents, MVB - Most Valuable 'Burger and Essential 'Burger. Votes will be accepted until Nov. 13 and the awards will be announced at a virtual ceremony Dec. 4 at 6 p.m. To cast your vote, click here.
