Tampa Bay CEO Magazine - Business News

Seasoned CEOs Judge UT Graduate Business Plan Competition

Volunteers from CEO Council of Tampa Bay Select Winning Plan

Members of the CEO Council of Tampa Bay have selected and awarded a cash prize to the winners of the MBA business plan competition conducted among members of the Creating and Leading New Ventures class in the Florida Entrepreneur and Family Business Center at John H. Sykes College of Business at The University of Tampa. 

Five teams of students competed, with the winning team presenting a business plan for Oasis Salon & Spa.  Winning teams members were Angie Ballard, Nick Costello, Juliana Dovedot, Jennifer Jamison, Melissa Koeb and David VerEeke. 

“Few entrepreneurs have the opportunity to ‘test’ their ideas in advance with a blue ribbon panel of advisors,” says Mark Anderson, CEO of eLogic Learning, who coordinated judging on behalf of the CEO Council.  “The CEO Council is pleased to work with these students, as well as undergraduates in a separate competition, to provide the benefit of our experience for these emerging entrepreneurs and bridge the gap between the academic environment and real world.”

Anderson was joined in the judging by Ray Sikorski, President of Verified Label, Print & Promotions, Inc. and Jake Becket, chairman and CEO of AnazaoHealth Corporation.  The CEO Council presented a check in the amount of $3,000 to the University for winning teams in the graduate and undergraduate business plan competitions.

“We appreciate the continuing relationship we have had with the CEO Council on this project,” says Dr. Dean Koutroumanis, faculty coordinator for the competition and visiting assistant professor of management at The University of Tampa. “A growing number of our MBA students now have a concentration in entrepreneurship and we believe this demonstrates how important the skills are that are showcased through this competition.” 

About the CEO Council of Tampa Bay
The CEO Council of Tampa Bay addresses the specific business needs of today’s chief executive officers and provides insight, education, networking and peer mentorship to take advantage of current and future opportunities unique to the CEO entrepreneur.  The Council is open to CEOs of Tampa Bay companies with a minimum of 25 employees and a minimum of $3M in revenue.

Global Imaging Systems Completes Acquisition of ComDoc, Inc.

Global Imaging Systems, a Xerox Corporation company, has completed its acquisition of ComDoc, one of the leading independent dealers of document management solutions. This acquisition gives Global Imaging Systems access to more than 14,000 new customers and an increased presence in four states.

“This move opens up opportunities to bring new solutions to our existing customers, expand our customer base and align with the long-time industry leader,” said Riley Lochridge, chief executive officer, ComDoc. The company’s chief operating officer, Larry Frank added, “In a rapidly consolidating marketplace, it is advantageous for us to operate from a stronger competitive position, while remaining an independent business within Global Imaging.”

ComDoc, founded in 1955, currently employs 640 people. Lochridge and Frank will continue in their positions at ComDoc, and Gordy Opitz maintains his role as the company’s president. ComDoc has offices in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York and West Virginia.

“We are focused on providing the best service for our growing base of small, mid-sized and major account businesses,” said Michael Shea, president and CEO of Global Imaging Systems. “With ComDoc, we are significantly expanding our distribution in the U.S., bringing our combined strengths in document technology and services to help businesses efficiently manage and streamline information.”

Through its acquisition strategy, Xerox continues to identify successful companies in markets that align with its commitment to innovation and reducing the complexity of document management.

Florida Venture Forum Celebrates 25 Years of Serving the State’s Entrepreneurial Community

Marks over $1.7 billion of venture capital raised for Florida-based companies

The Florida Venture Forum, the premier entrepreneurial networking group for identifying sources of venture capital, today announced it celebrates its twenty-fifth anniversary in 2009. Since its inception, the Florida Venture Forum has helped Florida-based companies successfully raise more than $1.7 billion of venture capital investments. Some of those companies include Melbourne, Florida-based AuthenTec, Inc., Tampa, Florida-based Ideal Image, Celebration, Florida-based Channel Intelligence and Boca Raton, Florida-based NovaVision, Inc., to name a few.

Founded by a group of business leaders and academicians in the spring of 1984, the Florida Venture Forum began as an advisory and support group for entrepreneurs in the state of Florida. At the time, a survey revealed that, while most entrepreneurs had sound technical expertise, they needed assistance in management, marketing and finance. The Florida Venture Forum’s goal is to ensure the success of entrepreneurial ventures by offering expert counsel, educational advice and managerial assistance. Over the years, the Florida Venture Forum has enabled hundreds of Florida-based companies to successfully achieve funding.

“Over the past 25 years, the entrepreneurial spirit has lived at the core of our organization. It is the reason the Florida Venture Forum has continued to grow and evolve, and the reason we have advanced so many of Florida’s promising entrepreneurial ventures,” said John G. Igoe, a partner with Edwards & Angell, Palmer & Dodge, LLP, and chairman of the Florida Venture Forum. “It is incredibly gratifying to see the way our organization has developed into what is now one of the leading organizations in the country, inspiring and facilitating growth opportunities for emerging companies throughout the state.”

Over the course of a year, the Florida Venture Forum presents monthly programs on a statewide basis which are attended by venture capitalists, investors, bankers, corporate executives, accountants, lawyers and entrepreneurs.

The Florida Venture Forum hosted its 18th Annual Florida Venture Capital Conference earlier this month in Naples, Florida. The Conference featured 17 of the best, high-growth private companies that are prospects for venture capital funding in Florida. More than 1,100 attended the annual event, including venture capitalists, investment bankers and private equity investors from across the nation.

The Florida Venture Forum will also host its Second Annual Early Stage Venture Capital Conference on May 15, 2009 at the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate, FL.

About The Florida Venture Forum

The Florida Venture Forum is Florida’s oldest, largest and most prestigious statewide support group for venture capitalists and entrepreneurs, helping emerging growth companies come together with sources of capital across the state. Throughout the year, the Florida Venture Forum provides monthly programs on a statewide basis. For additional information, please visit the organization’s web site at www.floridaventureforum.org.

Tampa company’s new book, “MAKE PLAN!” A roadmap to effective execution for all CEOs

AMPA – Valant & Company, a national business performance improvement consultancy that has helped more than 225 companies achieve sustained success over the past three decades, announces publication of “MAKE PLAN!”, a book providing details of how companies can achieve a culture of effective execution.

“MAKE PLAN!” is co-written by Andrew Bowen of Tampa, a partner in the Tampa office of Valant & Company and President of Clearview  Communications, a full service public relations firm. “MAKE PLAN!” has been endorsed by Robert P. Miles of Tampa, author of “Warren Buffet Wealth,” “The Warren Buffet CEO,” and “101 Reasons to own the world’s greatest investment.”

“All CEOs should read this book to improve their management styles, customer relationships, revenue growth and that all important bottom line,” commented Miles, a well-known author, financial analyst and international speaker.

Co-written by Valant & Company CEO Laurence B. Valant and Bowen, with assistance from Valant & Company Orlando partner Gayle Hustad, “MAKE PLAN!” summarizes the proven processes CEOs and their management teams must embrace in order to strengthen their organizations, improve operations and grow revenues and profits.

“Especially during these challenging economic times, with so many organizations struggling to sustain themselves and still make a profit, we are happy to share some of the secrets of success we’ve applied at client firms for more than 30 years,” said Valant., a frequent magazine columnist, speaker and lecturer.

Copies of “MAKE PLAN!” are available now only on the company’s website, www.valantco.com, and will be in bookstores and online booksellers later.

Citigroup buys Wachovia

CHARLOTTE, NC—Wachovia today announced intentions to sell its retail bank, corporate and investment bank and wealth management businesses to Citigroup. Wachovia Corporation will remain a public company with two main operating subsidiaries:  Wachovia Securities, the nation's third largest brokerage firm, and Evergreen Asset Management, a leading provider of asset management services.
 
"During recent weeks, the financial landscape has changed significantly and presented us with unprecedented challenges," said Robert K. Steel, CEO and President of Wachovia.  "Today's announcement is the best alternative for the company, enabling a resolution on the Golden West portfolio."

Under terms of the transaction, Citigroup will pay $2.1 billion to Wachovia and assume the senior and subordinated debt of Wachovia Corporation.

The transaction is expected to close before year-end. It has been approved by directors of both companies and is subject to shareholder approval of Wachovia and the appropriate regulatory approvals.

Customers of both companies should continue banking as usual, and feel confident that their deposits are secure. Also, employees and vendors should continue to operate business as usual.

At this time, there are no changes to Wachovia's board of directors and two Wachovia directors will join Citigroup's board.

Wachovia Corp. will remain headquartered in Charlotte, NC.  Wachovia Securities will continue to be headquartered in St. Louis, MO. Citigroup will headquarter the retail bank in Charlotte and the investment bank in New York.

Wachovia's investment bankers were Goldman Sachs, Perella Weinberg Partners and Wachovia Securities, and its legal advisors are Sullivan & Cromwell and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett.

Creative Loafing files for bankruptcy

Creative Loafing Inc. which owns alternative weekly newspapers in Chicago, Washington, Tampa, Charlotte and Sarasota, as well as Atlanta — today filed for bankruptcy protection. Prompting the move was a debt load of more than $40 million.

“The company owed more money than it can pay back right now,” CEO Ben Eason said in a conference call with company managers. The bankruptcy petition was filed in Tampa, where the company’s based, and was timed to preclude an interest payment that was owed lenders on Wednesday.

The company will ask federal bankruptcy Judge Caryl Delano to stay any attempt by creditors to liquidate the assets or take control of the company.

“We’re doing the right things,” Eason said. “This will give us a fresh start. It is a reorganization, not a liquidation. Everybody gets paid.”

The debt load was substantially increased last year when Creative Loafing purchased the Chicago Reader and the Washington City Paper. Since then, advertising revenues for the print editions of the papers has deteriorated, as they have for newspapers nationwide. Over the same period last year, revenues were down between 10 and 15 percent.

Among the largest unsecured creditors is Fayetteville Publishing Co., which prints the Atlanta paper and some of the other papers in the group. The Georgia Department of Labor, the Georgia Department of Revenue and the IRS are also among the creditors.

Creative Loafing was founded in 1972 by Debby Eason in Atlanta and later opened several other papers in the Southeast. Her son, Ben, who owned the Tampa paper, acquired the rest of the family newspapers in 2000.

Valpak Celebrates 40 Years

LARGO - Valpak Direct Marketing Systems Inc., maker of the iconic blue envelope -- celebrates its 40th anniversary this month.

Valpak, one of the leading direct marketing companies in North America, delivers savings to 45 million households each month throughout the United States and Canada. Annually, Valpak distributes some 20 billion offers inserted in nearly 520 million envelopes.

"Valpak has been a part of consumers' lives for 40 years," said Valpak CEO Bill Disbrow. "It's the familiar blue envelope that consumers reach for each month when planning that next home improvement, trip to the hair salon or dinner out with friends. Consumers know Valpak helps them to save money."

The direct mailer pioneered the cooperative direct mail industry 40 years ago and continues to be the leader through growth, change and adaptation. Using case studies, focus groups, eye-tracking research, and 40 years experience working with businesses, Valpak has emerged a sophisticated direct marketing company with advanced demographic tools that help businesses target consumers.

"Valpak's success lies in smart targeting and audience selection," according to Melissa Fisher, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications. "Valpak targets promotionally responsive consumers based on demographics, behaviors and geography," said Fisher. "That, along with our monthly national promotions, ensure Valpak's outstanding open rate -- nearly nine in 10 adults receiving the envelope usually open it and look through the coupon offers."

Monthly, Valpak features promotions with national partners such as Disney, 20th Century Fox, CBS, Ellen DeGeneres, Food Network, Martha Stewart and HGTV.

Valpak.com has more than 20 million offer views each month and is a leader in online local coupons sites. In 2006, Valpak.com partnered with Google to offer online coupons through GoogleMaps.

Valpak recently completed one of the most advanced and automated manufacturing centers in the world. Located in St. Petersburg, FL, the Valpak Manufacturing Center is a hub of technology where automation and robotics is at the core of the operation. It occupies nearly 500,000 square feet of space.

Valpak is one of the leading direct marketing companies in North America. Headquartered in Largo, Florida, Valpak delivers savings to nearly 46 million households each month throughout the United States and Canada. In 2008, Valpak will distribute some 20 billion offers inserted in more than 521 million envelopes. In addition, Valpak.com(R), an online site for local savings, has about 20 million offer views each month.

Magnetic Launches Online Sports Lounge for Champs Sports Fans

TAMPA - Champs Sports fans can now hang out in a new interactive online sports lounge designed by Magnetic, a full-service Web development firm.

The Champs Sports Lounge (www.champssportslounge.com) is a place where sports fans and consumers alike can learn about the latest products available in Champs Sports stores nationwide and online at www.champssports.com, including the recently released Reebok Talkin' Krazy shoe, which hit stores in mid-September.

The Lounge boasts a Sports Den featuring "Jaws Chatter," where former NFL quarterback and current ESPN analyst Ron Jaworski provides Fantasy Football tips and updates, answers questions and provides his take on the match-ups of the week. Visitors can also access a Media Gallery complete with photos, videos and music, and detailed information on the latest Champs Sports' events and contests.

"The Champs Sports Lounge site gave the Magnetic team an opportunity to show just how creative they can be. It was definitely a fun challenge for our designers, who delivered a knock-out site under a very aggressive deadline," said Jennifer Bakunas, president, Magnetic.

Adds Rob Brodersen, vice president, marketing, Champs Sports: "The site truly enhances the customer's online experience. It gives any sports enthusiast reason to stay connected to the Champs Sports brand."

Champs Sports, a division of Foot Locker, Inc., is one of the largest sports-specialty, mall-based athletic retailers in North America, providing the latest hook-ups of footwear, apparel and accessories to the sports inspired male.

DayJet Discontinues Passenger Operations

BOCA RATON - DayJet Services, LLC, the world’s first operator of “Per-Seat, On-Demand” jet service, today announced that it has ceased jet services, pending further notice. The company today eliminated most employee positions. With the discontinuation of jet services and cancellation of all flights, DayJet is unable to honor any customer reservations. 

This shutdown is a direct consequence of the company’s inability to arrange critical financing in the midst of the current global financial crisis. The company’s operations have also suffered as a result of Eclipse Aviation’s failure to install missing equipment or functionality or repair agreed technical discrepancies in accordance with the terms of DayJet’s aircraft purchase contract. 

“We deeply regret the disruption and hardship to customers, suppliers and employees caused by this unexpected shutdown of commercial operations,” said DayJet founder Ed Iacobucci.

“Twelve months ago our team launched a new regional transportation model. During the past year, we have demonstrated, beyond a reasonable doubt, that customers will sign-up, purchase, and become frequent users of this new service – the DayJet ‘Per-Seat, On-Demand’ model works. It is unfortunate that these developments have come at the same time our nation has fallen into the most serious capital crisis of our lifetime. Regrettably, without access to growth capital, we have no choice but to discontinue operations.” 

Iacobucci has stepped down as DayJet President and CEO but continues to serve as Chairman of the Board of Directors. John Staten has been named interim CEO with responsibility for managing the affairs of the company  during the next phase of operations. Staten has served as DayJet CFO and Senior Vice President of Operations for the past six years. 

USF's Graduate Entrepreneurship Program Ranked #5 in the Nation

 The graduate entrepreneurship program at the University of South Florida has been ranked as the fifth best program in the nation, and is the only Florida public university included in the 2008 ranking compiled by The Princeton Review and Entrepreneur Magazine. USF’s interdisciplinary program, which is just six years old, is included in the magazine’s October issue ranking the nation’s best educational programs. The graduate program in entrepreneurship is ranked second among all public universities in the United States. No Florida schools are included on the undergraduate list.

USF President Judy Genshaft noted that USF is among the youngest universities and the youngest programs to be included in the 2008 ranking. “We have some excellent company in the top five,” she said. “But we are firmly committed to this program and will provide resources to help the Center for Entrepreneurship rise to the number one spot!”

A longtime champion of interdisciplinary programs, Genshaft pointed out that the entrepreneurship program is a collaborative effort between the colleges of business, engineering and medicine.

“While it is exciting to see USF included in the roster, it isn’t just this ranking that’s so exciting,” said Genshaft. “Blending academics, research, and hands-on learning leads to student success. This type of collaboration is what we are trying to achieve across the university and our College of Business has demonstrated what we can achieve when we work in an interdisciplinary way.”

Despite the program’s youth, USF’s Center for Entrepreneurship has also received other honors. The United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (USASBE) lauded the center for three consecutive years, most recently in January 2006. USASBE awarded its top national “Innovative Pedagogy for Entrepreneurship Education Award” to USF, honoring the center’s programs linking business, engineering, science and medicine across the USF Graduate Certificate in Entrepreneurship and Master of Science Degree in Entrepreneurship in Applied Technologies.

The university is in the planning stages for an undergraduate entrepreneurship program, aiming for a 2009 program launch.

The Princeton Review, a leading provider of educational services, surveyed more than 2,300 undergraduate and business schools about their entrepreneurship offerings. Schools were evaluated based on key criteria in the areas of academics and requirements, students and faculty, and outside-the-classroom experiences. Robert Franek, The Princeton Review’s vice president of publishing, says the ranking shows that while there are overall trends, each program offers something unique for students, and that the ranking highlights “schools that are exceptional for specific reasons.”

USF’s Michael Fountain, who heads the Center for Entrepreneurship, said the program is exceptional because of its interdisciplinary programming and hands-on learning opportunities.

“From the start, our vision has been to create an internationally recognized center of excellence for interdisciplinary entrepreneurship, which fosters entrepreneurship education, training and research to develop tomorrow’s leaders. To reach the top five ranking in just six years confirms our vision was on target.”

More than thirty new ventures have been launched by graduates of USF’s Center for Entrepreneurship, ventures that bolster existing business clusters and create new business areas of concentration. Fountain said start-ups sparked by the Entrepreneurship Program are important to the regional economy. “It is much better to seed, nurture and grow new businesses than relocate, transplant and graft non-local businesses into our region,” said Fountain. “Roots for home-grown businesses run much deeper than transplanted ones and are able to better weather adverse economic environment conditions and bear more fruit through new business growth.

” While many graduates aspire to start new ventures, Fountain said the program offers students opportunities to grow new businesses or strengthen performance, too.

“Entrepreneurship is not always about simply starting a business,” he said. “It’s also about innovation within an existing business and learning how to become more competitive in a global marketplace.”

Tampa Bay Investor Group to Make Significant Investment in Gunn Allen

TAMPA – A local investment group led by John H. Sykes, founder and chairman emeritus of Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated, has signed an agreement to purchase a significant interest in Gunn Allen Holdings, Inc., the parent company of Tampa-based GunnAllen Financial, Inc, a full service brokerage and investment banking firm with a nationwide presence.  The transaction is subject to regulatory approval by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority and other standard conditions, and closing is expected to occur within the next 30 to 60 days.

Although the size of the investment has not been disclosed, the investor group led by Sykes will be the largest single shareholder of Gunn Allen Holdings as a result of the transaction, and Sykes will have the right to appoint a majority of the Board of Directors of Gunn Allen Holdings.  Also, Sykes will assume the role as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the company.

“GunnAllen Financial’s CEO Rick Frueh and his management team have built one of the more extensive financial services platforms in the United States, including a network of brokers, a full-service brokerage firm, an investment bank, a dedicated trading desk and asset management division, and an insurance and financial planning group,” says Sykes. “The investors believe that supporting the growth of this platform into another Bay-area based financial services firm with national stature will be of enormous value.”

GunnAllen Financial currently has 750 brokers in its network, with operations in 39 states.  Approximately 30 percent of the brokers are located in Florida.  GunnAllen Financial, with Frueh continuing as CEO, will continue to operate as a subsidiary of Gunn Allen Holdings. 

“This investment in Gunn Allen Holdings will allow us to accelerate our strategic growth objectives of offering the broadest range of financial services and products, delivering the highest level of customer service and recruiting the highest quality financial professionals,” says Frueh.  “This investment group affords us a unique opportunity to add board members with proven, successful management experience and the highest tradition of excellence in customer service.”

ValCom Scores With $50-Million Merger With America's Auction Network

CLEARWATER - ValCom, Inc. a leader in media technology, facilities and content for television programming and related services, announces a letter of Intent for the merger with AMERICA'S AUCTION NETWORK (AANTV) further solidifying ValCom's growth in becoming an international media giant. In recent months, ValCom has successfully sought and secured four acquisitions that, if nothing else, grows the company towards $75-million in revenue in 2009.

America's Auction Network www.aantv.com is one of the world's largest independent auction houses and one of the fastest growing shopping networks with the most diverse niche product lines from art, antiques, coins, collectibles, jewelry, gems and real estate -- even meteorites from outer space. Shows and auctions are available to 40-million plus U.S. households via MOS Cable Systems, Broadcast Stations and are simulcast on the World Wide Web.

AANTV has established an ever-growing product line and revenues that currently exceed $50-million annually. The network is currently available on 24 hour web casts: Time Warner Cable, Bright House, Direct TV and Dish networks; will launch in United Europe in October, 2008 and will then extend to additional major territories including major Asian markets. This coverage will eventually give AANTV a 24-hour constant prime-time auction audience. Expansion into the European market was secured with a 24 hour channel on an APS/Astra satellite transponder 87.

"By adding AANTV, ValCom has secured another valuable asset on an ambitious plan taking us from $2-million to $100-million," notes Vince Vellardita, CEO / President of ValCom. The company once enjoyed a market cap of $275-million and Vellardita is intent on surpassing that previous position with unprecedented growth. "Management and operations are solidly in place for our teleport, two television networks, facilities, revenue and earnings that increase share holder value." Vellardita, a self-acclaimed survivor of "success-excess," Wall Street rebukes and personal health challenges has rallied in all areas and is re-building his company to an even greater value than once held. "I'm back in with a passion and our entire team is steamrolling through each day paying attention to detail and with our eyes riveted on long term goals."

"The merger with AANTV and ValCom looks like a marriage made in heaven," says Jeremiah Hartman, Director / President of the American Auction Network. "With our 30+ years in merchandising and marketing, 22 of those years in the home shopping venue and ValCom's extensive management of networks, media, communications, and production experience the last 25 years, we expect revenues to increase to over $250-million in the next four years."

Unity Mobile Expands With A-Round Funding of $10 Million

ST. PETERSBURG - This week, UNITY Mobile, a unified mobile services and infrastructure provider, announced $10 million in funding from parent company U-Turn Media Group. With this A-Round funding, the company is focused on rapidly expanding its technologies and services to enable publishers, brands and advertisers to quickly and easily create new mobile services or simply extend existing Web investments and operations to the mobile channel.

"We have a great team and share the vision of removing the barriers publishers experience in accessing and succeeding in mobile. To realize this, we have built highly scalable and sustainable solutions packaged as an easy-to-use service that seamlessly marry web and mobile operations," said Daniel West, CEO of UNITY Mobile. "Our products and services are already being used by customers in North America, Europe and the Middle East. We see UNITY Mobile as an essential resource for media companies, consumer brands and services, and information providers to facilitate their mobile operations across the mobile Internet, mobile Applications, SMS Campaign Management and Mobile Advertising so that they are directly managing and monetizing their subscriber base."

"Similar to how major players in the Web ecosystem made computing, information management, and access to the world's information easy, UNITY Mobile is revolutionizing the way that businesses connect to mobile," Peter Gerwe, member of U-Turn Media Group's Board of Directors. "This team brings deep strategic and operating experience, a perfect fit as UNITY continues to innovate and expand."

Comprising a team of mobile and Internet media, advertising and technology veterans, U-Turn executives are leveraging their international experience and expanding their business model. Committed to supporting this growth with a solid management team, UNITY Mobile has appointed the following executives in the past year: Daniel West, CEO; Roy Joseph, President; Dan Klaeren as COO; and Petr Cimprich as Technical Director.

Daniel West, CEO - Experienced in wireless, advertising, brand marketing and media markets, Daniel has founded two companies in the digital media and advertising industries. He also held executive positions at Nellymoser and ITEC Entertainment, where he headed the launch of The ITEC Network, a pioneer mobile broadcast network acquired by Canadian media company Torstar. Daniel also held management positions at Ernest and Julio Gallo Winery and Barclays Bank PLC.

Roy Joseph, President - A sales and business leader of more than 20 years, Roy has a proven track record of building successful direct and indirect sales channels and teams across the US, Europe and the Far East for companies including Novell, Voxware, Inc., and Quarterdeck. Prior to joining U-Turn, Roy co-founded Nellymoser, a US-based Mobile Media Services company. He also successfully launched Firefox in Europe which was subsequently acquired by FTP Software.

Dan Klaeren, COO - Dan brings more than 17 years of operating experience and joins the company from PricewaterhouseCoopers, where he was the Global Application Development Manager for the Ethics and Compliance Office. He has also held key roles at Prudential, AT&T, Boeing and Charles Schwab.

Petr Cimprich, Technical Director - Petr has more than 11 years of IT industry experience specializing in Web and Web Services, XML and Mobiles. Before joining U-Turn Media Group, he co-founded and overall 7 years acted as COO, development lead and analyst of Ginger Alliance, a Czech based software company. Prior to Ginger Alliance Petr was in Hieronymus, being involved in localization of software with companies like IBM, Microsoft or Novell. He holds a PhD from Charles University in Prague in Physics.

Inc. Magazine Reveals Its 5000 Fastest-Growing Private Companies

Bayshore Solutions, a Tampa-based Internet marketing and Web design firm, placed in the top 2000 on Inc. magazine's annual ranking of the 5,000 fastest growing private companies in the country. Bayshore Solutions also ranked 43 in the Top 100 Computers & Electronic Companies with a growth of 210.4 percent.

The Inc. 5000 list is an extension of the Inc. magazine's popular Inc. 500 list. Taken as a whole, these companies represent the backbone of the U.S. economy.

The 2008 Inc. 5000 list measures revenue growth from 2004 through 2007. To qualify, companies must be U.S.-based and privately held, independent -- not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies -- as of December 31, 2007, and have had at least $200,000 in revenue in 2004, and $2 million in 2007.

"Our second annual Inc. 5000 continues the most ambitious project in business journalism," said Inc. 5000 Project Manager Jim Melloan. "The Inc. 5000 gives an unrivalled portrait of young, underreported companies across all industries doing fascinating things with cutting-edge business models, as well as older companies that are still showing impressive growth."

"It is an honor for all of the team members at Bayshore Solutions to be recognized for the second year," says Kevin Hourigan, President and CEO of Bayshore Solutions. "Our achievement is due to the growing demand for our services that help our customers leverage the internet to help them grow their businesses. The changing economic climate and very effective, measurable results are creating a demand for the interactive marketing strategies that our clients are continuing to reinvest in, catapulting our growth at the same time," said Hourigan.

Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club completing final stages of $25 million Restoration and Rejuvenation Plan

All aspects ready for Super Bowl ’09, paving the way for property’s return as Florida’s top resort destination

Salamander Hospitality, along with its owner Sheila C. Johnson, is living up to its promise of returning Innisbrook Golf Resort and Club to its former position of prominence.

This month, the resort will finish renovating the last of its three conference and convention centers, which is part of a $25 million restoration and rejuvenation project. In addition to installing new furnishings in all of its 65,000 square feet of function space, which includes the largest exhibit hall in Pinellas County, Innisbrook has added two new 16-seat executive boardrooms. The resort has also completely renovated Johnson’s penthouse suite, which overlooks the 18th green of the famed Copperhead Course, home to the PGA TOUR’s Transitions Championship. The owner was personally involved in the design choices for the suite, which is perfect for corporate and intimate receptions.

“The conference room interiors look and feel brand new,” says Innisbrook Managing Director Chuck Pomerantz. “They are beautifully appointed and feature design elements like Axminster carpets. Coupled with the superior level of service we provide, Innisbrook is ready to host the most high-profile meeting or event.”

Innisbrook was purchased by Salamander Hospitality in July 2007. Since then, the resort has undergone a complete transformation, which will include the opening of a new luxury spa and fitness center in January 2009.

Upon purchasing the resort, Salamander Hospitality immediately renovated the resort’s dramatically striking Island Golf Course, which has hosted NCAA® Division I Men's Golf Championships, while improvements to resort’s other three courses are planned. The renovation of all three of the resort’s clubhouses include new restaurant and bar concepts, and the creation of a centralized gathering village where registration, golf shops, and Johnson’s signature gourmet market, Market Salamander, are just steps apart.   

The Copperhead Clubhouse is now home to the resort’s new, upscale steakhouse, named “Packard’s” after the designer of Innisbrook’s four championship courses, Larry Packard. The restaurant features a new menu of Italian specialties to complement its steakhouse fare. The Highlands Clubhouse is nearing completion of a new outdoor bar with comfortable seating, fire pits and gathering areas that overlook both North and South Golf courses. Innisbrook’s Tennis Center has also received a brand new look, while the décor at each of the resort’s six swimming pools was refreshed. A new children’s playground area was also constructed. 

Before Super Bowl 2009 rolls into the Tampa Bay area, Innisbrook will open its much-awaited new spa and fitness center. The 12,000-square-foot spa and 4,000 square-foot fitness facility sit adjacent to each other and enjoy dramatic views of the Copperhead Course. The spa features 12 treatment rooms as well as a hair and nail salon, and retail center. The spa will also include an outdoor relaxation area with whirlpool, comfortable cabanas and outdoor treatment areas.

The Pamela Temples Design Group, based in St. Petersburg, Florida, is the interior designer for all renovation and construction projects, while Architecture Incorporated is the architect of record. It has offices Ft. Meyers, Florida and Reston, Virginia.

TBTF’s Tech Jam 2008 Raises More Than $100,000

Funds from Bash at St. Pete Times Forum Benefit At-Risk Youth of Tampa Bay

Tech Jam 2008, held at the St. Pete Times Forum on August 7, was the Tampa Bay Technology Forum’s biggest annual bash to date.  Over fourteen hundred people attended and the group raised more than $112,000 for the TBTF Foundation, which provides scholarships for underserved youth pursuing careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) as well as career training and computer labs at area Boys & Girls Clubs.

Ken Block and Drew Copeland from double platinum-selling pop band Sister Hazel performed live at the event and also signed autographs.  Guests enjoyed great food and drink catered by Carrabba’s Italian Grill.

“It was a great event, the best ever, with a number of people from many different tech industries attending,” said TBTF Foundation Chairman Tony DiBenedetto. “We set a new record in attendance and money collected, folks bid generously in our silent auction, and we’re thrilled at the strength of our community support for the TBTF Foundation.”

All proceeds from sponsorships, silent auction items, and ticket sales benefit the TBTF Foundation.  Since its inception in 2001, the TBTF Foundation had provided over $1.5 million in donated computer equipment, software, infrastructure, labor, and instruction for 20 computer labs in local Boys & Girls Clubs.

This year, the TBTF Foundation Scholarship program was launched.  The goal of the program was to raise $100,000 this year to fund up to 40 scholarships for local disadvantaged youth pursuing four year college degrees or technical school certifications in a STEM discipline. Not including Tech Jam, nearly $75,000 has been raised from local corporations and individuals.  The funds are disbursed through the Hillsborough County and Pinellas County Education Foundations.

The 7th Annual TBTF Summer Tech Jam was sponsored by Syniverse Technologies, AgileThought, Alvarez & Marsal, Bright House Networks Business Solutions, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, DocuVantage, Dynamic Communities, FusionStorm, IBM, KPMG, Marine Max, The Nielsen Company, Netwise Technologies, Numara Software,  Red Vector, Tampa Bay CEO Magazine, TEK Systems and the University of Central Florida. Numerous in-kind sponsors also contributed services and time to the fundraiser.

Tampa Bay Tech Jam 2008 lineup set, proceeds benefit TBTF Foundation

Ken Block and Drew Copeland of Sister Hazel to headline August 7 Bash at St. Pete Times Forum

TAMPA - Mark your calendars, round up your friends and get ready for the tech community’s party of the year!  The Tampa Bay Technology Forum (TBTF), central Florida’s leading technology industry association, will welcome thousands of people at its 7th annual summer Tech Jam, beginning 6 p.m. on August 7 at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa. Ken Block and Drew Copeland from double platinum-selling pop band Sister Hazel will perform live at the event.  Guests will also enjoy great food and drink catered by Carrabba’s Italian Grill and networking with people you don’t normally run into at the usual business card swap meets.

Tickets are $35.00 for TBTF members, $45.00 for non-members, and $50.00 at the door. Bring your checkbook – you'll want to bid generously on the amazing items the volunteer team has collected this year. 

To register online, visit www.tampabaytechjam.com

All proceeds from sponsorships, silent auction items, and ticket sales benefit the TBTF Foundation, whose mission is to encourage and equip "at-risk" youth of the Tampa Bay area to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).  Since its inception in 2001, the TBTF Foundation had provided over $1 million in donated computer equipment, software, infrastructure, labor, and instruction for 20 computer labs in local Boys & Girls Clubs.

This year, the TBTF Foundation Scholarship program was launched.  The goal of the program is to raise $100,000 in 2008 to fund up to 40 scholarships for local disadvantaged youth pursuing four year college degrees or technical school certifications in a STEM discipline. To date, nearly $60,000 has been raised from local corporations and individuals.  The funds are disbursed through the Hillsborough County and Pinellas County Education Foundations.

The 7th Annual TBTF Summer Tech Jam is sponsored by Syniverse Technologies, Agile Thought, Bright House Networks Business Solutions, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, FusionStorm, KPMG, Numara Software, St. Pete Times Forum, Tampa Bay CEO Magazine and Veredus.

For more information call the Tampa Bay Technology Forum at (813) 341-TBTF.

Persystent Raises $11.6 Million Round to Fund Expansion

TAMPA - Persystent Technologies, a provider of automated PC repair and high-speed imaging, today announced it has raised $11.6 million in equity financing from two leading technology venture capital firms and inside investors. The company will use the working capital to expand and accelerate the level of sales and marketing and R&D, where maintaining a solid state of continuous computing is essential. ABS Ventures (Boston, MA) and Valhalla Partners (Vienna, VA) led the equity round with additional funding coming from existing investors.

Persystent has developed the world's only PC automated repair (pre-boot of OS), on or off the network, and high-speed imaging solution that transforms today's computers from their current state of unpredictability and vulnerability to a new solid state of continuous computing. Persystent's software automatically repairs and restores an infected or corrupted PC's operating system and software applications, on or off the network, while also ensuring enforcement of corporate configuration policies. It returns the PC operating environment to a work-ready and compliant state each time the computer is turned on -- all without human intervention.

"This important round of funding will help Persystent build a scalable and sustainable business with greater emphasis on marketing, sales, and continued development of the company's product portfolio," said Joe Loughry, Persystent's CEO. "The investment demonstrates that Persystent has innovative technology and a business model that clearly fills a void in the market to deliver real business value addressing real business PC problems."

Persystent's break-through high-speed imaging technology delivers unsurpassed value in terms of cost savings and efficiencies for corporations. Its automated PC provisioning, O/S migration, selective file-level imaging and single-level storage are unmatched in the industry.

More than 100 customers have already successfully deployed Persystent's flagship product, Persystent Enterprise, including the Department of Defense, PacCoast Builders, Travis County (Austin) Texas, Continucare, Mediacom, Sarasota Memorial Hospital, City of Orlando, U.S. Army and the Pentagon. Persystent Enterprise has been deployed in a wide range of industries, such as manufacturing, healthcare, government, technology, and education, and has the scalability to be deployed in the largest of enterprises.

"Persystent's superior technology combined with an experienced management team made the company a very attractive investment," said Jim Sanger, Partner, ABS Ventures. "The company is well-positioned to grow its leadership in providing software that takes corporate PCs from a dysfunctional, unpredictable state to a solid state of continuous computing."

Transitions Optical Becomes Title Sponsor of PGA Tournament Event at Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club

Transitions Championship For Healthy Sight to Continue
Economic Contribution to Tampa Bay Area

PALM HARBOR – Transitions Optical, Inc. President Brett Craig, PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem and Copperheads General Chairman Peter Jones today announced a four-year title sponsorship that will keep the PGA TOUR event at Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club.

The Transitions Championship For Healthy Sight will be held March 16–22, 2009 at Innisbrook’s Copperhead Course, which is considered one of the favorite tournament courses by PGA TOUR members.  The Transitions Championship For Healthy Sight will include a week of tournament-related events. 

“Partnering with the PGA TOUR aligns well with our company and brand,” said Brett Craig, president, Transitions Optical.  “The tournament makes an important contribution to our local community, and the sponsorship presents a tremendous opportunity to educate consumers about the importance of healthy sight.”

Finchem welcomed Transitions Optical as title sponsor.  “As a hometown company with broad international reach and a global brand, Transitions Optical will be a great partner and through its sponsorship, both help showcase the appeal of the Tampa Bay area and raise millions of dollars for Tampa Bay-based charities that the tournament supports,” Finchem said.

The Copperheads, previously known as Suncoast Golf Classic, Inc., will be responsible for promoting, organizing, managing and conducting the tournament. “While Transitions Optical has a global presence, this sponsorship demonstrates its commitment to the Tampa Bay area,” Jones said. “The continuation of this event will benefit local charities that make a significant and positive impact on the community.”

Sheila Johnson, owner of Innisbrook, is encouraged by the potential economic impact.  “This sponsorship from Transitions Optical reinforces the commitment that all the partners in this event have to the Tampa Bay area,” said Johnson.  “Not only does a PGA TOUR event bring tremendous economic benefit to the community, it also will help to shine a global spotlight on Tampa.”

The tournament has been part of the PGA TOUR schedule since 2000.  Prior to becoming an individual stroke-play championship, the Copperhead Course hosted the JCPenney Classic from 1977 to 1999, a tournament that featured PGA TOUR and LPGA Tour professionals competing as teams.

Transitions Optical engaged IMG Golf Worldwide to evaluate and structure the sponsorship.

LabCorp Exclusive Laboratory Sponsor of Dr-Connect

TAMPA – Laboratory Corporation of America® Holdings (LabCorp) (NYSE: LH), one of the world’s largest clinical laboratories providing clinical assays ranging from routine blood analyses to HIV and genomic testing, has agreed to become the exclusive laboratory sponsor of dr-connect.com, a window into Tampa Bay’s community-based health information exchange (HIE) that is administered by Doctor’s Administrative Solutions (DAS). 

The dr-connect.com web site was launched in the wake of the November 1, 2007 announcement that Tampa Bay had won a $3 million software grant to support EHR adoption.  Tampa Bay was chosen over more than 90 other communities competing for the grant, which is the second portion of a three-part, $10 million program administered by The Center for Community Health Leadership, an organization sponsored by Misys Healthcare Systems.  Dr-connect.com provided information to physician practices and other eligible providers interested in applying for the free EHR software online and is becoming the central point of EHR-based communication for the HIE, the Tampa Bay Health e-Connection (TBHC). 

“We’re very pleased to have LabCorp sponsor dr-connect.com on this critically important healthcare initiative for the citizens of Tampa Bay,” said David Schlaifer, CEO and President of DAS, which administers the dr-connect.com web site.  “Their support of our physician providers who are working hard to transfer patient records to safer, more secure, and more convenient electronic health records will go a long way toward ensuring the successful adoption of EHR technology in the region.”

For additional information regarding the TBHC, please visit www.dr-connect.com

Florida Research Funds Up By $77 Million

Impact and Importance of this Research Measured by List of New Products Introduced Into the Marketplace

ORLANDO -  Public and private sector investments in research at major Florida research universities were up $77 million between 2006 and 2007, totaling more than $1.6 billion in 2007, according to a new survey.  Licensing income increased for Florida universities, and university researchers applied for and were issued more patents than in 2007, according to the survey of 13 Florida research institutions, organized by the Office of Intellectual Property Development and Commercialization at Florida State University.   The official results were announced at the Florida Innovation 2008 Showcase, held in Orlando, Florida in March.

Florida university researchers were issued 171 U.S. patents in 2007, up from 156 the prior year. The survey also reported that 135 licenses generated revenue for universities last year, up from 130 in 2006. Licensing income totaled over $53 million, up over $6 million from 2006 and a continued an upward trend after a downward trend that occurred up to 2005, due to the phasing out in the marketplace of several successful products based on Florida university inventions.  Additionally, invention disclosures were up with a total of 730 filings, versus 636 in 2006.  More results from this survey can be found at www.techtransfer.fsu.edu/FLResearchSurvey.

NASA Deputy Administrator to Speak at SBIR/STTR National Spring Conference in Orlando

Pensacola, FL - NASA Deputy Administrator, Shana L. Dale, will deliver the keynote address, detailing the future course of NASA’s space program, on Wednesday, May 28, at the 2008 National Small Business Innovative Research/Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) Conference that will be convened at the Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando. 

During her address, Deputy Administrator Dale will share NASA’s new vision and explain the dramatic mission changes that NASA will be making to its space program to enable the United States to stay at the forefront of space exploration. While describing future missions, she will give insight into the innovative products and services NASA will need to support the nation’s next round of space exploration. 

On Wednesday afternoon, a panel of NASA experts will drill down further, providing attendees with detailed examples of NASA’s future technology and bioscience needs, as they plan for Constellation, NASA’s next generation of space craft; the next round of manned space missions to the moon and Mars; and other future robotics and science missions.      

The 2008 SBIR/STTR National Spring Conference, co-hosted by NASA, the Florida SBDC Network and the Florida Small Business Development Foundation, celebrates the 25th Anniversary of the SBIR Program and 50 Years of NASA Space Exploration. It brings together federal program administrators from the 11 SBIR participating agencies, investors, lenders, university and federal laboratory representatives, prime contractors and others who provide assistance to early-stage ventures. A $2.2 Billion appropriation is set aside for the SBIR program this year. Eligible small businesses may compete for Phase I SBIR and STTR grants and contracts of up to $100,000 to undertake a feasibility analysis on their idea. Phase II awards of up to $750,000 or more, which may be awarded to successful applicants to validate their research.

Visit www.sbirflorida.org to register for the conference and for more information, and/or contact Jennifer Crews (850.473.7807) or Lew Attardo (850.473.7805), or email at jcrews@uwf.edu or lattardo@uwf.edu. The early bird Registration Fee of $325 has been extended and the hotel rooms are guaranteed through April 26.

SunView Software Announces New Reseller Agreement with Vitility, Expanding Presence in United Kingdom

TAMPA, FL - SunView Software Inc., a provider of IT Service Management software, today announced a new reseller agreement with Vitility Limited, an IT solutions provider based in the United Kingdom.

Under the agreement, Vitility will resell the ChangeGear™ technology suite to UK-based companies who are looking to better track, manage and control their IT infrastructures. In addition to SunView’s software solutions, Vitility will also provide local support and professional consulting services for SunView Software’s new and existing UK customers.

Ashcroft Defines Role of Biometrics

Former U.S. Attorney General focuses on biometrics as key to protecting the nation’s precious information resources during InfoSec World 2008 keynote.

TAMPA, FL - Some of the most insidious threats to freedom today are posed not by weapons, but by technologies capable of disrupting the exchange of information upon which the nation has come to rely. However, just as technology has the capacity to threaten, so to can it be used to protect freedom and defend liberty.

That was the message sent by former U.S. Attorney General John D. Ashcroft, Chairman, The Ashcroft Group, to attendees of InfoSec World 2008 during his keynote address that closed out the March conference. The address was sponsored by Ceelox (www.ceelox.com), an industry leader in biometric software and encryption solutions.

Local companies land venture capital

A Winter Park software company received the second-biggest venture investment in the nation in the first quarter of 2008. Highwinds Network Group closed on a $55-million investment from General Catalyst Partners and Alta Communications to fund development of its content delivery network offering. Three Tampa Bay area companies also received venture capital in the first three months: Tampa's Acclaris and Skyway Software and Lifestyle Family Fitness in St. Petersburg. Nationwide, $7.1-billion was invested in 922 deals in the first quarter, down slightly from the previous quarter. All information is from the MoneyTree report by PricewaterhouseCoopers and the National Venture Capital Association, based on data provided by Thomson Reuters.

-St. Petersburg Times

Sarasota Museum of Art Board Announce $4.8 Million Contribution

SARASOTA - Ringling College of Art and Design and the Sarasota Museum of Art/SMOA (a Division of the College) today announced that SMOA Board members have personally donated more than $4.8-million toward the project, resulting in a cumulative fundraising total of $9-million toward the $22-million goal. The gift is part of the College’s $70-milion Pathway to Preeminence comprehensive fundraising campaign, which was announced publicly this past February.

SMOA Board of Directors
Pictured here are 12 of the current SMOA Board members. *An asterisk following a person’s name denotes those who are founding Board members: (l to r, front to back) Seated in front are Flora Major, Irene Kauffman* (Secretary and former Ringling College Trustee), Elaine Keating*, Dottie Baer Garner* (Vice-President), Dick Dickinson*; Middle row: Richard Basch, Brooke Callanen, John Meyer, Lois Stulberg (Ringling College Trustee), Koni Findlay; Back row: Wendy Surkis (SMOA President and Ringling College Trustee), Robert Garner*, Linda Dickinson* (Ringling College Trustee), Mark Kauffman*, Peppi Elona* (Treasurer.) Special recognition in memoriam goes to founding members Ed Keating and David Kruidenier.* Not pictured are Liz Kruidenier*, member Bruce Bachmann, and former member Bill Hartman*.

Vinoy receives AAA Four Diamond Award

ST.PETERSBURG, FLORIDA  – St. Petersburg, Florida’s Renaissance Vinoy Resort and Golf Club is pleased to announce it has recently received the AAA Four Diamond Award and recognized to discriminating travelers as one of the “Best Places To Stay.”  In 2008, a total of 1,159 hotels and 756 restaurants received the AAA Four Diamond Award. AAA Four Diamond hotels and restaurants represent just 3 percent of the 60,000 AAA Approved and Diamond rated properties.

Just as diamonds are a priceless natural resource…the AAA Diamond ratings are a priceless travel resource. The AAA Diamond Rating Process is North America’s premier hotel and restaurant rating system for those seeking a luxurious destination resort or spectacular cuisine. The AAA Diamond Rating Process is the only hotel and restaurant rating system that covers the entire United States and Canada as well as top destinations in Mexico and the Caribbean.

The Renaissance Vinoy Resort and Golf Club, located on Tampa Bay’s sparkling waterfront, is one of Florida’s premier luxury resorts.  All 361 guest rooms and suites have been beautifully restored with a warm and classic design.  Of Mediterranean Revival, the resort is also on the National and Local Register of Historic Places, and a member of the Historic Hotels of America.  The Vinoy offers the finest recreational facilities and amenities including an 18-hole golf course, two swimming pools, full-service health club, day spa, award-winning restaurants and lounges and a 12-court Har-Tru tennis complex. The historic resort has recently been welcomed in to The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Florida Green Lodging program.

The award-winning Renaissance Vinoy Resort and Golf Club also recently completed a $3.5 million renovation. The renovation included a complete makeover of the two signature Presidential Suites, as well as the historic Plaza Ballroom and meeting rooms. The Vinoy’s Lobby Promenade Lounge was reconfigured with a new bar and expanded cocktail seating for guests. The entrance to the Vinoy’s signature restaurant, Marchands Bar & Grill, was re-designed to showcase the popular Vinoy Bar and showcase private dining options as well. The distinctive gifts and resort fashions previously found at the Vinoy’s Resort Shop, was  re-located from the lower level to the main Lobby. Also completed is the total $5 million renovation of the Vinoy Marina with a total of 74 slips, accommodating boats and water craft up to 120' in length.

Gerdau Ameristeel Announces Acquisition of Century Steel

TAMPA -- Gerdau Ameristeel Corporation announced today that Pacific Coast Steel (PCS), a majority owned Gerdau Ameristeel joint venture, has acquired all the assets of Century Steel, Inc. (CSI), a reinforcing and structural steel contractor specializing in the fabrication and installation of structural steel and reinforcing steel products, for approximately $152 million.

CSI, headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada, operates reinforcing and structural steel contracting businesses in Nevada, California, Utah and New Mexico. With fabrication facilities that have an annual capacity in excess of 250,000 tons per year, CSI participates in virtually all segments of the marketplace in the western United States.

Gerdau Ameristeel also announced that, concurrently with the acquisition of Century, Gerdau Ameristeel will pay approximately $68.0 Million to increase its equity participation in the PCS joint venture to approximately 84%.

About Gerdau Ameristeel

Gerdau Ameristeel is the second largest mini-mill steel producer in North America with annual manufacturing capacity of approximately 12 million tons of mill finished steel products. Through its vertically integrated network of 19 mini-mills (including one 50% owned joint venture mini-mill), 19 scrap recycling facilities and 61 downstream operations, Gerdau Ameristeel serves customers throughout North America. The company's products are generally sold to steel service centers, steel fabricators, or directly to original equipment manufactures for use in a variety of industries, including construction, cellular and electrical transmission, automotive, mining and equipment manufacturing. The common shares of Gerdau Ameristeel are traded on the New York Exchange, and the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol GNA.

Danka Business Systems PLC Signs Agreement With Konica Minolta to Sell U.S. Business Operations

ST. PETERSBURG - Danka Business Systems PLC , a leading supplier of office imaging equipment and support services in the United States, today announced it has signed a definitive agreement with Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. ("Konica Minolta"), a leading provider of advanced imaging and networking technologies from the desktop to the print shop, enabling Konica Minolta to acquire the company's wholly-owned U.S. subsidiary, Danka Office Imaging Company ("DOIC"), through which Danka conducts its business operations.

Under the terms of the agreement, the total purchase price is expected to be approximately $240 million. The transaction is expected to close by June 30, 2008. It is subject to a number of regulatory and other closing conditions, in both the United States and the United Kingdom, including approval of the transaction by Danka's shareholders.

"In addition to continuing support for the entire Danka customer base with a complete range of products and service capabilities," said A.D. Frazier, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Danka, "I am pleased to say the new organization will also provide the added benefit of direct access to Konica Minolta's world-class technology, distinctive product offerings and financial strength. Customer relationships will grow ever stronger as a result."

Upon consummation of the transaction, DOIC will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Konica Minolta, and will maintain its current offices in St. Petersburg, Florida and elsewhere. Konica Minolta will supplement the product mix including network-ready multifunctional products (print, copy, fax and scan all in one system) and network printers in DOIC markets beginning in mid-2008. DOIC will continue servicing its customers with its highly trained sales and service teams.

Frazier credits Danka employees for accomplishing a remarkable competitive transformation. "They redefined the manner in which document workflow solutions are managed and serviced in small-to-medium sized enterprises and in the extremely competitive high volume production print marketplace. Their success, achieved against a backdrop of having to overcome the company's daunting corporate legacy issues, translates to new relevancy and value for the Danka approach."

Frazier added, "Nevertheless, the costs associated with trying to remain an independent player in an extremely competitive industry are imposing. This transaction represents, by far, the best outcome for Danka's organization and staff. It preserves the DOIC organization, allowing us to serve our loyal customers while addressing the holding company's burdensome financial obligations. We are confident that Konica Minolta's stated desire to invest in, and grow, DOIC's business will be rewarded in the customer marketplace."

The acquisition by Konica Minolta is designed to build and expand upon the foundation established by DOIC. "Konica Minolta's acquisition of DOIC will further enhance our leadership in the color and high volume production print markets while complementing our overall growth strategy with our independent dealers and branch network," said Jun Haraguchi, President and CEO of Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. "We're excited about the prospects that this strategic acquisition will create, and believe the combined strength of the new organization will be beneficial to our customers, the DOIC customer base and the DOIC employee family."

The transaction contemplates that Danka Business Systems PLC, the holding company, will sell to Konica Minolta the stock in its U.S. operations, Danka Office Imaging Company. Once completed, the holding company will distribute proceeds from the sale to debt and shareholders through a British process of voluntary liquidation, which will also need to be approved by Danka shareholders.

Under the terms of Danka's existing Articles of Association, the holders of Danka's ordinary shares (and ADSs) would not be entitled to receive any portion of the amount which is expected to be available for distribution to the holding company's shareholders. However, the Board is seeking to implement arrangements which would result in the holders of Danka's ADSs receiving the cash sum of $0.10 per ADS. Further details of these proposed arrangements will be provided to the company's shareholders as soon as possible.

Cypress Merchant Banking Partners II L.P. and certain of its affiliates, which collectively hold approximately 338,569 Participating Shares which confer the right to exercise approximately 29.0% of the voting rights exercisable at general meetings of the company, have agreed to vote in favor of the transaction, the liquidation and related proposals.

Use of Proceeds

If shareholders approve the sale transaction and liquidation the net cash proceeds from the disposal will be used to discharge Danka's approximately $152 million of indebtedness under the existing credit facilities provided by GE Corporate Capital. After depositing $25 million of the sale proceeds in escrow to satisfy potential claims by Konica Minolta under the definitive agreement, the remaining sum, together with the company's other cash resources, will be used to discharge other actual and contingent liabilities and the costs and expenses of the liquidation. The resulting cash balance, together with any remaining escrow proceeds, will be returned to shareholders. Net funds returning to owners of the company's Participating Shares are expected to total less than the 20% of the $372 million in accrued payments currently owed to them.

Tampa Bay Partnership Presents TBARTA With $50,000 Check Toward Start Up Funding

The Tampa Bay Partnership presented a check for $50,000 to the Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Authority (TBARTA) today at their monthly Board meeting.  The contribution is part of a public-private matching funds effort to address start up expenses needed for legal counsel and operations support to get the Authority off the ground.

The Authority was established in 2007 to improve mobility and expand multimodal transportation options for passengers and freight within the seven-county Tampa Bay region.  TBARTA, which comprises the counties of Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas and Sarasota, has responsibility to plan, develop, finance, build and operate regional transportation facilities.

“Creation of a regional multimodal transportation system is crucial for the future economic well-being of our region.  The presentation of this check represents a strong sign of support from the business community for the work TBARTA is doing,” said Roy J. McCraw, Jr., Regional Chairman of Wachovia and Chair of the Tampa Bay Partnership.  “The public-private collaboration on this effort is an extraordinary demonstration of what we can achieve when we work together.”

Several months ago, the Tampa Bay Partnership challenged its public partners to find some basic resources that would be matched through private donations.  A collaboration between the five Metropolitan Planning Organizations in the region took this challenge and raised a combined $50,000 through local dollars.

“Our investors stepped up and matched the public dollars with $50,000 in private contributions,” explained Stuart Rogel, President & CEO.  “While this start up funding is a small first step, we are preparing to embark on the larger mission of building visibility and public support to raise awareness and understanding of the need for regional transportation solutions and the benefits of TBARTA.”

Ernst & Young Florida Entrepreneur Of The Year® Awards Announces 2008 Independent Judging Panel

The Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards today announced the 2008 independent judging panel for Florida.  The panel, which selects the regional award finalists and winners, is comprised of outstanding leaders from local businesses, academic institutions and civic organizations. 

This year’s award winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on Thursday, June 5, 2008 at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Orlando. 

The judges are:
• Hugh M. Brown, founder and retired CEO, BAMSI, Titusville (former state award recipient)
• John R. Byers, president and CEO, FPIC Insurance Group, Inc., Jacksonville (former state award recipient)
• James F. Hammel, president and CEO, Gator Leasing, Miami (former state award recipient)
• Sherrill W. Hudson, chairman and CEO, TECO Energy, Inc., Tampa
• Rebecca Irish, associate managing partner, Tatum LLC, Orlando
• Deborah L. Linder, CEO, Island One Resorts, Orlando (former state award recipient)
• Carl D. Roston, Esq., partner, Akerman Senterfitt, Miami
• Salomon Sredni, CEO, TradeStation Group, Inc., Plantation (former state award recipient)
• Dave Walker, director, University of South Florida, St. Petersburg

“Each year the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year program honors extraordinary business talent in Florida,” says Michael J. Brennan, Florida Host of the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year program.  “We’re pleased to have such a distinguished group of judges participating in a program that has brought so much to our community.”

Now in its 22nd year, the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards program salutes pioneers who are creating leading global businesses.  Awards are presented to entrepreneurs who have demonstrated excellence and extraordinary success in such areas as innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities.  Self-nominations are encouraged and there is no fee required.  The deadline for completed application forms is March 28, 2008.

Information is also available at www.ey.com/us/eoy.

DreamWorks Animation CEO Jeffery Katzenberg to speak at Ringling College of Art and Design's 2008 Commencement

Katzenberg Presented with Ringling’s First Honorary Doctor of Arts Degree

Ringling College of Art and Design today announced that Jeffrey Katzenberg, CEO of DreamWorks Animation, will speak at the College’s 2008 Commencement Ceremony on May 2, 2008 at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall in Sarasota, Florida. At this event, Ringling College will present Mr. Katzenberg with its first-ever Honorary Doctor of Arts Degree.

“We are delighted to welcome Jeffrey Katzenberg to Ringling to share his experience and wisdom with our graduates and their families,” said Ringling College President Dr. Larry R. Thompson. “We are honored to have someone of his caliber in the entertainment industry join us for this momentous occasion and to be Ringling College’s first recipient of the Honorary Doctor of Arts degree,” Thompson remarked. “His presence also makes sense since so many of our graduates are employed by top-quality entertainment companies like DreamWorks,” said Thompson

CNBS Financial Group, Inc. Acquires HomeBanc Name for Banks and Mortgage Offices

Some corporate brand names are just too appealing to simply fade away, as evidenced by the acquisition of the name HomeBanc by the Tampa-based bank holding company CNBS Financial Group, Inc., which plans to use the HomeBanc name for its current and future banks and loan-production offices. The announcement was made today by Jerry Campbell, Chairman, President and CEO, CNBS Financial Group.

CNBS Financial Group has acquired the name from the previous Atlanta-based HomeBanc Corporation, which closed its mortgage-loan business in August, 2007. During its existence, HomeBanc Corporation shares were traded on the New York Stock Exchange. CNBS Financial Group and HomeBanc Corporation came to an agreement that included granting to CNBS Financial Group all rights to the HomeBanc name and transferring the rights to its website domain address of www.HomeBanc.com.

"All of us in our company really liked the name HomeBanc," said Campbell. "Although the previous company wasn't a bank but rather a leading residential lender, we knew it was highly regarded and had a positive name. It had earned inclusion on Fortune's '100 Best Companies to Work For' list and established a company culture consistent with ours - achieving a 'Great Place to Work' for employees and offering outstanding service for customers."

"We want all of our customers to feel at home when interacting with us, and everything we do is geared toward being their home bank" said Campbell. "Every customer is assigned a personal banker, who gets to know each person well, at a branch near their home in a warm home-like environment that makes them feel special when they do business with us. This is what makes our bank distinctive, and we are really excited to call it HomeBanc to reflect how we operate and what we represent."

CNBS Financial Group raised $49 million in 2007 to build and grow the de novo bank Community National Bank of the South and a proposed savings bank in Lakewood Ranch. The company has grown to include loan-production offices in Tampa, Lake Mary, St. Cloud, Brandon and Largo. The Lakewood Ranch branch will open in the spring and a new branch in Bonita Springs will open later in the summer, according to Campbell.

The HomeBanc name will be marketed by the bank throughout Florida through, among other ways, LPGA player Brittany Lincicome, a Seminole, Fla., resident and one of the top-ranked female golfers in the world. Lincicome will help the HomeBanc name achieve visibility throughout the United States and abroad by wearing the HomeBanc logo on the front of her golf shirts and sweaters while competing on the LPGA tour. She also will be used in select bank promotions in the future.

"We are thrilled to have Brittany Lincicome on the HomeBanc team," said Campbell. "She represents the same high-quality traits we seek in our employees, including positive attitude, strong work ethic, interpersonal skills and a great record of success."

The Florida Venture Forum Announces Presenting Companies for 2008 Early Stage Venture Capital Conference

The Florida Venture Forum (http://www.floridaventureforum.org) has selected 15 Florida companies to present at its first Early Stage Venture Capital Conference, to be held at the Omni ChampionsGate in Orlando On May 16, 2008.

Fifteen of Florida’s best early-stage prospects for equity financing will make 10-minute presentations to an audience of venture capitalists, private equity investors, angel investors, investment bankers, financial intermediaries and entrepreneurs.

Estonian President to visit USF College of Business

Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves will visit faculty and students at the University of South Florida’s College of Business in Tampa to share remarks about the economic challenges facing a small nation in a global economic market.   Recognized worldwide for being on the cutting edge of technology, and often referred to as a nation where the internet and global commerce go hand-in-hand, Estonia is the first country to conduct all government transactions with the public via the internet.   

Following an unsuccessful “cyber attack” on Estonia’s internet network last spring, acts which many attribute to Russia, President Ilves recently called on the European Union to make cyber attacks, such as freezing public and private web sites for political purposes, a criminal offense.

Estonia achieved independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 and has since joined NATO (2003) and the European Union (2005).   The nation, which lies along the Baltic Sea, has enjoyed strong economic growth in recent years. 

President Ilves began his term as president in October 2006.   A former diplomat and journalist, President Ilves grew up in the United States.   A graduate of Columbia University and the University of Pennsylvania, Ilves gave up his U.S. citizenship to become Estonia’s Ambassador to the United States in 1993. He served as Estonia’s Foreign Minister twice before becoming a member of the European Parliament.  The Economist characterized Ilves as a “star in the making” in 2007.

President Ilves’ visit to the university was prompted by former U.S. Foreign Service officer Walter Andrusyszyn, an adjunct instructor at the USF College of Business.  Andrusyszyn, whose 23-year public service career included a stint as director for Northern and Eastern European Affairs in the National Security Council, seized the opportunity the deepen students’ understanding of global economies and international business.

“Estonia’s choice to embrace technology has bolstered its economy,” said USF College of Business Dean Robert Forsythe.  “President Ilves’ visit provides an extraordinary opportunity for both USF and the Tampa community to learn about a successful transition economy and about the challenges facing a former member state of the Soviet Union,” he said.

Tampa Bay Technology Forum seeks hot technology for it's Cool Tech event

Technology cool hunters, get ready: the Tampa Bay Technology Forum (TBTF) will host Cool Tech 2008, a new showcase for companies to share their latest interactive technologies with hundreds of people from Florida’s largest technology industry group.  Exhibitors are invited to apply now for a booth at the event, which will be held at the Tampa Convention Center on Thursday, June 12 from 3 – 7:30 p.m.

Cool Tech 2008 will feature technology exhibits set up in zones representing the hottest sectors. Exhibits will run the gamut from interactive consumer technologies and toys such as games and PDAs to diagnostic tools and other advancements in biotech and medical technology. 

Russell Romanella, director of the International Space Station at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, will deliver the event’s keynote presentation.

TBTF is seeking applicants with innovative new technologies in the following sectors:

Aerospace, Biotech, Clean Technology, Consumer Technology (gaming,  wireless, in-vehicle, audio, etc.)  Emerging Technology (biometrics,  nanotechnology, robotics, etc.), Information  Technology, Marine  Technology, Medical Technology

“Cool Tech will showcase technology developed here in Tampa Bay and across the high tech corridor that will improve our lives and fuel economic growth,” said Amy Norman, President and CEO of TBTF, Florida’s premier technology industry professional association. “The event affords Florida universities, emerging companies, and global corporations the opportunity to showcase the wide variety of innovative interactive technologies developed right here in our state.”

For more information, visit www.tbtf.org.