Talent is relocating to St. Pete-Clearwater MSA (LinkedIn Data) |
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The region ranked third in April 2021 for positive net migration rate on LinkedIn. Pinellas has been a very popular location for talent over the past few years, but with the rise of remote working this trend has accelerated in 2021. The chart below indicates that for every 10,000 LinkedIn members in St Petersburg-Clearwater-Tampa, 74.21 arrived in our area in the last 12 months. Professionals and growing companies have recognized our community’s remarkable and affordable outdoor lifestyle, famous white-sand beaches, arts community, amazing restaurants and a climate that allows both relocating companies and talent to thrive.
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Unemployment in Pinellas – 4.4%, Florida – 5.3%, MSA – 4.7%, Hillsborough – 4.6% |
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This month, we’re comparing “early stage beginning to worry data” from March 2020 with “starting to return to normal” data from March 2021. The good news is that month-over-month the labor force and employment count both increased. The headline could be that the unemployment rate jumped up from 4.1% to 4.4%, but this is not the whole story. Historically, we generally see a slight increase in the labor force between February and March due to spring break and tourism. This partially explains what’s happening, but importantly more people are reentering the labor force. Workforce participation is below pre-covid levels, but continues to recover and this bodes well for future economic recovery.
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COVID-19 Updates for Business |
Public hearing May 11 on Pinellas face coverings
The Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners will hold a public hearing on May 11 to consider repealing or amending the County ordinance requiring face coverings within public places and certain restrictions within restaurants and bars. Residents have multiple options before or during the meeting for offering public comment.
Vaccine Confidence Toolkit for Employers: More than 400,000 Pinellas residents and 8 million Floridians have received a COVID-19 vaccine to date. Help spread the word about this critical protection for our community: the Pinellas County Vaccine Confidence Toolkit contains social media content, printable materials and other quality information to address common concerns about the approved vaccines. To find where vaccines are available, visit the Pinellas County COVID-19 Vaccine Information webpage, or sign up for an appointment at a public health site through the Patient Portal.
Employers Urged to Consider Tax Credits for Paid Time Off for Employee COVID-19 Vaccinations and Recovery: Tax credits are now available for employers offering vaccine-related paid leave as more Americans are urged to seek out Covid-19 shots amid a slight decline in vaccinations. The tax credit for small- and medium-sized businesses will fully offset the cost of giving employees paid time off to get inoculated, as well as to recover from any potential side effects of vaccination. Learn more at: irs.gov/newsroom/employer-tax-credits-for-employee-paid-leave-due-to-covid-19
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International Business in Tampa Bay |
As a bustling center for global trade, the Tampa Bay region means business! Hear from three of our local business leaders about why their international parent companies chose Tampa Bay, Florida for U.S. operations.
Ready to expand your business in Pinellas County? Visit www.PCED.org to get started, and visit our International Trade page to learn about resources to help your business grow internationally.
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Restaurant Revitalization Fund - Applications Open May 3 |
The Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) will provide funding to help restaurants and other eligible businesses keep their doors open. This program will provide restaurants with funding equal to their pandemic-related revenue loss up to $10 million per business and no more than $5 million per physical location. Recipients are not required to repay the funding as long as funds are used for eligible uses no later than March 11, 2023.
The U.S. Small Business Administration began registrations on Friday, April 30, 2021, at 9 a.m. EDT, and will and open applications on Monday, May 3, 2021, at noon EDT for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund. The online application will remain open to any eligible establishment until all funds are exhausted.
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SBA rolls out new $5B grant program for small businesses |
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The U.S. SBA also launched a new round of Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) assistance – called Supplemental Targeted Advances – that will provide $5 billion in additional assistance to 1 million small businesses and nonprofit organizations that have been most severely affected by the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The SBA also announced that the agency will extend deferment periods for all disaster loans, including COVID-19 EIDLs, until 2022 to provide more time for businesses to build back.
Effective April 22, the SBA modified the Targeted EIDL Advance application process to determine if businesses also qualify for the additional $5,000 Supplemental Targeted Advance. SBA will contact eligible business entities to apply and applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
For details about the Targeted EIDL Advance and Supplemental Targeted Advance program, please visit SBA.gov/eidl. Eligible entities can email questions about the SBA Targeted EIDL Advance and Supplemental Targeted Advance to TargetedAdvance@sba.gov, COVID-19 EIDL disaster loan payment questions to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov, and contact SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (1-800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard of hearing).
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Tampa Bay Innovation Center Unveils New Building Designs, Kicks Off Fundraising Effort |
Tampa Bay Innovation Center, a tech incubator and accelerator, has unveiled the designs for its new home. The 45,000-square-foot building will offer leasable space and will be the first building in Pinellas County purposely constructed to focus on entrepreneurs and technology startups. “It’s a wonderful facility, designed from the ground up for incubator companies, particularly the technology companies that we are looking for,” said Mike Meidel, Pinellas County Economic Development director. Read the full story here in the St. Pete Catalyst.
The Innovation Center is kicking off a fundraising effort to support the project and create new programs and services for entrepreneurs at the Center. The building is scheduled for completion in mid-2023. For more information about sponsorship opportunities, naming rights or leasing, please contact Tonya Elmore at (727) 547-7340 or elmoret@tbinnovates.com. |
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2021 Pinellas County Business Hurricane Summit |
The 2021 Business Hurricane Summit last month presented the latest information for business preparation, survival and recovery. Links to the resources discussed in the webinar, the presentations and the webinar video are now available for our business community.
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No business is too small to recycle or reduce its waste footprint. |
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St. Pete-Clearwater Intl (PIE) Job Fair for Allegiant Airlines: May 3, 10a-2p
Allegiant Airlines is hiring part-time Customer Service Agents and Ground Operations Agents on the spot. Employees receive free flight benefits, No advance appointments are necessary. Applications will be accepted, and interviews held at St. Pete-Clearwater Int’l Airport, 14700- Terminal Blvd. Clearwater, FL 33762 on the 2nd Floor at Fuel Bar Restaurant Area. Park in Short-term Parking and enter at Main Entrance between Ticketing A and Ticketing B. Check in at Airport Receptionist on 2nd Floor to sign-in and receive Parking Validation between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Monday, May 3rd, 2021. Please be prepared for a brief interview and with information to complete your job application. Masks required at airport. All positions require a criminal background check. For more information and to start your application visit https://www.allegiantair.com/careers/airport-operations. |
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Upper Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce Job Fair: May 15
This event is intended for employers and employees of Oldsmar and the businesses of The Upper Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce. Hiring is becoming tougher and tougher. The Job Fair will feature the following industries: construction, manufacturing, restaurants, hotels, medical, government, and retail.
May 15, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Oldsmar Sports Complex
3120 Tampa Rd, Oldsmar. Fl. 34677
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Tampa Bay Job & Career Fair: June 14
Is your Pinellas County business hiring? Register to participate in the Tampa Bay Job & Career Fair. Opportunities include exhibitor booths, ad placement, and sponsorships.
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Sustain the Pivot: Virtual Small Business Resiliency Conference
May 18-19
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The purpose of this virtual conference is to assist and provide resources for small businesses to #SustainThePivot most have endured due to the global pandemic, as well as to highlight the expertise, knowledge, and available assistance the Florida SBDC Network and the Office of U.S. Senator Marco Rubio have to offer.
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New Flights from Minneapolis to St. Pete-Clearwater International |
“We are excited to launch flights to/from Minneapolis-St. Paul on Sun Country Airlines this fall as regular scheduled service. We look forward to welcoming Minnesota to the Sunshine City!” stated St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) Director Tom Jewsbury. Learn more and book flights at suncountry.com. |
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St. Pete/Clearwater stars in "Life's Rewards" on Amazon's Prime Video |
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“Life’s Rewards”, premiering May 10, 2021 on Amazon’s Prime Video, is a groundbreaking new series from Visit St. Pete/Clearwater, St. Pete/Clearwater Film Commission and VISIT FLORIDA showcasing the beauty of travel and the rewarding communities it builds. The film will premiere for a limited audience at the Sunscreen Film Festival on May 1, 2021 before becoming publicly available on several streaming platforms. The first season of “Life’s Reward” will feature eight,10-15-minute episodes accessible on Amazon Prime Video and YouTube starting May 10, 2021.
The official trailer can be viewed here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6gGiAOjLXk. “Following a uniquely challenging year for the travel industry, Visit St. Pete/Clearwater is excited to embark on this new frontier of destination marketing by bringing forth compelling programming that inspires wanderlust,” said Steve Hayes, president and CEO of Visit St. Pete/Clearwater.
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13805 58 St. N., Suite 1-200 | Clearwater, FL 33760
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