Diversity : Innovation + Job News

Are you an entrepreneur or small business with an idea, but aren’t sure about next steps to get it off the ground?

Tampa Bay Innovation Center hosts its Fall 2012 IDEA Camp Wednesday, November 14, 8 am - 2:30 pm at Collaborative Labs, St. Petersburg College. The goal of the collaborative event is to help Tampa Bay businesses and individuals in technology fields create a winning pitch and add value to their concept, positioning them to move their idea forward.

The full day workshop provides advice, direction and one-on-one assistance from volunteer business consultants, investors, lawyers and entrepreneurs to help participants refine an idea into a 60-second pitch.

“Often someone who is deep into their idea can’t look at it from the 60,000-foot level,” says Danielle Weitlauf, New Venture Manager for the Tampa Bay Innovation Center. “The event helps open the door to whatever type of partnership they are trying to get.”

IDEA Camp participants will leave with a refined business model, credibility for their product or idea, confidence to deliver an effective value proposition, new contacts and a plan for next steps.

The event has taken place since 2009 and has assisted many companies with getting their ideas off the ground. One such idea is Head of Lettuce Media, this year’s social media sponsor. The company was launched at IDEA Camp in 2009 and is now growing and thriving in the Tampa Bay area. 

“The event is part of supporting the full entrepreneurship ecosystem in Tampa Bay,” says Weitlauf. “It could be a launch pad to getting a great idea off the ground.”

The event is open to 15 concepts, with one to two attendees per concept. If selected, the cost to attend is $99. The deadline to apply is Friday, October 26. Click here for more information, and to apply.

Writer: Megan Hendricks
Source: Danielle Weitlauf, Tampa Bay Innovation Center

The University of South Florida and New College of Florida are among just under 500 public colleges and universities across the nation pledging to raise the number of bachelor's degrees awarded by the year 2025.

Project Degree Completion, a joint program of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) and the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities (APLU), joins with the Lumina Foundation and other national organizations to increase the number of Americans with college degrees by 3.8 million, or to 60 percent of the U.S. adult population.

Among other things, the commitment pledges the institutions to reach out to students who took classes in the past but didn't finish their degree. A similar local effort began in March of this year as part of the Graduate Tampa Bay initiative led by the Tampa Bay Partnership.

"By signing on to Project Degree Completion, we publicly commit USF to doing its part to achieve these goals and add our collective voice to others calling for a renewed partnership between colleges and universities, states and federal government to restore 'best in the world' status to American higher education,'' says Dr. Paul Dosal, VP for student success at the University of South Florida.

The institutions signing the commitment also agreed to minimize expenses while making sure educational quality is enhanced, uphold quality student access, success and diversity, reduce the amount of time it takes to graduate and to support economic growth in the local regions including research and innovation. 

AASCU is highlighting innovative partnerships and programs on its website through initiatives such as the Innovations Exchange, an online forum for sharing information.

"New College of Florida is committed to providing students with a high quality, affordable, public liberal arts education which allows them to uniquely impact the world around them. The College has several initiatives underway to improve student success and thus help with the larger goal of reaching 60 percent degree attainment for the country,'' says Dr. Raymonda Burgman, associate provost for New College of Florida.

Writer: Megan Hendricks
Sources: Paul Dosal, USF; Raymonda Burgman, New College of Florida

The Mobile Medical Clinic (MMC) at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital is crossing the Bay to expand its free services to children in Pinellas County.

The arrival in Pinellas will take place October 18 from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Neighborhood Family Center in Clearwater. Appointments are required by calling 727-442-5355.

The MMC began in 2004 with the goal of providing required immunizations for children who weren't able to receive them due to health care or financial constraints. The service was so popular and critical to the community that additional services such as physical exams were added the next year.

"We're seeking to fill the healthcare gap, especially for people who don't have health insurance,'' says Kate Kennedy, child advocate for St. Joseph's Children's Advocacy Center and the MMC's coordinator. "We strive to be a bridge to care to give families the services they need at a time and place that's convenient for them.''

The 40-foot bus is staffed with nurses, a childhood specialist, a bilingual child advocate and volunteer pediatricians. Services include: well child physicals and immunizations, developmental screenings, and education and referrals about other community programs for those who have additional needs. Children are also assessed for unintentional injury risks. In 2011, the MMC assisted just under 1,000 children in Hillsborough County, from infants to 18-year-olds.

The expansion into Pinellas County is funded by a grant from Allegany Franciscan Ministries. Future plans include taking individual services off the bus when specific needs are identified in a particular community.

Children must be 18 years old or younger to participate. Parents much accompany children and provide a current vaccine record.

Writer: Megan Hendricks
Source: Kate Kennedy, St. Joseph's Children's Hospital

24 straight hours of branding, marketing, strategizing, design and community service. That’s what Lakeland-based Madden Brand Agency is planning for its 2nd Annual Brandathon, November 8 at 8 am.

The company's entire team of eight employees will work through the night to provide pro bono services for selected nonprofit organizations in Polk County. Deliverables will include logo redesign, branded collateral, strategic development or advertising campaigns.

"We really have a culture here about giving back,'' says Michelle Ledford, director of client services for Madden Brand Agency. "We get requests for pro bono work quite often, and this gives us an opportunity to go all in with a focused effort.''
 
Fourteen projects were completed during last year's inaugural event, with overall donations valued at $54,000. Projects included a brochure design for Volunteers in Service to the Elderly (VISTE), which provides meals and visits to seniors, and a logo design for Achievement Academy, which assists children with special needs. They also developed a donor development strategy for SPCA Florida in Lakeland. 

The company will provide a live feed with a web cam on their website and will also be posting updates to their blog and Facebook page to keep people up to date during the event.

Interested nonprofit organizations can submit an application by Wednesday, October 17, at 5 pm. Organizations must be a 501(c)3 located in Polk County and have an active Board of Directors who meets on a quarterly basis.
For more information or to submit an application, visit: http://brandmadden.com/brandathon

Writer: Megan Hendricks
Source: Michelle Ledford, Madden Brand Agency

Local entrepreneurs and startups now have an ally in their hunt for success. The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce is starting a new initiative known as the Startup Scholars Program, which will focus on helping innovators and entrepreneurs access the resources needed to succeed.

"The chamber is in a unique position to unite entrepreneurs with the many isolated resources that are across the Tampa Bay region,'' says John Wakefield, business innovation subcommittee chair for the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce. "We feel the chamber can play a role in helping entrepreneurs by offering needs assessments and offering our resources to help them.''

Wakefield says the Chamber is looking for startups or entrepreneurs who are in the early stages of development for their product or service. Once entrepreneurs are chosen. they will be provided guidance and assistance in three major areas the Chamber has identified as crucial to a company’s success: seed capital, best management practices and sales growth.

In addition to receiving an assessment, the Chamber will also offer those chosen entrepreneurs membership to their organization, as well as a mentor.

The program is open to entrepreneurs in any industry sector. The Chamber’s mission with the Startup Scholars initiative is to ultimately help the greater economy.

"Our mission is to improve the likelihood of success for entrepreneurs,'' Wakefield says. "If we have more entrepreneurs and startup successes the result will be more jobs and economic development, as well as innovation.''

Applications are being accepted until October 19 and can be completed through the Chamber’s website. Entrepreneurs will be selected by the end of November.

Writer: Kimberly Patterson
Source: John Wakefield, Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce

The University Area Community Development Center (UACDC) honors Breast Cancer Awareness Month with its sixth annual "Day of Pampering'' event, Saturday, October 20, from 8 am to 2 pm. The event takes place at the University Area Community Center, 14013 North 22nd Street in Tampa. The goal is to educate women about prevention and early detection of breast and cervical cancer and wellness.

"This event empowers women to take charge of their health with screenings and workshops that are both free and fun," say Martine Dorvil, event organizer and director of community outreach at UACDC.

More than 300 women are expected to attend the free event to participate in on-site screenings for cholesterol, blood pressure, glucose and other common health concerns. Workshops will provide information on cancer prevention and early detection, healthy lifestyle and nutrition, overcoming stress and resources for cancer survivors.

The event has touched the lives of more than 1,500 women since it began five years ago. Attendees enjoy the interaction and sharing with other women, many who are going through treatment for cancer and other ailments. Their stories and positive attitudes are inspiring and contagious.

Funding is provided by donations and groups including the USF College of Public Health, Tampa Bay Community Cancer Network and Hillsborough County Health Department.

The focus is on the university area community, where there is a critical need to address health care issues and provide opportunities for quality, compassionate and accessible care. It is open to the public, and those who qualify based on income will also receive referrals for free mammograms and pap smears.

Activities will be conducted in both Spanish and English, and other translators will be available.

Pre-registration is encouraged; walk-ins will be allowed as space permits. To register, call the Hillsborough County Health Department at 813-307-8015, ext. 7112 or 3502. The registration deadline is October 12.

Writer: Megan Hendricks
Source: Martine Dorvil, UACDC

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens' Museum of Botany and the Arts in Sarasota is featuring the photography of environmental photojournalist and Clearwater native Carlton Ward Jr. now through November 27.

A gallery walk and talk will be hosted October 17 from 5 to 6 pm. RSVP here for the special tour or call 941-366-5731, ext. 237.

The exhibit will feature 20 original photographs taken during the recent Florida Wildlife Corridor Expedition, of which Ward participated along with three other Floridians. The 1,000-mile expedition took place over a 100-day period beginning in January of this year with the goal of raising public awareness and generating support for the Florida Wildlife Corridor Project.

The project connects natural lands, waters, farms, forests and ranches from the Everglades to Georgia to protect the health and welfare of the people, wildlife and watersheds. This ultimately ensures the sustainability of Florida's water supply, as well as agricultural heritage and economies.

"Selby Gardens shares a common mission of environmental conservation with the Florida Wildlife Corridor Expedition. We are invested in the success of the Corridor from the perspective of native plant conservation,'' says Jeannie Perales, director of education at Selby Gardens.

The exhibit promises to provide a unique opportunity to see the beauty of Florida in its many facets, most of which have never been seen by the general public. The vivid images of water, plants and animals will allow viewers to feel as if they are standing in the actual Florida Wildlife Corridor.

The exhibit will also include select images from Ward's Gulf Coast Collection, including shots of the sun setting and moon rising over Tampa Bay.

Writer: Megan Hendricks
Source: Jeannie Perales, Selby Gardens

Young professionals in Tampa Bay recognize that regional cooperation helps advance the strength of our communities and future opportunities for everyone.

In an effort to promote this cooperation and further the conversation, several young professionals groups are coming together for the second annual Tampa Bay Young Professionals Summit on Friday, October 12, from 1 to 5 pm at Hillsborough Community College's Ybor City campus, room 204 in the Ybor Building.

The event is presented by Emerge Tampa Bay and the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, with Clearwater Young Professionals and St. Petersburg Chamber Young Professionals.

The interactive Summit will feature a slate of local guest speakers and presenters as well as breakout sessions to energize participants about the future of Tampa Bay.

Presenters and participants will answer questions like:
-- How can we improve the current business climate and encourage rapid growth?
-- How can young professionals take an active role to improve the region?
-- What would be a game changer for Tampa Bay?

The focus will be on five industry sectors: urban growth/environment, medical tech and healthcare research, entrepreneurship and high tech, cultural impact and education.

"The main goal of the Summit is to educate, engage and gather ideas from Tampa Bay's young professionals for improving the regional economy,'' says Brian Seel, public policy chair for Emerge Tampa Bay and chief organizer of the event. "This is a unique collaborative opportunity to advance the priorities of our generation.''

The Summit will produce a 10-item Economic Action List which will serve as a guiding framework for young professionals to continue to contribute to the regional economy in a meaningful way.

A Happy Hour will also be hosted immediately following the event at New World Brewery in Ybor City.

Cost is $25 per person. Pre-registration at this link is encouraged.

Writer: Megan Hendricks
Source: Brian Seel, Emerge Tampa Bay

The City of Tampa Mayor's Hispanic Heritage Committee celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with its 24th annual celebration, taking place Wednesday, Oct. 3, at 11 am. at the Tampa Theatre.
 
"Our goal is to promote awareness of Tampa's Hispanic roots and diverse population, as well as raise funds for the USF Latino scholarship fund,'' says Israel Segarra, contract management officer for the City of Tampa and chairman of the Mayor's Hispanic Heritage Committee. "It's a great event, and we'll have a lot of fun.''

Entertainment at Tampa Theatre will include performances from the Showstar dance team from Tampa Gym and Dance and Marina Orosco from the local singing duo Latin Fun Singers.

Keynote speaker Lissette Campos, director of Community Affairs and Emmy Award-winning journalist at ABC Action News, will offer her personal story of trials and accomplishments and an inspiring message for local youth. Some 150 to 200 elementary school students are expected to attend, along with senior citizens groups and other members of the community.

Tedd Webb from 970 WFLA radio will serve as emcee.
 
Mayor Bob Buckhorn will present a proclamation recognizing Tampa’s Hispanic roots and diverse population.

Formed in 1988, the Mayor's Hispanic Heritage Committee is a grass-roots, volunteer committee comprised of city employees and retirees.

The group preserves and celebrates Tampa's Hispanic culture and promotes the importance of education to local Hispanic youth through mentoring and scholarships. Other events include Latin Fest and an annual gala event.

The event is free and open to the public. The first 200 guests will enjoy a light lunch.

Writer: Megan Hendricks
Source: Israel Segarra, City of Tampa Mayor's Hispanic Heritage Committee

The Tampa Bay region has been chosen among other selected metro areas in the U.S. to participate in the prestigious Brookings Metropolitan Export Exchange. The Brookings Institution initiative helps local economies come up with their own export plans that target growth through market intelligence designed to increase the region’s exports and create jobs.

"The real impact of the selection will be increased business opportunities and jobs,'' says Betty Carlin of the Tampa Bay Partnership. "Tampa Bay makes up 25 percent of the state’s economy, yet we represent only 15.6 percent of Florida’s merchandise exports. We see that gap as an opportunity for real growth that a customized export plan could help us bridge.''

Tampa Bay exports increased more than 18 percent in 2011 compared to 2010, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. Carlin says that some of the area’s major exports include computer and electronic equipment, chemicals and transportation equipment.

The Brookings Metropolitan Export Exchange, part of the Brookings-Rockefeller Project on state and metropolitan innovation, is a six- to 12-month program that involves training, and regional team work assignments.  Tampa plans to prepare an export market assessment, export strategy, as well as an implementation plan and policy memo as part of the exchange project.  Tampa leaders involved in the project expect to be completed with their export plan within six to nine months.

Writer: Kimberly Patterson
Source: Betty Carlin, Tampa Bay Partnership

Polk State College in Winter Haven is increasing the number of degrees awarded, as motivated by the Graduate Tampa Bay initiative.

The Lakeland-Winter Haven MSA is one of three in Tampa Bay competing with over 50 other metropolitan areas in the national Talent Dividend Competition. A $1 million prize will be awarded to the area that sees the largest increase in college degrees by the year 2013.

Led by the Tampa Bay Partnership, Graduate Tampa Bay focuses on people who have started college but haven't finished their degree. 

"Getting their foot back in the door is a scary thing,'' says Naomi Boyer, associate VP for strategic initiatives at Polk State College. The College is making it less scary with some innovative ways to help former students finish school.

For example, they are removing barriers by graduating students who received enough credits but have not completed certain administrative steps required to graduate. They are also creating a "fast track'' online option for general education courses to help those who have completed some courses.

Another possibility being considered is reverse degree completion. Some students take courses at the College and then transfer to a four-year institution for the additional classes. These courses can be reversed back to Polk State College's system to show that the degrees were completed, providing students with the credential they earned.

The College is also reaching out to local businesses to provide services tailored to their employees, such as on-site advising. College reps  recently participated in a community event hosted by Polk Vision, where this idea, among other things, was explored with local businesses and other universities.

"We're dialoging with the businesses to help them conceptualize what's even possible within their scope of reference,'' says Boyer. The group plans to continue meeting on a monthly basis to explore other creative ways to increase college attainment.

Writer: Megan Hendricks
Source: Naomi Boyer, Polk State College

The Tampa Bay Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) hosts a release of the film “Unfinished Spaces” October 5 at 7 pm at the Cuban Club in Ybor City.

The film documents the struggles and passion of three young, visionary architects commissioned by Fidel Castro and Che Guevara to build a National Art School in Cuba in 1961. Their radical, pioneering designs attracted dancers, musicians and artists from across the country. Construction was abruptly halted with the onset of the Cuban Revolution, and to this day the project remains unfinished.

The film includes archival footage from 1960s-era Cuba, including Fidel Castro discussing his plans for the national art schools. It offers a unique window into the history of the arts in Cuba that is not often available to American viewers.

Woven within the historical presentation is a social message about the importance of art in Cuban culture -- and in any culture.

The architects offer an inspiring message about the power of the arts and the need for artists to push forward and create beauty in the face of adversity, be it censorship, oppression or political setbacks.

"We hope the film will offer a new perspective on the role the artist plays in society, and the way art can shape history,'' says Alysa Nahmias, the film's New York-based co-director and co-producer.

Tampa is one of five U.S. locations chosen to showcase the film during its public release in October, partly because of its large population of Cuban-Americans and Latinos. The producers aim to forge new dialogue with creatives, designers and anyone interested in learning more about Cuba's preservation and history.  The film is part of AIA's Archtober, a month-long set of events designed to get the public thinking about the impact of architecture and design.

Other events include an architectural walking tour of downtown Tampa on October 5, a Design Mixer on October 11, a screening of the film Design & Thinking on October 18, a Photography Awards Reception on October 25 and the annual Celebrate Design event on November 1.

Writer: Megan Hendricks
Source: Alysa Nahmias, "Unfinished Spaces''

With the motto "ideas worth spreading,'' TED (technology, entertainment, design) events bring together inspiring thought leaders with fascinating and motivating messages. The mission is to use ideas to change attitudes, lives and ultimately the world.

TEDxTampaBay, taking place September 21 at MOSI in Tampa, connects local people who have big ideas and want to create change. "It brings people together at a very human level, which is a powerful force for change of any kind,'' says Gina Clifford, co-founder and organizer. "It's kind of an organic entrepreneurial experience.''

Now in its third year, the 2012 theme "The Future of Stories'' explores the past, present and future of storytelling, particularly in an age of digital media. Storytellers include Sidney Pierce, a professor at the University of South Florida Tampa, who will share his research on an animal that steals chlorophyll from plants and then uses it to make energy. And Jayme Cellitioci, whose B.S. in psychobiology and M.S. in creativity help her explore the power of storytelling through free-choice learning platforms such as science museums and zoos.

Last year's event inspired meaningful connections that span beyond the event. Stanford University student Vineet Singal spoke about nonprofit health organizations he founded. As a result of his talk, he met a local woman who started a nonprofit to honor her daughter, who died from multiple sclerosis. Vineet now serves as her adviser and is helping her get the organization off the ground. 

Innovators, creatives, entrepreneurs, scientists, technologists and anyone open to new ideas is encouraged to attend -- especially those who believe they can and will change the world. The cost is $40 and includes admission to MOSI, free parking, a catered lunch, various activities during breaks and a full day of inspiring TED-style talks.

Writer: Megan Hendricks
Source: Gina Clifford, TEDxTampaBay

The Tampa Bay Partnership and The Victory Group have teamed up to create live webcasts of interviews with community, business and political leaders from across the state in hopes that you and the rest of the world will tune in rather than watch traditional media coverage surrounding the Republican National Convention.

The idea behind Front Row Tampa Bay is to showcase the stories of innovators, investors and thought leaders in their own words unfiltered by outsiders or insiders who may be more focused on different perspectives or unfavorable comparisons.

"The program provides opportunities for organizations of all types to showcase leading industries, groundbreaking research, up-and-coming entrepreneurs and our unparalleled quality of life,'' writes Stuart Rogel, president and CEO of the Partnership. "Using cutting-edge technology, our four-day Web TV broadcast will spotlight some of the key drivers that position the area so well in the new economy.''

Stories and interviews with people like Florida Gov. Rick Scott, former Gov. Jeb Bush and Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn specifically showcase investment opportunities and job growth in industries targeted by the Partnership, namely applied medicine and human performance, high-tech electronics and instruments, business, financial and data services, and marine and environmental activities.

Front Row will also offer stories on local attractions and RNC-related parties as a way to show the experiences and faces of Tampa Bay residents and visitors.

The overall investment -- more than $500,000 -- is among the largest the Partnership and its investors or any other organization is spending to market Tampa Bay.

Writer: Diane Egner
Source: Stuart Rogel, Tampa Bay Partnership

MOSI in Tampa is hosting its two-day inaugural Idea Faire in November. The Idea Faire is a celebration of human creativity and innovation. Exhibitors with ideas and creations related to technology, creativity and innovation are encouraged to participate in the event.

“We are looking for innovators in gaming, robotics, design, technology, music and art,” says Shannon Herbon, communication manager for MOSI. “This event provides exhibitors the opportunity to share their ideas and creations with the Tampa Bay community.”

The Idea Faire will be part of MOSI’s Idea Zone, which is a “do-it-yourself” lab that is currently open at the museum. Exhibitors who want to participate by sharing their ideas and creations can do so free of charge, however, participants must send in an application by Aug. 31^st. Vendors who wish to participate in the Idea Marketplace can do so for a nominal fee.

The organizers of the event hope to have a diverse group of innovators and creative thinkers; therefore, there is currently no limit to the amount of exhibitors or vendors that can participate. Businesses, groups, educational institutions, innovators and clubs are invited to take part in the event.

“MOSI is the largest science center in the Southeast [U.S.], so we will find room for everyone,” says Herbon. “Rarely do you see an event that provides opportunities for vendors focused on robotics, video gaming, science and engineering.”

The 2012 Idea Faire at MOSI will take place Nov. 17^th and 18^th. To learn more about becoming an exhibitor or vendor at the event, contact MOSI at 813-987-6000.

Writer: Kimberly Patterson
Source: Shannon Herbon, MOSI