By Mike Brassfield, St. Petersburg Times, Feb. 17, 2008

Five years after it started rumbling down the tracks, Tampa's streetcar is running out of time. The next few months will be crucial in deciding whether it moves forward—or takes a big step backward. The streetcar's backers want to run the tracks into the heart of downtown Tampa to get more local passengers on board, not just the tourists and conventioneers who mostly ride it now. Read more>>

By G. Scott Thomas, Bizjournals.com, Feb. 11, 2008

Forty percent of Americans say they are frequently subjected to stress, and another 36 percent sometimes feel that way, according to a January survey by the Gallup Poll. Nearly half of U.S. adults believe the stress in their lives has escalated during the past five years, as reported in an October study by the American Psychological Association (APA). These numbers reflect the dimensions of a "national pressure cooker," to use APA's term, and it's causing untold damage to physical and emotional wellbeing and relationships. "Given the potential health complications related to these behaviors, it is fair to say that stress is a major health problem in America," APA's report concludes. Read more>>

Click here to view a chart that ranks Tampa-St. Petersburg 38th for stress out of 50 metro areas.

By Tyler Cowen, The Wilson Quarterly, Fall 2007

Most of the pressure on the wages and job security of American software programmers now comes from eager workers in India and Bangladesh. Hardly anyone saw this challenge coming. When those Bangladeshis were learning programming skills and clever ways to sell their services over the Internet, they never issued a challenge or threw down a gauntlet. And it is not just programmers, factory workers, and call center employees who face new challengers. Invisible competition now touches even those who make their living with paintbrushes and shovels. Read more>>

Michelle Bauer and Brent Britton, former Tampa Bay Technology Forum Executive Director and TBTF Board Member/Chair of the Emerging Companies Academy respectively, have teamed up with Tampa Bay CEO Magazine to host a weekly radio show called CEO Lounge. Join them in the Lounge every Saturday from 2-3 p.m. on WGUL 860 AM, or download the program from Tampa Bay CEO Magazine the following Thursday, February 21. Michelle and Brent interview engaging CEOs who are launching and growing some of the most interesting companies around and discuss the pursuits about which they are most passionate after the work day is done.

The first show, airing February 16, features interviews with Ken Bakunas, CEO of Magnetic; David Glass, publisher of Tampa Bay CEO Magazine; Amy Norman, CEO and President of TBTF, and Jose Ward, VP of Marketing for Joffrey’s Coffee. Listen to the radio show promo here.

By Darrin Guilbeau
President
Silicon Advantage

Creating a sense of place - it’s a concept we hear of often in the news. From the Rays Stadium, to the art museum, Riverwalk and other projects, debate continues about how best that could be accomplished.

On a micro scale, I often considered how those concepts would apply to a collaborative workspace – how to build a sense of place for creative freelancers. I occasionally heard designers express the desire for a home, to build permanence, as opposed to working out of coffee shops and internet cafés. Out of that desire sprung a co-work facility for graphic & web designers, photographers, marketing professionals, and other creative industry enthusiasts.

Dubbed the Innovation Hangar, our new facility allows the work-from-home crowd a professional space to share and a conference room for presentations, as well as a huge warehouse for producing content & showing it off. Housed at 211 N. Meridian, co-workers can share a desk in the community room, and network or brainstorm ideas with other like-minded individuals. Monthly events for fun and promotion serve as inspiration and outlets for the member’s passions.

Fostering an environment for creativity and inspiring innovation is the fundamental mission. Together, we encourage each other and enjoy experimenting and sharing new knowledge and opportunities. We hope to share this creative incubator and are thankful to have our mini sense of place now. Come hang out, hang art or hang your hat with us at the Innovation Hangar!

For details contact info@innovationhangar.com.

12th Annual Downtown Development Forum with Christopher Leinberger
Fri., Feb. 29, 7:30 a.m.-noon
Via TDP

DON’T DELAY…Now is the time to make your reservation for the 12th Annual Downtown Development Forum. Mr. Christopher Leinberger will be the Keynote Speaker of this year’s forum. The Forum will be held on Friday, February 29, 2008 at the Tampa Convention Center, from 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Mr. Leinberger is currently a Visiting Fellow at the Brookings Institution in Washington, DC and is the author of the study that listed Tampa Bay “last” for walkable metro areas. He focuses on research and practices that help transform traditional and suburban downtowns and other places that provide “walkable urbanism.” Leinberger is also the Director of the Graduate Real Estate Development Program at the University of Michigan, which trains the next generation of real estate developers in the building of sustainable walkable urban places. He is the author of the recently released book, The OPTION OF URBANISM: Investing in a New American Dream. Each year hundreds of developers, real estate professionals, property owners and those interested in the future of downtown attend this event. The Forum centers on the exploration of innovative ideas in urban development and serves as a catalyst for discussion and problem solving for major urban issues in Downtown Tampa. You can register now for the Development Forum online by clicking here.

ULI Tampa Bay Trends Conference
Wed., Mar. 12, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.

“As the spotlight on real estate shines on the Tampa Bay area, you can’t afford to miss this annual industry event. Featuring leading experts from around the country, the ULI Tampa Bay Trends Conference provides the insight, knowledge, and focus to convene the ideas that transform a marketplace. Share the opportunity to learn, dialogue, network and capture the upcoming trends throughout our Tampa Bay region.” – Scott Shimberg, Chairman, ULI Tampa Bay, President/CEO, Hyde Park Builders, Inc. Who should attend? Developers, Attorneys, Architects, Elected Officials, Local Government, Builders, Engineers, Planners, Realtors, Brokers, Landowners, Lenders, Investors, Business and Industry Leaders. Wed., Mar. 12, 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center - Ferguson Hall, 1010 North W.C. MacInnes Place, Tampa.
Click here for more information or call 1-800-321-5011 or 813-839-9231.

The Sunshine Factor
Dan Feinman

As the clock struck twelve on New Year’s Eve I found myself—well, I found myself in Tampa. The weather was warm compared to my home state of New York, the place where I had lived the first 28 years of my life. As my wife gave me a big ole’ New Year’s kiss, I thought, “What am I doing here? Do I belong here in Tampa? It was 83 degrees outside today…and it’s New Year’s!” Let me tell you how I found myself here, transplanted from the only city I had known and loved my entire life.

I had been standing on the platform for the number 6 train for just about 45 minutes when I finally saw the lights of the subway car approaching. The other hundred or so people on the platform saw it as well, and suddenly a whole swell of bodies began jockeying for position. As the train approached, some of the folks waiting near the front of the platform braced themselves so they wouldn’t be pushed onto the tracks. The floor was slippery from snow slush that had melted down into the subway corridor from the grated sidewalk of Park Avenue above. The passengers were all wearing bulky winter coats, sweating from the heat of the subway station. There was no room to remove our coats, and more people just kept shoving inward from the back of the line.

The train arrived and the doors opened. A few passengers jostled their way out of the metal doors, and everyone waiting attempted to shove their way onto the train. Much to everyone’s disappointment, there was not an inch of room on the subway cars. I felt like a cow being pushed around and herded into a pen. We would all have to continue waiting.

When I finally made it home to my tiny apartment that night, after walking through a blistering, wind-filled snowstorm, my wife met me at the door. We were both sweaty in our business suits from the subway, yet freezing from the weather. We were exhausted from our long day of work, and raging from our terrible commute. We locked eyes, and said, basically in unison, “We’re done with New York.”

Read the full story here >>

Getting The Right Things Done: A Leader’s Guide To Strategy, Planning & Execution
Tues., Feb. 19, 8-10 a.m.

Experience how to transform your organization into one that consistently executes your plan, achieves your vision, and continually improves year after year. Learn to significantly improve your strategy, planning, execution, accountability and leadership. This is not a networking event—this is a free interactive breakfast discussion for CEOs and Executive Management. Presented by Six Disciplines Tampa at the Centre Club, 123 S. Westshore Blvd., 8th Floor, Tampa. For more info and to register, click here.

USF Lakeland IT Colloquium
Wed., Feb. 20, 12-1 p.m.

Dennis Michael, vice president of information technology, FedEx Freight System, will present “The Role of IT at FedEx Freight: Key Projects, Current and Future Technologies” at the University of South Florida Lakeland’s Information Technology Colloquium on Feb. 20, 2008. The event, which is free and open to the public, takes place from noon to 1 p.m. in LAC 1280 at USF Lakeland. Sponsored by USF Lakeland’s IT department, the IT colloquium series, which began in 2002, features USF Lakeland faculty, community members and visiting professors and aims to expand the scope of traditional computer science education into a broader set of disciplines more in tune with the needs of modern society and business. For more information contact Lisa Wetmore at 863-667-7064 or lwetmore@lakeland.usf.edu.

Eckerd College 50th Anniversary Opening Convocation
Thurs., Feb. 21, 7 p.m.

From February to November, Eckerd College will commemorate its founding in 1958 as Florida Presbyterian College. The official celebration begins with the 50th Anniversary Opening Convocation on Thursday, February 21 at 7:00 p.m. in McArthur Gymnasium. Nobel Laureate Elie Wiesel, a Distinguished Visiting Professor of Humanities at Eckerd College since 1993, will give the keynote address. Additional remarks will be given by City of St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Baker, Eckerd President Donald R. Eastman III, Dean of Faculty Lloyd Chapin, FPC/Eckerd alumni, and the current Eckerd College Organization of Students president. Tickets are required for this free event. Go to www.eckerd.edu/50invite. Eckerd College is located at 4200 54th Avenue South, St. Petersburg.

Side Door Jazz presents The Kenny Drew, Jr. Trio
Thurs., Feb. 21, 7:30 p.m.

Side Door Jazz welcomes jazz pianist Kenny Drew Jr. at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21, at the Palladium, located at 253 Fifth Ave. N, St. Petersburg. Admission is $20. Drew, who also is a classical artist, has performed with jazz greats such as Stanley Turrentine, Slide Hampton, Stanley Jordan and the Mingus Big Band, and also has performed at many great jazz clubs and festivals around the world. For more information, go to www.mypalladium.org.

TBTF New Member Orientation
Thurs., Feb. 21, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Featured speaker: Amy Norman, Tampa Bay Technology Forum CEO and President. Learn how you can take advantage of all the networking, education, leadership and money-saving opportunities TBTF membership affords you. Thurs., Feb. 21, 5:30-7:30 p.m., The Centre Club, 123 S. Westshore Blvd., 8th Floor, Tampa. For more information, click here.

Boston Marriage
Feb. 21-Mar. 9, Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 4 p.m.

Jobsite Theater, resident theater company of Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center and winner of four 2007 Creative Loafing Best of the Bay Awards – including Best Theater Company – brings back the razor-sharp wit of David Mamet in the Bay area premiere of Boston Marriage, playing the Shimberg Playhouse Feb. 21-Mar. 9. Anna and Claire are two bantering, scheming "women of fashion" who have long lived together in a lesbian relationship on the fringes of upper-class society. All tickets priced at $24.50. Rush ticket prices for students, seniors and military are $10, and will only be available 30 minutes prior to curtain with cash and valid ID at the TBPAC Ticket Office window. A mini-season ticket to the remaining four 07-08 Jobsite plays is on sale now for just $78.40 per person plus an $8 handling fee per order. For more information, go to www.jobsitetheater.org.

2008 World Village Festival of Nations
Fri., Feb. 22, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

It goes without much debate that Tampa is a true melting pot of cultures from all around the world. Celebrating this diversity is key. So plan now to come and experience food, dance, shopping, shows and games from countries such as Mexico, India, Vietnam, The Amazon and more during the 2008 World Village Festival of Nations being held February 22nd. The event will take place in Cotanchobee/Fort Brooke Park in downtown Tampa from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Tea Closing Reception
Fri., Feb. 22, 6-9 p.m.

One simple word can evoke a variety of meanings. As we personalize a common element an image crystallizes. It could be a past memory, a flavor, or even a general classification. Tea is the common element for this group exhibition of paintings, drawings, sculpture, photography, pottery, and more. This is a journey into self-exploration, literature, fantasy, family and friends, ritual, society, prophecy, function, and physical property. Closing reception for Tea, Fri., Feb. 22, 6-9 p.m., C. Emerson Fine Arts, 909 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, www.c-emersonfinearts.com.

Acoustic Eidolon Concert
Sat., Feb. 23, 7 p.m.

The popular musical duo Acoustic Eidolon returns to Historic Bok Sanctuary on February 23 at 7 p.m. Guitarist Joe Scott and cellist Hannah Alkire blend Celtic, folk, bluegrass and Latin music to create an exciting new acoustic instrumental experience. Tickets are $20 or $15 for Sanctuary members. An optional prepaid reception at 5:45 p.m. is $17. Call 863-734-1221 for tickets or visit www.boksanctuary.org for more information.

In Their Own Words: Perseverance and Resilience in Two Florida Fishing Communities
Sun., Feb. 24, 2 p.m.

In Their Own Words documents the changes endured by two Florida coastal communities as they struggle with issues of natural resource dependence, rapid population growth, degrading local ecosystems, and coastal development. Using audio and video excerpts from oral history interviews and a photographic essay, the film portrays contemporary life in the resilient communities of Cortez and Cedar Key. The program is being presented at the Weedon Island Preserve on February 24th at 2 p.m. by maritime anthropologist Michael Jepson and LINC President Carlton Ward Jr. It is part of the Florida Conversations Lecture Series by the USF Libraries' Florida Studies Center and the Tampa Bay History Center. For more information, click here.

Oscar Night America
Sun., Feb. 24, 6 p.m.

The excitement and glamour of Hollywood are coming to Tampa Theatre on Oscar Night. Guests can experience the thrills and surprises of the 80th Academy Awards® on Sunday, February 24. Guests will feel like Hollywood stars by taking limousine rides around the block, walking down the red carpet through a throng of autograph seekers and paparazzi and being interviewed by Tampa’s own red carpet fashion commentator, “Roan Jivers.” Oscar Night® America – Tampa Bay begins at 6:00 p.m. with the Oscar Night® VIP red carpet arrivals and reception. VIP guests will enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres, Champagne, wine and beer during the reception and telecast.

General admission begins at 7:15 p.m. and includes complimentary soda, house coffee and popcorn. The Academy Awards program pre-broadcast will begin at 8:00 p.m., followed by ABC’s live telecast of the 80th Annual Academy Awards on the big screen. Tickets are $130 for the VIP Reception and $30 for General Admission. Tickets are on sale now at the Tampa Theatre box office or at www.tampatheatre.org.

CEOs of Florida's Inc 500 Fastest Growing Businesses to Speak at UT
Wed., Feb. 27, 4-7 p.m.

CEOs from the Inc 500 fastest growing businesses in Florida will speak on Wednesday, Feb. 27, from 4-7 p.m. in the 9th floor, Vaughn Center at The University of Tampa. Panel discussion and Q&A with reception to follow. The panel, titled “The Power of 5,” will feature Marcus Adolfsson, president and founder of Smartphone Experts; Brian Blackburn, president and co-founder of Xymogen; Robert Byrne, president and founder of Power Pro-Tech Services; Chris Hurn, CEO and board member of Mercantile Commercial Capital and Richard E. Walker, president of HealthCare Support Staffing. Tickets: $49 per person. Limited seating. To attend, RSVP by Feb. 20 to Angie Ballard at aballard@ut.edu. Visit www.ut.edu/centers for more information.

Digital Boot Camp
Fri., Feb. 29-Sat., Mar. 1

The International Academy of Design & Technology is preparing for its newest offering of hands-on training for the Tampa Bay community with its upcoming Digital Boot Camp. The two-day workshop will provide attendees with a 360-degree crash course on the film and music industry, from the first take to the final cut – and beyond. Spanning two full days, the Academy's event will feature a distinguished collection of experienced professionals, certified trainers, and industry insiders in recording arts and digital production. The range of topics will cover everything the aspiring film-maker and music producer needs to know – the recording process, lighting, cinematography, video and sound editing on the industry's latest software, and even marketing and distribution in today's market. This year's Digital Boot Camp will take place on the Academy's campus from February 29 through March 1. For more information, visit www.academy.edu.

BayCycle Photo Contest

Tampa BayCycle announces a photo competition leading up to the second annual Tampa BayCycle campaign, to be held May 2008. Winners of the competition will have their images on display throughout May at the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts (200 N. Tampa St., downtown Tampa). The photography contest is open to everyone, from the amateur photographer to cyclists living in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Citrus, Pasco and Hernando counties. For a complete list of rules, please visit www.tampabaycycle.com.

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Special thanks to this week’s BUZZ volunteers:
Editor: Megan Voeller
Creative Contributors: Donna Manion and Deanne Roberts.
Design and Distribution: Sean Kelly