Local Buzz

Dow Technologies, an independently owned technology distributor, in Tampa, has expanded its partnership with Kicker as its new authorized distributor, in Florida. Dow currently distributes Kicker in Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee. Kicker inventory will now be stocked in Dow’s Atlanta and Tampa locations, for shipping and pickup available to authorized dealers. Kicker Performance Audio products,

Two Tampa Bay serial entrepreneurs have launched a new platform designed to support the mental health side of youth athletics. Co-founders Brian Kornfeld, the previous chief executive officer of Synapse, and Dan Greco, CEO and managing partner for Ark Applications and a former board member for Synapse, came up with the idea for MaxU, the

Adaptability was essential during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. For many businesspeople, remote work was necessary. As a result, entrepreneurs like Akshay Bhuva, chief executive officer and founder of Kitchenery, used his household kitchen appliances more frequently. The more Bhuva spent time in his kitchen, the more he realized how chaotic the appliance experience

Veransa Group, a Sarasota organic compost supplier and provider of recycling services, has named Dave Vaughn as chief executive officer. Vaughn will oversee the company’s operations, managing integrations of acquisitions and greenfield locations, and the development of compost and other sustainable, reuse products. Vaughn brings more than 35 years of experience in the environmental services

Ideal Image, based in Tampa, has named Physician Tara Margarella as chief medical officer. In her new role, Margarella will lead Ideal Image’s innovation pipeline and medical team, reporting directly to Sharon Leite, chief executive officer, according to a press statement. Margarella will lead Ideal Image’s medical board, overseeing the company’s medical affairs and medical

Leadership Tampa Bay has named its incoming class members for 2024. Leadership Tampa Bay’s mission has been to engage its members with businesses and community leaders to enhance knowledge of regional assets and issues. The program is designed to identify the Tampa Bay area’s regional strengths and to delve into issues facing the region. View

Networking is at the heart of the entrepreneurial spirit. Once entrepreneurs connect with investors who see the potential in their companies, incredible things can happen. Through this collaboration process businesses develop, mature and grow. For entrepreneurs, the first step to meeting investors is finding an opportunity to pitch their company. Business accelerator Black Dog Venture

The Tampa Bay Innovation Center, a technology incubator, accelerator and coworking office, in St. Petersburg, has named the startups for its artificial intelligence accelerator. This cohort will focus specifically on teams developing innovation that embraces the emerging capabilities of AI and machine learning. Over the course of the program, founders of these companies will receive

Florida Blue, the state’s Blue Cross and Blue Shield plan, recently announced the addition of two veteran health care executives to the West Florida team as market leaders. Market Leader Matt Tierney will oversee Hernando, Pasco, Hillsborough and Pinellas counties. He was promoted from local market finance and analytics leader, before assuming this role. Market

97 Tampa Bay businesses rank on Inc. 5000 list of Fastest Growing Private Companies in America Companies on the 2023 Inc. 5000 list are ranked according to percentage revenue growth from 2019 to 2022. To qualify, companies must have been established and generating revenue by March 31, 2019. They must be based in the United

CAN Community Health, a nonprofit dedicated to community medical care, will relocate its national headquarters from Sarasota to Tampa by the Fall of 2024. The new headquarters will be located within the German American Club historic building, in Ybor, alongside its established medical clinic and will house its executives, senior and mid-level management, according to

Leadership Tampa Bay announced its new board officers at the graduation ceremony for the 2022-2023 class, at the Centre Club, in Tampa. Executive Committee/Board of Directors Executive Committee Chair: Nancy Newkirk, Humana – 2013 (Pictured above) Vice Chair: Eric Dailey, Halifax Solutions – 2017 (Pictured above) Immediate Past: Jason Baker, Tampa Bay Business & Wealth