University Area CDC names new chief operating officer

University Area Community Development Corp. has named LaTiecea Hailey-Brown, former principal of Mort Elementary Community School, as chief operating officer. “LaTiecea truly has a proven track record of success and a passion for our community. We are thrilled to know she will make a positive impact in the University Area overall, as COO at University … Read more

Dow Technologies expands partnership with Kicker

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, … Read more

Brian Kornfeld and Dan Greco launch mental performance platform for youth athletes

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 … Read more

Tampa-based company reimagines traditional appliances for a modern generation

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 … Read more

Sarasota recycling services and compost supplier names new CEO

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 … Read more

Ideal Image appoints new chief medical officer

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 … Read more

Leadership Tampa Bay announces class of 2024 (PHOTOS)

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 … Read more

VC Fast Pitch networking event returns to St Pete

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 … Read more

Tampa Bay Innovation Center names startups for AI Accelerator

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 … Read more