Front Row Tampa Bay

Front Row Tampa Bay: Live Broadcast Breaks New Ground To Capture Attention During 2012 Rnc

admin — Wed, 05 Sep 2012 19:03:45 +0000

TAMPA BAY, Fla. (September 5, 2012)— Front Row Tampa Bay drew the curtain on the live streamed programming produced during the 2012 Republican National Convention showcasing economic opportunity in Tampa Bay and Florida, as it opened the door to a whole new way to market the region.

With 125 speakers and 17 hours of live programming, Front Row Tampa Bay was an unprecedented undertaking to tell the business stories of Tampa Bay to a worldwide audience. Additionally, over 450 leaders attended the Front Row Tampa Bay live show at the Stageworks Theatre location and participated in networking and other hosted activities.

“We couldn’t be more pleased with the overwhelming success of the program,” said Stuart Rogel, President & CEO of the Tampa Bay Partnership. “This is the first time a webcast economic development program has aired live for four days so we didn’t know what the level of interest would be. The initial viewership numbers reflect a success.”

Presented by the Tampa Bay Partnership, Front Row Tampa Bay was a four-day, live web TV broadcast showcasing life, work and economic opportunity in the eight-county Tampa Bay region and across Florida. Airing from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Thursday in conjunction with the Republican National Convention, the show featured senior elected officials, business leaders and community guests discussing the economic diversity and opportunity that exists in Tampa Bay and Florida.

Initial analytics from the broadcast show a strong level of interest in the programming including over 200,000 total viewer minutes¹, 16,636 total viewer streams², and an average time per viewer³ of 12 minutes. In addition, viewers tuned in from 73 countries. With archived video-on-demand available on the FrontRowTampaBay.com website, these numbers continue to grow – attracting hundreds of visitors in the five days following the live broadcast.

Through an extraordinary outreach effort involving our sponsors, economic development partners and supporters from throughout the region, the Partnership was able to track over 16 million brand impressions⁴ for the Front Row Tampa Bay effort before the show began. With the live programming and extensive media coverage, this number continues to increase.

“We knew we needed to do something really extraordinary during the RNC to get above the chatter and capture attention,” said Rogel. “Our role as an organization is to tell the business stories of the region and help people understand the diversity and opportunities of our market. We took this to a whole new level with Front Row Tampa Bay.”

Sponsors such as Moffitt Cancer Center, University of South Florida, Hill+Knowlton Strategies, Sykes Enterprises, All Children’s Hospital, BayCare Health System, TECO Energy, Sweetbay Supermarket, Clearwater Gas System, Progress Energy, Gulf Coast Community Foundation, City of Clearwater, Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County, Tampa Bay & Company, Florida High Tech Corridor, Hillsborough River Realty Company, Foley & Lardner, Florida Blue, Sayfie Review, ClearChannel Outdoor and others found value in helping the region tell its business stories to a worldwide audience.

“Front Row Tampa Bay presented the best and brightest of the Tampa Bay area. We enjoyed the opportunity to highlight our stars here at Moffitt as we talked about the research and discovery that takes place every day at the only NCI designated comprehensive cancer center based in Florida,” said Jack Kolosky, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer with Moffitt Cancer Center.

“The feedback from attendees to the RNC to the informative, substantive streaming video was positive and provided a true ‘window’ into the investment environment of the Tampa Bay region,” added Rod Irwin, Assistant City Manager of the City of Clearwater. “Access to the video produced will be of immeasurable benefit to regional economic development agencies, promotion of the region, and the Tampa Bay Regional Business Plan going forward.”

The Partnership plans to utilize the filmed material to aggressively market the region and promote the area’s strengths in applied medicine and human performance, high-tech electronics and instruments; business, financial and data services; and marine and environmental activities.

“We set out to showcase the best Tampa Bay has to offer for businesses, families and entrepreneurs, using the latest technology backed by quality content and broadcasting flair,” Victory Group’s Adam Goodman, who helped develop and produce the show, said today. “It was a privilege to be a part of it all.”

The Partnership also worked with Tampa Bay & Company to operate a Social Media Command Center and Blogger Café within the same building. With space provided by Saint Leo University, the #TampaBay Social Media Command Center engaged visitors during the week of the convention via social media and sharing positive messages about what Tampa Bay has to offer for visitors and residents alike using the #TampaBay hashtag to amplify the conversations.

“With Tampa Bay & Company spearheading the Social Media Command Center (SMCC) and Tampa Bay Partnership leading Front Row Tampa Bay, we worked collaboratively to ensure Tampa Bay’s brand was heard loud and clear during 2012 RNC,” said Tampa Bay & Company President/CEO Kelly Miller. “Together, we shared Tampa Bay’s tourism and business stories with millions of viewers and social media users throughout the week, and we look forward to continuing this partnership.”

“We consider this week’s Front Row Tampa Bay sessions to be Phase I of a new, innovative means to promote the business and economic development stories our region has to offer,” Rogel added. “Live streaming combined with robust social media are powerful tools to deliver our message to key audiences.”

For an archive of the video segments, visit www.FrontRowTampaBay.com.

About Tampa Bay Partnership:

The Tampa Bay Partnership is the regional organization that works with its partners to market the region nationally and internationally, to conduct regional research and to coordinate efforts to influence business and government issues that impact economic growth and development. Founded in 1994, the Tampa Bay Partnership provides regional economic development for the metro areas of Tampa/St. Petersburg/Clearwater, Lakeland, and Bradenton/Sarasota/Venice and the counties of Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, and Sarasota. For more information, visit www.tampabay.org.

# # #

_____________________________________

Terms:

1 Total viewer minutes – Total number of minutes for which a user is exposed to content on a channel for the selected period

2 Total live streams – Total number of visits to the player for the selected period (includes multiple visits from the same user)

3 Average time per viewer (minutes) – Average time in minutes the player was viewed by all users for the selected period

4 Brand impressions – According to the “Basic Advertising Measures,” from FAST , an ad industry group, an impression is “The count of a delivered basic advertising unit from an ad distribution point.”

Former Governor Jeb Bush Joins Business Leaders On Front Row Tampa Bay’s Entreprenuerial Roundtable

admin — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 20:17:06 +0000

TAMPA BAY, Fla. (August 20, 2012)—Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush will join some of the most influential names in business to discuss the growth of technology-based companies and the role of venture capital on Front Row Tampa Bay’s “Entrepreneur Ecosystem” airing Monday, August 27, at 12:15 p.m. Led by Co-Anchor Kathy Fountain, the roundtable discussion will also feature Garrett Johnson, Co-Founder of SendHub; Peter Cherukuri, Vice President and General Manager of the D.C. Bureau for The Huffington Post; and Heather Kenyon, CEO and President of the Tampa Bay Technology Forum.

“In order to develop a more diverse and sustainable economy, we must encourage and invest in the entrepreneurial efforts of local start-up companies,” said former Governor Bush. “I look forward to participating in the roundtable discussion to collaborate with some of today’s most successful business leaders and promote the value venture capitalists can bring to small businesses ready to expand.”

The “Entrepreneur Ecosystem” segment will delve into the robust network of successful entrepreneurs who have utilized technology to grow their operations in the Tampa Bay region, as well as across the country. The group will also discuss the importance venture capitalists bring to entrepreneurs ready to start their own business.

“Each participant in Monday’s roundtable discussion has a profound understanding of the struggles and opportunities facing entrepreneurs and business owners,” said Vincent Dolan, President and CEO of Progress Energy and Chairman of the Tampa Bay Partnership. “These successful and highly respected individuals will bring great recognition to our program, allowing viewers all over the nation to benefit from their shared knowledge, as well as from Governor Bush’s unique and intimate perspective of Florida’s present and future business climate.”

Front Row Tampa Bay is a live streaming Web TV broadcast airing August 27-30 during the Republican National Convention that will showcase life, business and economic opportunities across Tampa Bay. An initiative of the Tampa Bay Partnership, the four-day event will feature business leaders, newsmakers and economic experts who will come together to discuss the Tampa Bay and Florida economies and opportunity in the region.

For more information, visit www.FrontRowTampaBay.com.

About Tampa Bay Partnership:
The Tampa Bay Partnership is the regional organization that works with its partners to market the region nationally and internationally, to conduct regional research and to coordinate efforts to influence business and government issues that impact economic growth and development. Founded in 1994, the Tampa Bay Partnership provides regional economic development for the metro areas of Tampa/St. Petersburg/Clearwater, Lakeland, and Bradenton/Sarasota/Venice and the counties of Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, and Sarasota. For more information, visit www.tampabay.org.

# # #

Hillsborough River Realty Company And The Jeffries Companies Join Front Row Tampa Bay

admin — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 14:28:22 +0000

TAMPA BAY, Fla. (August 16, 2012)—Hillsborough River Realty Company and The Jeffries Companies announced today that they are joining the Front Row Tampa Bay broadcast as a sponsor in order to showcase the exceptional quality-of-life attributes, business-friendly environment and diverse economy that makes up the Tampa Bay region.

“Hillsborough River Realty Company and The Jeffries Companies wholeheartedly endorse Front Row Tampa Bay’s in-depth presentation of the region’s dynamic economic climate and the enviable lifestyle the area offers,” said John N. LaRocca, Vice President of Hillsborough River Realty Company. “The broadcast will present a compelling story to national and international audiences about the many opportunities that currently exist in the region, as well as highlight advancements that ensure a prosperous future.”

The Hillsborough River Realty Company is a real estate company and long-time investor in the Tampa business community. The Company has assembled the 6.24 acre development site located at the southwest intersection of Kennedy Boulevard and the Hillsborough River. It features 355 feet of Hillsborough River frontage and 400 feet of Kennedy Boulevard frontage directly across from the University of Tampa and Plant Park. The planned “Hillsborough River Tower Mixed-Use Development” is entitled for approximately 900,000 square feet of office, 125,000 square feet of retail and approximately 4,000 parking spaces. The Jeffries Companies is an affiliated group that provides asset management services for Hillsborough River Realty Company.

The “Hillsborough River Tower Mixed-Use Development” project is currently in development, and once completed, will boast approximately 900,000 square feet of office, 125,000 square feet of retail and approximately 4,000 parking spaces. The 6.24-acre development site is located at the southwest intersection of Kennedy Boulevard and the Hillsborough River. It features 355 feet of Hillsborough River frontage and 400 feet of Kennedy Boulevard frontage.

Front Row Tampa Bay is a live streaming Web TV broadcast airing August 27-30 during the Republican National Convention that will showcase life, business and economic opportunities across Tampa Bay. An initiative of the Tampa Bay Partnership, the four-day event will feature prominent business and government leaders, newsmakers and economic experts who will come together to discuss the Tampa Bay and Florida economies and opportunity in the region.

For more information, visit www.FrontRowTampaBay.com.

About Tampa Bay Partnership:
The Tampa Bay Partnership is the regional organization that works with its partners to market the region nationally and internationally, to conduct regional research and to coordinate efforts to influence business and government issues that impact economic growth and development. Founded in 1994, the Tampa Bay Partnership provides regional economic development for the metro areas of Tampa/St. Petersburg/Clearwater, Lakeland, and Bradenton/Sarasota/Venice and the counties of Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, and Sarasota. For more information, visit www.tampabay.org.

Florida’s CFO Jeff Atwater To Be Featured On “Sayfie Review At Noon”

Andrew — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 17:10:42 +0000

TAMPA BAY, Fla. (August 14, 2012)—Front Row Tampa Bay announced today that Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater will be a featured guest on Justin Sayfie’s “Sayfie Review at Noon,” a 15-minute live interview segment each day during the four-day broadcast, discussing Florida’s economic future and the CFO’s upcoming Small Business Leadership Forum.

“Front Row Tampa Bay delivers an exciting platform to promote the financial and economic successes of Florida with people all across the country,” CFO Atwater said. “Florida’s pro-business environment has never been brighter, and with events like the Small Business Leadership Forum, we’re able to connect business owners with the right tools and information ensuring our future economy is diverse and healthy among many sectors.”

The 2012 Small Business Leadership Forum, in partnership with The Jim Moran Institute, will be held in Tampa on September 6-7, 2012. The forum aims to bring together business leaders, investors, and academic and industry experts to share best practices, resources and opportunities for strategically moving small businesses toward long-term prosperity and positively impacting their bottom lines. Participants will also have the opportunity to attend practitioner workshops taught by issue experts covering a wide range of topics, including marketing small business, dashboard management and employee training. Florida’s currently has approximately 2.2 million small businesses operating across the state, employing four out of five Floridians.

“The work the CFO has done to draw attention to the importance small business owners have on Florida’s future economic success has been highly respected on both sides of the political divide,” said Vincent Dolan, President and CEO of Progress Energy and Chairman of the Tampa Bay Partnership. “We are thrilled to have CFO Atwater be a part of Front Row Tampa Bay as he is someone that will bring great recognition to our program as well as draw large audiences interested in hearing his thoughts on Florida’s economy and Tampa Bay.”

In addition to being elected CFO, Jeff Atwater has served as Florida Senate President from 2009-2010, attended the University of Florida, and has more than 20 years of banking experience. His investment in the Small Business Leadership Forum is an ode to his passion for providing strategic opportunities for small business to grow and positively impact their bottom lines.

For more information, visit www.FrontRowTampaBay.com.

About Tampa Bay Partnership:

Justin Sayfie To Host “Sayfie Review At Noon” Show For Front Row Tampa Bay

admin — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 15:10:34 +0000

TAMPA BAY, Fla. (August 8, 2012)—Front Row Tampa Bay announced today that Justin Sayfie, publisher of SayfieReview.com , Florida’s top political news site, will host “Sayfie Review at Noon,” a 15-minute live interview segment each day during the four-day broadcast. These segments will feature political and business leaders discussing topics related to Front Row Tampa Bay’s economic development themes, the Republican National Convention and other planned programing.

“The Republican National Convention gives our state a tremendous opportunity to market ourselves to a national and worldwide audience,” Sayfie said. “Front Row Tampa Bay is an incredible platform to showcase all of the great initiatives happening in Florida, economically, politically and otherwise. I am looking forward to being a part of this broadcast and covering events that will be taking place throughout the convention, as well as interviewing some of Florida’s and the nation’s top business and political leaders.”
Sayfie was named by Politics Magazine as one of Florida’s Top Ten Republicans. SayfieReview.com was voted as the best political website for the state of Florida in 2009 and 2011 by readers of the Washington Post. Sayfie has made numerous television appearances on local and national TV news programs, including regular appearances commenting on U.S. politics on the FOX News Channel, which can be viewed at www.youtube.com/justinsayfie. An attorney and government relations consultant, Sayfie is a founding shareholder of Sayfie Law Firm and represents clients in a variety of industries.

“We are ecstatic to have Justin join the Front Row Tampa Bay broadcast team,” said Vincent Dolan, President and CEO of Progress Energy and Chairman of the Tampa Bay Partnership. “He is greatly respected in the political and public policy worlds, and his daily segment will be a great addition to our broadcast, bringing prestige and visibility to the event, as well as to the Tampa Bay area.”

Prior to co-founding Sayfie Law Firm in August 2001 and launching SayfieReview.com in 2002, Sayfie worked as a senior policy advisor, spokesman and chief speechwriter for Governor Jeb Bush. In these different roles, Sayfie assisted Governor Bush with development of public policy initiatives and legislative strategy, management of Florida’s 13 executive state agencies and press relations.

For more information, visit www.FrontRowTampaBay.com.

Tampa Bay Partnership Selects Ilana Tescher As Winner Of The “Top Reporter: Tampa Bay Talent Showdown” Search

admin — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 19:06:52 +0000

TAMPA BAY, Fla. (August 7, 2012)—The Tampa Bay Partnership has announced recent college graduate Ilana Tescher as the winner of the “Top Reporter: Tampa Bay Talent Showdown” search. Tescher will join the Front Row Tampa Bay broadcast team and report from the field and in front of a live audience during four days of programming, taking place August 27-30, 2012.

“We were so impressed by the caliber of participants who submitted their videos for consideration, it was particularly difficult, and even nearly impossible to select a winner,” said Stuart Rogel, President & CEO of the Tampa Bay Partnership. “Ultimately, we came to the conclusion that Ilana is the best person for the job. Her professionalism and charm will help in telling the unique stories about what the Tampa Bay community has to offer during and well beyond the Republican National Convention.”

Tescher recently earned a bachelor of science degree in media/communications studies from Florida State University, graduating with cum laude honors. She also gained extensive broadcast reporting, writing and planning experience throughout her college career, reporting for Fox Sun Sports, hosting a number of shows on WFSU/4FSU and interning with WPLG-Local 10 in Miami and WCTV-Eyewitness News in Tallahassee, Fla.

For the “Top Reporter” contest, hopefuls interested in participating in the Front Row Tampa Bay broadcast were asked to submit a one- to two-minute video showcasing why they, or someone they interview, love the Tampa Bay region. Visit the Front Row Contest Submissions YouTube page to view all video submissions.

Front Row Tampa Bay is a live streaming Web TV broadcast, airing during the Republican National Convention, that will showcase life, business and economic opportunities across the Tampa Bay region. Presented by the Tampa Bay Partnership, the event will feature business leaders, newsmakers and economic experts who will come together to discuss the Tampa Bay and Florida economies.

For more information about Front Row Tampa Bay, visit www.FrontRowTampaBay.com.

Baycare Health System Joins Front Row Tampa Bay As Health Care Expert

admin — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 13:46:15 +0000

TAMPA BAY, Fla. (July 26, 2012)—BayCare Health System, the leading community-based health system in the Tampa Bay area, has joined Front Row Tampa Bay as a prime time sponsor during the four-day, live Web TV broadcast that will spotlight economic opportunity across Tampa Bay during this summer’s Republican National Convention.

“At BayCare, our focus is on health improvement by providing a wide range of quality preventive, diagnostic and treatment services to the Tampa Bay community,” Stephen R. Mason, president and CEO of BayCare Health System said. “Through our partnership with Front Row Tampa Bay, we look forward to sharing our knowledge and experience that have allowed us to be successful in our mission of improving the health of all we serve through high-quality, compassionate care.”

Founded in 1997, BayCare Health System is a leading, community-based health system composed of a network of 10 not-for-profit hospitals, outpatient facilities and services such as imaging, lab, behavioral health and home health care. BayCare connects patients to a complete range of preventive, diagnostic and treatment services for any health care need, providing expert medical care throughout a patient’s lifetime.

“BayCare is responsible for nearly 20,000 jobs in the Tampa Bay area, making it an invaluable business to our regional economy,” said Vincent Dolan, President and CEO of Progress Energy and Chairman of the Tampa Bay Partnership. “Individuals and businesses tuning into Front Row Tampa Bay will learn a great deal and benefit immensely from the health care industry knowledge and success that BayCare will share.”

For more information, visit www.FrontRowTampaBay.com.

About Tampa Bay Partnership:

Front Row Tampa Bay Adds All Children’s Hospital To Healthcare Broadcast Segment

admin — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 13:43:52 +0000

TAMPA BAY, Fla. (July 19, 2012)—All Children’s Hospital, one of the nation’s leading pediatric hospitals, has paired with Front Row Tampa Bay as a prime time sponsor to promote the region’s healthcare advancements in child care and clinical research during the four-day, live Web TV broadcast held during this summer’s Republican National Convention.

“Through our leadership in child healthcare, we strive to deliver world-class service and support to our patients, their families and the greater Tampa Bay area,” said Cindy Rose, Vice President, Marketing and Community Relations. “We are pleased with the opportunity to partner with Front Row Tampa Bay and have a statewide and national platform to discuss All Children’s position as a national leading children’s hospital and dedication to the community.”

Founded in 1926, All Children’s Hospital is the only specialty licensed children’s hospital on the west coast of Florida. As a referral center for children, All Children’s draws patients from all over Florida and the U.S., as well as from 36 other countries. All Children’s will be featured on the broadcast, demonstrating the cutting-edge technology, innovative research and state-of-the-art clinical care that has earned a ranking among the nation’s top 25 children’s hospitals.

“Quality healthcare is an integral element to any thriving region, and All Children’s Hospital has not only demonstrated its value as an established healthcare center, but it has also contributed to the Tampa Bay area economy through jobs, revenue and more,” said Vincent Dolan, President and CEO of Progress Energy and Chairman of the Tampa Bay Partnership. “The addition of All Children’s to Front Row Tampa Bay enables us to show viewers the important impact the hospital has on the region.”

For more information, visit www.FrontRowTampaBay.com.

About All Children’s Hospital
Children are the sole focus of All Children’s Hospital and its million-square-foot St. Petersburg FL campus devoted to pediatric specialty care. The ten-story, 259-bed All Children’s Hospital and its adjacent Outpatient Care Center (dedicated in January 2010) replaced an existing 42-year old facility just two blocks away.
All Children’s Hospital is a proud member of Johns Hopkins Medicine. All Children’s is the only US hospital outside of the Baltimore/Washington D.C. metroplex to achieve that distinction. It is also the only hospital on Florida’s West Coast totally devoted to children’s care – a leader in pediatric treatment, education, research and advocacy. As a regional referral center for children with some of the most challenging medical problems, All Children’s draws patients from throughout Florida, all 50 states and 36 foreign countries. The mission of this private, not-for-profit hospital is rooted in its beginnings in 1926 as Florida’s first Crippled Children’s Hospital for polio victims. All Children’s understands that it’s not enough to treat disease — that true progress comes from teaching and research to cure disease. All Children’s shares its pediatric expertise through research & education affiliations with 70 different institutions including Johns Hopkins Medicine, the University of South Florida (USF Health) as well as Moffitt Cancer Center, an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center.