TALLAHASSEE -- Florida earned the top spot for its workforce and training in the second annual Enterprising States report just released by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Chamber Foundation.
After being ranked No. 2 last year, the Sunshine State moved into the lead based on measures including job placement, the affordability and efficiency of its higher education system and the number of high school students enrolled in advanced placement courses. The nationwide report also touted Florida’s Quick Response Training Program.
“This latest top ranking is a testament to the value and success of our ongoing efforts to solidify Florida’s vision for a winning, globally competitive workforce with education and training programs that sustain and strengthen the talent supply for our state’s businesses,” said Workforce Florida President and Chief Executive Officer Chris Hart IV.
As the statewide workforce investment board for Florida, Workforce Florida works on getting unemployed Floridians back to work and fostering economic growth through talent development. The state has 24 regional workforce boards that direct nearly 100 One-Stop Centers that provide employment and training assistance to Floridians and a range of services to businesses as well as the Florida Agency for Workforce Innovation.
McClatchy says revenue decline easing, stock up
NEW YORK -- Newspaper publisher McClatchy Co., owner of the Bradenton Herald, said Tuesday that its revenue isn’t declining as much over the past two months. Its stock rose nearly 6 percent on the news.
McClatchy’s revenue fell 8 percent in April and May compared with a year earlier.
That’s better than the 9.5 percent decline in the first three months of this year.
Like its peers, McClatchy has been hurt by a weak economy and a shift by advertisers to cheaper alternatives on the Internet. The company’s advertising revenue fell 9 percent in April and May.
The decline was sharper, at 11 percent, during the first three months of 2011.
The company said retail advertising improved because the Easter holiday came later this year.
USF S-M offers program in business, tech writing
SARASOTA -- The Certificate in Business and Technical Writing now is being offered in the College of Arts and Sciences at USF Sarasota-Manatee and is open to students who wish to pursue careers as professional writers and editors.
Courses prepare students for graduate school and provide practical knowledge, which can lead to career opportunities in a variety of related occupational areas such as advertising copy writer, editor, journalist, lawyer, press secretary, public relations director, reporter, speech writer, teacher or professor, technical writer, writer or author.
Those interested in applying can contact the Office of Student Services at (941) 359-4330. More information about this and other programs offered at USF Sarasota-Manatee can be found online at www.sarasota.usf.edu.
Boat club donates boats for nonprofit June 28
SARASOTA -- The member-only Freedom Boat Club will donate their boats and captains for free rides June 28 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast.
“We are very eager that we are able to provide this unforgettable experience on the water to local children, their mentors and additional local charities,” said Bob Daley, chief executive officer of Freedom Boat Club.
Freedom Boat Club will continue to offer free boating activities to local charities.
Bloom Organics to hold open house July 13
SARASOTA -- Bloom Organics will hold an open house from 5 to 8 p.m. July 13 at 2065 Siesta Drive.
Complimentary organic food and drink, new treatment demonstrations, complimentary make-up applications will be offered. Bloom spa dollars worth $150 and a free goody bag will be awaiting all registered attendees.
The open house will coincide with the launch of the company’s Bloom Club. The Bloom Club is a membership program which will allow regular clients to receive savings on treatments and products from the Bloom boutique.
Barnes & Noble 4Q loss wider than expected
NEW YORK -- Barnes & Noble reported a deeper fourth-quarter loss than analysts expected Tuesday as the bookseller continues to invest in its e-book reader Nook and as liquidation sales by rival Borders hurt its revenue.
The results come as the largest U.S. specialty book retailer considers a $1 billion takeover offer from cable mogul John Malone’s Liberty Media Corp. Barnes & Noble declined to give 2012 guidance as it considers the bid.
-- Herald staff,
wire reports
