Doing Biz In ...

Doing Biz In ... Tampa Bay, FL

City Smarts

The Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater Metropolitan Statistical Area is Florida’s second largest (2.7 million-plus) and represents Florida’s second largest workforce (approx. 1.3 million). Some of Tampa’s prominent industries include retail and trade; government; professional and business services; and travel and tourism with some of the city’s largest employers being the Hillsborough County School District, Tampa International Airport and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Also, many companies are stationing their headquarters in Tampa, including Sweetbay Supermarkets, the PBS&J Corporation, WellCare Health Plans Inc., Bausch & Lomb Pharmaceuticals and others. 

Jetsetter


GourmetTrek is a novel enterprise offering culinary and wine tours around Tampa Bay, Sarasota and downtown Dunedin. Anita Gary’s online business started in November 2009. The Sarasota native loved coordinating events and ingeniously incorporated all of her passions into what has become a booming venture. www.gourmettrek.com

Getting Around


There are many ways to navigate Tampa, and all have their own special flair. The In-Town Trolley and the TECO Line Streetcar system help visitors explore downtown Tampa, Channelside Bay Plaza and historic Ybor City and everywhere in between. www.tecolinestreetcar.org 

Survival Kit
Pack your sunscreen and shades so you can enjoy Tampa’s year-round sunshine.

Catching ZZZs


The posh beachfront Don CeSar Resort and Spa, a Loews Hotel, is often referred to as the Pink Palace because of its color and grandeur. The once preferred hang-out of Al Capone is frequented by business patrons, moneyed celebs and tourists who want to claim a chic night’s sleep at the area’s most extravagant historical site. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, each of the near-300 rooms offers a picturesque backdrop of either the Gulf of Mexico or the Boca Ciega Bay.  www.doncesarshop.com


The Power Lunch
The Columbia Café, housed inside the Tampa Bay History Center, is the perfect spot to grab lunch and savor the flavor of Tampa. There are waterfront tables for those who wish to bask in the amazing weather. And it’s close to the action too; it’s located in the Channelside District, next to downtown Tampa. You can walk (or hop aboard a streetcar) and be back in time for the next meeting.  
www.columbiarestaurant.com/cafe.asp

Cultural Chow


The Columbia Restaurant has been a staple of Tampa since 1905 when it was founded by the Hernandez family. It’s the largest Spanish/Cuban restaurant in the world (seats up to 1,700 patrons and takes up an entire city block) and the oldest restaurant in the State of Florida. I recommend the Columbia Restaurant classics like Spanish Bean Soup, Paella, Arroz con Pollo "Valenciana" and more. www.columbiarestaurant.com

Cyber Site 


Channelside Bay Plaza has become one of Tampa’s hottest entertainment complexes.  Within the plaza you’ll find free wireless connections, dining and entertainment options and retail establishments. 
www.channelsidebayplaza.com

Networkin’


Ocean Prime is one of Tampa’s newest hotspots and the best place to network. While there, enjoy a large selection of seafood and steaks, not to mention tropical cocktails and world-class wines. 
www.ocean-prime.com 

To De-Stress


Check into the Spa Oceana at the Don CeSar Resort and Spa and you just may pass on seeing the spectacular environs surrounding the area. The OceaCustom facial and Bamboo massage are sure to relive the stress and tension of hours spent bent over a laptop. 727.360.1881

Footloose & Fancy-free


If you are looking to let loose, then Historic Ybor City is the place. From comedy clubs and movie theaters to dining and nightlife options, Ybor City will satisfy your wanderlust. www.ybor.org 

Flight Time


Tampa International Airport is considered one of the most passenger-friendly airports in the nation. www.TampaAirport.com

AirTran Airways offers daily, non-stop flights to Tampa and more than 56 major U.S. cities. www.airtran.com.  

Someone Helpful

Thanks to our friends at Tampa Bay & Company and other tourist venues for providing us with facts, figures and fun information for this article. www.VisitTampaBay.com  AT

 

 

Doing Biz In ... Des Moines, Iowa

 
By Regina Lynch Hudson

 

City Smarts

In the heart of the Midwest lies the capital city of Iowa. Des Moines has undergone a renaissance over the last five years, becoming the essence of a cosmopolitan city with small-town charm. Because of its central location — at the intersection of Interstates 80 and 35 — the city is easy to get to from anywhere in the country.

The Greater Des Moines area boasts a population of 556,230. As the third largest insurance center in the world, Des Moines serves as the hub for Wells Fargo Financial, Principal Financial Group and Nationwide/Allied Insurance companies. The city is also known for publishing, finance, manufacturing and agribusiness. Other major employers include Iowa Health, Mercy Medical Center, MidAmerican Energy and CDS Global.

 

Jetsetter 


Steven James has lived in Des Moines since 1977, after relocating from New Orleans in search of “a slower pace.” Leaving his “young and crazy” days behind, the former data processing professional opened Fat Tuesday, a Cajun restaurant located one mile from the Des Moines International Airport, in March of 2009. Not to be confused with the Fat Tuesday chain, the name derives from James’ status as a once chubby baby. The menu also threatens to add inches to the waist line. Fat Tuesday’s airport-friendly address makes it easy for jetsetters to indulge in the delectable cuisine. 
www.fattuesday-restaurant.com

 

Getting Around 


It takes less than 30 minutes to commute across the entire metro region. Downtown, the Des Moines Regional Transit Authority buses and the free downtown trolley, the D-line, make getting from place to place a cinch. www.dmmta.com ww.seedesmoines.com/get_around/d-line_downtown_shuttle.php

 

Survival Kit 


The addition of the new $40 million John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park has made Des Moines an energized cultural focal point. There’s no admission charge, so all you need to bring is your camera. www.seedesmoines.com/do_more/sculpture_park.php

Catching ZZZs 


The Suites of 800 Locust Hotel caters to the upscale businessperson and offers its visitors a luxurious stay. The hotel’s Cosmopolitan Lounge — featuring a martini bar with jazz-infused atmosphere — is the perfect place for business networking. A full-service spa allows guests a satisfying retreat; and a boardroom and business center make it the ideal stay for professionals.

 www.800locust.com

 

The Power Lunch 


The Western Gateway Park district’s  recently opened Proof Restaurant,  is a contemporary fine-dining eatery featuring Mediterranean flavors. Proof, a favorite lunch spot of downtown workers, is also open for dinner on Fridays.  
www.proofrestaurant.com

Cultural Chow 


Yanni’s Grill and Vineyard offers a unique combination of Greek and Italian dishes. Try a gyro platter with zesty Tzatziki sauce, or Mousaka, a Greek-style beef and eggplant specialty. www.yannisgrill.com

 

Cyber Site


Java Joes offers fresh cups of coffee with beans roasted daily. Connect with your own computer while you enjoy the relaxing atmosphere or use one of the computers in the CyberCafe.  
www.javajoescoffeehouse.com

Networkin’


Court Avenue Brew Pub’s welcoming atmosphere and location in downtown Des Moines’ Court District ensures you’ll see a number of business professionals — and they’ll see you. 
www.courtavebrew.com

 

To De-Stress 


Voted “Best Public Course” by the Des Moines Business Record in 2009, Legacy Golf Club continues to be a favorite of locals and visitors.  
www.thelegacygolfclub.com

 

Footloose & Fancy-Free


‘Do More’ in Des Moines — there’s plenty of attractions to keep you busy. The 110,000-square-foot Science Center of Iowa & Blank IMAX Dome Theater encourages learning with interactive areas and hands-on experience. Enjoy the arts by visiting the Des Moines Art Center.

 

Flight Time


AirTran Airways offers flights to Des Moines (The Des Moines International Airport) and more than 56 major U.S. cities. 1.800.AIR.TRAN, www.airtran.com. 

 

Someone Helpful 


Thanks to our friends at The Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau and other urist venues for providing us with facts, figures and fun information for this article. www.SeeDesMoines.com