Concerning Bass Pro Shops and the $15m investment by the county:
I hate to say this, but more often than not, this is a great move by local governments. It's good business sense! Why? Because right way, it will add about 100+ new jobs to the economy (assuming they don't build a new building, which I'm sure they would do; which means even more money) and a new proven business that pays loads of taxes (property, payroll, etc.) Then, there is the trickle down theory. For example, 100 new jobs translates into approximately 20 new cars, 100 auto insurance policies, and 1,200 pizzas a year. Well, you get the idea. I'd guess the payback on that 15 million is less than 3 years. I'd bet the 'contract' stipulates that Bass Pro
has to stay in the area for anywhere from 10 to 20 years. Honestly, this is smart government.
The great thing about Bass Pro Shops is that vacationers travel hundreds of miles to wander down their isles. I'd estimate that approximately 50% of their revenue is from people who don't live in the area? Why is that important? Because that means tons of additional revenue (and taxes) with no accompanying service load (i.e no schools to build, etc.). Plus, visitors eat, sleep, drive, buy gas, go to movies, etc. This means lots of trickle down money for the local economy.
What surprises me is that they'd even consider putting it in Hillsborough. I'd think given the closer proximity to the water that St. Pete would be a much wiser move on their part. But I
digress...
Now, compare that to spending 15 million on local startups.... Well, guess what? Startups fail. At a rate of about 85%. So, what's that? About 2.25 million? Then, throw in the cost to administer such a program and what would we really be getting? 1.8 million? As a tax payer, this doesn't seem to be such a wise use of my money.
Don't get me wrong, I'm extremely pro-startup. But, I don't think county governments have the expertise necessary to manage such a program. Hey, I don't think churches should get in the startup business either. The environment for startups in Florida seems to be halfway decent. The state of Florida has a matching funds program. Plus, add all the venture capital groups in town and the 'high tech corridor' program and this area provides
loads of opportunities for us startups.
Well, that's just my $.02 worth.
Thanks!
Mike B.
From: Brenda Young <[address removed]>
To: [address removed]
Sent: Thursday, March 15,[masked]:25 PM
Subject: Re: [web-126] Hillsborough County
and $15M
This is an issue that should be near and dear to the hearts of everyone on this list. How many people with great ideas who could implement quickly and successfully have we seen over the years who struggled to get funding?
...and seriously, retail jobs from a company that would probably come here anyway? They can't even hide behind calling it a 'safe' choice. This is just mindless and clueless on the part of people who should be focused on high-end jobs that create 6 additional jobs.
-Just my $0.02 -- What does everyone else think?
--Brenda
On Thu, Mar 15, 2012 at 4:18 PM, Peter
<[address removed]> wrote:
So Hillsborough Count is dangling a carrot in front of Bass Pro Shops.
A $15 Million carrot to get them to open a store in Brandon.
Not for nothing, but couldn't that $15M be put to better use?
Is there really the jobs we want? Chain Retail stores and call centers?
$50,000 grants or loans to 300 start-ups would create 600 REAL jobs immediately!
Nice editorial about it here:
http://www.tampabay.com/opinion/editorials/article1220078.ece
Could you contact your County Commissioner, please?
http://hillsboroughcounty.org/bocc/
Original article:
http://www2.tbo.com/news/breaking-news/2012/mar/14/memeto1-county-casts-15m-to-lure-bass-pro-ar-368910/
Thanks!
Peter
--
Please Note: If you hit "REPLY", your message will be sent to everyone on this mailing list ([address removed])
http://www.meetup.com/BarCampTampaBay/
This message was sent by Peter ([address removed]) from Tampa Web Technology Meetup Group.
To learn more about Peter, visit his/her member profile: http://www.meetup.com/BarCampTampaBay/members/3279406/
Set my mailing list to email me
As they are sent
http://www.meetup.com/BarCampTampaBay/list_prefs/?pref=1
In one daily email
http://www.meetup.com/BarCampTampaBay/list_prefs/?pref=2
Don't send me mailing list messages
http://www.meetup.com/BarCampTampaBay/list_prefs/?pref=0
Meetup, PO Box 4668 #37895 New York, New York[masked] | [address removed]
--
Brenda Young
Marbay Group
[masked]
Twitter: 4byoung
Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/4byoung
Ask me about HealthCamp Florida
--
Please Note: If you hit "REPLY", your message will be sent to everyone on this mailing list ([address removed])
This message was sent by Brenda Young ([address removed]) from Tampa Web Technology Meetup Group.
To learn more about Brenda Young, visit his/her member profile
Set my mailing list to email me As they are sent | In one daily email | Don't send me mailing list messages
Meetup, PO Box 4668 #37895 New York, New York[masked] | [address removed]