I didn’t realize that PNJ is still printing the Pensacola Business Journal, but they have already decided on the top 10 business stories of the year. Do you agree or disagree with the list?
1. BP oil spill
2. Recession
3. New Chamber President – Jim Hizer
4. New Avalex headquarters in Gulf Breeze
5. Airport expansion
6. Margaritaville on Pensacola Beach
7. Central Water Reclamation Facility replaces “Old Stinky”
8. PJC becomes PSC
9. Construction begins on Maritime Park
10. DeLuna Fest
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What they missed by publishing early
Susan Story leaves Gulf Power to become CEO of Southern Co.
Studer Group wins 2010 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award
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I don’t see how renaming PJC “Pensacola State College” was a big story or the PNJ-sponsored DeLuna Fest (which is more of an A&E story than business success story).
The fact the Chamber has raised from the private sector over $3.2 million for Vision 2015 is a huge story.
Also the recession story is very generic and was big last year. A better story is the shake-up in the banking industry. Hancock Bank buying People’s First. The entrance of Doral Bank – with many of the former People’s First staff — in the market. The rating problems of local banks as the lending market tightens.
Also the decline of the University Mall into Third World Country status and a place of redneck carnivals and Tea Party rallies (which maybe the same thing).