Manatee gets two new headquarters, jobs

Two great local economic stories broke in the last 24 hours, and Bradenton Herald Business Reporter Josh Salman is blanketing both, with some assists:

Feld Entertainment, a giant in the industry with the likes of Ringling Bros. and Disney on Ice among its productions, is moving into the empty GM facilities in Ellenton, and adding 235 jobs over the next five years. Salman and Wade Tatangelo grabbed the story after Manatee economic officials sent out a release at (grrr) 5:23 p.m. Monday.

Today, Salman had barely started his day when he found the news that ISPG, a specialty medical manufacturer, is building its new global headquarters in Lakewood Ranch. That family-owned firm plans to add 25 more jobs in the next few years, and is investing $1.6 million in the expansion.

East Manatee Editor Jim Jones paid ISPG a visit this afternoon, bringing back some insider's photos. In this one, an employee inspects a cannulae, a pointed stainless steel tube, under a microscope at ISPG:

Herald project hopes for yearlong giving

Manatee County residents have come through another challenging year, capping 2010 off with many gestures of good will through the holidays. But as the year 2011 has begun anew,so have the needs of too many in our community.

The Bradenton Herald is launching a new feature, “Manatee Gives Back,” focusing on the crucial needs of the nonprofit organizations working diligently to help.

We’re seeking the most pressing needs so we can ask our readers to help, too. Each week, we plan to feature one group, one family, one challenge that must be helped.

Please send the name of your organization and an outline of that special need to bconklin@bradenton.com.

Please, help us keep the “Season of Giving” going all year long.