Small business is the theme of the first mayor’s debate since the city primary narrowed the field to incumbent Mayor Bill Foster and challenger Rick Kriseman.
USF St. Petersburg is partnering with LocalShops1 to host the forum, which is at 6 p.m. on Sept. 10, at the University Student Center Ballroom, 200 6th Ave. S. (Free parking will be available at the USFSP garage, 250 5th Ave. S.)
Moderating the debate is Political Science Professor Judithanne Scourfield McLauchlan. A public reception prior to the forum starts at 5 p.m.
“Small, locally owned businesses are the foundation of our local economy, and we are excited to hear the candidates’ plans to help existing businesses prosper and new ones get off the ground,” said Ester Venouziou, founder of LocalShops1, which offers support and education for locally owned businesses.
The panelists are:
• William Jackson, professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation and Director of the USFSP Entrepreneurship Program;
• Mark Lombardi-Nelson, USFSP Student Government President and member of the USF System Board of Trustees;
• Linda Hersey, freelance journalist;
• Jack King, Three Birds Tavern co-owner;
• Mo Venouziou, LocalShops1 vice president.
The forum is co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters of the St. Petersburg Area, the USFSP Student Government Association and the USFSP Bishop Center. The reception is catered by The Taste Junction.
“We are pleased to have two of our top academic experts from business and political science participate in this important event,’’ said Vivian Fueyo, Ph.D., interim regional vice chancellor for academic affairs.
“This is another great example of the kind of community partnerships and civic engagement USF St. Petersburg values.”
To reserve a seat at the forum, go to localshops1.com/forum.
