Corporate Report: Feb. 11 - Feb. 17

PBS&J introduces FloodMap Mobile app

PBS&J, a subsidiary of Tampa-based The PBSJ Corp., has introduced what it says is the first-ever FloodMap Mobile app for smartphones to offer instant, summarized flood-risk information from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Relying on a smartphone's GPS to pinpoint where a person is or via typing in one's address, the app shows a map of the area's FEMA-defined floodplains; summarizes additional data about estimated flood insurance costs; and provides links to insurance agents, U.S. Geological Survey and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration stream gauge records, and other FEMA information.

Josh Price, senior project manager for flood hazard management at PBS&J, touted the app's ability to access maps in a press release, “Federal, state and local governments have spent years creating detailed flood maps designed to create greater community awareness and prevent or mitigate potential disasters.”

Lakewood-Amedex awarded patent allowances

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has issued Notice of Allowances on three patent applications for Lakewood Ranch-based Lakewood-Amedex Inc. for the use of monoclonal antibodies to treat hemolytic uremic syndrome, an E.coli-causes disease that destroys red blood cells.

Lakewood-Amedex is the exclusive licensee of U.S. patents, issued to Tufts University.

The disease is usually associated with E.coli food poisoning and affects more than 300,000 people worldwide annually. There is currently no approved therapeutics or treatment for it, which mainly affects young children and the elderly, plus those with compromised immune systems.

The company is seeking to fast-track development of its human monoclonal antibody candidate into clinical trials this year.

The patents put the company in “a dominant position for the use of monoclonal antibodies to treat this life-threatening condition,” head scientist Paul DiTullio, said in a press release.

The company believes the product will have expanded usage in preventing kidney damage caused by [E. coli's] shiga toxin in patients suffering from a less severe infection, which can lead to later health complications. The annual international market for this product is estimated to be between $100 million and $400 million.

Lakewood-Amedex is a biopharmaceutical company developing many anti-bacterial compounds and nanoRNA therapeutics for acute and chronic diseases and conditions.

Quality Distribution, others selling 4 million shares

Tampa-based Quality Distribution Inc. has begun a public stock offering of 2 million shares of its common stock, and affiliates of Apollo Management LP are selling another 2 million shares.

Company officials expect to use the net proceeds to pay off debt.

Quality Distribution operates the largest chemical bulk tank truck network in North America through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Quality Carriers Inc., and is the largest North American provider of intermodal tank container and depot services through its wholly owned subsidiary, Boasso America Corp.

Regional Chamber CEO leaving for Southwest Florida College

Stephen Tirey, president and CEO of The Chamber of Southwest Florida, has retired from the organization and will soon become director of industry partnerships and graduate placement for Southwest Florida College.

Tirey, who began his chamber career in the region in 1981, served as CEO since 1989. He will continue as a volunteer member of the chamber's board of directors and to aid in the transition to a new CEO.

In his new position at the college, he'll have regional responsibility for brand building, governmental affairs, and placement assistance for graduates.

“[We are] seeking to expand partnering with industry and tailoring curriculum to meet the skills employers demand,” Stephen Calabro, president of Southwest Florida College, said in a press release. “Steve Tirey has the experience and vision to make such a partnership happen.”

Richard Lewis, chairman for the regional chamber, will head up the CEO transition team.

The Chamber of Southwest Florida has business members in Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties.

Firm probing Technology Research for violations in poison pill

New York City law firm Levi & Korsinsky said it's investigating Clearwater-based Technology Research Corp.'s new shareholder rights plan if the company's board breached its fiduciary duty or violated state law when it adopted a poison pill against a hostile takeover.

The board created a rights plan that awarded all existing shareholders one right per share that vests when a company or individual seeks to acquire more than 15% of the company on the heels of an unsolicited bid by Coleman Cable Inc. to acquire Technology Research for $5.50 per share in cash.

Flemings Sarasota adds new operating partner

Dean Defebo is the new operating partner at Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar in Sarasota.

With more than 20 years of management experience in the hospitality industry, he oversees restaurant operations along with Fleming's chef partner Charles Flint.

Lightning strikes again for Kayem

In the latest of several major area sports deals, Chelsea, Mass.-based Kayem Foods Inc. is now the official supplier of franks and sausages of the Tampa Bay Lightning hockey team and the St. Pete Times Forum as part of a multi-year sponsorship and licensing agreement.

Last year, Kayem forged similar tie-ins with the Tampa Bay Rays baseball team and Tropicana Field, and the Florida State Seminoles.

Kayem Foods produces more than 100 varieties of hot dogs and 300 types of deli meats, sausage and dinner hams with the Kayem, al fresco, Schonland's, McKenzie, Triple M, Genoa, Jordan's, Deutschmacher, Kirschner, and Essem brands. In 2009, it began making and distributing the Fenway Franks line of hot dogs, the Official Hot Dog of the Boston Red Sox and Fenway Park.