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The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 1, 2008

TAMPA BAY AREA
Bank Of America Cuts Jobs

Bank of America plans to close two local call centers, beginning with April's shuttering of its 70-employee Sales Fulfillment Center at 5301 W. Idlewild Ave. Two months later, 154 employees will be laid off with the closing of its Deposit Contact Center, 4109 Gandy Blvd. The bank is streamlining call center operations, and the cutbacks are not related to the downturn in the housing and mortgage industries, said bank spokeswoman Britney Sheehan. Some work now at the Idlewild and Gandy facilities will be shifted to the bank's call centers in Jacksonville and Arizona. Some will be moved to other call centers in the Tampa Bay area.

Aquarium Numbers Fall

The Florida Aquarium reported a $242,422 operating loss in its fiscal first quarter, which began Oct. 1, after lower-than-expected revenue, attendance and private giving. Revenue for October to December was $2.17 million, below the budgeted $2.34 million. First-quarter attendance was 118,042, less than the projected 119,750.

Stinger CEO Drops Role

Robert Gruder has stepped down as chief executive officer of stun-gun maker Stinger Systems. Gruder, who remains chairman, has been named president. Ron Bellistri, executive vice president, has been named interim CEO of the Tampa company, which was accused this week by the Securities and Exchange Commission of misleading investors through a series of false claims regarding its flagship stun-gun product.

STATE

Allstate Case Timeline Set

An appeals court again rejected the state's attempt to immediately stop Allstate insurance companies from writing new policies in Florida, providing a timeline for regulators to submit paperwork supporting their decision to suspend the insurance giant's licenses. Although the latest decision allows Allstate's 1,100 agents in Florida to keep writing new policies, it also potentially sets up a quick resolution to the standoff by setting a timeline for regulators.

NET

Tax Rebate Scam Warning

The Internal Revenue Service is warning consumers of several tax-rebate schemes trying to glean bank account and other personal financial information. In one instance, a caller tells consumers they can receive government tax rebates only by direct deposit and must divulge their bank account numbers. The IRS said it does not collect personal information by phone and noted that no tax-rebate plan has become law.

A staff and wire report

Watch the Tribune's Business report at 5, 6 and 11 a.m. Tuesday to Friday and 9 a.m. Saturdays on WFLA-TV.

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