Florida: News

Florida grabs national attention as new Census data show it is the #2 state for attracting new U.S. residents, #3 state for attracting residents from other countries, and has experienced the 3rd largest population growth since Census 2010. (Read more)

Gainesville ranks among the world leaders in solar installed per capita, beating out Japan, France, and China (and besting California, with 32 kilowatts per 1000 residents). (Read more)

The significant growth of MobileHelp over the last 24 months required relocation to a larger facility for the existing employees and the 55 new employees that are projected to be hired over the next several years. (Read more)

Coca-Cola Refreshments is investing $99 million to expand its Main Street juice production facility in Auburndale. The expansion also includes adding 60 new jobs. (Read more)

ALDI, a select assortment discount grocer, is building a 500,000-square-foot office and warehousing space that will be used for its division headquarters and regional distribution center. In addition to the capital expenditures of approximately $50 million, the company anticipates annual local expenditures of $25 million and a projected retail store investment within the tri-county region of $182 million and 520 new jobs. (Read more)

As Professional Aircraft Accessories broke ground on an expansion project to accommodate 50 new employees, its president says business is going so well, another staff increase of up to 65 jobs is likely in the near future. (Read more)

National Solar Power said it will spend $700 million to develop a 200-megawatt solar farm in Florida's Hardee County, making it the company's second project in the state that has one of the highest per-capita electricity demand in the country. (Read more)

Fort Myers-based Chico's is expanding its corporate offices, creating 150 jobs over the next three years and making an estimated $25 million capital investment. (Read more)

Intellifuel will maintain its headquarters in Titusville and expand to a new facility. With this expansion, the company will more than double its payroll and capital investment in the community. (Read more)

Florida ranks 8th on the Small Business Survival Index, which ranks the policy environment for entrepreneurship across the nation. (Read more)

MEDICA sales 20% above ’10 totals for Florida companies

Tampa International Airport is the only U.S. airport named to CNN's list of the World's Most Loved Airports. (Read more)

Florida metros dominated Forbes' employment outlook rankings, winning 4 of the top 7 spots. (Read more)

Florida's Gulf Coast State College ranks as the nation's #1 fastest-growing public two-year college. (Read more)

Orlando's Valencia College is the nation's best community college, according to a think tank that spent a year studying the schools. (Read more)

Bloomberg Businessweek has ranked three Florida cities (Jacksonville 4th, Miami 7th, Tampa 8th) among the nation's leading cities for technology job growth. (Read more)

In 2010, Florida received the nation's 7th largest number of doctorate degrees. (Read more)

World-renowned aerospace leader Embraer has launched its new Melbourne-based global customer center and delivered its first U.S. built aircraft. (Read more)

Florida's life sciences cluster has been named 1 of 7 Emerging Life Sciences Clusters in the United States in Jones Lang LaSalle's Life Sciences Cluster Report 2011. (Read more)

X-Ray Industries, Inc., a Troy Michigan based privately held aerospace specialty services company, has acquired Arcadia Aerospace Industries, and will invest $1.5 Million in the Punta Gorda facility for new leading edge ultrasonic inspection systems for the inspection of airframe components made of carbon composite materials tripling the capacity of the Punta Gorda facility. (Read more)

Caribbean ocean shipping company SeaFreight Agencies celebrated the grand opening of its 25-acre marine cargo terminal at the South Florida seaport. SeaFreight's terminal is a new facility on a recently completed 41-acre containerized cargo area, which created 15 percent more capacity for containerized cargo at the Port. (Read more)

Colt's Manufacturing Co. LLC announced its commitment to create 63 jobs in Osceola County for its new regional headquarters and product manufacturing center, The center will hire people for engineering and manufacturing jobs, among others. (Read more)

Florida is home to 269 of America's leading companies -- the 5th largest number in the U.S. -- as reported on the recently released Inc 5,000 list. (more)

Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa and Miami all rank among America's Best Cities for Technology Jobs. (more)

LYF Holdings is moving its headquarters out of Washington, D.C. and into West Palm Beach, creating 91 new Florida jobs. (Read more)

MAKO Surgical Corp. is expanding in Davie, creating 100 new Florida jobs. (Read more)

H2Ocean, headquartered in Martin County, plans to add 30 employees in the next 36 months and will explore additional space when they reach capacity in their current location. (Read more)

USF opened a comprehensive center that integrates patient-centered care, education and research with innovative design and state-of-the-art technology and announced two new grants for diabetes research: a $3.5 million grant from the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and a $55.9 million grant from the National Institutes of Health. (Read more)

France-based PrestaShop, an e-commerce solutions provider, opened its first U.S. office with 3,500-square feet of space in Miami, creating 85 direct jobs. (Read more)

CareCentrix, Inc., the nation's leading provider of home health benefits management services, announced today the expansion of its Tampa operations. The opening of a second facility at Westlake Corporate Center made room for 152 new jobs bringing the total CareCentrix workforce in Tampa to more than 500 employees. (Read more)

Motorcycle giant Harley-Davidson Inc. has relocated its Latin American division from Milwaukee to Florida, and is opening its new headquarters for Latin America operations in Doral. (Read more)

Bolivia-based Damo USA purchased a 40,000-square-foot warehouse in Hialeah to produce fine cookies, investing $4.5 million and creating 47 direct jobs. (Read more)

Progressive, the auto insurance subsidiary of The Progressive Corp., will hire 130 new sales, service and claims representatives between now and the end of the year for its Riverview contact center. (Read more)

Amcor Rigid Plastics, the manufacturing subsidiary of Australia's Amcor PET Packaging, has announced plans to expand their presence in the city of Orlando, making a capital investment of $19.4 million and bringing their total employment in the region to 126. (Read more)

Tropicana Products Inc. will reinvest $60 million at its Fort Pierce location for new packaging and pulping operations. (Read more)

Harris Corporation, an international communications and information technology company, today joined with state and regional economic development leaders to announce plans to create a new $100 million high-tech center on its Palm Bay campus that will become the centerpiece for some of the company's most advanced engineering efforts. (Read more)

The Business Development Board of Palm Beach County, Inc. announced that two companies have decided to expand their operations adding 60 new jobs for local residents. (Read more)

Pharma Chemie, Inc., a pet supplement and pet flavor manufacturing business, is expanding its operations into Melbourne. (Read more)

(Read more)

November 2011 Highlights:

·  Saveology.com Creates 700 New Florida Jobs

·  The Boeing Company Plans New FL Operations, Adds 550 FL Jobs

·   Five Florida Cities are Named International Innovation Leaders

·   Enterprise Florida Chosen as 7th World Bank Private Sector Liaison Officer

Read Full Newsletter

October 2011 Highlights:

· Time Warner Creates 500 Florida Jobs

· C Products Defense Inc. Relocates to FL & Creates 100 Jobs

· Florida Ranks Among the Nation's Top 5 Best States for Business

· In Motion: Port of Miami Expected to Create 33,000 New Jobs

Read Full Newsletter

The University of Florida has helped to forge a deal between the Kingdom of Spain and the state of Florida initiating the groundwork for collaborative research that could boost the state's aerospace industry. (Read more)

Anna.aero named MIA 'U.S. Airport with the Most New Airlines in 2011'. (Read more)

Saveology.com, an Internet company offering daily deals and comparison-shopping websites, plans to add 700 new jobs in Broward County over the next three years. (Read more)

Florida is home to 7 of America's Best Communities for Young People presented by ING -- more than any other state except California which also has 7 communities on the list. (Read more)

Escent Technologies/Escent LifeSciences, LLC, a company that utilizes a patented spectroscopy technology, is expanding into Florida and creating 50 Palm Bay jobs. (Read more)

The new four-story building, designated Building 4, will be the largest building on any Valencia campus - with 150,000 square feet in academic and support space. (Read more)

Florida ranks 4th among the 50 states in its number of women-owned businesses, and many of them are exceptionally healthy, says a new survey by Florida International Unversity. (Read more)

Elections, reappointments to Enterprise Florida board

Call center operator OneTouch Direct has pledged to keep its corporate headquarters in Tampa and add 700 jobs here over the next two years. (Read more)

Enterprise Florida board to meet Thursday in Fort Lauderdale

Contact: Stuart W. Doyle

(407) 956-5689

(407) 276-5125

sdoyle@eflorida.com

Media Advisory
Enterprise Florida board to meet Thursday in Fort Lauderdale

What: Quarterly meeting of the Enterprise Florida Board of Directors

When: Thursday, Nov. 3, 2011  8:30 a.m. – noon

Where: Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six S.E. 17th St. Causeway, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

Dial-in-Number: (888) 557-8511 Access Code: 8414249#

Enterprise Florida, Inc. is a partnership between Florida's business and government leaders and is the principal economic development organization for the state of Florida.  Headquartered in Orlando, Enterprise Florida’s mission is to diversify Florida’s economy and create better-paying jobs for its citizens by supporting, attracting and helping to create businesses in innovative, high-growth industries.  In pursuit of its mission, Enterprise Florida works closely with a statewide network of economic development partners and is funded both by the State of Florida and by private-sector businesses.

#####

Enterprise Florida announces Griff Salmon as executive vice president, COO

Contact: Stuart Doyle

(407) 956-5689

sdoyle@eflorida.com

Enterprise Florida announces Griff Salmon as executive vice president, COO

ORLANDO, Fla. (Nov. 2, 2011) – Griff Salmon will join Enterprise Florida as the corporation’s executive vice president and chief operating officer, effective December 2, reporting toPresident & CEO Gray Swoope.

“The newly created role of the EVP/COO will oversee Enterprise Florida’s operations and support me as I fulfill my obligations as Florida’s secretary of commerce as well as chief executive of Enterprise Florida,” President & CEO Gray Swoope.  “Griff’s broad experience will allow us to better serve a state as large and diverse as Florida.”

Salmon, 38, currently is the director of the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA)’s Global Business division, which generates new investment into Mississippi and promotes that state’s products in markets worldwide.  In this position he also has managed both the agency’s Investment Bureau, which markets Mississippi to domestic and international businesses, and its Trade Bureau, which provides international marketing and export development consulting services to the state’s businesses.  Additionally, he has managed MDA’s international offices in Chile, China, Germany, Japan, and the United Kingdom, which support the agency’s global marketing efforts as they pertain to both trade and business recruitment.

Previously, Salmon was a congressional liaison and project manager in the Federal Congressional Liaison Bureau.  In this role he worked closely with the Department of Defense in support of military bases targeted for BRAC closures, helping them to operate more cost-effectively.  The result was cost-savings to the government and continuing operations at those bases.

A Mississippi native, Salmon earned a master’s degree in public policy administration at Mississippi State University and a B.S. from Millsaps College, located in Jackson, Miss. 

He is a member of the Mississippi Economic Development Council, the Industrial Asset Management Council and CoreNet Global.

*                      *                      *

Enterprise Florida, Inc. (www.eflorida.com) is a partnership between Florida's business and government leaders and is the principal economic development organization for the state of Florida.  Headquartered in Orlando, Enterprise Florida’s mission is to diversify Florida’s economy and create better paying jobs for its citizens by supporting, attracting and helping to create globally competitive businesses in innovative, high-growth industries. In pursuit of its mission, Enterprise Florida works closely with a statewide network of economic development partners and is funded both by the State of Florida and by private-sector businesses.

#####

Boeing will manufacture and test its Crew Space Transportation-100 (CST-100) spacecraft and locate its Commercial Crew program headquarters at Kennedy Space Center, creating 550 jobs by December 2015. (Read more)

Five Florida cities (Orlando, Jacksonville, Tallahassee, Tampa and Miami) have been named international innovation leaders. (Read more)

Florida lands at #6 in the Solar Foundation's 2011 National Solar Jobs Census, with 4,224 jobs in this growing sector. (Read more)

Advanced Magnet Lab, Inc. is among six awardees of a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy for the advancement of next generation wind turbine technology. (Read more)

IRX Therapeutics Inc., a clinical stage biotechnology company, is relocating from New York City to St. Petersburg by the year's end. The company will staff more than 280 positions within five years at a projected minimum average wage of $90,000 annually. (Read more)

Harris Corporation, a Melbourne-based international communications and information technology company, has received a $51.5 million delivery order for next-generation military satellite communications terminals that will provide the worldwide backbone for high-priority military communications and missile defense systems. (Read more)

UF's Office of Technology Licensing, startup technology companies, and service providers such as accountants, patent attorneys and venture capitalists, have begun moving into University of Florida's new 45,000-square-foot, $13.2 million hub, a business incubator. (Read more)

Florida is home to 4 of the 10 Best Amusement Parks in the United States. (Read more)

Florida invests more than $2.4 million in defense grant programs, demonstrating the state's continued support of military bases, military service members and their families, and the defense industry. (Read more)

Fla. high-tech businesses: Reserve display space at China High-Tech Fair

Contact: Stuart Doyle

(407) 956-5689

sdoyle@eflorida.com

Fla. high-tech businesses:  Reserve display space at China High-Tech Fair

Enterprise Florida coordinating exhibit pavilion, providing grants to offset cost

ORLANDO, FL (Oct. 10, 2011) – Enterprise Florida invites businesses to reserve display space at the upcoming China High-Tech Fair to promote their products, services and technological achievements.

This international tradeshow will be held November 16-21 in Shenzhen, China.  The reservation deadline for space in the Florida Pavilion is Friday, October 14.  Companies should contact:

 John Diep

Director, Asia/Pacific Region

Enterprise Florida Inc.

(561) 832-8339 or jdiep@eflorida.com

 The China High-Tech Fair, which started in 1999, is a venue for technology companies worldwide to showcase their innovations, network and explore business opportunities.  It is considered one of the most influential events for high-tech sectors on the Mainland.

Space in the Florida Pavilion is limited and will be sold on a first-come/first-served basis.  Florida companies that are unable to attend can be “catalog” participants, submitting promotional materials (e.g., brochures, product sheets, information kits, etc.) for display in the pavilion.  The fee for pavilion exhibitors is $2,500; for catalog participants, $300.

To help small to mid-size companies cover costs, Enterprise Florida will waive both the $2,500 fee for the first three pavilion registrants that meet exhibitor qualifications and $300 cost for the first 10 catalog participants.

“Our goal is to help Florida’s small and medium-sized companies gain access to the China market, the world’s second largest and fastest growing economy,” said Manny Mencía, who heads Enterprise Florida’s international trade division.  “By joining us, their representatives can meet face-to-face with decision-makers in that area and start establishing relationships that can result in business success.”                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

*                      *                      *

Enterprise Florida, Inc. is a partnership between Florida's business and government leaders and is the principal economic development organization for the state of Florida.  Headquartered in Orlando, EFI’s mission is to diversify Florida’s economy and create better-paying jobs for its citizens by supporting, attracting and helping to create businesses in innovative, high-growth industries.  In pursuit of its mission, EFI works closely with a statewide network of economic development partners and is funded both by the State of Florida and by private-sector businesses.

#####

Enterprise Florida has been awarded a State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) grant for $780,786 to help Florida's small and medium-sized enterprises attend trade missions, develop global marketing plans & boost their exports. (Read more)

NASA's Kennedy Space Center and the Economic Development Commission of Florida's Space Coast are formally renewing their economic development partnership. (Read more)

The University of Central Florida is leading a team that just won $1.3 million in a national White House competition aimed at driving technology commercialization and entrepreneurship to support a "green innovation economy." (Read more)

The Ipe Clip Fastener Company LLC has moved its headquarters and manufacturing operations from South Carolina to Manatee County where the company plans to add 80 employees over the next five years. (Read more)

Enterprise Florida awarded SBA grant to increase state’s exporting

Contact: Stuart W. Doyle

(407) 956-5689

sdoyle@eflorida.com

Enterprise Florida awarded SBA grant to increase state’s exporting

     ORLANDO, FL (October 6, 2011) – Enterprise Florida has been awarded a State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) grant for $780,786 by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)  to help boost export activity during the next year.

Enterprise Florida’s grant is one of many totaling $30 million that the SBA has presented tostates, territories and Washington, D.C. as a result of the 2010 Small Business Jobs Act’sState Trade and Export Promotion Program.

“I am on board with the President’s vision that U.S. companies and workers can double U.S. goods and services exports during the next five years, which would help support good, high paying jobs in manufacturing, services, and in agriculture,”  says the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Regional Administrator Cassius Butts.  “We are happy to be working with partners, such as Enterprise Florida and other partners across the United States to increase both the number of exporters and the number of countries they ship to.  The Step Grant exemplifies the dedication that Florida has to spurring economic growth and assisting entrepreneurs to thrive from the international market.”

In using its grant toward that purpose, Enterprise Florida has goals that include helping the state’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) diversify their target markets, and prompting infrequent and single-market exporters to expand their overseas trade activity.

“Furthermore, we will work to engage new SMEs, particularly manufacturers, in exporting,” emphasizes Manny Mencía, senior vice president of Enterprise Florida’s international trade division.  “The grant will enable more SMEs to take advantage of overseas tradeshows and missions because we will be able to provide them with funding to offset their costs.”

Enterprise Florida plans to fulfill these goals through following actions:

1) Conduct trade missions and tradeshows in countries representing key trade markets

2) Provide grants to SMEs for participation in overseas tradeshows.  “This strategy will helpour exporters reach new markets and increase activity among existing infrequent exporters,” Mencía explains. 

3) Partner with the SBA’s Florida Small Business Development Center Network to offer customized global marketing plans that will be tailored to the SME’s products, strengths and capabilities.  Once a marketing plan is complete, Enterprise Florida will provide the company with a two-day “Gold Key,” allowing the SME to focus on a local market by participating in a standalone Gold Key show. 

More information about Florida’s initiatives can be accessed here.

*                      *                      *

Enterprise Florida, Inc. (www.eflorida.com) is a partnership between Florida's business and government leaders and is the principal economic development organization for the state of Florida.  Headquartered in Orlando, Enterprise Florida’s mission is to diversify Florida’s economy and create better paying jobs for its citizens by supporting, attracting and helping to create globally competitive businesses in innovative, high-growth industries. In pursuit of its mission, Enterprise Florida works closely with a statewide network of economic development partners and is funded both by the State of Florida and by private-sector businesses.

#####

This year's Annual Conference will take place in Tampa (Sunday, October 23 - Tuesday, October 25). The Conference is a three-day program with numerous features that make this the state's premier bioscience business, investor, partnering & science conference. (Read more)

Ascend Performance Materials is adding 102 new employees and making $50 million in improvements to expand its Pensacola nylon manufacturing operation, which is already the world's largest fully integrated nylon 6,6 manufacturing facility. (Read more)

Governor Scott Awards 2011-2012 Defense Grants

Contact: Stuart W. Doyle

(407) 956-5689

sdoyle@eflorida.com

             Governor Scott Awards 2011-2012 Defense Grants

ORLANDO, FL (October 3, 2011) -- Today, Governor Rick Scott and Secretary of Commerce and President & CEO of Enterprise Florida Gray Swoope announced $2,431,245 in defense grants to local communities and organizations that support Florida military installations. These funds will continue to enhance and maintain Florida’s reputation as the most military friendly state in the nation.

“I am proud that Florida continues to support our military bases, military service members and their families, and the defense industry through the defense grant programs,” said Governor Scott.  “Additionally, these programs work to protect a $65 billion economic impact, and the over 686,181 direct and indirect jobs, which the defense industry annually infuses into Florida.

The 2011-2012 Defense Reinvestment Grants, totaling $850,000, have been awarded to 11 defense communities in support of military base retention and economic diversification.  The program help communities develop and implement base sustainment and economic diversification strategies.

This year, awards were given to the Orange County Research and Development Authority, The Beacon Council, Inc., Pensacola Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Council of Okaloosa County, The Bay Defense Alliance, City of Tampa, City of Jacksonville, Clay County Chamber of Commerce, TEAM Santa Rosa Economic Development Council, Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast, and Highlands County.

Nine projects have been awarded 2011-2012 Defense Infrastructure Grants totaling $1,581,245.  This program addresses infrastructure needs of communities that host military installations.  Grants provide economic development organizations funding for projects associated with encroachment, transportation and access, utilities, communications, housing, environment and security which support their communities and local military installations.

Infrastructure grants were awarded to the Bay County Board of County Commissioners, Highlands County Economic Development Commission, TEAM Santa Rosa Economic Development Council, City of Jacksonville, Economic Development Council of Okaloosa County, City of Tampa, and Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast.

Scott explained, “State support of local infrastructure enhancements is vital to base retention efforts during this difficult economic period in our country.”

Both programs are administered by Enterprise Florida, Inc.  The grants are awarded annually, on a project priority basis, to communities hosting military installations.

See http://www.floridadefense.org/grants.asp for a breakdown of grants per recipient.

*                      *                      *

Enterprise Florida, Inc. (www.eflorida.com) is a partnership between Florida's business and government leaders and is the principal economic development organization for the state of Florida.  Headquartered in Orlando, Enterprise Florida’s mission is to diversify Florida’s economy and create better paying jobs for its citizens by supporting, attracting and helping to create globally competitive businesses in innovative, high-growth industries. In pursuit of its mission, Enterprise Florida works closely with a statewide network of economic development partners and is funded both by the State of Florida and by private-sector businesses.

#####

This local family-owned business is expanding to a new, $6.5 million, 65,000-square-foot state-of-the-art production facility in East Naples. (Read more)

The Business Development Board of Palm Beach County announces expansion of Parametric Solutions and Client First Settlement Funding. (Read more)

Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), a world leader in orthopedics, rheumatology and rehabilitation, announced the establishment of HSS Spine & Sport in Jupiter -- the first HSS expansion beyond the New York region. (Read more)

Enterprise Florida chosen as World Bank’s 7th Private Sector Liaison Officer

Contact:  Stuart W. Doyle

(407) 956-5689

sdoyle@eflorida.com

Enterprise Florida chosen as World Bank’s 7^th Private Sector Liaison Officer

ORLANDO, Fla. (Sept. 22, 2011) – Enterprise Florida Inc. has been selected by the World Bank to serve as the state’s Private Sector Liaison Officer (PSLO).  This post will help Florida companies gain access to billions of dollars in annual World Bank contracts, be a resource for the private sector, and increase awareness of private sector-led growth in developing countries. 

“This could be a real boost to our business expansion efforts,” said Florida Secretary of Commerce Gray Swoope, who is president & CEO of Enterprise Florida.  “Through the knowledge of World Bank funding and purchasing opportunities we’ll gain as a PSLO, we’ll be able to offer more business leads to Florida companies, resulting in increased exports.  This will strengthen our competitive position in global trade and for new jobs in varied industries."

The World Bank invests in projects to improve living conditions in developing countries, with the goal of promoting economic growth and helping people overcome poverty.  These projects – building health clinics or schools; investing in roads so farmers can get goods to market; or improving telecommunications or sanitation, for example – frequently involve International Competitive Bidding under guidelines established by the World Bank.  These guidelines help level the playing field for U.S. companies.  The PSLO will guide Florida companies through the procurement process, creating better understanding and more opportunities to bid on these projects.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce estimates that nearly half of all U.S. exports go to developing countries.  Out of the top 25 to which Florida exports, 15– more than half -- are developing nations where the World Bank has lending programs that help to open these economies.

With a focus on six industries for economic development – aviation/aerospace, cleantech, financial/professional services, homeland security/defense, information technology and life sciences – Florida has been ranked as the nation’s third largest state for high-tech companies and third largest exporter of high-tech goods and services.  Florida also is the strategic and economic center of Latin America and the Caribbean because of its geographic proximity, economic and political stability, and multicultural and multilingual workforce.  These attributes position Florida entities well for securing World Bank procurement opportunities.

The other states that have received World Bank’s PSLO endorsement are Alabama (Alabama Development Office), Illinois (Chicago Global Mid-West Alliance), Maryland (World

Trade Center Institute in Baltimore), Texas (Greater Houston Partnership), Utah (Salt Lake Chamber) and Washington (Trade Development Alliance of Greater Seattle).  

About the PSLO Program
The PSLO initiative is a network of business advocacy organizations that promote trade and investment between countries in conjunction with World Bank Group activities.  It serves as a key access point to the World Bank Group, which works to foster trade and investment between countries with the support of the World Bank Group's products and services. Currently, there is a global network of 114 PSLOs in 83 countries.

About the World Bank
The World Bank is a vital source of financial and technical assistance to developing countries around the world. Their mission is to help people help themselves and their environment by providing resources, sharing knowledge, building capacity and forging partnerships in the public and private sectors, with the goals of promoting economic growth and overcoming poverty.

*                      *                      *

Enterprise Florida, Inc. (www.eflorida.com) is a partnership between Florida's business and government leaders and is the principal economic development organization for the state of Florida.  Headquartered in Orlando, Enterprise Florida’s mission is to diversify Florida’s economy and create better paying jobs for its citizens by supporting, attracting and helping to create globally competitive businesses in innovative, high-growth industries.  In pursuit of its mission, Enterprise Florida works closely with a statewide network of economic development partners and is funded both by the State of Florida and by private-sector businesses.

####

Gov. Rick Scott and Time Warner CFO John Martin announced that the media company will create 500 jobs for a new shared resource center in Hillsborough County over five years. (Read more)

U.S. corporate executives rank Florida's business climate among the Top 5 in America. (Read more)

Sarasota Medical Products Inc., an early-stage company specializing in ostomy and advanced wound care products, has secured $3.56 million in private and public funding to begin manufacturing at a new Sarasota facility. (Read more)

Construction Journal, headquartered in Stuart, has purchased a new building and has plans to add 50 new jobs in the next 36 months. (Read more)

Business Facilities has ranked Florida's education climate #3 in the United States. (Read more)

Trade events offer Florida businesses global opportunities

Contact:  Stuart W. Doyle

(407) 956-5689

sdoyle@eflorida.com

Trade events offer Florida businesses global opportunities  

                ORLANDO, FL (September 19, 2011) – Enterprise Florida annually coordinates and hosts international trade events for a range of industry sectors including, aviation and aerospace, life sciences and information technology (IT). These activities enable Florida businesses to showcase their products and services to a global audience. 

During the next year, Florida IT businesses seeking entry into international markets can do so in Barcelona, Spain; Hanover, Germany; London; and Shenzhen, China.  Enterprise Florida invites these companies to reserve booth space at each site’s Florida Pavilion.

The Florida Pavilion offer several choices for booth space and amenities based on cost.  (See options in the event listings below.)  Space is limited and sold on a first-come/first-served basis.

To help offset costs, a Target Sector Trade Grants are available to eligible companies.  Enterprise Florida provides this funding, which aims to help smaller businesses (fewer than 500 employees) expand and diversify their market potential.  Awarded on a reimbursable basis, the funds are given to a company following its participation in an Enterprise Florida-sponsored trade event.

Upcoming trade events

China Hi-Tech Fair 2011 (Nov. 16-21, 2011) 

Florida companies can take advantage of the no-travel-required “catalog show” format in Shenzhen, China.  This option allows companies to have their brochures/catalogs displayed and distributed in the Florida Pavilion for a nominal fee.  Last year’s China Hi-Tech Fair featured almost 3,000 exhibitors and more than 500,000 visitors. Companies also can attend the fair and exhibit, but at their own expense.  Participation in the catalog show is limited to the first 15 qualified applications.  Application deadline:  October 14, 2011.

Reservations for China Hi Tech 2012 Fair can be made by contacting:

John Diep

Manager, Asia

 Enterprise Florida Inc.
(561) 832-8339 or jdiep@eflorida.com

2012 trade events (listed by registration deadline)

CeBIT 2012 (March 6-10, 2012)

Florida’s IT can promote their offerings to an international audience in Hanover, Germany at the world’s largest information technology expo.  In 2011, CeBIT drew 340,000 visitors from 90 countries, and more than 4,200 companies from at least 70 countries participated.  Among those participants were Xerox, Canon, Motorola and Hewlett-Packard.  Registration deadline:  September 23, 2011.

GSMA Mobile World Congress 2012 (Feb. 27- March 1, 2012) 

GSMA will unite mobile operators, vendors and content owners worldwide in Barcelona, Spain, to exhibit new technology and innovative products.  Annually, more than 50,000 visitors from 200 countries see what integrated solutions providers, hardware and device manufacturers, software developers and others are offering.  Registration deadline:  October 1, 2011.

Infosecurity Europe 2012 (April 24-26, 2012) 

Infosecurity 2012 in London will give Florida’s IT companies a chance to connect with the European infosecurity industry.  Infosecurity 2012 is endorsed by the U.S. Department of Commerce, which will work with show organizers to link U.S. companies to international buyers by providing leads, trade counseling and market research.  Last year’s event featured more than 300 exhibitors and 10,000-plus visitors.  Registration deadline:  October 1, 2011.

Reservations for CeBit 2012, 2012 Mobile World Congress, and Infosecurity Europe 2012 can be made by contacting:                             

Andrea Moore

Regional Manager, Pensacola

ICT Computer Industry Specialist

Enterprise Florida Inc.

(850) 375-8255 or amoore@eflorida.com

*                       *                       *

Enterprise Florida, Inc. (www.eflorida.com) is a partnership between Florida's business and government leaders and is the principal economic development organization for the state of Florida.  Headquartered in Orlando, Enterprise Florida’s mission is to diversify Florida’s economy and create better paying jobs for its citizens by supporting, attracting and helping to create globally competitive businesses in innovative, high-growth industries. In pursuit of its mission, Enterprise Florida works closely with a statewide network of economic development partners and is funded both by the State of Florida and by private-sector businesses.

#####

Registration waived for South Africa mission Gold Key registrants

Contact:  Stuart W. Doyle

(407) 956-5689

sdoyle@eflorida.com

Registration waived for South Africa mission Gold Key registrants

ORLANDO, FL (September 15, 2011) – To enable more smaller to mid-size businesses to participate in the upcoming export sales mission to South Africa, Enterprise Florida is offering to waive the registration fee for the Gold Key option for eligible participants, through their Market Diversification Grants program.

This Team Florida mission, to be led by Lt. Governor Jennifer Carroll, is scheduled for November 4-13.

Gold Key service will include prescheduled one-to-one appointments with pre-qualified South African businesses that have expressed interest in products and services offered by the participating Florida companies.   The Gold Key package also will offer:

- Targeted promotional campaign throughout South Africa to attract prospects.

- Admission to all official Team Florida networking events.

- Country briefing by U.S. Embassy officials.

- Airport transfers in country when traveling on official mission flights.

- Ground transportation in-country to all official mission events, originating at the official mission hotels.

The Gold Key package has an estimated value of $2,500.

The registration deadline is September 28.  Companies can register by contacting:

- Ivan Barrios (305) 808-3390 or  ibarrios@eflorida.com

- Bryant Salter (305) 808-3386 or bjsalter@eflorida.com

South Africa, the world’s 26^th largest economy, is one of the most stable markets in Africa.  It’s also a top destination for Florida-origin exports and one of the state’s largest merchandise export destinations.

Enterprise Florida and the U.S. Department of Commerce have partnered with the South African Department of Trade and Industry to provide the Team Florida mission-goers with an itinerary of business appointments, in-depth briefing sessions and networking events.  The delegation will be able to interact with top level corporate and government leaders of South Africa who represent a variety of industry sectors such as financial, legal, communications, energy and transportation.

Florida exporters are well positioned to benefit from the South African market.  Several Florida cities, air and sea ports, and universities already have sister-city and sister-port relationships or longstanding exchange programs with counterparts in Africa.

Florida exports many products and services to South Africa, a sampling of which are:

- Civilian aircraft engines & parts

- Machines for assembly

- Earth moving equipment

- Coin

- Telecommunications equipment

- Petroleum, oils & products

- Medical & surgical equipment

- Plastic products

- Waters & other beverages

- Motor vehicle parts

*                                              *                                              *

Enterprise Florida, Inc. (www.eflorida.com) is a partnership between Florida's business and government leaders and is the principal economic development organization for the state of Florida.  Headquartered in Orlando, Enterprise Florida’s mission is to diversify Florida’s economy and create better paying jobs for its citizens by supporting, attracting and helping to create globally competitive businesses in innovative, high-growth industries. In pursuit of its mission, Enterprise Florida works closely with a statewide network of economic development partners and is funded both by the State of Florida and by private-sector businesses.

#####

Florida cities dominated the top spots on Forbes' list of Cities with the Happiest Young Professionals with Fort Lauderdale ranking 2nd and Orlando 3rd. (Read more)

University of Central Florida (#4) and the University of South Florida (#8) for being ranked among America's Up-and-Coming Schools by U.S. News. (Read more)

Rollins College ranks number one among 127 regional universities in the South in the annual rankings of "America's Best Colleges," released today by U.S. News & World Report. This is the seventh consecutive year that Rollins has been named to the top spot in this category. (Read more)

Business Facilities has ranked Florida's transportation infrastructure #2 in the United States. (Read more)

Global Components Inc., a division of U.K.-based plastic component manufacturer TCB-Arrow, has selected Manatee County for its U.S. operations and plans to create 50 jobs over three years. (Read more)

Aero Engineering Support, an Indiana Company that repairs and overhauls high-end electronics, weapon systems and accessories for military operators worldwide and Prime Contractors, is establishing its world headquarters in Osceola County. (Read more)

Barn Light Electric Company, a lighting manufacturer offering a wide range of lighting, ceiling fans and industrial furniture, is investing $1.1 million expand into a 10,000 sq. ft. facility in Mims. (Read more)

Business Facilities has ranked Florida's business climate #4 in the nation. (Read more)

The Port of Miami has given the greenlight to begin reinforcements of its cargo port -- work required before its deep dredge project begins next year. (Read more)

The Innovation Monthly is your source for the latest news and insights on Florida's Innovation Economy.       

September 2011 Highlights:

·     Convergys Corporation Creates Nearly 1,400 Florida Jobs

·     Humana Cares Expands in St. Petersburg, Adds 300 Jobs

·     Florida' s Business Climate Ranks Among the Nation's Top 5

·     In Motion:  Gov. Scott and Secretary Swoope Say Florida is Open for Business

Read Full Newsletter

The Broward County Board of County Commissioners today unanimously approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Florida East Coast Railway to construct and operate an Intermodal Container Transfer Facility on 42.5 acres of land at Port Everglades. (Read more)

C Products Defense Inc. has moved its manufacturing operation and distribution arm from Connecticut to Manatee County where the company plans to add 100 employees in the next five years. (Read more)

Florida Aviation Academy is offering an accelerated flight training program to provide students the opportunity to become licensed commercial pilots in only 16 weeks. (Read more)

The National Cancer Institute has awarded Moffitt Cancer Center researchers a training grant to develop a Fertility Reproduction and Cancer Training Institute for Oncology Nursing (FRACTION). (Read more)

Trojan Florida Powder Coating, whose parent company is based in Bay Shore, N.Y., is opening a facility in Manatee County and plans to hire 30 employees over three years. (Read more)

AT&T is hiring more than 200 employees in Central Florida, including 100 technicians to support its growing services that include AT&T U-verse TV, AT&T U-verse high speed internet and AT&T U-verse voice. (Read more)

Enterprise Florida calls for booth reservations at CeBIT 2012

Contact: Stuart Doyle

(407) 956-5689

sdoyle@eflorida.com

Enterprise Florida calls for booth reservations at CeBIT 2012

Companies have ‘til Sept. 9 to book space in the Florida Pavilion at world’s largest IT expo

ORLANDO, FL (August 31, 2011) –Florida’s information technology (IT) businesses can gain international exposure at CeBIT 2012, the largest IT tradeshow globally, if they reserve booth space in the event’s Florida Pavilion.

Enterprise Florida is coordinating the state’s participation, including the pavilion.  To take place from March 6-10 in Hanover, Germany, CeBIT provides IT companies with a platform to showcase their products and services.  Aside from this marketing and sales opportunity, CeBIT is a mega venue for networking among professionals in technical communications fields.

Florida firms have until September 9 to reserve pavilion space.  They should contact:

Andrea Moore

Regional Manager, Pensacola

Enterprise Florida

(850) 449.8989 or (850) 375-8255 or amoore@eflorida.com

Several space options are available, with pricing and amenities based on booth size.  Space is limited and will be sold on a first-come/first-served basis.

New-to-market Florida exporters may be eligible for a Target Sector Trade Event Grant to help reduce exhibition costs.  Enterprise Florida provides this funding to help smaller businesses (fewer than 500 employees) expand and diversify their market potential.  The grants are awarded on a reimbursable basis; a company receives funds following its participation in an Enterprise Florida-sponsored trade event.

In 2011, CeBIT drew 340,000 visitors from 90 countries, which included 4,200 companies from at least 70 nations.  Among the corporate participants were Canon, Hewlett-Packard, Motorola and Xerox.  

*                       *                       * 

Enterprise Florida, Inc. (www.eflorida.com) is a partnership between Florida's business and government leaders and is the principal economic development organization for the state of Florida.  Headquartered in Orlando, Enterprise Florida’s mission is to diversify Florida’s economy and create better paying jobs for its citizens by supporting, attracting and helping to create globally competitive businesses in innovative, high-growth industries. In pursuit of its mission, Enterprise Florida works closely with a statewide network of economic development partners and is funded both by the State of Florida and by private-sector businesses.

#####

Jacksonville distributor Champion Brands is adding 40,000 square feet of temperature-controlled warehouse at a price tag of $2 million. (Read more)

Four Florida schools placed in the top 20 of the Forbes' Top 100 Best Buy Colleges. The University of Florida placed 11th, Florida State University 13th, New College of Florida, 16th and the University of North Florida 19th. (Read more)

ESI Florida, a biotechnology investment company that plans to create 150 jobs, will lease 27,000 square feet for office and lab space in Jupiter. (Read more)

2011 Governor’s Business Diversification Award winners announced

Contact:  Stuart W. Doyle

(407) 956-5689

sdoyle@eflorida.com

2011 Governor’s Business Diversification Award winners announced

ORLANDO, Fla. (August 30, 2011) – From a pool of 107 organizations vying for 2011 Governor’s Business Diversification Awards, 18 have won the prize.  They will be honored on September 14 during a reception in Tallahassee at the Florida Governor’s Mansion.

The awards recognize outstanding contributions toward improving and diversifying Florida’s economy plus distinctive community investment efforts, particularly relating to industries targeted for economic development and high wage job growth.

“It gives us pride and pleasure to honor these companies for their success in job creation and enhancing Florida’s business climate,” said Gray Swoope, Enterprise Florida’s president & CEO.  “We’re working tirelessly to move Florida’s economy further uphill, so, these contributions from our businesses and economic development partners are highly welcome, encouraged and appreciated.”

Enterprise Florida coordinates this program – now the 28^th annual -- and the awards presentation is the centerpiece of the state’s yearly Industry Appreciation Week (the third week of September).  Awards are presented in six categories: 

- Business Expansion – companies that expanded operations in 2010, investing capital and creating jobs for Floridians.

- Entrepreneurship – start-up companies (less than 5 years old) that have set a standard for entrepreneurship and creativity.

- Export Excellence – companies with a significant increase in documented export sales in 2010.

- Innovation – companies, organizations or institutions that through product or process best exemplified innovative leadership in 2010.

- Newcomer – For new-to-Florida companies that began operating in 2010.

- Green-to-Gold – Florida companies, universities or other organizations that through product or process best exemplified “green” leadership as it pertains to the state’s goal to become a leader in this emerging field.

Competitors for each category included companies, organizations, universities and colleges in similar sized markets:  Mid-Market (county population up to 150,000); Major Market (county population 150,001 to 800,000) and Mega Market (county population 800,001 and higher).

The 2011 winners listed by business category and market size are: 

Business Expansion
Mid-Market:                Optima Healthcare Solutions (Martin County)
Major Market:             Coastal Steel Inc. (Brevard County)
Mega Market:              National Forensic Science Technology Center, Inc. (Pinellas County) 

Entrepreneurship
Mid-Market:                Keller Medical, Inc. (Martin)
Major Market:             Rivian Automotive, Inc. (Brevard County)
Mega Market:              CareCloud (Miami-Dade)

Export Excellence
Mid-Market:                TurboCombustor Technology, Inc. (Martin County)
Major Market:             Marketing Arm International, Inc. (Charlotte County)
Mega Market:             United Franchise Group (Palm Beach County)

Green-to-Gold
Mid-Market:                Southeastern Printing Company, Inc. (Martin County)
Major Market:             Danfoss Turbocor Compressors Inc. (Leon County)
Mega Market:              Royal Concrete Concepts (Palm Beach County)

Innovation
Mid-Market:                Florida RF Labs (Martin)
Major Market:             Banyan Biomarkers, Inc. (Alachua County)
Mega Market:              Cross Match Technologies, m Inc. (Palm Beach County) 

Newcomer

Mid-Market:                NetBoss Technologies Inc. (Indian River County)
Major Market:             Bing Energy International LLC (Leon County)
Mega Market:              Envoy Therapeutics, Inc. (Palm Beach County) 

A breakdown of the winners by county:

Brevard, 2

Charlotte, 1  

 Indian River, 1

Martin, 5

Palm Beach, 4        

Alachua, 1

Pinellas, 1

Leon,  2        

Miami-Dade, 1

Enterprise Florida, Inc. (www.eflorida.com) is a partnership between Florida's business and government leaders and is the principal economic development organization for the state of Florida.  Headquartered in Orlando, Enterprise Florida’s mission is to diversify Florida’s economy and create better paying jobs for its citizens by supporting, attracting and helping to create globally competitive businesses in innovative, high-growth industries.  In pursuit of its mission, Enterprise Florida works closely with a statewide network of economic development partners and is funded both by the State of Florida and by private-sector businesses.

####

Darden Restaurants, Inc., the world's largest full-service restaurant company, is building Florida's largest private solar array in Orlando. (Read more)

Thousands of Florida transportation industry workers could hone their skills using more than $2.2 million worth of state-funded training opportunities under a new grant. (Read more)

Intelligent Global Pooling Systems (iGPS Company, LLC), operator of the world's first pallet rental service to provide lightweight, 100 percent recyclable plastic pallets with embedded radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, has been named as one of the nation's top 75 Green Supply Chain Partners. (Read more)

Florida is home to 2 of America's leading Cities of the Future, Orlando (#10) and Jacksonville (#14). (Read more)

Scientific American ranks Orlando #2 for Overall Technology Performance, #4 for Best Internet Access, and #5 Most Tech-Friendly; and Miami #6 for Best Internet Access. (Read more)

Minnesota-based Rational Energies MC Inc., which converts agricultural and municipal waste into synthetic crude oil, has selected Manatee County as the location for the company's first green energy manufacturing facility. (Read more)

Humana, one of the most prolific corporate job creators in the Tampa Bay area the past two years, is still on a roll. The Louisville-based insurer is adding 300 more jobs at its Humana Cares unit in St. Petersburg. (Read more)

The game has sold nearly 4,000 downloads into its third week through Apple's App Store and has also received good reviews on several gaming blogs. (Read more)

Lockheed Martin Corp.'s Orlando-based military training division has landed a contract potentially worth nearly $36 million to manage pilot training and other services for one of the largest military aircraft in the world. (Read more)

After announcing 500 new Central Florida jobs last week, Convergys reveals plans to create nearly 900 more jobs at its Jacksonville facility. (Read more)

Xcelience, a Tampa, FL-based contract research organization, is expanding its footprint and more than doubling its employment over the next three years. (Read more)

The Princeton Review has ranked two Florida colleges - New College of Florida (2nd) and University of Florida (3rd) - among America's Top 5 Best Value Colleges. (Read more)

Ybor City-based technology company Savtira Corp. is quadrupling its employees with plans to hire 265 new workers with wages averaging more than $81,000. (Read more)

Enterprise Florida awards GreenPath Energy Solutions Phase “0” grant

Contact:  Stuart W. Doyle

(407) 956-5689

sdoyle@eflorida.com

Enterprise Florida awards GreenPath Energy Solutions Phase “0” grant

ORLANDO, Fla. (August 16, 2011) – Enterprise Florida has awarded a $2,785 Phase “0” grant to GreenPath Energy Solutions, an Orlando based energy efficiency company.

GreenPath Energy Solutions works with building owners and tenants to help them make energy efficient improvements that can reduce costs and increase property values.

Since Phase “0”’s inception in 2005, Enterprise Florida has presented 45 grants, which can total up to $3,000.  They’re given to small businesses to improve their chances of receiving a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR – Phase 1) or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR – Phase 2) grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).  The funds are used for market research, proposal and grant writing, legal aid for patent filing, technology consulting services, site visits to federal labs and a variety of other needs.

“Receiving the Phase “0” grant from Enterprise Florida has been beneficial in helping relieve some of the cost of completing the proposal,” said Samuel Graham president and CEO of GreenPath Solutions. “GreenPath Energy Solutions is pursuing a SBIR Phase 1 grant from U.S. Army for development of a lightweight, rapidly deployable energy efficient shelter.”

According to the SBA, small businesses that are conducting scientific research and development may qualify for federal grants under SBIR and STTR programs.  Phase “0” awardees have received a total of $1,493,823 in Phase 1 and Phase 2 grants, collectively.

“Competition for these federal SBIR grants is intense,” said Enterprise Florida’s Capital Programs Manager Jay Robinson, who manages the Phase “0” program. “We are pleased that this program has been able to help them to continue to move forward with their efforts.”

For more information about Phase “0” grants, contact Jay Robinson, atjrobinson@eflorida.com or (407) 956‐5607.

*                      *                      *

Enterprise Florida, Inc. (www.eflorida.com) is a partnership between Florida's business and government leaders and is the principal economic development organization for the state of Florida.  Headquartered in Orlando, Enterprise Florida’s mission is to diversify Florida’s economy and create better paying jobs for its citizens by supporting, attracting and helping to create globally competitive businesses in innovative, high-growth industries.  In pursuit of its mission, Enterprise Florida works closely with a statewide network of economic development partners and is funded both by the State of Florida and by private-sector businesses.

####

Business Facilities has ranked Florida's business climate among the Top 5 in the nation. (Read more)

Barn Light Electric Company, a lighting manufacturer offering a wide range of lighting, ceiling fans and industrial furniture, will maintain its current headquarters in Titusville and expand into a new facility in Mims. (Read more)

Grand Incentives Inc., a travel and lifestyle incentives membership and marketing company, is expanding its Manatee County headquarters and plans to add 60 employees over the next five years. (Read more)

Biotech company Rapid Pathogen Screening plans 164 new jobs in a Sarasota County headquarters expansion. (Read more)

Broward County's cloud technology/mobile communications cluster and experienced workforce have attracted Alliance Eyecast's $25.5 million expansion and 100 new technology jobs. (Read more)

Melissa Medley tapped as Enterprise Florida’s new marketing lead

Contact:  Stuart W. Doyle

(407) 956-5689

sdoyle@eflorida.com

Melissa Medley tapped as Enterprise Florida’s new marketing lead

ORLANDO, FL (August 11, 2011) – Melissa Medley, a marketing professional whose career comprises work in the public, private and entrepreneurial/small business sectors, will become Enterprise Florida’s senior vice president overseeing its Marketing & Strategic Intelligence division, effective September 6.

To be based in Tallahassee, Medley will succeed Sena Black, who retires this week after a 12-year stint in Enterprise Florida’s chief marketing role.

“Melissa offers a wealth of experience and new insights that will sharpen our marketing strategies for economic development,” said Enterprise Florida President & CEO Gray Swoope.  “She will be vital to our efforts to keep Florida’s economy on a continuous growth path.”

Medley will bring to Florida an extensive business history from the Southeast region, and specifically Texas and Mississippi.  Currently, she serves as the chief marketing officer for Mississippi Development Authority (MDA).  Medley joined MDA in 2006, and as CMO and a member of the executive team, she plays a key role in the development and implementation of the state’s economic development initiatives.   She develops marketing and media strategy for the agency’s business recruitment and retention efforts as well as for its energy, minority and small business, asset and community development programs.  Medley also serves as the liaison to Governor Haley Barbour’s office for all economic development public relations activities and events.   Her accomplishments include the creation of Team Mississippi, an initiative that led to a unified approach by five utility organizations to market the state to site selection consultants. Most recently, she spearheaded a comprehensive study and implementation of a state-wide marketing plan to launch the state’s creative economy program.

In Waco, Texas, Medley served as vice president of Corporate Marketing for Profiles International, which produces employment evaluation and human resource management assessment tools that help businesses recruit the best talent for their needs.   Simultaneously, Medley owned and managed her own firm, Success Marketing, which enabled her to work with a global client base, developing strategic initiatives for organizations in fields as diverse as economic development, business services, sports and healthcare.

Medley earned a bachelor’s degree at the University of Southern Mississippi.  She’s also certified in marketing management by the Accreditation Institute of Sales and Marketing Executives International, Inc., of which she is a past chair.

*                       *                       *

Enterprise Florida, Inc. (www.eflorida.com) is a partnership between Florida's business and government leaders and is the principal economic development organization for the state of Florida.  Headquartered in Orlando, Enterprise Florida’s mission is to diversify Florida’s economy and create better paying jobs for its citizens by supporting, attracting and helping to create globally competitive businesses in innovative, high-growth industries. In pursuit of its mission, Enterprise Florida works closely with a statewide network of economic development partners and is funded both by the State of Florida and by private-sector businesses. 

#####

Lieutenant Governor, Enterprise Florida invite businesses to South Africa

Contact:  Stuart W. Doyle

(407) 956-5689

sdoyle@eflorida.com

Lieutenant Governor, Enterprise Florida invite businesses to South Africa 

 South Africa trade mission to help Fla. companies can gain international exposure

ORLANDO, FL (August 11, 2011) – Lieutenant Governor Jennifer Carroll and Enterprise Florida invite Florida businesses to participate in an export sales mission to South Africa, Nov. 4-13, 2011.

The registration deadline is Sept. 23.  Companies can sign up by contacting:

-  Ivan Barrios (305) 808-3390 or  ibarrios@eflorida.com

-   Bryant Salter (305) 808-3386 or bjsalter@eflorida.com

South Africa, the world’s 26^th largest economy, is one of the most stable markets in Africa.  It’s also a top destination for Florida-origin exports and one of the state’s largest merchandise export destinations.

Enterprise Florida and the U.S. Department of Commerce have partnered with the South African Department of Trade and Industry to provide the Team Florida mission-goers with an itinerary of business appointments, in-depth briefing sessions and networking events.  The delegation will be able to interact with top level corporate and government leaders of South Africa who represent a variety of industry sectors such as financial, legal, communications, energy and transportation.

Florida exporters are well positioned to benefit from the South African market.  Several Florida cities, air and sea ports, and universities already have sister-city and sister-port relationships or longstanding exchange programs with counterparts in Africa.

Florida exports many products and services to South Africa, a sampling of which are:

- Civilian aircraft engines & parts

- Machines for assembly

- Earth moving equipment

- Coin

- Telecommunications equipment

- Petroleum, oils & products

- Medical & surgical equipment

- Plastic products

- Waters & other beverages

- Motor vehicle parts

Mission Fees

Gold Key Package:

First company representative - $595

Additional company reps (same set of appointments) - $450

Includes:

- Gold Key Service:  The U.S. Commercial Service in South Africa will preschedule one-to-one appointments with pre-qualified South African businesses that express interest in the Florida company’s products and services.

- Targeted promotional campaign throughout South Africa to attract prospects.

- Admission to all official Team Florida networking events.

- Country briefing by U.S. Embassy officials.

- Airport transfers in country when traveling on official mission flights.

- Ground transportation in-country to all official mission events, originating at the official mission hotels.

Delegate Package

Each company representative -- $450.  Includes:

- Targeted promotional campaign throughout South Africa to attract prospects.

- Admission to all official Team Florida networking events.

-  Country briefing by U.S. Embassy official.

- Airport transfers in country when traveling on official mission flights.

- Ground transportation in-country to all official mission events, originating at the official mission hotels.

*                                              *                                              *

 Enterprise Florida, Inc. (www.eflorida.com) is a partnership between Florida's business and government leaders and is the principal economic development organization for the state of Florida.  Headquartered in Orlando, Enterprise Florida’s mission is to diversify Florida’s economy and create better paying jobs for its citizens by supporting, attracting and helping to create globally competitive businesses in innovative, high-growth industries. In pursuit of its mission, Enterprise Florida works closely with a statewide network of economic development partners and is funded both by the State of Florida and by private-sector businesses.

#####

Florida is home to 2 of America's Top 10 Metros for Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing: Tampa/St. Petersburg and Orlando. (Read more)

Elections, reappointments to Enterprise Florida board

Contact:  Stuart W. Doyle

(407) 956-5689

sdoyle@eflorida.com

Elections, reappointments to Enterprise Florida board 

ORLANDO, FL (August 10, 2011) – Enterprise Florida announces the following election and reappointments to its board of directors:

Newly elected: 

· Orlando -- Ed Schons, director, University Economic Development at University of Central Florida.  Currently serves as chairman of the Florida Economic Development Council. 

Reappointed as at-large members for one year:

- Coral Gables -- Tony Villamil, principal economic advisor, The Washington Economics Group, Inc.

- Jacksonville -- Howard Halle, executive V.P., Florida manager, Wachovia Bank, N.A.

- Juno Beach -- Armando Olivera, president & CEO, Florida Power & Light

- Pensacola -- Mark Crosswhite, president & CEO, Gulf Power Company

- Orlando -- Kevin Hyman, executive V.P., cable operations, Bright House Networks

- St. Petersburg -- Vincent Dolan, president & CEO, Progress Energy Florida, Inc.

The Enterprise Florida board comprises top business, economic development and government leaders statewide.  Their leadership and guidance support Enterprise Florida’s efforts to diversify Florida’s economy and increase high-wage job growth. 

*                       *                       *

 Enterprise Florida, Inc. (www.eflorida.com) is a partnership between Florida's business and government leaders and is the principal economic development organization for the state of Florida.  Headquartered in Orlando, Enterprise Florida’s mission is to diversify Florida’s economy and create better paying jobs for its citizens by supporting, attracting and helping to create globally competitive businesses in innovative, high-growth industries. In pursuit of its mission, Enterprise Florida works closely with a statewide network of economic development partners and is funded both by the State of Florida and by private-sector businesses.

#####

Convergys Corporation, a global leader in relationship management, is adding 500 customer care and technical support positions at its Orlando area contact center in Lake Mary, Florida. (Read more)

Voalte Inc., innovator of health care communications technology, plans to add 50 new jobs as the company expands its facility in Sarasota County. (Read more)

Media Advisory - Enterprise Florida board to meet Aug. 4 in Tampa

Contact:  Stuart W. Doyle

(407) 956-5689

sdoyle@eflorida.com 

Media Advisory

Enterprise Florida board to meet Aug. 4 in Tampa

What: Quarterly meeting of the Enterprise Florida Board of Directors

When: Thursday, Aug. 4, 2011 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Where: Renaissance Tampa International Plaza Hotel, 4200 Jim Walter Blvd., Tampa, FL 33607  

*                      *                      *

Enterprise Florida, Inc. (www.eflorida.com) is a partnership between Florida's business and government leaders and is the principal economic development organization for the state of Florida.  Headquartered in Orlando, Enterprise Florida’s mission is to diversify Florida’s economy and create better paying jobs for its citizens by supporting, attracting and helping to create globally competitive businesses in innovative, high-growth industries. In pursuit of its mission, Enterprise Florida works closely with a statewide network of economic development partners and is funded both by the State of Florida and by private-sector businesses.

#####

Emerson, a diversified global manufacturing and technology company, has selected Sunrise, Fla., as the site for its Latin American regional headquarters. (Read more)

Site Selection's Life Sciences Report highlights Governor Rick Scott and Florida's initiatives at the 2011 BIO International Convention. (Read more)

Florida's largest Medicare health plan contractor, today announced plans to add another 200 positions to its fulltime workforce at its national Medicare service operations center in Tampa. (Read more)

In an unprecedented achievement, three student teams from Embry-Riddle's Daytona Beach campus recently took first, second, and third place in the Runway Safety/Runway Incursions Challenge category of the 2010-2011 Design Competition for Universities sponsored by the Federal Aviation Administration. (Read more)

In an unprecedented achievement, three student teams from Embry-Riddle's Daytona Beach campus took first, second, and third place in the Runway Safety/Runway Incursions Challenge category of the 2010-2011 Design Competition for Universities sponsored by the Federal Aviation Administration. (Read more)

Space Coast and Jacksonville were selected by Area Development magazine as two of 30 U.S. Locations to Watch in 2011. (Read more)

Four Florida counties (Palm Beach #1, Martin #4, Orange #7 & Leon #9) have been named national leaders in information and communications technology in their respective population categories in the 2011 Digital Counties Survey. (Read more)

Lake Mary-based BlueChip Energy has received approval to develop a 40 megawatt solar farm in Lake County -- the largest privately owned solar farm in the State of Florida and one of the largest in the United States. (Read more)

Tampa's business environment and employment market have attracted StreetLinks Lender Solutions and 250 new Florida jobs. (Read more)

Orlando's newest digital media and game development company, Row Sham Bow Inc., will hire 60 people during the next three years for its game development studio focusing on mobile and social media games. (Read more)

CNN Money named two Florida schools, Indian River State College and Palm Beach State College, to its new list of America's ten most affordable colleges. (Read more)

U.S. News & World Report gave Florida hospitals top marks in their respective specialties in an annual ranking of America's Best Hospitals. Nine Florida hospitals earned nearly 30 awards, including a #1 ranking in Ophthalmology. (Read more)

Want to know how Florida became the 2nd fastest growing biotech market in the U.S.? Check out our new blog post to learn more. (Read more)

Octex LLC will nearly double its footprint in Sarasota County and add 80 jobs over five years as the company expands to meet demand for its custom plastic injection molding services. (Read more)

The Country Network is moving its corporate headquarters to Boca Raton and West Palm Beach's Synergy Technical Solutions Corporation is expanding. (Read more)

The clean economy in Florida ranks 7th among the 50 states and the District of Columbia, according to the new "Sizing the Clean Economy: A National and Regional Green Jobs Assessment" produced by The Brookings Institution. (Read more)

The National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases, part of the National Institutes of Health, has awarded a $25 million grant jointly to researchers from the Vaccine & Gene Therapy Institute, Florida (VGTI FL) and the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). (Read more)

Forbes has declared Orlando 1 of 10 U.S. metro areas most primed for growth in the coming decade. (Read more)

The Center for Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) has been selected to manage the International Space Station US National Laboratory and maximize utilization of the orbiting outpost for scientific and technological research and development and the advancement of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. (Read more)

The latest innovations for the military are coming out of top international companies housed in Florida. Many are clustered in the continually developing field of C4ISR-Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance. (Read more)

Florida Atlantic University and the Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute of Florida in Port St. Lucie have reached an agreement to collaborate on research, education and training. The collaboration will involve sharing facilities and equipment, co-hosting joint seminars and preparing joint grant applications to state and federal agencies. (Read more)

Pivotal Therapeutics Inc. announces the opening of its U.S. headquarters at the Research Park at Florida Atlantic University. The U.S. location will focus upon the commercialization and product distribution of its lead cardiovascular product VASCAZE(TM). (Read more)

In its fourth expansion in Sarasota County since 1991, Aso LLC will locate its Millenium Coating LLC subsidiary in Sarasota County, a move that will add 50 new jobs over five years. (Read more)

New Enterprise Florida grant to aid small companies with Brazil trade

Contact: Stuart Doyle

(407) 956-5689

sdoyle@eflorida.com

New Enterprise Florida grant to aid small companies with Brazil trade

ORLANDO, FL (July 12, 2011) – Enterprise Florida has launched a grant program designed to help smaller companies (up to 500 employees) engage in trade with Brazil. 

The Team Florida Business Expo & Trade Mission Grant targets companies that are new or infrequent exporters to Brazil and plan to participate in Enterprise Florida’s forthcoming Brazil mission, scheduled for Oct. 23-27.

Companies meeting those criteria can receive the grant, which offers the mission’s Gold Key & Trade Expo package for $500 for one company representative.  (The cost, otherwise, is $1,200 for the first company representative.)  Manufacturers are preferred, and priority will be given to businesses within the state’s targeted industries for economic growth and diversification:  aviation & aerospace, clean energy, homeland security & defense, information technology, life sciences and professional services.  Applicants must be a legally registered Florida business with at least a three-year history.

Eligibility will be determined by the U.S. Commercial Service in Brazil and Enterprise Florida, which will consider whether the grant applicant offer products and services of interest to the Brazilian market.

Only a limited number of grants are available, so, they’re being offered on a first-come/first-served basis.  The registration deadline is Sept. 7.

“Brazil boasts one of the largest and fastest growing economies in the world. The mission will provide a great opportunity for Florida companies to enter or expand their market share in the Brazilian market,” said Manny Mencía, Enterprise Florida’s senior vice president of International Trade & Business Development.  “Participants will be able to network with high level business and government leaders, meet one on one with local companies interested in their products and identify distributors and joint venture partners.”

Enterprise Florida is coordinating this Team Florida (governor-led) mission as part of its strategy to market Florida products and services internationally.  For this occasion, the goal is to expand trade and investment ties between Florida and Brazil, the state’s top export market.  In 2010, Florida exports to Brazil exceeded $13.7 billion. 

Three participation options are available to Florida businesses:

1. Trade Expo & Gold Key – offers one-to-one appointments with prequalified Brazilian companies already interested in a business relationship with the Florida participant’s company.  These meetings will be arranged by the U.S. Commercial Service in São Paulo.  This option also includes booth space at the Florida Expo Trade Show and admission to Team Florida networking events.  ($1,200 for first representative; $600 for each additional)

2. Trade Expo – provides booth space at the Florida Expo Trade Show and admission to Team Florida networking events.  ($950 for first representative; $600 for each additional)

3. Delegate – admits participants to all Team Florida networking events.  ($795)

Registrations are being taken by Juliana Peña at (305) 808-3388 or jpena@eflorida.com, and Jay Sumners at (305) 808-3389 or jsumners@eflorida.com.  The deadline is September 7.

*                      *                      *

Enterprise Florida, Inc. (www.eflorida.com) is a partnership between Florida's business and government leaders and is the principal economic development organization for the state of Florida.  Headquartered in Orlando, Enterprise Florida’s mission is to diversify Florida’s economy and create better paying jobs for its citizens by supporting, attracting and helping to create globally competitive businesses in innovative, high-growth industries. In pursuit of its mission, Enterprise Florida works closely with a statewide network of economic development partners and is funded both by the State of Florida and by private-sector businesses.

#####

Florida companies net record sales at Hospitalar

Contact:  Stuart W. Doyle

(407) 956-5689

sdoyle@eflorida.com

Florida companies net record sales at Hospitalar

Enterprise Florida coordinated businesses’ participation at Latin America’s largest medical tradeshow

ORLANDO, FL (July 06, 2011) – Florida companies that attended Hospitalar, Latin America’s premier heath care tradeshow, collectively generated a record sales total of $1.26 million, more than double the 2010 tally, $577,000.

“This was the highest sales figure ever, since we began organizing Hospitalar’s Florida Pavilion in 2006,” said Michael Schiffhauer, who heads European trade development for Enterprise Florida.

Furthermore, the combination of projected sales with actuals for 2011 amounted to $21.2 million, exceeding 2010’s sales forecast of $20.3 million.

Regarding trade leads, Florida businesses generated 262 this year, 15 higher than in 2010.

Hospitalar 2011 took place May 24–27 in São Paulo, Brazil, attracting 79,000 visitors from 70 nations.  More than 3,100 exhibitors featured products, equipment, services and technology for hospitals, laboratories, pharmacies, health clinics and medical offices.

“Each year it draws an even larger group of exhibitors and attendees, from medical manufacturers to physicians and clinicians,” said Schiffhauer.  “We recognize the importance of Florida having a strong presence at events like Hospitalar, and how participation can positively affect trade opportunities with Brazil, our largest global trade partner.”

Earlier this year, Enterprise Florida launched its Brazil Market Expansion Initiative, which aims to increase export trade and Brazilian investment into Florida.  In line with this goal, Enterprise Florida re-established a site in São Paulo to help smaller companies do business with Brazil.

“Brazil is a complex market that requires a lot of homework before engaging in business activity,” Schiffhauer explained.  “Many of our Florida firms are doing just that as indicated by these exceptionally good results from Hospitalar.”

Since 2006, eight to10 Florida companies annually have promoted their products and services in the Florida Pavilion at Hospitalar.  Nearly half the U.S. companies that exhibit at the show are from Florida.  Those that showcased from this year’s Florida Pavilion were:

Alachua County

- Endoscopy Replacement Parts, Newberry

Broward County

 - AOTI Inc., Tamarac

Miami-Dade County

- Atlas Specialty Lighting, Hialeah

- Gaumard Scientific, Miami

- Kuznik Optical, Coral Gables

Pinellas County

- Biopsy Sciences, Clearwater

- Sun Med Healthcare, Largo

Seminole County

- Alicia Diagnostics, Sanford

*                       *                       *

Enterprise Florida, Inc. (www.eflorida.com) is a partnership between Florida's business and government leaders and is the principal economic development organization for the state of Florida.  Headquartered in Orlando, Enterprise Florida’s mission is to diversify Florida’s economy and create better paying jobs for its citizens by supporting, attracting and helping to create globally competitive businesses in innovative, high-growth industries. In pursuit of its mission, Enterprise Florida works closely with a statewide network of economic development partners and is funded both by the State of Florida and by private-sector businesses.

#####

5D Composite Inc., based in Ontario, Canada, plans to relocate part of its manufacturing operation to Sarasota County in 2011 and create 120 jobs. (Read more)

Sypris Electronics, LLC, a subsidiary of Sypris Solutions, Inc., announced it has opened its new state-of-the-art Cyber Collaboration Center within its Tampa, Florida headquarters. (Read more)

Alachua-based biotechnology company Pasteuria Bioscience Inc. has partnered with Syngenta, the largest agri-business company in the world, to develop nematode control products for agricultural and specialty crops. (Read more)

Wendy's has chosen to bring their Latin American and Florida corporate headquarters to Sunrise. (Read more)

Through an expansion of its Pinellas Park, Florida facility, Nautical Structures Industries, Inc. plans to create an estimated 30 jobs over three years. (Read more)

Aided by a $900,000 grant from NASA, Advanced Magnet Lab's scientists will develop a computer model to tell the agency how to build an electric jet. (Read more)

Altadis USA, one of the largest cigar companies in the US, announced that it will expand its 22 year headquarters presence in Fort Lauderdale through integrating administrative functions of a related company, Commonwealth Brands, currently located in Bowling Green, KY. (Read more)

For the second year in a row, Valencia Community College ranks first in the nation in the number of associate degrees awarded by a community college. The ranking was published on Monday by Community College Week. (Read more)

Orlando-based Connextions, Inc., a pre-eminent technology and business services partner to the health care industry, to add 1,200 jobs in Orlando due to new business growth within its health care customer base. (Read more)

The Tradition Center of Innovation, a 150-acre research park within the planned community of Tradition in Port St. Lucie, Fla., continues to gain momentum as a thriving life science research park focused on streamlining the commercialization pipeline through its well-renowned anchor institutions. (Read more)

Community Hospitality Healthcare Services based in Placida, has been awarded $63 million in New Markets Tax Credits authority from the U.S. Treasury to assist businesses in severely distressed communities build, expand, or rebuild older, non-productive facilities to meet the needs of their communities. (Read more)

Great HealthWorks has been awarded a Florida Quick Response Training Grant that will help create 346new jobs over the next two years and provide customized training for new employees. (Read more)

Florida is home to 2 nationally ranked leaders in solar energy. Florida Power & Light Co. ranks #2 for total megawatts and Jacksonville Electric Authority ranks #7 for watts/customer. (Read more)

The Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) recognized GRU this month as one of the country's leading utilities for integrating solar power into its energy portfolio. (Read more)

Newsweek has named 43 Florida schools, including 2 of the Top 10, to the 2011 list of America's Best High Schools. (Read more)

Gov. Rick Scott to highlight Fla.’s business growth plan during BIO conference

Contact: Stuart Doyle

(407) 956-5689

sdoyle@eflorida.com

Gov. Rick Scott to highlight Fla.’s business growth plan during BIO conference

Gov. Scott’s keynote address at a breakfast briefing to overview state’s biotech market industry growth, business advantages

ORLANDO, FL (June 24, 2011) – On Tuesday morning, Governor Rick Scott will signal that Florida is “open for business” during his keynote remarks at a breakfast event that will highlight the success of Florida’s life sciences cluster development.  It will be held at the Renaissance Washington, D.C. Hotel Downtown, prior to the start of that day’s BIO International Convention activities.

The state has emerged as the second fastest growing biotech market in the U.S., having in recent years become a base for noted research centers including the Scripps Florida, Max Planck Florida Institute, Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies, VGTI Florida and Hussman Institute for Human Genomics.

“We’re at the table,” affirmed Florida Secretary of Commerce Gray Swoope, who also serves as president & CEO of Enterprise Florida.  “Florida’s pro-business climate has made us very competitive in this market.”  And, attesting to Florida’s being a favorable locale for life sciences businesses will be industry leaders who will share personal perspectives on the state’s success in this arena:

- Scripps Florida -- Scott Forrest, Director of Technology Development

- Max Planck Florida Institute – Claudia Hillinger, Vice President for Institute Development

- Accentia Biopharmaceuticals/Biovest International – Doug Calder, Vice President, Strategic Planning & Capital Markets

- Lake Nona Medical City – Thad Seymour, Vice President, Life Sciences

Also during the breakfast, Enterprise Florida will present the state’s newest Life Sciences Market Brief, a 12-page in-depth examination on this industry in Florida.

At 10 a.m. Tuesday at the convention, Enterprise Florida and Abbott Laboratories will present “Addressing the Major Medical Challenges of Today with Personalized Medicine:
Cancer, Diabetes and Brain Injury,” which John Carroll, FierceBiotech editor and BIO Program Committee co-chair has deemed “A Top 10 ‘Can’t Miss” session.  The following
presenters will comment on recent advances made at several Florida-based organizations that are at various stages of development:

- Dr. William Dalton, President/CEO & Center Director, Moffitt Cancer Center and Founder, M2Gen

- Dr. Carlos Santos, Chief Scientific Officer, Accentia Biopharmaceuticals/Biovest International

- Dr. Leslie Molony, Senior Director, Business Development, Sanford - Burnham Medical Research Institute

- Dr. Jackson Streeter, CEO, Banyan Biomarkers

Their discussion will cover a range of topics regarding treatment for cancer, diabetes and brain-injuries including the development of anti-cancer vaccines and new approaches to diabetes diagnosis.  Karen Long, DVP Medical, Clinical and Regulatory Affairs, Abbott Laboratories, will moderate.

This year’s convention is expected to draw more than 15,000 participants from biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations worldwide.

“We look forward to building and strengthening relationships that can lead to solid business prospects and job growth, ultimately enhancing our efforts to further diversify Florida’s economy,” Swoope said.

Enterprise Florida, Inc. (www.eflorida.com) is a partnership between Florida's business and government leaders and is the principal economic development organization for the state of Florida.  Headquartered in Orlando, Enterprise Florida’s mission is to diversify Florida’s economy and create better paying jobs for its citizens by supporting, attracting and helping to create globally competitive businesses in innovative, high-growth industries. In pursuit of its mission, Enterprise Florida works closely with a statewide network of economic development partners and is funded both by the State of Florida and by private-sector businesses.

#####

BlueGrace Logistics, in expansion mode for more than a year, plans to add dozens of additional positions to the 50 or so new jobs already created. (Read more)

Nominations for Governor’s Business Diversification Awards due Friday

Contact: Stuart Doyle

(407) 956-5689

sdoyle@eflorida.com

Nominations for Governor’s Business Diversification Awards due Friday 

Program honors businesses for job growth, economic investment feats

            ORLANDO, FL (June 23, 2011) – If your company falls into one of the sectors listed below, it’s eligible to compete for a Governor’s Business Diversification Award.  It recognizes businesses for making noteworthy contributions toward Florida’s economic development efforts.  

- Aviation/Aerospace   

- Cleantech 

- Corporate Headquarters

- Distribution/Logistics    

- Education/Training

- Emerging Industries

- Financial/Professional Services 

- Homeland Security/Defense 

- Information Technology   

- Life Sciences

- Manufacturing   

- Marine

- Trade/Export Services

            The entry deadline is June 24 at 5 p.m. ET., and the application is available online via Enterprise Florida’s Web site, www.eflorida.com/govawards.

The nomination of a business can be made by a local or regional economic development organization, or a professional or industry association.  Self-nominations are acceptable, also.  Three awards will be given in each of these categories:

- Governor’s Business Expansion Award:  For Florida companies that expanded their operations in 2010, investing capital and creating jobs for Floridians.

- Governor’s Newcomer Award:  For new-to-Florida companies that began business operations in 2010.

- Governor’s Export Excellence Award:  For Florida companies with new or significant increases in documented export sales in 2010.

- Governor’s Entrepreneurship Award:  For Florida start-up companies (less than 5 years old) that have set a standard for entrepreneurship and creativity.

- Governor’s Innovation Award:  For Florida companies, organizations or institutions that through product or process best exemplified innovative leadership in 2010.

- Governor’s Green-to-Gold Award:  For Florida companies that through product or process best exemplified "green" leadership as it pertains to the state's goal to become a leader in this emerging field.

The winners will be announced in September during Industry Appreciation Week, the third week of the month.  The awards will be presented at that time during a special event.

            Corporate sponsors for this program this year are Bank of America and Florida Trend.

            For more information about the Governors Business Diversification Awards and entry requirements, businesses and economic development organizations can contact:

Luis Pérez-Codina
External Affairs Program Manager
(850) 298-6638 or gbda@eflorida.com 

www.eflorida.com/govawards

*                      *                      *

Enterprise Florida, Inc. is a partnership between Florida's business and government leaders and is the principal economic development organization for the state of Florida.  Headquartered in Orlando, Enterprise Florida’s mission is to diversify Florida’s economy and create better-paying jobs for its citizens by supporting, attracting and helping to create businesses in innovative, high-growth industries.  In pursuit of its mission, Enterprise Florida works closely with a statewide network of economic development partners and is funded both by the State of Florida and by private-sector businesses.

#####

The University of South Florida has joined the elite of the world's top innovators as one of 14 universities and university systems that rank in the top 300 organizations granted U.S. Patents last year, according to the Intellectual Property Association. (Read more)

Florida's Workforce and Job Training rank #1 in the nation, according the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Chamber Foundation. (Read more)

Jacksonville's SOHO Network Solutions, Inc. was named the nation's #1 Exporter of the Year in the Safety & Security Industry by Commercial News USA, the official export promotion magazine of the U.S. Department of Commerce. (Read more)

Jacksonville's growing port operations have attracted PLS Logistics Services and new 100 Florida jobs. (Read more)

Did you know that Florida is home to the 2nd largest number of aviation, aerospace and space establishments in the United States? Read the new Florida Aviation & Aerospace Market Brief to learn what makes Florida an industry leader. (Read more)

Orlando-Kissimmee has been ranked 8th on Monster.com's list of the nation's top 10 metro areas for jobs. (Read more)

Business prospecting Enterprise Florida's focus at Paris Air Show

Contact:  Stuart W. Doyle

(407) 956-5689

sdoyle@eflorida.com

Business prospecting Enterprise Florida’s focus at Paris Air Show
            
ORLANDO, FL (June 20, 2011) – This week, Enterprise Florida, the state’s principal economic development organization, is leading a delegation of 14 Florida businesses to the 49th International Paris Air Show, which is considered the world’s pre-eminent aviation and aerospace trade fair.  To be held at Paris’ Le Bourget Airport from June 20-26, this biannual event will draw at least 331,000 attendees including 138,000 trade visitors, and more than 200 official delegations from 88 countries. 

“Our participation will help us to raise Florida’s profile as a first-rate center for aviation,” said Florida Commerce Secretary Gray Swoope.  “Aside from giving Florida companies access to this prestigious event and the international market, we’re able to showcase Florida’s attributes as a leading state for aviation and aerospace development, investment and innovation.”

Swoope, who’s also Enterprise Florida president, has a weeklong agenda that’s focused on enhancing the state’s economic development and ultimate job recruitment.  “My schedule this week includes anywhere up to 10 meetings on some days with business prospects,” Swoope said. 

Florida’s pavilion, which Enterprise Florida coordinated, will be the largest among those sponsored by U.S. states.  “The 14 small to medium-sized companies and institutions representing Florida should get significant business out of the show,” said Manny Mencía, Enterprise Florida’s senior vice president who oversees its international business division.  “The results, as in the past, will demonstrate our success in leveraging our overseas trade developments efforts to generate investment.”

The Florida delegation includes aviation, aerospace and defense firms and economic development organizations from across the state.  Mencía emphasizes that as part of the Florida Pavilion, smaller businesses are able to mitigate many of the cost and time constraints associated with participation in such a major event.  “We’re helping to make it possible for small and medium-sized industry firms and local economic offices to have a presence at a major, recognized worldwide event such as the Paris Air Show.

Florida Pavilion participants

Bay County

- Sonalysts Inc. -- Panama City

Broward County

- Associated Aircraft Manufacturing and Sales Inc. -- Fort Lauderdale
- Future Metals -- Tamarac

Collier County

- Loos & Company Inc. -- Naples

Duval County

- Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce -- Jacksonville

Miami-Dade County

- AAXICO – Miami
- Avionica Inc. --  Miami
- Beacon Council (Miami-Dade County's official economic development partnership) -- Miami
- Infinity Air Inc. -- Doral

- Wood Group Turbopower, Inc. -- Miami Lakes, Fl 33014

Orange County

- DSE, Inc. -- Orlando
- JBT AeroTec (formerly FMC Technologies Inc.) -- Orlando

Palm Beach County

- Relli Technology Inc. -- Boca Raton

Volusia County

- Embry Riddle Aeronautical University -- Daytona Beach

*  *  *

Enterprise Florida, Inc. (www.eflorida.com) is a partnership between Florida's business and government leaders and is the principal economic development organization for the state of Florida.  Headquartered in Orlando, Enterprise Florida’s mission is to diversify Florida’s economy and create better paying jobs for its citizens by supporting, attracting and helping to create globally competitive businesses in innovative, high-growth industries. In pursuit of its mission, Enterprise Florida works closely with a statewide network of economic development partners and is funded both by the State of Florida and by private-sector businesses.

#####

CNNMoney highlights FireIce, a breakthrough product made by Jupiter-based GelTech Solutions, in Small Business: Innovation Nation. (Read more)

Jacksonville Aviation Authority announced that it received support from the State of Florida in its efforts to transform Cecil Airport into a 21st century commercial spaceport when Space Florida officially designated Cecil as a "Space Territory" on June 9. (Read more)

AT&T is hiring 100 new technicians in Florida, noting that the state has "one of the most competitive economies for technology investment." (Read more)

Boca Raton is now home to the largest-single Tyco International facility in the world, a 171,500 square-foot facility that will employ about 800. (Read more)

Thai satellite company Thaicom Plc. has chosen Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) to launch the new Thaicom 6 telecommunications satellite from its Cape Canaveral launch site in the second quarter of 2013. (Read more)

LEDTOLITE Inc., which designs and manufactures LED lighting fixtures and drivers, is moving to a larger facility in Sarasota County and plans to add 26 new jobs over five years. (Read more)

A world-renowned team of University of South Florida researchers are set to become the new North American training directors for an advanced generation of laser scanners in a unique collaboration with Lake Mary-based FARO Technologies. (Read more)

Workforce Central Floria, in partnership with Seminole State College of Florida, graduated the first group of participants of its Cyber Security Training program that provides training support and job placement to adults and develops the workforce needed to prevent network attacks. (Read more)

Florida East Coast Railway is excited to partner with the state of Florida and Broward County to deliver an intermodal container transfer facility at Port Everglades. (Read more)

Central Florida is home base for the Army's first multiplayer war-game training program that simulates human motion for infantry and other ground-combat soldiers. (Read more)

Melbourne's Harris Corporation was named #1 on Homeland Security Today's list "The Rising 10 of 2011", a list of companies that promise to grow quickly in coming years. (Read more)

Canada-based Toronto Sky Aviation Inc. (TSA), is launching a new aircraft repair company, Aircraft Armature Inc., in Opa-Locka, creating 100 skilled jobs in less than three years. (Read more)

Canadian armored car and ATM maintenance company Garda World Security Corp. is moving its U.S. headquarters out of California and into Boca Raton, bringing 100 white collar jobs to Palm Beach County. (Read more)

Aviation Week showcases Florida's avionics expertise by highlighting industry leading companies doing business in the state, such as Harris Corporation, Honeywell, L-3 Communications Corp., and Rockwell Collins. (Read more)

CEC Motor & Utility Services will locate in Manatee County to remanufacture industrial motors for high energy efficiency, creating 36 jobs over the next five years. (Read more)

Maitland-based AcAe Software, LLC has announced plans to expand their Central Florida operations, a move expected to create 93 new positions within the next three years. The company provides high-tech design, consulting, and support services for companies using electronic design automation software. (Read more)

Olympusat, Inc., a leading provider of independent programming networks, is adding 45 new jobs, and Michael Rybovich & Sons, Inc., a start-up company that manufactures, repairs and maintains boats will create 25 new jobs. (Read more)

Salazar Machine and Steel breaks ground on a 20,000 square foot facility at the Immokalee Airport that will create 50 new jobs. (Read more)

A Lake City customer service call center is adding 130 full-time jobs to handle inbound customer calls for a global satellite TV company. (Read more)

Professional Aircraft Accessories, Inc., a full service, FAA certified repair station specializing in the repair and overhaul of landing gear, accessories, instrumentation, pressurization, radio, radar avionics and airframe components is adding 20,000 square foot and 50 jobs in Brevard County. (Read more)

Three Florida cities, St. Petersburg (#1), Tampa (#7), and Miami (#10) were named to AmericanStyle Magazine's list of Top 25 Arts Destinations in the United States. (Read more)

The fact that there is a U.S. Export Assistance Center in Fort Lauderdale and the decision to relocate the office to Port Everglades is a testament to the current trade activity here and highlights the important partnership between the County and Federal Government which is sure to be strengthened by this move. (Read more)

The Washington Post has named 149 Florida high schools to its High School Challenge list of America's top 1,900 public high schools, including 4 of the Top 20. (Read more)

In just the few short years the Lighting Science Group has been around, the company has gone from a tiny operation to a worldwide leader in energy efficient lighting, with plans to add 200 more workers on Florida's Space Coast in the next 18 months. (Read more)

Florida is home to 3 of the Top 20 Most Well-Read Cities in America (Miami, Gainesville and Orlando)--more than any other state, as ranked by Amazon.com. (Read more)

Check out our latest blog post to hear Ricardo Schneider, president and CEO of the Dutch company Danfoss Turbocor, share how Florida's favorable business climate has helped his company grow. (Read more)

The University of Florida breaks groun on its new Clinical and Translational Research Building, a120,000-square-foot complex that will speed scientific discoveries to patients. (Read more)

Florida's Advanced Solar Photonics will soon become the nation's 3rd largest producer of Solar PV Panels. Besides bragging rights, this expansion will also create 50+ new Central Florida jobs. (Read more)

Progressive, the auto insurance subsidiary of The Progressive Corp., will hire 110 new sales and customer service representatives between now and the end of June. (Read more)

Metro Orlando took a bite out of the Big Apple on Tuesday when the City Beautiful announced it had become the first U.S. travel destination to draw more than 50 million visitors in a single year. (Read more)

A Palm City company known for its healthy pet foods has purchased land in Jupiter and plans to build a new headquarters and distribution facility. (Read more)

Florida Hospital is improving its laboratory testing capabilities with new state-of-the-art equipment from Roche Diagnostics that is designed to help labs increase their testing capacity and deliver reliable results with greater efficiency. The high-volume, automated system will allow patient blood samples to pass through the testing process untouched by human hands. (Read more)

FairWarning Inc., a St. Petersburg-based electronic health records manager, will hire 70 additional employees over the next two years, according to a company release. (Read more)

Drawn by Orlando's strong IT talent base, Team Cymru, a specialized Internet security research firm, joins the rapidly growing list of companies relocating to Florida. (Read more)

Florida's reduced costs and efficiency advantages helped convince Skybridge Technology Group to move their manufacturing operations out of South Carolina and into Florida. (Read more)

Lockheed Martin Corp.'s Orlando operations have received two new contracts together worth nearly $70million to produce advanced cruise missiles and armored-vehicle gunnery-training simulators. (Read more)

Pemco World Air Services, a leading MRO company attracted by Tampa's talented workforce, moves its corporate headquarters out of Alabama and into Florida. (Read more)

The federal government has approved the Jacksonville Port Authority's bid to create an expanded foreign trade zone for Northeast Florida. (Read more)

California, Texas and Florida are the top states for veteran-owned businesses, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. (Read more)

Gov. Scott to lead Brazil mission, Florida busines invited

 Contact: Stuart Doyle
 (407) 956-5689
 sdoyle@eflorida.com

Gov. Scott to lead Brazil mission, Florida businesses invited

ORLANDO, FL (May 20, 2011) – Representatives of Florida businesses are invited to join Gov. Rick Scott on his first mission to Brazil, which is scheduled for Oct. 23-27 with São Paulo as the destination.

"Brazil boasts one of the largest and fastest growing economies in the world. The mission will provide a great opportunity for Florida companies to enter or expand their market share in the Brazilian market," said Manny Mencía, Enterprise Florida's senior vice president of International Trade & Business Development.  "Participants will be able to network with high level business and government leaders, meet one on one with local companies interested in their products and identify distributors and joint venture partners."

Enterprise Florida is coordinating this Team Florida (governor-led) mission as part of its strategy to market Florida products and services internationally.  For this occasion, the goal is to expand trade and investment ties between Florida and Brazil, the state's top export market.  In 2010, Florida exports to Brazil exceeded $13.7 billion.

Three participation options are available to Florida businesses:

1.    Trade Expo & Gold Key – offers one-to-one appointments with prequalified Brazilian companies already interested in a business relationship with the Florida participant's company.  These meetings will be arranged by the U.S. Commercial Service in São Paulo.  This option also includes booth space at the Florida Expo Trade Show and admission to Team Florida networking events.  ($1,200 for first representative; $600 for each additional)

2.    Trade Expo – provides booth space at the Florida Expo Trade Show and admission to Team Florida networking events.  ($900 for first representative; $600 for each additional)

3.    Delegate – admits participants to all Team Florida networking events.  ($795)

Registrations are being taken by Juliana Peña at (305) 808-3388 or jpena@eflorida.com, and Jay Sumners at (305) 808-3389 or jsumners@eflorida.com.  The deadline is September 7.

Brazil offers ample opportunities for U.S. exporters in a various business sectors to support its efforts to increase industrialization, attract energy and transportation investments, and cultivate export-led growth.  The best prospective exports categories include:

- Aircraft and parts, including engines; airport equipment and systems

- Architecture and design; engineering and consulting services

- Automotive parts, equipment; emergency vehicles, parts

- Banking, including trade finance and private wealth management

- Biological and biodiversity conservation

- Building and insulation materials; construction equipment

- Computers and peripherals; IT systems design and integration; software

- Cosmetics

- Digital media and entertainment

- Electric power systems and transmission equipment, including developing smart grids

- Electronic integrated circuits and micro-assemblies

- Energy efficiency and retrofits

- Homeland and cybersecurity solutions

- Hydraulic systems

- Industrial machinery

- Insurance

- Legal services

- Marketing and advertising services

- Medical and surgical equipment

- Mining and exploration equipment

- Optical and photographic equipment

- Pharmaceuticals and biologics

- Photovoltaic units 

- Security systems and safety equipment

- Telecommunications equipment and services

- Thermal control and refrigeration equipment

- Tourism

- Transportation and wholesale trade

*  *  *

Enterprise Florida, Inc. (www.eflorida.com) is a partnership between Florida's business and government leaders and is the principal economic development organization for the state of Florida.  Headquartered in Orlando, Enterprise Florida's mission is to diversify Florida's economy and create better paying jobs for its citizens by supporting, attracting and helping to create globally competitive businesses in innovative, high-growth industries. In pursuit of its mission, Enterprise Florida works closely with a statewide network of economic development partners and is funded both by the State of Florida and by private-sector businesses.

#####

Media Advisory- Rural Issues Working Group Meeting

Contact:  Stuart Doyle

(407) 956-5689

sdoyle@eflorida.com

May 17, 2011

Media Advisory

RURAL ISSUES WORKING GROUP MEETING

What: The Enterprise Florida Inc., Rural Issues Working Group

When: Monday, May 23, 2011, 10a.m.

Where: Hampton Inn, 450 S.W. Florida Gateway Drive, Lake City, FL 32024

The Rural Issues Working Group identifies issues that adversely effect economic development in rural Florida and proposes actions to Enterprise Florida.  Rural is defined as a county with a population of less than 75,000 or a county with a population of less than 125,000 but contiguous to a county with a population of less than 75,000.

Agenda

I. Review of 7-Point Plan

II. Update on Rural Catalyst Projects

III. Public Comment

 *                      *                      *

Enterprise Florida, Inc. is a partnership between Florida's business and government leaders and is the principal economic development organization for the state of Florida.  Headquartered in Orlando, Enterprise Florida’s mission is to diversify Florida’s economy and create better-paying jobs for its citizens by supporting, attracting and helping to create businesses in innovative, high-growth industries.  In pursuit of its mission, Enterprise Florida works closely with a statewide network of economic development partners and is funded both by the State of Florida and by private-sector businesses.

#####

Northeast Florida has won approval for Florida's first expanded foreign trade zone, which will give businesses a fast-track process for obtaining zone benefits. (Read more)

In a landmark deal, the Army's Orlando-based training and simulation agency has won a $5 million contract to provide medical-care training systems for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' new Orlando medical center and for VA hospitals nationwide. (Read more)

Raymond James has been ranked the nation's #1 full-service brokerage for the third time in four years by SmartMoney. (Read more)

The three-year project is expected to create more than 250 jobs once completed, and will be used by the U.S. Marine Corp., U.S. Navy SEALs, U.S. Army, Federal Air Marshall Service, U.S. Coast Guard, Border Patrol, Customs Enforcement, FEMA and more. (Read more)

Southern Business & Development magazine ranked Panama City-Panama City Beach, FL the number one Top 10 Pro-Business Beach Community in the South. (Read more)

With the passage of the Brownfield District for the City of Titusville, this further positions North Brevard as an area of interest for companies looking to relocate their facilities to our community. (Read more)

Intcomex Inc., a Miami-based distributer of IT products in Latin America and the Caribbean, has raised $22.5 million in equity. (Read more)

More than 500 CEOs considered a wide range of criteria, from taxation and regulation to workforce quality and living environment, to select Florida among the nation's Best States for Business. (Read more)

While the biotechnology industry has weakened across the U.S., Florida has seen a 21 percent jump in the number of biotech companies since 2008 and a surge in investment. (Read more)

Fortune has named 16 Florida companies among the nation's leaders in their respective industries in the 2011 annual rankings. (Read more)

Enterprise Florida, Frost & Sullivan to host technology, business trends webinar May 19

Contact:  Stuart W. Doyle

(407) 956-5689

sdoyle@eflorida.com

Enterprise Florida, Frost & Sullivan to present webinar
on future technology and business trends

ORLANDO, FL (May 9, 2011) – Enterprise Florida and Frost & Sullivan, a business research and consulting firm, will present “21^st Century Technology and Business Trends for the Future,” a free webinar scheduled for May 19 at 2 p.m. EST and 11 a.m. PST.  (Event flier)

Frost & Sullivan will focus on emerging trends in industries such as life sciences, cleantech, aviation and aerospace, which are among those Florida targets for economic growth and diversification.  They’re also noted for their progress with new technologies and business models.

In addition to trends, participants will learn about factors contributing to industry growth and location issues that have influenced CEO decision-making, resulting in corporate success stories in Florida.

Registration is open at frost.com/florida.

Greg Caressi, Frost & Sullivan’s senior vice president of healthcare and life sciences, will moderate the webinar.  Speakers will be:

- Tex Carter, vice president, operations, INEOS New Planet BioEnergy – a joint venture BioEnergy Center currently under construction in Vero Beach, Fla.  Once completed, the center will produce 8 million gallons of bioethanol per year and 6 megawatts of renewable power from vegetative and municipal wastes.

- Jaime Grooms, chairman, co-founder, AxoGen – a leading biotech company that provides surgeons with solutions to repair and protect peripheral nerves.

- Gary Spulak, president, Embraer Aircraft Holding, Inc. – one of the largest aircraft manufacturers worldwide.  The company just opened its first fully owned U.S. plant in Melbourne, Fla.

- Gray Swoope, the new president & CEO, Enterprise Florida Inc., the state’s principal economic development organization.

*                       *                       *

Enterprise Florida, Inc. (www.eflorida.com) is a partnership between Florida's business and government leaders and is the principal economic development organization for the state of Florida.  Headquartered in Orlando, Enterprise Florida’s mission is to diversify Florida’s economy and create better paying jobs for its citizens by supporting, attracting and helping to create globally competitive businesses in innovative, high-growth industries. In pursuit of its mission, Enterprise Florida works closely with a statewide network of economic development partners and is funded both by the State of Florida and by private-sector businesses.

#####

Join Frost & Sullivan, in partnership with Enterprise Florida, to gain insights into the megatrends driving the life sciences, cleantech and aviation/aerospace industries forward over the next twenty years, and the location issues impacting CEO decisions today. (Read more)

xByte Technologies, a reseller of Information Technology equipment, plans to more than double its footprint in Manatee County and add 38 new jobs in the next five years. (Read more)

All Children's is the first US hospital outside of the Baltimore/Washington DC region to achieve membership within Johns Hopkins Medicine, which includes The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the Johns Hopkins Hospital and Health System. (Read more)

Florida's airports dominated the New York Times rankings for most competitive fare pricing. (Read more)

Service Provider Group, a $1.4 billion Professional Employee Organization based in Tennessee, is moving a newly acquired company and a branch of one of its own subsidiaries to Punta Gorda. The 46 employees from First Financial and 70 new employees of The Payroll Source will be co-located in downtown Punta Gorda, with many of the payroll company employees being hired locally. (Read more)

Private Jet Charter, one of the world's largest independent private jet charter brokers and consultants, unveiled an aggressive expansion plan in North America by establishing its regional office in Fort Lauderdale to serve as its charter hub for the United States and Canada. (Read more)

Enterprise Florida selects Lisa Templin-Rayborn as partner relations director

Contact:  Stuart W. Doyle

(407) 956-5689

sdoyle@eflorida.com

Enterprise Florida selects Lisa Templin-Rayborn as partner relations director

ORLANDO, FL (April 28, 2011) – Lisa Templin-Rayborn has joined Enterprise Florida as director of partner relations, a position that serves as a liaison to local and regional economic development organizations statewide. 

The director also facilitates Enterprise Florida’s involvement with its Stakeholder Council, a group of 50-plus representatives from businesses, industry associations, and workforce and economic development organizations who provide guidance on broad, long-range issues.  Among them are competitiveness, marketing, urban/inner cities, rural communities, and international trade and investment.  

Before assuming this role, Templin-Rayborn spent two years as a branding coach and owner of The Branding Box, a consulting firm based in Clermont, Fla.  Other positions have included regional account supervisor for Zimmerman Advertising in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; vice president, development services for the Orlando Regional Realtor Association; and director of marketing for Saks Fifth Avenue in Orlando. 

A native of Lisbon, Ohio, Templin-Rayborn came to Florida via the Disney College Program.  She earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism with a minor in advertising and public relations at the University of Central Florida.

*                       *                       *

Enterprise Florida, Inc. (www.eflorida.com) is a partnership between Florida's business and government leaders and is the principal economic development organization for the state of Florida.  Headquartered in Orlando, Enterprise Florida’s mission is to diversify Florida’s economy and create better paying jobs for its citizens by supporting, attracting and helping to create globally competitive businesses in innovative, high-growth industries. In pursuit of its mission, Enterprise Florida works closely with a statewide network of economic development partners and is funded both by the State of Florida and by private-sector businesses.

#####

Orlando is leading Florida out of recession and expanding so briskly that it is poised to push aside Miami as the state's fastest growing metropolis for at least a generation. Orlando is benefiting from above average jobs growth, a booming health sciences complex and cheap housing prices. (Read more)

It's not often that Gainesville is named in the same breath as big cities like Las Vegas, but last week Gainesville brought in another top ranking, coming in #7 on the list of "Greenest Cities in the U.S." (Read more)

Humana, one of Tampa Bay's most prolific job generators throughout the recession, is at it again. The health insurer is hiring another 177 employees between now and July at Humana Cares, its St. Petersburg-based division that provides outreach help over the phone and in person to chronically ill members. (Read more)

Are you interested in clean energy technologies such as advanced li-ion batteries, hydrogen-powered fuel cells, and paper thin batteries? Download our new white paper to learn about the great strides Florida's companies are making in these areas. (Read more)

Comcast plans to open a new Spanish-language call center in Miramar, creating 300 jobs by year-end. (Read more)

John Carroll, Editor of Fierce Biotech, has named Enterprise Florida's Personalized Medicine session (#261) one of this year's BIO International Top 10 Can't Miss Sessions. (Read more)

OpenPeak, a company selling touchscreen devices and a cloud-based device management platform that streamlines deployment and management for service providers and enterprises, has raised $27.9 million. (Read more)

Palm Bay joined Duluth, Minn., Evanston, Ill., Buffalo, N.Y., and six other cities in earning the distinction of Best Places To Start a Business in 2011, according to the website Askmen.com. (Read more)

JPMorgan Chase is continuing its aggressive push into Florida with plans to open 37 more branches statewide this year, investing more than $50 million in new Florida branches over the next two years. (Read more)

Auxis, Inc., a leading South Florida management consulting firm, has partnered with Project Performance Corporation, a global management consulting firm, to fulfill a contract for $99.7 million with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (Read more)

Lockheed Martin Corp.'s Orlando training-systems division has landed a five-year Army contract to make advanced sensors, monitors and other instruments for armored-vehicle gunnery ranges across the country. (Read more)

In a partnership that seems fitting for the Sunshine State, scientists at The Scripps Research Institute in Jupiter are teaming with solar energy experts at NextEra Energy and its subsidiary, Florida Power & Light Co., to take solar technology to the next level. (Read more)

PGT Industries, the maker of hurricane-resistant windows and doors, announced in December that it would bring 400 jobs back to Venice through the closing of a plant in Sailsbury, N.C. The company is now looking to hire 150 workers by June 30. (Read more)

Florida State and the Digital Domain Media Group are collaborating in the creation of a new facility, to include the Digital Domain Institute, and the development of a unique program that will result in new educational opportunities, high-tech research programs, high-paying jobs and an economic boost for the state of Florida. (Read more)

Southern Business & Development names Orlando among the Ten Places in the South where Digital Media has clustered, noting "Orlando offers an environment ripe with creative talent, supporting resources and boundless potential for continued development." (Read more)

The Red Hills Surgical Center, a joint venture between Tallahassee Memorial Hospital and 35 local physicians from several area practices, will provide a multi-specialty ambulatory surgery center offering outpatient surgical procedures, as well as an educational observation room. (Read more)

Discount open to Fla. companies registering for Cannes boat show by April 29

Contact:     Stuart Doyle

 (407) 956-5689

sdoyle@eflorida.com

Naples-based Arthrex is building a new biomedical operations and manufacturing facility that will hire 150 employees upon completion, and will add hundreds more jobs over the next few years. (Read more)

Creonix LLC, an advanced electronics manufacturing services company, is expanding its Manatee County facility and plans to add 105 employees over the next five years. (Read more)

Business Xpansion Journal ranks Florida 2nd for Biosciences Branches, 3rd for Biosciences Startups, and 8th for Biosciences Employment. (Read more)

Business Xpansion Journal ranks Florida 3rd for Pharmaceutical Startups, 5th for Pharmaceutical Branches, and 6th for Pharmaceutical Employment. (Read more)

Nominations open for 2011 Governor’s Business Diversification Awards

 Contact:     Stuart Doyle

(407) 956-5689

  sdoyle@eflorida.com

Wells Fargo ranks Florida #1 for high-growth industries and positive regional advantage, noting "the Sunshine State is making important enhancements to its university system to bring in more cutting-edge research, and this should pay off with an even better mix of high-growth industries in future years." (Read more)

Four Florida cities earned top marks as fDi Magazine American Cities of the Future, including Miami which ranked 7th overall. In terms of business friendliness in their respective size categories, Orlando and Ft. Lauderdale ranked #1, followed by Miami at #2 and Tampa ranking 6th. (Read more)

West Palm Beach-based Shoes For Crews, a producer of slip-resistant footwear, is growing to 37,000 square feet and adding 30 new jobs as part of a consolidation of its Las Vegas operation into West Palm Beach. (Read more)

MaxWest Environmental Systems, Inc. today announced a $32.5 million investment in third round funding, which it will use to implement its proprietary MaxWest Gasification System. (Read more)

Orlando and Jacksonville were both named to Kiplinger's list of eleven cities that are enjoying a surprising and welcome upward bounce. (Read more)

Sarasota-based METI, a world leader in interactive human patient simulation, is launching a new Hospital Services Unit. (Read more)

Read today's new blog post to learn about Xhale Innovations, a University of Florida start-up, and its journey to commercialization. (Read more)

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. officially opened a new facility at its Florida Assembly and Flight Operations campus, establishing experimental assembly line operations for the new CH-53K heavy lift helicopter. (Read more)

Lakeland Electric and SunEdison are builing an 18,000-panel solar farm at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport- the largest solar farm at airport in the United States. (Read more)

The Innovation Monthly is your source for the latest news and insights on Florida's Innovation Economy.       

April 2011 Highlights:

·     FPL Unveils Nation's First Hybrid Solar Energy Center

·     Gartner Adds 400 Jobs in Ft. Myers

·     Florida is Ranked a Top 10 State for Entrepreneurial Activity

·     Free White Paper -  Smart Grid Trends, Market Forecast and Technology Innovations 2011

Read Full Newsletter

In Greater Fort Lauderdale, multinational firms find a safe haven and desirable tax climate for corporate operations. (Read more)

Broward County's Port Everglades has been selected for the third consecutive year as the #1 U.S. Homeport by Porthole Cruise Magazine, a world-class leading cruise travel magazine. (Read more)

Palm Beach County could become a new hub of medical education in the state with three new programs planning to operate there in the next few years. (Read more)

Florida is home to 4 of the nation's Best Cities for Minority Entrepreneurs: #5 Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach, #9 Orlando-Kissimmee, #14 Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, #21 Jacksonville. (Read more)

Florida's cutting-edge academic facilities rank among the nation's Top 10 in attracting research and development funding. (Read more)

Gainesville ranks among America's 10 Happiest Cities, and earned the title of the nation's #1 city for Work Environment on Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index. The index was based on six sub-indexes: life evaluation, emotional health, work environment, physical health, healthy behaviors, and access to basic necessities. (Read more)

Enterprise Florida Beijing, Shanghai sites provide China business tie to Fla

Contact:  Stuart W. Doyle

(407) 956-5689

sdoyle@eflorida.com

Cloud security firm Prolexic Technologies has raised $13.9 million in a growth financing. Founded in 2003, Prolexic was the first company to establish global scrubbing centers to stop DDoS (distributed denial-of-service) attacks in the Cloud. (Read more)

Both the University of Miami and the University of Florida took Top 10 spots (ranked 8th and 9th, respectively) on a recent list of America's Top 100 Social Media Colleges. (Read more)

Carlisle Interconnect Technologies, headquartered in Saint Augustine, Florida with multiple factories located around the world is pleased to announce a multi-million dollar expansion that will lead to approximately 90 new jobs over the next two to three years. (Read more)

Serve, whose core operations are based in downtown St. Petersburg, had its genesis in Revolution Money, a St. Petersburg startup that American Express acquired for $300 million. (Read more)

Chromalloy, an international aerospace company based in Orangeburg, N.Y., announced today Palm Beach Gardens will be the new home for its corporate headquarters and Technology Center of Excellence. (Read more)

Titusville-based Knight's Armament was awarded an $82 million contract to make as many as 10,800 sniper night sights for the U.S. Army. (Read more)

The Immokalee Regional Airport is adding new aviation tenants with the construction of a new test facility for turbo gas generators overhauled from former aircraft engines. Turbo Services chose the Immokalee location due to its reasonable cost of living and proximity to highways and the company headquarters. (Read more)

Saft is moving its North American headquarters to Jacksonville where the company is building a $200 million high-tech battery plant. (Read more)

The Central Chapter of BioFlorida and bioOrlando are hosting a statewide life sciences/biomedical cluster update event on Thursday, March 24 at the Sonesta Hotel in Orlando, followed by a networking event and BioFlorida Open House. (Read more)

The University of Florida is hosting a Celebration of Innovation Showcase to feature start-up companies in the areas of life sciences, medical devices, and information technology that are commercializing the latest in cutting-edge technologies generated as a result UF research. (Read more)