Florida: News

The Florida Department of Transportation today applauded the announcement by Workforce Florida Inc. President/CEO Chris Hart IV of a $2 million Quick Response Training Challenge Grant, available to employers in Florida’s logistics and trade industry to support job creation and growth. (Read More)

ORLANDO (May 17, 2013) – Headlines abound with announcements of job creation and business relocation in Florida, and the state’s small businesses have ample reasons to celebrate: They offer the best opportunity for job creation. But, how do smaller enterprises grow to the point of being dependable job creators? This is where MaSBEC comes in.

Enterprise Florida’s Minority & Small Business, Entrepreneurship and Capital (MaSBEC) division is partnering with outside organizations to provide small, minority and entrepreneurial companies with training and development options to help them meet goals while creating more jobs for Florida.

“Our aim is to team with organizations that already support these companies by building their awareness and access to capital, markets, training and other opportunities that can spell success for up-and-coming businesses,” said Louis Laubscher, Enterprise Florida’s senior vice president of Administration. “These organizations are vital to the state’s ability to strengthen its foundation for new job creation.”

MaSBEC’s partners are six leading Florida associations that are well established in supporting small business. A memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Enterprise Florida and the organizations (listed below) overviews their commitment to small, entrepreneurial and minority business support.

• The Florida Advisory Council on Small and Minority Business Development

• The Florida Association of Minority Business Enterprise Officials

• The Florida Consortium of Black Business

• The Hispanic Business Initiative Fund

• The Raise Florida Network – Florida Coalition of Microenterprise Business Development

• The Southern Florida Minority Supplier Development Council

The MOU serves as a foundation for dialogue and outlines responsibilities between the partners. Currently, they are determining how all partnership resources can be coordinated and delivered to minority and small businesses.

“This process will be vital to new job creation as well as strengthening the viability of women-owned, minority and entrepreneurial businesses throughout the state,” said Beatrice Louissaint, president & CEO of the Southern Florida Minority Supplier Development Council. “To produce real results, it must be a team effort that involves the corporate and government sectors plus our communities and educational systems.”

Aside from its progress with the six MOU partners, MaSBEC has collaborated with the University of Central Florida’s GrowFL Economic Gardening Program to identify specific minority businesses statewide for technical assistance. MaSBEC will grant $42,000 for 12 companies that will qualify for the program. GrowFL supports next level growth for businesses that are beyond a start-up stage having viable revenue generation, a stable employment base and a proven product or service. These second-stage companies will receive structured guidance through its Strategic Research Group of experienced, nationally certified Economic Gardening specialists to increase sales and create more jobs.

“GrowFL wants to thank Peter Harris and Bill Spivey for leading this effort and all of our great partners at Enterprise Florida for creating this opportunity. We look forward to continuing our relationship well into the future and being able to serve companies across the state,” said Dr. Tom O’Neal, GrowFL’s executive director and associate vice president of the university’s Office of Research and Commercialization.

These efforts are the first of many toward facilitating the growth Florida’s smaller companies. “Our efforts are a work in progress. Success with these partnerships is success for Florida’s minority and small businesses” Laubscher said.

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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 facilitate job growth for Florida’s businesses and citizens leading to a vibrant statewide economy. 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.

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TALLAHASSEE – Governor Rick Scott today announced Florida’s statewide unemployment rate for April 2013 was 7.2 percent, the lowest rate since September 2008. Down 0.3 percentage points from March’s rate of 7.5 percent, Florida’s unemployment rate continues to fall below the national average of 7.5 percent for April. Over the month, Florida added 16,700 private sectors jobs throughout the state.

Governor Scott said, “Florida’s families are getting back to work and our state’s economy is growing. With 16,700 new private sector jobs added last month and an unemployment rate that continues to decline, Florida is once again below the national average at 7.2 percent.

 “Growing jobs is our top priority and this legislative session we eliminated barriers on manufacturers to ensure Florida is a top destination for manufacturing jobs. Just last week we also welcomed Hertz to Florida and are excited they have chosen to relocate their corporate headquarters to the Sunshine State. It is clear that our policies to create jobs for Florida families and attract new and expanding businesses to Florida is working.”

Since December 2010, Florida’s statewide unemployment rate has dropped nearly four percentage points, from a rate of 11.1 percent to April’s rate of 7.2 percent. In the same timeframe, the national unemployment rate has dropped 1.8 percentage points, demonstrating Florida’s improving economic climate continues to outpace the national recovery. Florida’s unemployment rate has now declined year-over-year for 30 consecutive months.

More Jobs Being Created

 • With the addition of 16,700 private sector jobs over the month, Florida has experienced positive annual job growth now for 33 consecutive months. This adds up to 330,000 new private sector jobs created in Florida since December 2010.

• Florida job postings increased in April 2013 compared to the previous April by 7,977 (+3.2 percent), for a total of 255,567 openings (seasonally adjusted) according to the Help Wanted OnLine data series from the Conference Board.

• Florida’s job growth month-to-month has been positive for 21 of the last 22 months.

• Florida is expected to create more than 900,000 new jobs by 2018, according to the Florida Economic Estimating Conference.

• Job postings for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) occupations in Florida compiled by the Help Wanted OnLine data series from The Conference Board totaled 58,637 (seasonally adjusted) openings in April 2013. Over the year, STEM job postings were up by 3,842 openings (+7.0 percent) compared to April 2012. Over the month, STEM demand in April increased by 2,931 openings (+5.3 percent) from the 55,637 postings in March 2013.

Unemployment Continues to Decline

• Florida’s unemployment rate has now declined year-over-year for 30 consecutive months.

• Initial claims for Reemployment Assistance benefits were down by 10.1 percent from one year ago.

Home Sales Robust

• Home sales remain robust as the backlog of existing homes on the market is down by 33 percent from March 2012 (Florida Realtors). • Florida housing starts were up over the year in March 2013 (the most recent month available) by 41.1 percent and median home prices were up 15.9 percent in March 2013 over the year.

Economic Growth Trends Up Across State

• A recent U.S. Census Survey reported that Florida experienced an influx of people moving into the state. Florida also led the nation in migrations from Puerto Rico.

• Florida is running a trade surplus of over $24 billion – with $86.8 billion in exports and $62.4 billion in imports in 2011, up from $73.1 billion in exports in 2010 and $53.2 billion in imports in 2010.

Workforce Boards Assisting in Employment

• In April, Florida’s 24 Regional Workforce Boards reported more than 41,300 Floridians were placed in jobs. An individual who receives employment and training assistance through a One-Stop Career Center and finds a job within 180 days is deemed a placement and may be reported by a regional workforce board. Of these individuals, 11,457 previously received Reemployment Assistance.

• In 2012, more than 426,000 Floridians were placed in jobs, with nearly 111,173 former claimants finding employment.

To view the April 2013 monthly employment data visit: www.floridajobs.org/labor-market-information/labor-market-information-press-releases/monthly-press-releases.

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Connecticut billionaire Edward Lampert in July became the highest profile hedge fund manager to move himself and his operation to Florida. He’s not alone. As Florida Trend reported last year, four hedge funds looking to escape high taxes had relocated from the Northeast to a single building in West Palm Beach. (Read More)

Support Systems Associates Inc. landed a share of an Army deal potentially worth $1.5 billion to provide helicopter-maintenance services at an unspecified number of military bases. The Melbourne-based company’s work will focus on Apache, Black Hawk and Chinook helicopters. (Read More)

Heavy Equipment Resources of Florida Inc. will be presented with the President's "E" Award for Exports on Monday in Washington, D.C., for its efforts to expand national exports. The award was created by executive order of President John F. Kennedy to recognize people, firms or organizations that significantly contribute to increase United States exports. (Read More)

Harris will team with Computer Sciences Corporation and other subcontractors to provide round-the-clock technical support for the frontline operations of approximately 15,000 law enforcement officers. The Harris team will support the agency’s existing tactical communications networks at multiple locations in the continental U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. (Read More)

Midair S.A., an international aviation company headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, will establish a major U.S. aircraft maintenance operation at Melbourne, Florida, International Airport. It is estimated the $28 million, 180,000-square-foot facility, will have a workforce of 300 to 450 within three years. (Read More)

Harris Corp. received a $40 million order for Falcon tactical radios from the Royal Brunei Armed Forces. The order involves radios that will establish a secure communications network and be a part of Brunei’s broader tactical communications system. (Read More)

Seamless economic development partnerships succeed in bringing 700 high-wage jobs to Lee County 

 

ESTERO, FL (May 8, 2013) – Yesterday, the Hertz Corporation Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mark P. Frissora, Governor Rick Scott and Secretary of Commerce Gray Swoope were joined by a host of community leaders to announce that the Hertz Corporation will move its headquarters to Estero in Lee County, creating 700 high-wage jobs for Floridians and investing $68.75 million in capital in the region. The move is the latest in a string of competitive jobs wins for the state and is further proof that economic development is working in Florida. 

“This announcement is incredibly important for Lee County, Southwest Florida and the entire state,” said Secretary of Commerce Gray Swoope, who also serves as president & CEO of Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI), the state’s principal economic development organization. “To have a Fortune 300 company, especially an industry leader like the Hertz Corporation, relocate its headquarters to Estero is a testament to EFI’s relentless pursuit of competitive economic development projects that benefit Florida’s communities and families.”

The announcement by the Hertz Corporation was the culmination of months of negotiations with the site selection consultant and the company. When Enterprise Florida and its economic development partners in the local communities pursue an economic development project like the Hertz Corporation, the state must demonstrate a compelling business case for the company. In the case of the Hertz Corporation, consolidating their corporate offices to one location will allow for increased efficiencies across the company.  Additionally, access to the Florida travel and tourism population of almost 90 million people, will position the company for long-term growth. Lee County is a well-established travel destination, with easy access to other leading tourism markets including Orlando, Miami/Fort Lauderdale and Tampa/St Petersburg.

“We did not make the decision to relocate lightly. We want to know that Florida was not only attractive to us as a company but also for our employees,” said Mark P. Frissora, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Hertz Corporation. “Florida is a great place to run a business and raise a family and we are proud to be able to call this our new home.”

In addition to location, a key driver in the decision to choose Florida was the access to a vast and diverse talent pool, including 3,000 of the Hertz Corporation’s own employees as well as the existing talent in the state. According to Visit Florida, there are approximately one million employees in the state’s travel and tourism industry making the state a key leader for skilled workers.

Beyond the location and workforce consideration, Florida was able to utilize the tools provided by the Florida Legislature in the state’s economic toolkit including incentives that range from tax credits, tax refunds and workforce training reimbursement grants.  

“When a company like the Hertz Corporation selects your state to relocate its headquarters, it means you’ve created a strong, attractive business climate,” said Brett Couch, Vice Chair of Enterprise Florida’s Board of Directors and Senior Executive Vice President/East Region President of Regions Bank. “I commend Secretary Swoope and his team for the strong performance Enterprise Florida has shown over the last two years. There is a renewed focus on economic development in the state and today’s announcement is a perfect example of the success we can expect to see in the future.” 

The relocation is particularly meaningful for Lee County, an area of the nation among the hardest hit during the recession. According to data from the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Cape Coral-Ft. Myers metro area’s unemployment rate was 13.3 percent in January 2010, 1.6 percentage points higher than the state average. Since then, the region’s numbers have been steadily improving and the unemployment rate for the metro area was 6.8 percent in March 2013. 

An opportunity like this is the reason Lee County established its’ incentive program.  With payroll planned to exceed $70 million a year, this represents increased economic activity for existing local businesses with employees moving to the area and becoming engaged in the fabric of our community, our schools, and civic affairs.  The recognition Lee County will enjoy as the home of Hertz, a Fortune 300 company, will only benefit our efforts to attract other, similar companies for decades to come,” said Jim Moore executive director of the Fort Myers Regional Partnership, Lee County’s Economic Development Office.

Job creation continues to be a priority for Governor Scott, as evidenced by recent economic development announcements from companies like Verizon, Northrop Grumman, Navy Federal Credit Union, Nanotherapeutics and Actavis. So far in 2013, Enterprise Florida has announced 55 economic development projects that are contracted to create nearly 7,600 new jobs and more $803 million in capital investment. 

“We have more than 300 competitive projects currently being pursued by the business development team at Enterprise Florida. Some will be game-changers like the Hertz Corporation while others will create smaller numbers of jobs, but every one of them is important to our state and we will work hard to win them all,” said Secretary Swoope. “We’re excited about the future of economic development in Florida and look forward to being a part of many announcements like the one celebrated in Lee County.”

The project would not have been possible without a strong partnership at the state and local levels. Partners that helped made the project a success included Lee County, the Lee County Industrial Development Authority, Workforce Florida, the Southwest Florida Workforce Development Board, the Fort Myers Regional Partnership and Florida Power & Light.

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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. Enterprise Florida's mission is to facilitate job growth for Florida's businesses and citizens leading to a vibrant statewide economy. 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.

 

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Stumped for years by a natural filter in the body that allows few substances, including life-saving drugs, to enter the brain through the bloodstream, physicians who treat neurological diseases may soon have a new pathway to the organ via a technique developed by a physicist and an immunologist working together at Florida International University’s Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine. (Read More)

Humana is apparently in a healthy internal competition over which of its Tampa Bay operations can grow the fastest. Its latest jobs boost: Humana's NetPark campus in east Tampa is adding 170 call center jobs, primarily telesales positions to market the company's Medicare benefit plans and other products. (Read More)

ORLANDO, Fla. (May 8, 2013) – Grayton Beer Company, LLC, based in Rosemary Beach, is preparing for a multi-year expansion in Walton County that will result in 40 news jobs with salaries averaging $42,855 annually.

“Florida was able to provide Grayton Beer with the talent, resources and partnerships to ensure the company’s continuing growth and investment in our state,” said Florida Secretary of Commerce Gray Swoope, who serves as president & CEO of Enterprise Florida Inc., the state’s lead economic development organization. “This is a win for the families and communities that will benefit from the new jobs that are coming with the business expansion.”

Grayton Beer’s capital expenditures for the project will total more than $1.2 million for production and packaging equipment and enhancements for a new 30,000-square-foot building.

“It has been our goal to expand into our own production and the state of Florida stepped up to help make it a reality,” said Grayton Beer Company President Jamey Price. “We are excited and proud to be adding full-time jobs in South Walton County, especially at a time when unemployment is still so high across the country.”

Before selecting South Walton for its new site, Grayton Beer Company had considered locations in neighboring states. However, it was Florida’s support that led to Grayton Beer expanding in Walton. That support includes for a $542,000 award from the Industry Recruitment, Retention and Expansion Fund (IRREF) Grant Program, which the University of West Florida administers. Senator Don Gaetz authored S.B. 2156, of which the Oil Spill Recovery Act was an important component. The Act allots $10 million annually for three years to eight Northwest Florida counties for research and development, commercialization of research, economic diversification and job creation.

"This project fits exactly the purpose of the Oil Spill Recovery Act passed by the Florida Legislature. Grayton Beer Company brings new jobs that diversify our economy. And there are protections built in to ensure performance and a solid return on investment," said Senator Gaetz.

The company also qualified for a $280,000 Qualified Target Industry (QTI) tax refund during the next five years. A company receives QTI – a tax refund -- after meeting job goals and other contractual requirements.

Organizations that were instrumental to facilitating this expansion were Enterprise Florida Inc., the state’s chief economic development organization, University of West Florida and the Walton County Economic Development Alliance.

“This is a great example of a project that is mutually beneficial for our community and the company. South Walton presents geographic advantages for this brewery’s manufacturing process company, and Grayton Beer Company will provide new full time, high wage jobs in Walton County that we hope will grow beyond the initial 40,” commented Kenneth Pridgen, chairman of the Walton County Board of County Commissioners and the Walton County Economic Development Alliance.

Walton Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Kellie Jo Kilberg added, “The Walton Area Chamber is thrilled to see one of our local entrepreneur’s companies expand and create new jobs in manufacturing to assist in growing wealth and diversifying our economy.”

The state has a strategic emphasis on manufacturing in its economic development initiatives.

“Recruiting and expanding manufacturing operations is vital to our job creation and industry diversification efforts, so Grayton Beer’s growth plan aligns perfectly to our strategy,” Swoope explained. “And bravo to Walton County for helping Florida sustain a business climate that is conducive to corporate growth.”

To inquire about jobs at the new brewery, please email a narrative and a resume to jobs@graytonbeer.com.

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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.

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The Coca-Cola Co. said Tuesday that it is spending $2 billion to support the planting of 25,000 acres of new orange groves in Florida, a move officials are lauding as a major investment in the Sunshine State's citrus industry. Some 5 million new trees will be planted in the new groves, which will be located in Polk, DeSoto and Hendry counties in central Florida. (Read More)

ORLANDO, FL (May 6, 2013) – Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI) has named Maxwell “Max” Stewart as its new regional manager of International Business Development for the Tampa area.

In this role, Stewart will assist companies based in the Tampa Bay region with their exporting and international business recruitment efforts. “I look forward to working with companies in the region to grow their business through the international market,” Stewart said. “Florida is the world’s leading trade hub for Latin American and the Caribbean, and my goal is to assist companies in benefiting from our global trade access.”

Goods worth more than $162 billion flowed through Florida's airports and seaports in 2012. Florida is also a major producer and exporter of goods, which reached a record $66.4 billion in 2012.

“Max brings great experience to our team and we know he will be an asset to our trade efforts,” said Michael Schiffhauer, vice president of International Trade and Field Operations. “He understands the international trade market and will allow us to reach more Tampa area companies that want to boost their business through international sales. We’re happy to have him on board.”

Prior to joining EFI, Stewart worked as president for the World Affairs Council of Central Florida, based in Longwood. In this role, he was a director for several international councils and visitor leadership programs. Stewart also managed more than 300 volunteers, led the board of directors’ fundraising and program initiatives, and served as a consul to domestic and international companies interested in trade and business development.

Stewart earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Central Florida. Tampa-area businesses and that are interested in international trade opportunities can contact Stewart at:

                                                                             Max Stewart

                                                                    mstewart@eflorida.com

                                                                          (813) 276-9430

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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 facilitate job growth for Florida’s businesses and citizens leading to a vibrant statewide economy. 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.

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CEO’s from across the nation agree – It’s Working!

TALLAHASSEE – Today, Chief Executive Magazine announced that Florida is the #2 state in the nation to do business, edging closer to knocking Texas off the top spot.

More than 730 CEOs from across the U.S. voted in the survey – the highest response on record. The survey asked CEOs to rank the best states for business based on a wide range of criteria, from taxation and regulation to workforce quality and living environment. 

“CEOs from around the nation recognize IT’S WORKING in Florida. We have cut business regulations, kept taxes low, we have no state income tax and we’ve paid down state debt,” said Governor Scott. “CEOs have also taken notice of our superior living environment noting our education quality, affordability of real estate and excellent transportation system.”

The survey gave Florida high marks in all areas important for business creation and highlighted the state's living environment as well as taxation and regulation.  According to CEOs, Florida now beats Texas in living environment and is closing the gap in taxation and regulation. The article specifically notes, “Governor Rick Scott has made it his priority to streamline state government, reducing 2,300 needless regulations and 12,000 government positions…Scott cut property taxes by more than $210 million and eliminated the state tax for 63 percent of the businesses that paid it when he was elected.”

“Today's announcement reaffirms that Florida is the perfect climate for business,” said Secretary of Commerce Gray Swoope, who also serves as president & CEO of Enterprise Florida. “Florida is a super-state for business. We have the location, infrastructure and workforce needed for any business to be successful.”

Florida’s economy continues to grow. The state’s unemployment rate has dropped by more than three percentage points from two years ago – the second biggest drop in the country. Florida’s unemployment rate is now below the national average and is at its lowest point since October 2008.  In addition, the Sunshine State’s businesses have created more than 320,000 new private-sector jobs in the last two years, and 32,000 in March alone. 

Florida has made the grade in a number of recent rankings, including:

• Fast Company, the world's leading progressive business media brand, named Florida the No. 1 state for innovation in its May 2013 magazine.  

• Florida ranks #1 for exports in Brookings’ Top 10 State and Metropolitan Innovations to Watch.

• Florida’s Tax Climate is among the Top 5 best for business.

• Florida ranks among the 10 Best States for Starting a Business by CNBC.

View CEO Magazine's survey.  Learn more information on why Florida is the Perfect Climate for Business.

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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.  Enterprise Florida’s mission is to facilitate job growth for Florida’s businesses and citizens leading to a vibrant statewide economy.  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.

FORT MYERS, FL – Governor Rick Scott and Hertz today announced that the company will locate its worldwide headquarters to Estero, Florida from Park Ridge, New Jersey. Over a two-year period, up to 700 jobs will be relocated starting later this year, while more than 2,000 personnel will remain in New Jersey and the metro-New York City area, including up to 150 employees who currently work in Park Ridge. All other Park Ridge employees will be able to retain their current positions at the new headquarters in Ft. Myers, scheduled to be completed in early 2015.

Governor Rick Scott said, “It is great news for Florida that Hertz has chosen Lee County to relocate its corporate headquarters. These 700 jobs, along with opportunities for continued growth in Southwest Florida, will make a big impact across the Sunshine State. We are proud to say that Florida is not just a top destination for vacationers, but for growing businesses from all around the world. We have a diverse and highly-skilled workforce, no personal income tax and pro-business attitude. We have had an incredible economic turnaround in the past two years with the creation of nearly 300,000 private-sector jobs. Our economic formula in Florida to create jobs and opportunities for families to succeed is working and it is clearly why Hertz chose to relocate here. We worked closely with Hertz to make this relocation a reality and we look forward to their continued growth in the Sunshine State.”

Hertz made the decision to relocate to Florida following its recent acquisition of the Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, which is currently headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Consolidating the corporate offices to one location will allow for increased efficiencies and cost synergies across the company. Additionally, access to the Florida travel and tourism population will position the company for long-term growth.

Hertz Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mark P. Frissora said, “After our recent business expansion, we have been looking for the right location to blend Hertz and Dollar Thrifty head office employees. Florida is the center of the U.S. travel and tourism industry – this move enables us to be closer to leisure and business customers, as well as many travel and association partners. As part of this move, we will open off-airport and retail car sales stores on our headquarters campus, which will enable us to experiment with new services and monitor customer satisfaction first hand. Additionally, Florida provides ready access to a vast and diverse talent pool, including 3,000 of our own employees, as we grow our businesses. Lee County, on the Southwestern Gulf Coast of Florida, is a well-established travel destination with tremendous growth potential, with easy access to other leading tourism markets including Orlando, Miami/Fort Lauderdale and Tampa/St Petersburg.”

Secretary of Commerce and president & CEO of Enterprise Florida, Inc. Gray Swoope said, “This is an incredibly important accomplishment for Southwest Florida as well as the entire state. When a Fortune 300 company chooses to move its headquarters to a state and create so many high-wage jobs, it shows confidence in the state’s ability to compete. Hertz recognizes the very favorable business climate the Governor has created and they want to grow here. I want to thank the Governor, Lee County, the Lee County Industrial Development Authority, Workforce Florida, the Southwest Florida Workforce Development Board, and the Fort Myers Regional Partnership for working with EFI in making this project a success.”

Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Executive Director Jesse Panuccio said, “When a corporate headquarters of a Fortune 300 international company like Hertz chooses Florida, it is a recognition that Governor Scott’s pro-growth economic policies are working. Because of Hertz’s decision to relocate to Florida, many families in Lee County will have new opportunities for economic prosperity.”

Hertz and Dollar Thrifty have more employees in Florida than in any other state except California, and Florida rents more cars per capita than any other state. Hertz chose Lee County because of its diverse community appeal, work force availability and accessibility. The company worked closely with Governor Rick Scott, Enterprise Florida as well as other state and county government and business leaders throughout the decision-making process.

About The Hertz Corporation: Hertz operates its car rental business through the Hertz, Dollar and Thrifty brands from approximately 10,400 corporate, licensee and franchisee locations in North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia, Australia, Africa, the Middle East and New Zealand. Hertz is the largest worldwide airport general use car rental brand, operating from approximately 8,800 corporate and licensee locations in approximately 150 countries. Hertz is the number one airport car rental brand in the U.S. and at 111 major airports in Europe. Dollar and Thrifty have approximately 1,580 corporate and franchisee locations in approximately 80 countries. Hertz is an inaugural member of Travel + Leisure's World's Best Awards Hall of Fame and was recently named, for the thirteenth time, by the magazine's readers as the Best Car Rental Agency. Hertz was also voted the Best Overall Car Rental Company in Zagat's 2012/13 U.S. Car Rental Survey, earning top honors in 14 additional categories, and the Company swept the global awards for Best Rewards Program and Best Overall Benefits from FlyerTalk.com. Product and service initiatives such as Hertz Gold Plus Rewards, NeverLost®, and unique cars and SUVs offered through the Company's Adrenaline, Prestige and Green Traveler Collections, also set Hertz apart from the competition. Additionally, Hertz owns the vehicle leasing and fleet management leader Donlen Corporation and operates the Hertz On Demand car sharing business. The Company also owns a leading North American equipment rental business, Hertz Equipment Rental Corporation, which includes Hertz Entertainment Services.

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TALLAHASSEE, FL (March 21, 2013) - Today, Governor Rick Scott announced that Actavis, Inc. (NYSE: ACT), a leading specialty pharmaceutical company formerly known as Watson Pharmaceuticals, plans to expand its pharmaceutical manufacturing and warehousing facilities in Davie, resulting in the creation of 220 jobs.

Gov. Scott said, “I welcome Actavis’ expansion and thank them for choosing the Sunshine State. We are excited to see Actavis create 220 new jobs for Florida families. Since December 2010, Florida’s private-sector has created over 280,000 jobs and our state’s unemployment rate is below the national average for the first time in five years. There is no doubt that Florida is moving in the right direction and the steps we are taking to create an environment where our businesses can grow is working.”

The expansion will involve the construction of a 30,000-square-foot addition comprising approximately 16,700 square feet of pharmaceutical manufacturing space and 13,000 square feet of warehouse space.

To increase production, the company will invest about $40.5 million at the Davie site, which will include the construction of the additional space as well as investment within its existing facility.  Construction is slated to begin in the third quarter of 2013, with completion anticipated in one year and initiation of operations to follow.

The Davie facility is Actavis’ center for excellence for the manufacturing of immediate and extended release pharmaceuticals. Organizations that assisted the company in facilitating its expansion were Enterprise Florida Inc., Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance, State of Florida and the Town of Davie.

“We are honored to have the support of the leaders of Town of Davie, Enterprise Florida and Governor Rick Scott as we continue to expand our presence in Florida.  Actavis is proud to support Florida and [the] Town of Davie economy with skilled, pharmaceutical industry jobs, and we are committed to expansion of employment opportunities in the region,” said Paul Bisaro, president and CEO of Actavis, Inc.  “In addition to Davie, we also have packaging and distribution functions in Sunrise, Florida and pharmaceutical research and development operations in Weston, Florida.  Our Anda, Inc. division, the fourth largest distributor of pharmaceuticals in the U.S. is also located in Weston.  In total, Actavis employs approximately 1,400 people in Florida.”

The company’s growth is welcome news to its local community.  Town of Davie Mayor Judy Paul said, “We are very happy to have Actavis in Davie and were very pleased to work with the company in their expansion.  As one of Davie’s major employers, Actavis has been a vital part of our community for many years.  This expansion is very exciting and we wish them every future success.”

Bob Swindell, president and CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance, shared Paul’s views from a county-wide perspective. “Actavis is one of Broward County’s leading employers and their expansion is a great indicator that our efforts to grow the important and strong South Florida life sciences cluster continues to pay off,” Swindell added.

Actavis has been approved for nearly $2.9 million in grants, tax refunds and employee training incentives (state and local) to support its expansion.

“Actavis’ choice to build its future in Broward County is a winner for Florida.  It’s a testament to the strength of the local and state business climate,” said Florida Secretary of Commerce Gray Swoope.  “It’s also the outcome of a mutual vision for economic growth by local, regional, business and government partners.”

The Actavis Davie manufacturing facility, in operation since 1992, comprises manufacturing, warehouse, quality, engineering and shared services.  The site manufactures about 2.2 billion units annually and is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Health Canada, and the European Medicines Agency.

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TALLAHASSEE, FL (March 5, 2013) - Governor Rick Scott released the following statement today after Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) announced that the company is designating five centers of excellence across the country, two of which will be in Florida. Northrop Grumman announced that it is creating these centers of excellence to improve its strategic alignment with its customers’ need for increasingly innovative and affordable products, services and solutions. It will establish a Manned Aircraft Design Center of Excellence in Melbourne, Florida, which will include work currently being done at other company locations. Northrop Grumman also announced that they will establish an Aircraft Integration Center of Excellence in St. Augustine, Florida.

Governor Rick Scott said, “We are grateful for Northrop Grumman’s existing presence in our state and that they have chosen to establish two new centers of excellence here – one in St. Augustine and one in Melbourne. Northrop Grumman’s investment in Florida means more than 1,000 new jobs for our state and builds on our strong record of job creation over the last two years. Florida is already ranked number two in the nation for businesses to grow and succeed, and we won’t stop until we are number one. More companies continue to move here from other states like New York and California because Florida is committed to cutting taxes and eliminating regulations to help job creators succeed at creating more jobs.” 

Gray Swoope, Secretary of Commerce and president & CEO of Enterprise Florida said, “Northrop Grumman’s continued investment in the state is a testament to Florida’s competitiveness and supportive business climate. The importance of having strong strategic partners cannot be overstated: Governor Scott, Enterprise Florida and the professional economic development teams in both communities and the region made it possible to move quickly and to put together a competitive case for Northrop Grumman to grow its presence in Florida.” 

Northrop Grumman’s full announcement is available here. 

Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in unmanned systems, cybersecurity, C4ISR, and logistics and modernization to government and commercial customers worldwide. Please visit www.northropgrumman.com for more information.

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Considered a laggard compared with the rest of the country by economists during the Great Recession, Florida now regularly outpaces the U.S. in rebounding employment, housing starts and other key measures. That trend continued Friday, when the Labor Department reported that the nation's jobless rate fell in April to 7.5 percent, a four-year low. (Read More)

Leaders of Florida's medical device industry gather this coming week in St. Petersburg for the 10th anniversary of the Florida Medical Manufacturers Consortium. State lawmakers agreed to a sales tax exemption on manufacturing equipment, a win that medical device makers and others say will help keep Florida's modest base of manufacturing more competitive with other states and countries. (Read More)

Forbes has ranked Jacksonville among the 10 best cities for finding employment. The ranking reflects considerations such as: the diversity of industries in the city, the cost of living, the range in size of companies offering employment, and high level of education among its residents. (Read More)

Embraer Executive Jets celebrated what the company is calling "a major milestone in its history" - delivery of the first of up to 125 Phenom 300 light jets to NetJets. Embraer assembles its Phenom 100 and Phenom 300 business jets at a facility Melbourne International Airport. Also based at the airport is the company's North American Customer Center for other lines of jets. (Read More)

Tallahassee – Governor Rick Scott today applauded the Florida Legislature for passing priority legislation to eliminate the sales tax that manufacturers pay when purchasing equipment in Florida.

Governor Rick Scott said, “This is a huge victory for families across Florida. For too long, Florida manufacturers have been targeted by a tax on manufacturing equipment that other states didn’t burden their companies with. With this legislation, that unfair advantage came to an end. By removing the tax on manufacturing equipment, Florida businesses will now be able meet their full potential and finally be on a level playing field when competing against other states and countries. Manufacturers outside of our state will now have access to our 15 ports and incredible workforce. I applaud the Legislature for doing the right thing to grow jobs and opportunities for Florida families. This is a huge victory for the Sunshine State.”

Senator Dorothy Hukill said “The elimination of the tax on manufacturing equipment was a top priority for families in Central Florida – and this will provide area businesses with more resources to expand and hire more workers. I especially want to thank Governor Scott for his unwavering support of job growth.”

Representative MaryLynn Magar said, “I was proud to join Governor Scott in our efforts to grow jobs for the people of Florida. This is a tremendous victory for manufacturers in the state, and will lead to more job growth and greater prosperity for families in Palm Beach and Martin County."

Mark Wilson, President and CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce said, “The state of Florida took a major step forward in making our state more competitive. For far too long, Florida has been at a competitive disadvantage by being the only state on the Atlantic seaboard and on the Gulf coast to charge sales taxes on manufacturing equipment. As Florida's trade and logistics industry grows, and as we are poised to take advantage of the expansion of the Panama Canal, lifting the manufacturing and equipment sales tax will help ensure Florida is prepared to take full advantage of these new opportunities, to double Florida-origin exports in the years to come, and to create more high-skill, high-wage manufacturing jobs."

Tom Feeney, President and CEO of the Associated Industries of Florida said, “Tonight was a huge win for Florida manufacturers and the state’s economy. I want to applaud Governor Scott and the Legislature for eliminating the tax on manufacturing equipment. With this tax eliminated, Florida manufacturers will have the opportunity to compete and succeed nationally.”

Doug Wheeler, President & CEO, Florida Ports Council said, “Increasing manufacturing in the state of Florida is key to growing exports and increasing the high-paying, stable jobs available around the state. The Florida Ports Council is grateful for the vision and commitment by Governor Scott and the Florida Legislature in making sure that our economy continues to grow and succeed.”

Florida Power & Light Co. President Eric Silagy said, “Our company knows that when Florida thrives, we all win, and in this spirit, we applaud the Governor’s leadership and Legislature’s commitment to lowering taxes to make Florida even more competitive. Manufacturers employ thousands of Floridians and can drive broad economic growth. When products ranging from tabletops to turbines are being built here in Florida, it’s good news for every one of us who call this state home.”

Bill Herrle, Florida Executive Director of the National Federation of Independent Business said, “On behalf of NFIB and our state's small-business community, tonight is a huge victory for Florida manufacturers. We appreciate Governor Scott’s commitment this session to eliminating barriers on manufacturers. This is a win for Florida.”

Bill Johnson, chairman of the Florida Ports Council and Port Director of PortMiami said, “Speaking on behalf of the Florida Ports Council and as Director of PortMiami, I would thank the Governor and Florida Legislature for their work on this important issue. Eliminating the manufacturing machinery and equipment sales tax, provides a powerful incentive for increased manufacturing in our state and will help create much needed jobs. Growing manufacturing in Florida is vital to increasing international trade and commerce. For seaports, this is not only about the inbound cargo containers. We also need to fill the outbound containers if we are to realize our goal to make Florida a major logistics hub and compete in the global marketplace. We can only do this by increasing our manufacturing sector, thereby boosting export opportunities.”

Roy Schleicher, JAXPORT CEO said, “Increasing the manufacturing of Florida goods will support efforts to grow exports and international trade in our state. With JAXPORT’s exceptional connections to global trade lanes, manufacturers can already get their goods quickly to market. In order to attract more manufacturing, adopting this legislation will eliminate unnecessary obstacles to their success so we fully achieve our mission of providing jobs and opportunity for Florida citizens.”

Wayne Stubbs, Port director of Port Panama City said, “Florida’s modern ports combined with a positive business climate is a winning combination. Governor Scott’s initiative to eliminate sales tax for investments in manufacturing equipment will help us all attract new manufacturing jobs to our communities.”

Clyde E. Mathis, Port director of Port of Pensacola said, “The Florida Ports community is greatly appreciative of Governor Scott and the Florida Legislature's hard work on passing and signing into law the sales tax emption on manufacturing machinery and equipment. This effort will result in increased manufacturing across Florida and an increase in our participation in exporting goods to the global economy. Florida's ports have prepared our infrastructure system."

Manny Almira, Port Director of Port of Palm Beach said, “There is no doubt that the ports in Florida will benefit from an increase in manufacturing in our state. We are confident that the elimination of the sales tax on manufacturing equipment passed by the Florida Legislature and championed by Governor Rick Scott will ultimately help the Port of Palm Beach and all of Florida’s ports.”

Paul Anderson, Tampa Port Authority CEO said, “I applaud the Governor and the Florida Legislature for the passage of legislation eliminating the state sales tax on manufacturing machinery and equipment. This legislation is a critical step that illustrates how our policymakers are recognizing the importance of supporting manufacturing and freight movement that will propel our economy forward.”

Nancy Stephens, Executive Director of the Manufacturers Association of Florida said, “Representing Florida’s manufacturing community, I applaud the Florida Legislature for passing legislation that will help grow manufacturing jobs in the Sunshine State. Cutting taxes for manufacturers will help ensure Florida’s economy continues to prosper.”

Peter Bartolotta, Executive Director, and a board member of the North Port Economic Development Corporation said, “Manufacturing is key to helping Florida’s economy move forward and we saw a victory today in the Florida Legislature with the passage of Governor Scott’s priority to eliminate barriers on manufacturers.”

Kelly Smallridge, CEO, Business Development Board of Palm Beach County said, "The elimination of the tax on manufacturing equipment is a huge win for Florida. This will give businesses the ability to invest in their companies and employees, which means we’ll generate more jobs and opportunities for Florida’s economy. The Governor and the Legislature deserve a lot of credit for passing this smart initiative."

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Santa Rosa County, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott announced Priton, LLC will hire 200 employees during the next three years in Santa Rosa County and make a capital investment of more than $2.9 million.

Priton, LLC is the Pennsylvania-based manufacturer of “MyHouse” affordable, prefabricated homes. The prefabricated homes also include related electrical and plumbing parts, appliances, cabinets, and related connections to complete the production of the home.

Governor Scott said, “Florida’s 15 seaports create prime export opportunities for companies like Priton, and continue to make Florida the best place in the nation to do business. The policies we have put into place over the last two years are working. Since December 2010, Florida has created more than 300,000 private-sector jobs and our unemployment rate has dropped to 7.5% - below the national average. I thank Priton for choosing to create jobs and opportunities for our Florida families.”

Priton’s 200 new direct jobs will include plant managers, administrative staff, mixing plant operatives, blending plant operatives and inventory/shipping workers. Along with the 200 workers hired directly, the new company is estimated to indirectly create an additional 380 new jobs.

"The senior management and plant location team for Priton, LLC wants to complement the Santa Rosa EDO Staff, especially Shannon Ogletree, for all the capable assistance, key resources and information provided,” said Jeff Selph, director of operations and partner for Priton. “This group not only helped us make the decision to locate here but also has made our start up and transition proceed seamlessly."

“Santa Rosa County looks forward to a long, mutually beneficial relationship with Priton, LLC as the newest corporate citizen in our industrial park,” said Santa Rosa County Administrator Hunter Walker.

The Santa Rosa County Economic Development Office, Enterprise Florida Inc. and Department of Economic Opportunity partnered with Priton to bring this project to fruition.

Florida Secretary of Commerce Gray Swoope said, “Priton’s choice to move to Florida results from a common vision for economic growth by local, regional, business and government partners. Today’s announcement is a great win for Northwest Florida as well as for the entire state.”

Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Executive Director Jesse Panuccio said, “The addition of 200 new jobs over the next few years will contribute to Santa Rosa County’s economic recovery and declining unemployment rate. This project is a great example of how local, state, and private entities work together to attract new and expanding businesses in Florida.”

Priton qualified for the state’s Qualified Target Industry Tax Refund ($120,000) and a Brownfield Redevelopment Bonus Refund ($500,000), both of which are performance-based incentives whereby the company receives funds after job goals and other contractual requirements are met.

Additionally, the company will receive an Industry Recruitment, Retention and Expansion Fund Grant (IRREF) of $2.35 million, which is aimed at increasing high-skilled, high-wage jobs in Florida.

“Helping our successful businesses stay and expand in Northwest Florida is key to the region’s continued recovery from the impacts of the Deep Water Horizon Oil Spill,” said Senate President Gaetz (R-Niceville). “I’m grateful to my colleagues in the legislature and to Governor Scott for their continued support of the Oil Spill Recovery Act. I’m confident that by showing our support and commitment to our existing companies, we are sending the right message to private sector job creators looking to expand or relocate to Florida.”

About Priton Priton is an established building manufacturer with years of hands-on experience working with both public and private partnerships. Through our experience in building and manufacturing large scale housing developments, we discovered that we could lower overall home costs and decrease construction time by focusing on new and innovative ways to build homes. By improving each step of the construction process, we found you can also create better materials, higher energy efficiencies, and impressive structural improvements while maintaining an affordable price with an incredibly fast build time.

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DRS Technologies Inc. was awarded a $15.5 million contract by the U.S. Army for an advanced targeting system. The prototype Joint Effects Targeting System will be worked on at DRS’s Networking & Imaging Systems Group facilities in Dallas and Melbourne, Fla. (Read More)

Continuing to focus on creating jobs and opportunities for Florida families, Governor Rick Scott recently highlighted his plan to eliminate the sales tax that manufacturers pay when purchasing equipment in Florida. The Governor’s proposed tax cut will help Florida’s economy continue its extraordinary momentum. (Read More)

Floridians’ consumer confidence rose three points to 79 in April — the second consecutive monthly increase, according to a new University of Florida survey. Florida’s mood is at odds with the national consumer confidence index, which as measured by the University of Michigan, dropped two points after recovering from a deeper slide in early April. (Read More)

Tallahassee, Fla. – Governor Rick Scott today announced that Education Training Corporation (Anthem Education) has chosen Fort Lauderdale for the expansion of its newly consolidated North American headquarters.  The expansion will create 70 jobs paying annual salaries averaging more than $50,000 as well as retain 85 positions.

The company also will invest more than $300,000 in additional capital expenditures for construction, renovation and leasehold improvements and the purchase of computer equipment, office furniture, fixtures and other property.  

Governor Scott said, “Florida is known for educational excellence and job creation – and Anthem Education’s expansion in Ft. Lauderdale is more proof of our success. With more than 320,000 jobs created in the last two years, our strategies of cutting taxes, paying down debt, and investing in K-12 education are paving the way for more opportunities for Florida families.” 

Anthem Education CEO David Knobel said, “Greater Fort Lauderdale provides us with an expansive area that welcomes growing businesses and a rich and diverse pool of talent for future growth.  We appreciate the assistance provided by Governor Scott, Enterprise Florida, the City of Fort Lauderdale and the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance CEO Council in our selection process.”

Florida Secretary of Commerce Gray Swoope, who serves as President & CEO of Enterprise Florida, the state’s lead economic development organization, also acknowledged the partnerships that helped move Anthem Education’s expansion forward.  "I thank the local, regional, corporate and government partners who share our vision to heighten Florida’s stature as a business state.  By bringing this project to fruition, we are maintaining a business climate that favors and supports the establishment of headquarters operations,” said Swoope.  “Even more, companies like Anthem Education are developing the talent and skill base needed for tomorrow’s economy."

“The expansion of Anthem Education is further evidence of the revitalized economic climate in the Sunshine State,” said Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Executive Director Jesse Panuccio. “This new headquarters will not only add jobs to the community and value to the local economy through capital investments, but will also contribute to Florida’s excellent talent pipeline.”

Anthem Education operates as a post-secondary educational institution with 34 campuses in 14 states.  The company operates its campuses under the names Florida Career College, Anthem College, Anthem Career College, Anthem Institute, The Bryman School of Arizona and Morrison University.   

Anthem Education has operated in Florida since 1982 and has grown and expanded its schools and programs to meet the needs of students and businesses and currently offers career-focused programs in various subject areas, such as allied healthcare, information technology, technical trades and others at each of its 12 locations throughout Florida.  In April 2012, Education Training Corporation acquired Arizona based High-Tech Institute Holdings, Inc., (doing business as Anthem Education) with 22 campuses in 14 states. 

On the local front, Fort Lauderdale Mayor Jack Seiler and Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance CEO Council Chairman Ray Ferrero Jr. shared their views on Anthem Education’s expansion and its impact.  

“We are very happy to welcome Anthem Education to our city for their new and expanded North American headquarters location, and we look forward to seeing them continue to grow their base of operations here. We wish them all future success,” said Seiler.

As per Ferrero, “We are delighted that Anthem Education has chosen to locate their consolidated North American headquarters in Greater Fort Lauderdale.  Their decision ratifies the CEO Council’s mission to market Greater Fort Lauderdale as a premier location for corporate and international headquarters, and we look forward to celebrating their growth and success in the years to come.”  

To support Anthem Education’s expansion project, the state and the City of Fort Lauderdale approved Anthem Education for a Qualified Target Industry (QTI) tax refund totaling of $350,000 ($280,000 from the state and $70,000 from the city). Companies approved for QTI do not receive funds until jobs goals and other contractual requirements are met.  

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Gainesville - Today, Governor Rick Scott announced that Mobiquity, a leading professional services firm, has selected Gainesville as the site for its expansion and will add 260 jobs over the next three years. Driven by significant company growth and industry demand for its mobile app development expertise, Mobiquity selected Gainesville as the perfect location to expand, leveraging the engineering talent at the University of Florida and in the broader community.

Governor Scott said, “Mobiquity’s decision to expand in Florida and create 260 jobs is great news for our families. Today’s announcement shows that Florida’s STEM workforce continues to rapidly grow. Strong support for STEM fields is enhanced by Florida’s top-notch higher education institutions - like the University of Florida. Florida is the perfect place for businesses to succeed and grow, and for Florida families to be able to live their version of the American Dream.”

The Council for Economic Outreach worked with local and state partners including representatives from the University of Florida, Santa Fe College, Innovation Square, FloridaWorks, the City of Gainesville, Alachua County, and Enterprise Florida, Inc. to show Mobiquity that Gainesville is truly a leading hub for innovation and technology.

“The unique combination of highly educated students, graduates and professionals, and an ideal location, brought us to Gainesville,” said Bill Seibel, founder and CEO of Mobiquity. “The University of Florida provides a rich pool of engineers that will allow us to meet the demand of our clients to create quality, enterprise–class mobile solutions, while generating more jobs right here in the U.S. It is a win/win.”

"The addition of Mobiquity to the Gainesville area is testimony to the outstanding effort of the Council for Economic Outreach in working with so many stakeholders to showcase the talents and potential of Gainesville,” said Gainesville Mayor-Elect Ed Braddy. “The number of jobs created and the economic boon to the city is a further step towards a prosperous community that we want for all of our citizens."

The Council for Economic Outreach, the designated economic entity for Alachua County, has been working to recruit Mobiquity since December 2012 when the company first decided to expand from its Boston, MA headquarters.

“The dedication to fostering innovation in our thriving community is quickly becoming known throughout the nation and the world,” said John Carlson, chairman of the Council for Economic Outreach. “Keeping our world-class talent produced by our educational institutions has been a main focus in developing our innovation economy, and the recruitment of growing, innovative companies like Mobiquity and the 260 jobs that it plans on creating exemplifies that focus.”

Mobiquity expects the office to be located in Innovation Square, the live/work/play research community being developed on Southwest Second Avenue between the UF campus and downtown Gainesville.

Cammy Abernathy, dean of UF’s College of Engineering, welcomed the announcement. “In order to compete in today’s global economy, employers like Mobiquity must be able to recruit employees that are not only technically proficient but also those who can also innovate and communicate. Gator Engineering graduates not only have a long standing legacy of professional excellence, they are also trained to think and act as leaders and creative problem solvers,” she said. “We are very proud that the excellence of our students and faculty served as a key ingredient in recruiting Mobiquity to Gainesville. Together with the rest of the community, we extend our warmest welcome.”

Mobiquity plans to replicate their successful model like they have already implemented in Boston, leveraging proven agile processes to keep efficiency and quality high, and costs competitive.

“We are thrilled to welcome an innovator like Mobiquity and support their growth with the amazing talent being produced by the University of Florida,” said Ed Poppell, a representative for UF’s Innovation Square. “We look forward to a long and fruitful partnership as they grow and establish themselves here in the Gainesville community.”

About Mobiquity Mobiquity is a leading professional services firm working with the Global 2000 to create engaging enterprise-class mobile solutions and apps that drive business value. Because mobile is in our DNA, clients benefit from how we expertly and effectively blend the three key disciplines that unleash the power and innovation of mobile computing: strategy, user-centered design and core technology. Since inception in 2011, we have worked with more than 140 companies, including CVS, Fidelity Investments, MetLife, the New York Post, Putnam Investments, The Boston Globe and Weight Watchers International. SAP also selected Mobiquity as a partner to help customers develop and implement mobile strategies and applications that optimize investments in SAP enterprise solutions. To learn more, visit www.mobiquityinc.com.

About the Council for Economic Outreach The Council for Economic Outreach (CEO) is the designated economic development entity for all of Alachua County. CEO’s charge is to assist existing businesses through expansion, to help grow new companies in our community and to attract new opportunities to Alachua County. CEO was the first economic development organization in the state of Florida to earn recognition as an Accredited Economic Development Organization by the American Economic Development Council. Learn more at www.gceo.com.

                                                                       

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The JaxPort board unanimously selected Juan Kuryla as its next chief executive. Kuryla said Jacksonville can become “one of the premier ports on the East Coast” and compete “neck and neck” with Savannah, Ga., for cargo container business. He also wants to bring more cruise ships to Jacksonville by utilizing the existing cruise terminal and would focus on increasing the port’s automobile shipping business. (Read More)

In a story titled “A Sunny Outcome: Why Florida’s Startups Are Soaring High,” Fast Company cited some of the state’s lofty superlatives, including the nation’s second-highest rate of new business production, a high ranking on Fundable’s (a leading crowdfunding platform) venture capital rankings, and the No. 3 ranking for annual revenue per startup, with $1.2 million. (Read More)

Fresh off of the news that Florida created 32,000 private-sector jobs in March and that Florida’s unemployment rate is below the national average at 7.5 percent, Governor Rick Scott today unveiled his “One Way” campaign. This campaign is designed to attract Illinois businesses to Florida because of the Sunshine State’s business-friendly environment. Governor Rick Scott said, “My number one priority is to continue to make Florida the number one destination for business so we can continue to create jobs and opportunities for Florida families. My ‘One Way’ campaign is a great way to let businesses in Illinois, and around the world, know that they are welcome in Florida.” To read Governor Scott’s entire letter to all Illinois business leaders, click HERE.

Synergy Health, the firm that bought SRI/Surgical Express, has relocated its corporate headquarters for the Americas to Tampa. The company, provides specialized outsourced services to the health care market currently has about 90 employees and expects to hire 20 to 30 more over the next year, said Dr. Richard Steeves, founder. (Read More)

Port Canaveral contributes $2 billion in revenue and 17,000 jobs to the Central Florida economy annually, according to a Martin Associates study. Much of that impact was related to the port’s cruise operations, the study from the Lancaster, Pa.-based firm, which was presented to the Canaveral Port Authority, said. (Read More)

Governor Rick Scott today announced that 32,400 private-sector jobs were created in Florida last month and the state’s March 2013 unemployment rate decreased 0.3 percentage points to 7.5 percent. This is Florida’s lowest unemployment rate since October 2008 and the second largest drop in the nation as of February. (Read More)

WINTER GARDEN, FL – Governor Rick Scott today announced that iStorage (Storage Management and Leasing Co.), a company that owns and operates storage facilities nationwide, is establishing its corporate headquarters in Winter Garden. This expansion will add 36 positions to the company’s 12-member staff and includes a $3.02 million capital investment by the company.

Governor Rick Scott said, “Everything we do in Florida is geared toward job creation, and it’s working. The news that iStorage is establishing its corporate headquarters in Florida is more proof that we are implementing policies to create more jobs for Florida families. Over the last two years, Florida has created more than 320,000 private sector jobs and our unemployment rate continues to drop.”

Christopher Miller, CEO of iStorage, said, “We are excited to continue growing our business and developing our headquarters in the City of Winter Garden. Winter Garden is family oriented, has a terrific quality of life and the various activities surrounding the West Orange Trail promote active and healthy lifestyles. iStorage commends all of the individuals that have put so much effort into creating a truly great environment and city.”

The City of Winter Garden, Enterprise Florida, Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission and State of Florida partnered with iStorage to bring this project to fruition.

Gray Swoope, President and CEO of Enterprise Florida, Inc. said, “This project is another great example of how Florida provides resources and talent that help companies grow. We have the perfect climate for business.”

Rick Weddle, President and CEO of the Metro Orlando EDC said, “iStorage’s choice to expand and establish their headquarters in the Metro Orlando region shows our viability as a business location thanks to our strong workforce.”

Winter Garden City Manager Mike Bollhoefer added, “Downtown Winter Garden is very desirable to entrepreneurs and start-ups that are looking for a quality urban environment to do business. We are very pleased to have iStorage join our business community,”

iStorage has received approval from the state and City of Winter Garden for a Qualified Target Industry (QTI) Tax Refund of $270,000 and a Brownfield Development Bonus.

Both are performance-based incentives that a company receives after its job goals and other contractual requirements are met.

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The state, ranked No. 2 on the center’s “Parent Power Index,” earns good marks consistently due to its charter laws and educational options with board school choice programs, according to the center’s website. Florida also is a high scorer on Digital Learning Now’s index for online learning. (Read More)

The Sunshine State was ranked among the top 10 best state tax systems on the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council’s 2013 Business Tax Index. The index ranks the 50 states according to the costs of their tax systems for starting and growing a small business, and Florida was ranked No. 6 with a business tax index score of 22.407. (Read More)

Dozens of college students pursuing degrees ranging from information systems and IT security to network administration who spent Monday on a "Tech Trek" bus tour of prominent area companies. The students' mission: To envision their own career opportunities if they stay and work in Tampa Bay. The bus tour was the brainstorm of the tech advocacy group Tampa Bay Technology Forum. (Read More)

United Airlines has chosen the Tampa Bay area as the first region to be featured as part of an economic development series by United “Hemispheres,” its in-flight magazine. The magazine will profile Tampa Bay’s business climate on more than 20 pages, a news release says. (Read More)

Several tech companies with Central Florida operations were among the 25 companies doing the most hiring for jobs paying more than $60,000 a year, according to a Forbes report. Forbes said it made the list using data from job search engine Indeed.com. (Read More)

UCF has been awarded a $55 million grant from NASA to build and launch an instrument into space to capture "unprecedented" images of the Earth's upper atmosphere. The instrument, about the size of a microwave oven, will take pictures and collect data that will help scientists better understand the weather in space and how it affects such things as communication satellites and GPS signals. (Read More)

Tampa – Today, Governor Rick Scott announced that The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (DTCC) has chosen Tampa as the expansion location for up to 255 new jobs.  In addition, the company announced a $4.8 million investment in its only Florida campus as part of the company’s long-term expansion strategy.

Governor Scott said, “This is a great day for families in Tampa.  The news that DTCC has decided to reinvest in Tampa and create more jobs means more families will have the opportunity to pursue the American Dream. This investment is a testament to our state’s great workforce and the resources our state offers to companies in reaching their goals.” 

DTCC President and Chief Executive Officer Michael Bodson commented on the choice of Tampa for its expansion.  “The decision to expand our operations in Tampa signals our continuing commitment to this community and represents a new chapter in DTCC history,” said Michael Bodson, DTCC President and Chief Executive Officer.  “The City of Tampa, Hillsborough County and the State of Florida have been great partners of ours since 2004, and we look forward to strengthening these relationships for years to come.” 

Over the years, DTCC has created well-established partnerships with MacDill AFB, the University of South Florida and other local educational institutions to create a funnel for recruiting the best talent in the region. The planned jobs will be in highly specialized sectors across the board, including IT, operations, human resources and finance. A phased-hiring schedule will be administered over a projected three-year period.

Organizations that supported DTCC’s expansion included City of Tampa, Enterprise Florida Inc., Hillsborough County and Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation. 

“Hillsborough County has long supported DTCC’s current and growing operation in Florida,” said Hillsborough County Commission Chairman Ken Hagan.  “Today, we celebrate its continued commitment and its focus on high-tech job development and retention in our community.”

The City of Tampa was also a key partner in the decision to expand locally.

“DTCC’s decision to expand in Tampa means more well-paying jobs, of course,” said Mayor Bob Buckhorn.  “Just importantly is that since they arrived some nine years ago, DTCC has been positively impacting our community in many other ways as well by seeking out our retired military for many of these positions, working with our local universities and supporting disadvantaged schools and organizations in Tampa. ”

The expansion is DTCC’s first in the region since it opened its New Tampa facility nine years ago. DTCC’s Tampa office started as a redundant operations center and now it serves as a fully integrated business center. With the expansion plans and investment in the Tampa campus, DTCC will continue to improve its technology, facilities and resources needed to provide secure transactions for clients.

“This expansion aligns with DTCC’s workforce location and sourcing strategy and allows us to continue to provide our clients with exceptional service while meeting the needs for long-term sustainability,” said Eric Miller, Managing Director and Head of DTCC Tampa. “Tampa is an excellent environment for businesses to grow and thrive, and it has proven to be the right choice for us.”

The company considered offers from other states with existing operations, but ultimately chose Tampa based on several factors, including recruitment potential and quality of living for its employees.

“As a global financial services company, DTCC’s decision to commit to a major expansion in our community reflects the growing momentum in Tampa Bay,” said David Pizzo, Chair of the Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation, and Market President, West Florida for Florida Blue.  “We are focused on attracting high-wage jobs in key areas, such as financial services, and the effort is working. DTCC is an incredible example of how city, county and state partnership drives economic success.”

Miller also stated that DTCC Tampa has a great relationship with the community.  “We are proud of the fact that DTCC is bringing jobs and prosperity to the area. Our track record speaks for itself.  We fulfill our commitments because we recognize the importance of being a good corporate partner.”

Florida Secretary of Commerce Gray Swoope emphasized the statewide impact of DTCC’s growth in Florida.  

“DTCC’s growth perfectly demonstrates that Florida maintains a business climate that enables innovative companies to operate here for the long term.  We value these important contributors to the state’s economic growth and providers of high value jobs for our citizens,” said Swoope, who also serves as president & CEO of Enterprise Florida.  

For more information about the positions available, please visit DTCC.com/careers. 

About DTCC Tampa

DTCC’s Tampa office is a key component of a larger business continuity strategy the company put in place after September 11, 2001 to decentralize the processing functions and operations support that DTCC provides to the global financial services industry. DTCC’s Tampa facility is part of the company’s critical network of operating centers in the United States and overseas. 

In the nine years DTCC has been in Tampa, the company has grown from 300 employees to more than 530 today. In keeping with DTCC’s strong commitment to diversity in its workforce, more than half of the Tampa staff represents minority groups and nearly 40 percent are women. Positions in Tampa cover all main DTCC functions, such as Clearance, Settlement, Asset Servicing, Operations and Technology. Represented staff functions include Finance, Legal, Human Resources, Audit, and Marketing and Communications, among others.

DTCC’s philanthropy takes the form of tangible community support and employee contributions to non-profit organizations. Each year, hundreds of Tampa employees volunteer across more than 10 different community events and donate more than $100,000 to the United Way of Tampa Bay, making it one of the top-10 financial companies contributing in the region.

About DTCC

DTCC has operating facilities and data centers around the world and, through its subsidiaries, automates, centralizes, and standardizes the post-trade processing of financial transactions for thousands of institutions worldwide. With 40 years of experience, DTCC is the premier post-trade market infrastructure for the global financial services industry, simplifying the complexities of clearance, settlement, asset servicing, global data management and information services for equities, corporate and municipal bonds, government and mortgage-backed securities, derivatives, money market instruments, syndicated loans, mutual funds, alternative investment products, and insurance transactions. In 2012, DTCC’s subsidiaries processed securities transactions valued at approximately US$1.6 quadrillion. Its depository provides custody and asset servicing for securities issues from 131 countries and territories valued at US$37.2 trillion. DTCC’s global trade repositories record more than US$500 trillion in gross notional value of transactions made worldwide.

Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/The_DTCC.

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ALACHUA – Today, Governor Rick Scott announced that Nanotherapeutics, Inc., a privately held biopharmaceutical company based in the City of Alachua, will create 150 jobs at a manufacturing facility to be built as a result of a biodefense contract awarded last month by the Department of Defense.  The company also will retain 45 positions, offer an average annual wage of $90,000 for these positions, and make a capital investment of $127 million.  

Governor Scott said, “Thanks in part to the great STEM and business-support resources that UF provides to the region, Nanotherapeutics is going to create 150 jobs for families in Alachua. We’ve worked to cut taxes and pay down debt, and this year my Florida Families First Budget provides an additional $15 million to UF to achieve top 10 national status, which will foster more job growth for families throughout Florida. Through these strategies, we’ve created nearly 300,000 private sector jobs for families across the Sunshine State. We’ll continue working to provide families with more jobs and opportunities, so every Florida family can pursue the American Dream.”

Florida was able to provide Nanotherapeutics with resources to ensure its continuing growth in our state. This is a victory for the families and communities that will be served by this company’s investment and the new jobs that are coming with its expansion.”

The overall contract was awarded for $135 million, with additional options included that could bring the total award to $358 million. The funding is to be used to establish a Medical Countermeasures Advanced Development and Manufacturing (MCM ADM) capability for the Department of Defense (DOD).  This will enable faster and more effective development of medical countermeasures to protect and treat military populations against chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear attacks and outbreaks of naturally occurring emerging and genetically engineering infectious diseases.

“The Innovation Gainesville (iG) economic development plan clearly identifies the life sciences as a top opportunity for job growth,” said John Carlson, chairman of the Council for Economic Outreach.  “Nanotherapeutics’ brings that opportunity to reality and demonstrates that we are committed to growing jobs, growing companies and growing opportunities right here in Alachua County.”

“The City of Alachua is always ready to respond to the needs of businesses,” said Mayor Gib Coerper.  “We are so proud that our local start-up Nanotherapeutics will expand their company in Alachua and will be serving our country in a special way, providing this type of product to our military and others.  We thank the leadership of the company for making an investment in our community.”

“It is so exciting to see the success and expansion of a local company,” said Lee Pinkoson, Vice-Chair of the Alachua Board of County Commissioners.  “Alachua County is pleased to be a government partner and we look forward to the new jobs and manufacturing opportunity that this project creates.”

“Nanotherapeutics’ decision to move forward in Alachua demonstrates that Florida’s wide diversity of communities is a competitive strength regardless of their size and population.  We provide a business climate that encourages companies to expand and create jobs here, said Florida Secretary of Commerce Gray Swoope, who serves as president & CEO of Enterprise Florida Inc., the state’s lead economic development organization.”

The contract was granted to Nanotherapeutics, as the prime contractor, and its industry partners after a highly competitive bid process. The ultimate goal for the award is to reduce the overall time and cost associated with the development and manufacturing of Food and Drug Administration approved Medical Counter Measures.

Headquartered in Alachua and currently operating in Progress Corporate Park, Nanotherapeutics began as a start-up in the Sid Martin Biotechnology Incubator.  Nanotherapeutics will integrate into a new state-of-the-art facility flexible, single use, disposable equipment that can provide our military’s national security requirements for Medical Counter Measures now and in the foreseeable future.

Nanotherapeutics has assembled a world class team of partners from throughout the United States to apply new biomanufacturing technologies with existing manufacturing capabilities for small molecule and biologic products that will provide the DOD with the ability to rapidly respond to chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear attacks and outbreaks of naturally occurring emerging and genetically engineered infectious diseases.

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Triton Submarines LLC, a local manufacturer of personal submersibles, plans to fill 24 new positions over the next two years, adding to their 14 employees. Triton manufactures manned submersibles designed for yacht-based deployment, and is emerging as a global leader in deep diving submersible engineering, design, manufacture and operations. (Read More)

Led by one of South Florida's most successful tech entrepreneurs, a newly formed non-profit foundation, announced Wednesday a campaign to make the region a tech hub. Manny Medina, who sold his Terremark data services company last year to Verizon for $1.4 billion, helped form the nonprofit Technology Foundation of the Americas to spearhead the tech push. (Read More)

The national business Incubation Association named the Sid Martin Biotechnology Incubator the 2013 Randall M. Whaley Incubator of the Year and the Dinah Adkins Incubator of the Year in the technology category. A program of the University of Florida, the incubator provides space, equipment and support services to expedite research and commercial development of promising biotechnologies. (Read More)

Company Will Invest Nearly $6.7 Million in Capital to Develop Operations

LAKELAND - Today, Governor Rick Scott announced that Draken International will create 55 jobs and invest nearly $6.7 million in capital in the Lakeland area over the next three years. The company will expand its corporate headquarters and maintenance, repair and overhaul operations (MRO) at the Lakeland Linder Regional Airport. 

Governor Scott said, “Draken’s decision to expand their headquarters and operations facility in Lakeland is great news for Florida families. Expansions by innovative, industry-leading companies like Draken demonstrate that our efforts to improve Florida’s business climate are working. Nearly 300,000 private-sector jobs have been created in the past two years, and today Florida is one of the best states in the nation to do business, which means more jobs for Florida families.” 

Draken provides aviation service capabilities such as airborne adversary support, threat simulation, aerial refueling, research and testing for all branches of the United States armed forces and Department of Defense. With over 50 jets, the company operates the largest fleet of privately owned tactical aircraft in the world. 

Jared Isaacman, CEO of Draken International, states "Draken International is pleased to announce we have signed a ten-year lease with Lakeland Linder Regional Airport, committing our company to the economic growth of Lakeland and the Central Florida area. With over 50 tactical, highly-capable fighter aircraft, Draken International is a leading provider of training services to our nation’s military and defense industry.  As we continue to grow, we will endeavor to bring more business and more jobs to Lakeland. I also want to thank the local political & civic leaders for making us feel so welcome in our new home."   

Draken International’s partners in this project included the Central Florida Development Council of Polk County, Lakeland Economic Development Council, City of Lakeland, Lakeland Linder Regional Airport, the Florida Department of Transportation and Enterprise Florida. 

“On behalf of the Polk County Board of County Commission and the Central Florida Development Council, we are very pleased to congratulate Draken International on its recent expansion at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport. We are proud to be Draken’s county of choice and we look forward to continuing our winning relationship with them,” said R. Todd Dantzler, Polk County Commission, District 4.

Lakeland Mayor Gow Fields said, “Draken International represents the high skill, high wage jobs that communities target, and Lakeland is very proud that they decided to call Lakeland Linder Regional Airport their home. We feel that Draken will ultimately serve as a catalyst for corresponding businesses, causing a ripple effect that will reach far beyond the boundaries of our municipal airport.”

Florida is home to nearly 1,600 aviation companies, with areas of excellence in MRO, flight training, logistics, global air cargo, simulation/training, passenger to freighter conversions, avionics installation and retrofit, and air travel. Florida ranks second among states for aviation, aerospace, and space establishments, and its more than 100 public use airports support global commerce, aircraft technology testing, and manufacturing operations.

“What an accomplishment for Lakeland Linder Regional Airport, the City of Lakeland, Polk County and the State of Florida in our collective efforts to lure Draken International to locate their headquarters in Lakeland, FL,” said airport director Gene Conrad. “Lakeland Linder will be home to the largest fleet of privately owned and operated tactical aircraft in the world.  We are excited about seeing those aircraft in the skies of Lakeland, but we are equally excited about the jobs that Draken is bringing to our region.”

Secretary of Commerce Gray Swoope understands the importance of this expansion, and the ties to the state’s 20 major military installations and 3 unified combatant commands. “Florida is one of the most military-friendly states in the nation. Our state provides tremendous opportunities for companies like Draken to build and expand a successful operation,” said Swoope, who also serves as president and CEO of Enterprise Florida, the state’s lead economic development organization. 

Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Secretary Ananth Prasad said, "The Florida Department of Transportation is pleased to partner with Lakeland Linder Regional Airport to foster Draken International's further expansion as a Florida-based aviation company. Florida airports continue to be an economic catalyst for private sector growth and job creation."

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About Draken International: Draken (http://drakenintl.com/) is positioned to be a leading defense asset with extensive capabilities in airborne adversary support, threat simulation, aerial refueling, research, testing, as well as other missions suited to their diverse fleet of aircraft. Draken’s fleet of aircraft has been expertly maintained and inspected prior to gaining their airworthiness certifications. Their maintenance technicians engage in FAA flight safety meetings and scheduled proficiency seminars, and have decades of experience and training to ensure safety is at the center of their decision-making matrix.

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Wednesday, Governor Rick Scott announced that Draken International will create 55 jobs and invest nearly $6.7 million in capital in the Lakeland area over the next three years. The company will expand its corporate headquarters and maintenance, repair and overhaul operations at the Lakeland Linder Regional Airport. (Read More)

Professor Michael Blaber, a structural biologist at the Florida State University College of Medicine, and his team have made discoveries that could lead scientists a step closer to understanding how life first emerged on Earth billions of years ago. (Read More)

TheBestSchools.org has named six Florida high schools to its list of the 50 best public high schools in the U.S. High schools from Jacksonville (#5, #31), Fort Pierce (#25), Osprey (#27), West Palm Beach (#35) and Miami(#46) were ranked among the nation’s best. (Read More)

MIAMI - Today, Governor Rick Scott announced that AT&T is creating nearly 350 new jobs statewide, with the majority of them in South Florida, as part of efforts to expand and enhance its national wireless and wired IP broadband networks. The nearly 350 new jobs are among the more than 650 hiring’s that AT&T intends to fill across the state as part of their focus on their IP broadband networks and customer service. The positions will be posted as they become available at http://connect.att.jobs/.

Governor Scott said, “AT&T’s commitment to the creation of hundreds of jobs for families across the Sunshine State is further proof that our work to build a Florida that supports job growth is working. By cutting taxes, paying down debt and keeping the cost of living low, we’ve created nearly 300,000 private sector jobs in two years, and we’ll continue working hard to provide even more job opportunities to families across the state.”

Dozens of the new positions are the result of AT&T’s recently announced Project Velocity IP (Project VIP), a three-year $14 billion investment plan to expand and enhance its national wireless and wired IP broadband networks. As part of Project VIP, AT&T plans to increase the density of its wireless network by deploying more than 10,000 macro sites, more than 1,000 distributed antenna systems and more than 40,000 small cells. 

“Governor Scott and Florida’s legislative leaders have created a climate for investment,” said AT&T Florida President Marshall Criser, lll. “The investment we’re making in our wireless and wired networks is essential to spurring Florida’s economy and creating jobs. In our wireless world, mobile and broadband networks create economic opportunities for health care, manufacturing, education, transportation and public safety, and virtually every other economic section.” 

AT&T invested more than $2.8 billion in its Florida wireless and wireline networks from 2010 through 2012, with a focus on expanding 4G LTE mobile Internet coverage and enhancing the overall performance of its networks. More than 3,150 wireless network upgrades were completed statewide last year, including activating new cell sites, adding capacity, upgrading cell sites to provide fast 4G LTE mobile Internet speeds, deploying high-capacity Ethernet connections to cell sites, and adding or upgrading Distributed Antenna Systems, which boost wireless coverage and capacity in buildings and at major venues like convention halls or sports arenas.

AT&T also launched 4G LTE in 2012 in Orlando, Tampa-St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Bradenton, Naples, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Jacksonville, Fort Myers, Daytona Beach, Pensacola, and Melbourne.

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Harris Corp. announced Monday it received a $29 million order for Falcon III wideband tactical radios from a nation in Asia. The new high-frequency radios will provide the country’s armed forces with critical country-wide data communications and improved mission capabilities. (Read More)

Lockheed Martin Corp. has named Jon Rambeau the new vice president and general manager for Lockheed Martin’s Training & Logistics Solutions business in the Mission Systems & Training business area in Orlando. Rambeau will be responsible for the execution and strategic growth of Lockheed Martin’s mission readiness and sustainment programs, which employ more than 4,500 workers. (Read More)

New Yorkers have long retired to the warmth and ease of the Florida coast, but eyebrow-raising numbers show that in recent years, most of those moving from the Empire State to the Sunshine State have been going there to find work. (Read More)

Financial services giant Morgan Stanley announced Wednesday morning the company will be expanding its operation in Hillsborough County. The global company says they will be adding 110 jobs in the Intellicenter Office Park located at 12653 Telecom Drive in Temple Terrace. (Read More)

Financial services giant Morgan Stanley announced Wednesday morning the company will be expanding its operation in Hillsborough County. The global company says they will be adding 110 jobs in the Intellicenter Office Park located at 12653 Telecom Drive in Temple Terrace. (Read More)

Navy Federal CEO Cutler Dawson announced Wednesday a $200 million expansion that will include two new buildings on its Beulah campus by the end of 2015 and a minimum of 1,500 new jobs. He also unveiled a long-range expansion plan that will create a $1 billion campus with another 4,700 jobs by 2020. (Read More)

Lockheed Martin Corp.'s Orlando training-simulation unit has won an Army contract potentially worth $146 million to develop an advanced, international war-game training system for U.S. and allied commanders. The complex system would combine a number of existing technologies to help commanding officers hone their combat decision-making skills. (Read More)

Institution Will Also Invest $200 Million in Capital to Northwest Florida

PENSACOLA – Today, Governor Rick Scott announced that NAVY FEDERAL Credit Union (NFCU) plans to create 1,500 new jobs and invest $200 million in capital in the Northwest Florida region. This news comes less than a year after their announcement to create 640 jobs and invest $6.5 million in the area.

Governor Scott said, “This is an historic day for Pensacola families. Today’s news that Navy Federal will create 1,500 jobs for families is a huge win for the Sunshine State, and builds on the 640 jobs that were announced last year. With our efforts to cut taxes, pay down debt and keep the cost of living low, Florida’s job climate is improving each and every day. With more than 290,000 private-sector jobs created in the past two years, we’re creating a Florida that’s the number one place in the world to find a job and run a successful business, providing families with more opportunities to pursue the American Dream.” 

“Through this expansion, Navy Federal promises to bring new, high paying jobs that diversify Northwest Florida’s economy,” said Senate President Don Gaetz (R-Niceville). “I am grateful for the commitment Governor Scott, state and local leaders have demonstrated to making our Northwest Florida communities whole as we continue to recover from the impacts of the oil spill.”

Following their August 2012 announcement, the credit union closed on 240 acres located adjacent to their existing campus. The additional property will allow the NFCU to construct two additional buildings to house the 1,500 new jobs announced today.

"Providing the best possible service to our members is our first priority. Our Pensacola expansion is key to supporting the credit union's strong growth and an important way for us to continue delivering outstanding service," said Cutler Dawson, president and CEO of the NFCU. "We're proud to be a part of the economic growth for the area."

The August expansion was the first economic development announcement that included funding from the Industry Recruitment, Retention & Expansion Fund Grant Program (IRREF).

“The credit union will be creating more than 2,000 jobs over the next five years. That sort of growth says a lot about the success and leadership of the institution,” said Gray Swoope, Secretary of Commerce and president and CEO of Enterprise Florida. “This announcement also demonstrates the confidence they have in our workforce and the strength of Florida’s business climate.”

The credit union, which was named one of the country’s 100 best employers by Fortune magazine in 2012, is in its 80th year of service. The institution surpassed four million members last year.

NAVY FEDERAL’s partners in this project included the Greater Pensacola Chamber, Escambia County, Enterprise Florida, Inc. and the University of West Florida.

Navy Federal’s August 2012 announcement was the first economic development announcement to include funding from the Industry Recruitment, Retention& Expansion Fund Grant Program (IRREF), which is administered by the University of West Florida Office of Economic Development and Engagement. This program is available to eight coastal counties of Northwest Florida that were most affected by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

Senator Don Gaetz authored S.B. 2156, of which the Oil Spill Recovery Act was an important component. The Oil Spill Recovery Act allots $10 million per year for each of three years to these eight Northwest Florida counties for the purposes of research and development, commercialization of research, economic diversification and job creation.

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Northrop Grumman Corp., one of St. Johns County’s largest employers, will create 400 new jobs locally and bring an additional $80 million impact to the area with its upcoming Aircraft Integration Center of Excellence. The company’s St. Augustine Center of Excellence will be one of five nationally and two in Florida. The other Florida location is Melbourne. (Read More)

Digital Risk, a producer of mortgage analysis software, plans to lease a 50,000 square foot facility in Lake Mary, Florida, where it will create up to 600 jobs during the next four years. Digital Risk expanded its Florida presence in 2009, adding more staff to its headquarters operations. In total, Digital Risk has created more than 1,300 new jobs in Florida since 2009. (Read More)

TALLAHASSEE, FL (April 1, 2013) – Today, local and state leaders welcomed Kaye Scholer to the state capital. The firm recently announced plans to establish a new state-of-the-art operations center in Tallahassee, expected to create more than 100 high-skill jobs paying an average annual wage of more than $50,000 in addition to a capital investment of at least $600,000.

“Kaye Scholer has chosen this nation’s best state for business, and we have before us a great opportunity to bring more jobs to our citizens while strengthening Florida’s economy,” said Secretary of Commerce Gray Swoope, who serves as president & CEO of Enterprise Florida Inc., the state’s principal economic development organization.

Joining Swoope at the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce in celebrating the occasion were Kaye Scholer Managing Partner Michael Solow, Tallahassee Mayor John Marks, Leon County Commissioner Nick Maddox and Chair of the Economic Development Council of Tallahassee/Leon County Karen Moore.

“Clients expect and deserve quality legal services delivered as effectively and cost-efficiently as possible,” said Solow. “Establishing an Operations Center in Tallahassee will help us meet that need by allowing us to centralize services previously scattered across our New York, Washington DC, and Los Angeles offices."

Kaye Scholer conducted a multi-state search and evaluation but ultimately selected Tallahassee for its broad, highly-skilled workforce, proximity to state government and major universities such as The Florida State University, Florida A&M University and Tallahassee Community College, wide variety of office space at reasonable prices, and the quality of life and affordable housing it offers both current Kaye Scholer employees who will be relocating there as well as new locally-hired staff. 

The firm has not yet signed a lease for a building to house its operations center but plans to have its first group of employees on the ground and working sometime in June.  The 100-plus new job opportunities are in many fields, including accounting, document services, graphics, technology, library services, human resources and marketing.

“It’s a great day for the Economic Development Council when we can create new jobs in the community and add a centralized operations center to our tax base,” said Economic Development Council of Tallahassee/Leon County Chair Karen Moore. “I’m proud of the coordination among all of our economic development, workforce and educational partners who came together in support of this important project.” 

Organizations that helped facilitate Kaye Scholer’s move to Florida were the Economic Development Council of Tallahassee/Leon County, Enterprise Florida, Inc. and the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce.

“This project demonstrates that Florida’s perfect business climate is a major reason why companies are choosing our state,” said Swoope.  “A dynamic facet of Florida’s business culture is the strong partnerships between local, regional, business and government organizations to further corporate growth in the state.  The Kaye Scholer project exemplifies the results.”

Founded in New York in 1917, Kaye Scholer offers strategic guidance and legal services to public and private entities facing litigation, transactional or governance challenges. The firm has industry strengths advising clients in the life sciences, financial services, technology, real estate and energy & infrastructure sectors.

In support of its job creation, the state, through the Department of Economic Opportunity, approved Kaye Scholer for a Qualified Target Industry Tax Refund (QTI), which is a performance-based incentive that is paid only after a company fulfills its job creation requirements and is confirmed by the state. The City of Tallahassee and Leon County governments are also supporting Kaye Scholer’s move to the region by each contributing to the QTI refund.  Kaye Scholer is also eligible to receive a Quick Response Training grant by Workforce Florida, Inc. to assist with employee training.

For more information on Kaye Scholer, please visit www.kayescholer.com.  

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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 facilitate job growth for Florida’s businesses and citizens leading to a vibrant statewide economy.  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.

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The seaports of the state of Florida may be the catalyst to its economic growth, business expansion and jobs. Cargo and cruise related activity at Florida seaports generates approximately 670,000 direct and indirect jobs and contributes approximately $66 billion in economic value and 1.7 billion in taxes. (Read More)

Some cities are starting to take their small-business environment more seriously, which means finding ways to attract owners to set up shop. A handful of cities are making an effort to bring in and retain more small businesses including Miami, which ranked third by TheStreet for its efforts to attract and retain entrepreneurs. (Read More)

Governor Rick Scott today announced that since Dec. 2010, Florida has created 294,200 private-sector jobs and Florida’s February 2013 unemployment rate decreased 0.2 percentage points to 7.7 percent – the lowest since October 2008. (Read More)

Florida’s per capita personal income rose nearly 2 percent in 2012 when compared to 2011, the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis reported. Florida’s personal income was $40,344 in 2012, compared to $39,563 in 2011 and $38,210 in 2010. The state’s 2012 per capita income ranked 27th in the nation. (Read More)

From taking airboat rides to paddling a canoe in the waterways, Florida residents and visitors create jobs and bring income to the state. Outdoor recreation generates nearly 330,000 jobs and $10.7 billion in wages in Florida, according to a study released Tuesday by the Outdoor Industry Association. (Read More)

The Technology Business Incubator at the Research Park at Florida Atlantic University will add an additional 10,000 square feet this month. The expansion is the second in 10 months for the incubator that serves as a resource center and office for entrepreneurs from FAU and the South Florida community, according to a news release. (Read More)

Embraer opened its 40,000 square foot hanger manufacturing facility at Jacksonville Florida International Airport where the company will assemble the aircraft for the U.S. Air Force’s Light Air Support program. With its U.S. headquarters in Ft. Lauderdale, the Jacksonville site joins recent expansion of the company’s operations in Melbourne, Florida. (Read More)

Florida goods bound for international markets reached $5.67 billion January, up 3.8 percent from December’s $5.46 billion, according to the most recent data from e-forecasting.com. Exports of manufactured goods contributed significantly to the state’s international trade, accounting for more than 80 percent of all state exports in January. (Read More)

The Florida Chamber of Commerce is ramping up for the 2013 International Days, a three-day summit held each year in Tallahassee, which will feature the US Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Tom Donohue, Governor Rick Scott, Ambassador of Brazil to the US Mauro Vieira, and other top international trade experts and lawmakers. (Read More)

Nanotherapeutics of Alachua, and VaxDesign of Orlando and have been awarded $150 million in bio defense contracts by the Department of Defense. Nanotherapeutics awarded $135,834,018 million, will provide R&D services and medical counter measure capabilities for the Army. VaxDesign, awarded $15,106,789 will perform R&D services for the Defense Threat Reduction Agency. (Read More)

Agbioscience boomed in Florida between 2000 and 2010, with related research and development expenditures in the Sunshine State growing 134 percent during that time, according to a new report. According to the Batelle study, agbioscience research and development spending went from $213 million to $501 million from 2000 to 2010. (Read More)

Florida is one of only two states to have multiple finalists, with Broward College and Santa Fe College among the top 10 finalists. The Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence recognizes community colleges that demonstrate students in their colleges gained essential knowledge and skills, completed degree or certificate programs, and obtained jobs with competitive wages. (Read More)

Orlando was ranked as the fourth fastest growing city in the nation by Forbes. The publication looked at Census population figures for 2000 to 2012 for the 52 metropolitan statistical areas in the U.S. that exceed 1 million residents to determine the top 10 fastest growing cities. (Read More)

A study released today on the economic impact of The Florida Film and Entertainment Industry Financial Incentive Program found a return on investment of 4.7, with estimated state and local tax revenues in Florida last fiscal year totaling $547 million and the present value of the tax credit totaling $117 million. (Read More)

Anyone in the world can now get a taste of a UF education, for free. The University of Florida is the state’s first university to offer massive open online courses, or MOOCs. Early indications are that there’s quite an appetite. (Read More)

Today, Governor Rick Scott announced that Actavis, Inc., a leading specialty pharmaceutical company formerly known as Watson Pharmaceuticals, plans to expand its pharmaceutical manufacturing and warehousing facilities in Davie, resulting in the creation of 220 jobs. (Read More)

Archo Solutions Engineering USA Corp., a subsidiary of a Brazilian aviation company, has plans to come to Melbourne International Airport, a project expected to create at least 50 jobs during the next three years. The investment by could also lead to at least 36 spinoff jobs. Archo, which provides engineering and other support services to aviation companies, is a subsidiary of Solutions Designs & Engineering of São Paolo, Brazil. (Read More)

The University of Miami and Florida International University are among 31 finalists seeking to split a $10 million grant from the American Medical Association. The AMA issued a challenge grant seeking medical school to put forth plans to transform the way physicians are trained. It will select eight to 10 winners that split the money over five years. (Read More)

Tampa Port Authority’s new CEO, Paul Anderson believes Tampa offers the ability to impact jobs and have a greater economic impact than anywhere in the state. To attract more cargo, Anderson will be targeting imports from Latin America, the Caribbean and, when the market eventually opens up, Cuba. (Read More)

Florida ranked fifth in the nation in small business tax climate, according to a March 18 Facts & Figures report by the Tax Foundation. The Sunshine State’s ranking was based on its corporate, individual income, sales, unemployment insurance and property taxes. (Read More)

Governor Rick Scott applauds the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) for awarding the Jacksonville Aviation Authority $3.5 million for infrastructure development to allow Flightstar Aircraft Services to expand operations at Cecil Airport. (Read More)

The Florida College System announced new findings that show that Florida colleges bring in more than $26 billion every year into the state's economy. And for every dollar invested in Florida Colleges, a student receives an average of 6 dollars in higher future income. 93 percent of those students remain in Florida and contribute to the economy. (Read More)

Embraer Aircraft Holding, Inc. announced today it has signed a 10-year lease on a 40,000-square-foot hangar in which the A-29 Super Tucano aircraft for the U.S. Air Force Light Air Support (LAS) program will be assembled. Preparation of the facility is currently underway. The LAS aircraft are urgently needed to support the successful withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan. (Read More)

Gov. Scott announced that since Dec. 2010, Florida has created 282,200 private-sector jobs and Florida’s January unemployment rate decreased below the national average to 7.8 percent. This is Florida’s lowest unemployment rate since November 2008, and falls below the national average unemployment rate for the first time since January 2008. (Read More)

TALLAHASSEE, FL (March 15, 2013) –  Today, Governor Rick Scott announced that Connecticut-based Turbine Controls, Inc. (TCI) – an industry leader in providing aircraft engine component maintenance, repair and overhaul services to aviation and industrial customers across the globe – has announced an upcoming expansion to Miramar, Fla. that will create 60 jobs.  TCI has operated in Connecticut for 30 years.

Governor Scott said, “The news that Turbine Controls will create 60 new jobs in Miramar is great news. Sixty more Florida families will now be able to live the American Dream right here in Florida because of Turbine Controls’ expansion. Since December 2010, our state has created around 200,000 private-sector jobs and our unemployment rate is at a four-year record low. Even though we have a lot of work left to do, we are on the right track. It’s working.”

TCI’s new Florida facility will be located in more than 25,000 square feet of leased space at Miramar Park of Commerce.  Through its expansion, TCI has committed to hiring 60 new employees and making a capital investment of about $1.5 million for renovation and new equipment. South Florida’s strategic global location, infrastructure and available workforce were important factors in the company’s decision to locate in Florida.

“The State of Florida and the City of Miramar provided both financial incentives and guidance, which made the expansion into Florida an attractive location to achieve the future growth plans of our business,” said Glen Greenberg, TCI’s president and CEO.

Gray Swoope, President and CEO of Enterprise Florida said, “Recruiting TCI to Florida is a real success story because it shows that in partnership, local communities and the state are sustaining the perfect climate for doing business here. When we can attract progressive companies like TCI, which also grows our aviation industry -- a target for statewide economic development – we are demonstrating Florida’s capabilities as a pro-business super-state.”

Organizations that collaborated to support TCI’s expansion included the City of Miramar, the Department of Economic Opportunity, Enterprise Florida, Inc. and Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance.

Larry Lemoine, TCI’s executive vice President and COO said, “The Alliance provided the best overall economic value with excellent guidance for training and development of our employees, working with WorkForce One, along with an ease of doing business throughout the entire construction process.”

Miramar Mayor Lori Moseley said, “The City of Miramar is proud to add Turbine Controls to our growing aviation sector and supporting our ongoing efforts to expand and diversify the City’s economy.”

Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance President and CEO Bob Swindell said, “We are very happy that Turbine Controls chose Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County as the site for its expansion. South Florida’s strategic location as a gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean is evident and we look forward to welcoming more companies to this region who seek access to that important and growing market. TCI’s decision to expand its operation to Miramar is a good indicator that our efforts in growing South Florida’s strong aviation sector continue to resonate very well with companies in that important and growing industry cluster."

TCI is an FAA approved repair station focused on the overhaul and repair of gas turbine engine components and accessories for commercial, military, industrial and airframe applications.  The company’s Miramar facility, which also will house its repair and distribution warehouse, is an ideal location from which TCI can serve its U.S. customers as well as others in Pacific Rim, Middle East and European nations.  TCI also plans to further extend its reach to serve customers in South America and the Caribbean.

The company has been approved to receive a Qualified Target Industry (QTI) tax refund of $300,000, an incentive representing matching funds from the city and state.  As part of the incentives structure, $116,200 was awarded by the City of Miramar.  A company receives the refund only after contractual requirements including meeting job goals.

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Governor Rick Scott and the Business Development Board of Martin County announced that TurboCombustor Technology Inc., an aerospace parts manufacturing company, has chosen to expand in Martin County. TurboCombustor will be adding 200 new jobs over three years and making a $16 million investment in building, infrastructure and manufacturing equipment. (Read More)

Governor Rick Scott announced that Connecticut-based Turbine Controls, Inc., an industry leader in providing aircraft engine component maintenance, repair and overhaul services to aviation and industrial customers across the globe, has announced an upcoming expansion to Miramar, Fla. that will create 60 jobs. TCI will also make a capital investment of about $1.5 million for renovation and new equipment. (Read More)

The Florida Ports Council has announced a new publication the State of Florida Ports, a resource of detailed information on each Florida seaport. The report provides an updated port profile for each of Florida’s seaports, including economic impact information and status updates for their major projects, as well as accomplishments and testimonials. (Read More)

Lockheed Martin Corp. announced it received a $253 million contract to work on F-15SA pilot and maintenance training systems for the Royal Saudi Air Force. The work on the training systems will take place at Lockheed Martin’s facility in Orlando, as well as at a facility in Akron, Ohio, and the training systems will be delivered by 2020. (Read More)

TALLAHASSEE, FL (March 11, 2013) - Today, Governor Rick Scott and the Business Development Board of Martin County (BDBMC) announced that TurboCombustor Technology Inc. (TCT), an aerospace parts manufacturing company, has chosen to expand in Martin County. TurboCombustor will be adding 200 new jobs over three years and making a $16 million investment in building, infrastructure and manufacturing equipment. Following the press conference, the Governor participated in a ribbon cutting ceremony for the company’s new 120,000 sq ft facility.

Governor Scott said, “Today’s expansion demonstrates that our effort to grow jobs and opportunities for Florida families is working. With this new facility, TurboCombustor is expecting to hire another 200 employees, which means hundreds of jobs for Florida families. TurboCombustor is a great example of why we need to eliminate the sales tax on manufacturing equipment. As TurboCombustor expands, they intend to invest millions of dollars in manufacturing equipment alone. Eliminating this burden on manufacturers will enable more businesses to buy equipment or hire more families.”

Governor Rick Scott made the announcement in Martin County at TCT’s newly acquired facility.  TCT will continue to occupy its existing 100,000 sq ft facility adjacent to the new site and create a campus like setting.

“TCT’s future promises continued growth” said Greg Bennett, President and CEO of TCT. “We look forward to serving the Martin County community for many years to come.”

The State of Florida, Enterprise Florida Inc. and the Business Development Board of Martin County worked closely with the company for over a year to secure the expansion for Martin County.

“As one of Martin County’s largest employers, I’m thrilled with their decision to create 200 new jobs, retain 400 existing employees and add capital investment to the local economy,” said Tim Dougher, Executive Director BDBMC. “It is our goal to fill existing building within the Urban Services Boundary, so this expansion was ideal for Martin County” Dougher said.

The company was offered $900,000 in incentives from Martin County, with resources set aside as part of the Job Creation Toolkit in 2010. The State of Florida offered an additional performance-based award of $3 million, bringing the total incentive package to nearly $4 million. The company has also qualified for training grants through the State of Florida.  TCT had the opportunity to expand at several other locations owned by the company, but ultimately chose Martin County.

President and CEO of Enterprise Florida Gray Swoope said, “Florida continues to be a solid business base for manufacturers and aviation/aerospace companies as shown by TCT’s expansion. TCT’s growth reflects the Treasure Coast’s business-friendly climate, which is strengthening our state’s competitiveness for attracting and retaining high-value jobs.”

***

About TurboCombustor Technology Inc.
TurboCombustor Technology Inc. specializes in the complex fabrication of gas turbine engine parts. TCT concentrates in the production of hot-section non-rotating aircraft engine hardware, predominantly combustors and heat shields. The company has been located in Stuart, Florida since 1967.

About the BDBMC

The Business Development Board of Martin County is the county’s official economic development organization, and Enterprise Florida, Inc. partner.  More information about the organization can be found by visiting www.bdbmc.org.

About Enterprise Florida Inc.

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 facilitate job growth for Florida’s businesses and citizens leading to a vibrant statewide economy.  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.

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Florida ranked third in 2012 in clean energy jobs, with more than 8,600 jobs created through more than 500 projects, according to a new report by Environmental Entrepreneurs. (Read More)

March 8, 2013

Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI), a public-private partnership, is keenly focused on getting Floridians back to work through economic development and job growth.  The EFI board of directors and staff abide by operating standards that ensure strong ethical practices and adherence to the state’s economic development mission.

Key points about that process:

• Florida’s Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) approves or rejects a recommendation for incentives.

• EFI board members DO NOT participate in incentives decisions.

• EFI board members DO NOT become involved with competitive projects under negotiation.  Such projects ARE NOT discussed at board meetings or during any committee meeting that may involve a board member.

• All EFI board meetings and committee meetings involving board members are sunshine noticed and open to the public.

• EFI board meetings are televised and committee meetings can be accessed via teleconference. Meeting minutes are available for public access.

• The businesses and corporations represented on EFI’s board also have their ethical guidelines and corporate policies, and they comply with the law

• Every company goes through the same process for incentives as any other company.

• Most incentives are performance-based:  A company receives the incentive AFTER it has met contractual requirements with the state, including job-producing goals.  DEO monitors these contractual agreements.

• The state’s grants or cash incentives mandate that companies meet certain contractual criteria before the funds are issued.

###

Harris Corporation, an international communications and information technology company, has been awarded a contract to study and make recommendations to help modernize the U.S. Defense Meteorological Satellite Program. The contract was awarded by the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center's Defense Weather Systems Directorate. (Read More)

Florida exports hit $5.12 billion in January, an increase of 4 percent above the same month a year ago, the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis reported March 7. The value of Florida imports rose 10 percent in January to $6.13 billion. (Read More)

The Miami area ranked eighth among the top 10 luxury real estate markets in the world in a report from Christie’s International Real Estate, putting it in a league with London, New York, Paris and Hong Kong. Fueled by strong interest from South American buyers, Miami had a high percentage of both international and secondary and additional home buyers according to the Christie’s report. (Read More)

By Gray Swoope

Secretary of Commerce & president and CEO of Enterprise Florida

When Governor Rick Scott took office in January 2011, Florida had its highest unemployment rate since 1970, when the state began tracking it. The state had lost 800,000 jobs in four years before the Governor came into office and unemployment had risen from 3.5% to 11%. The state also suffered from the perception that it was not business-friendly. Under Governor Scott’s leadership, it was only a matter of months before his proactive efforts and those of his new economic and workforce development teams began changing that mindset. Since taking office, Florida’s unemployment rate has dropped to 8% and 188,400 private sector jobs have been created.

Let’s breakdown some of what Enterprise Florida does to help the state’s economy.One aspect of Enterprise Florida’s mission is the cultivation of competitive job creation projects – projects that are considering multiple locations for new growth or expansion. Working with our economic development partners in all 67 counties, we assist businesses looking to bring new investment in the state and those who plan to expand which may be considering options outside the state.

While incentives are an important part of the economic development toolkit, they are in no way the only tool. Incentives are often needed to sway a company’s decision – at the end of the negotiation process – toward one location when other factors such as workforce, education, infrastructure and business-climate are equal. The results of Florida’s use of incentives are clear.

For completed incentive contracts in the last three years, the four-year economic benefit was 86% higher than projected. The companies, which receive performance-based incentives:

· Created 52% more jobs than required

· Paid an average wage 59% higher than required

· Received 13% less in incentive payments than projected

These numbers are a win for taxpayers!

We continue to be relentless in our pursuit of projects. In the last two years, EFI announced 314 new projects that are contracted to produce 35,226 new jobs and more than $3.2 billion in capital investment in our communities. That represents 40% more projects, 74% more new jobs and nearly 95% more capital investment in the last two years. Recent announcements across our state include:

· Saveology.com, LLC - Margate
Internet-based company offering comparison-shopping sites
700 new jobs; $2 million in capital investment

· Emerson Process Management - Sunrise
Latin American headquarters for global manufacturing and technology company
51 new jobs; $2.1 million in capital investment

· Teledyne Instruments, Inc.
Oil and gas global research and development center
100 new jobs; $4.3 million in capital investment

· Duraline Division of J.B. Nottingham Co. Inc.
Manufacturer of electrical connectors and temporary lighting
44 new jobs; $150,000 in capital investment

· Chico's FAS – Ft. Myers
Expansion of corporate headquarters
150 new jobs, $25 million in capital investment

· Cheney Brothers, Inc. – Punta Gorda
One of the largest Food Service Distributors in the South
380 new jobs, $24 million in capital investment

· Mindtree Limited - Gainesville
Global IT and product engineering company
400 new jobs; $2.925 million in capital investment

· Prioria Robotics, Inc. – Gainesville
Unmanned systems company
40 new jobs; $2.034 million in capital investment

· Bi-Lo/Winn Dixie - Jacksonville
Headquarters of one of the largest supermarkets in the country
100 new jobs, 891 retained; $81 million in capital investment

· Kaman Aerospace Corporation – Jacksonville
Aviation and aerospace manufacturer of cockpits for Black Hawk helicopters
200 new jobs; $28 million in capital investment

· The Coca-Cola Company - Auburndale
Expansion of its Main Street juice production facility
60 new jobs; $99 million in capital investment

· SteriPack, Ltd. - Lakeland
A leading manufacturer of flexible medical packaging
65 new jobs; $7 million in capital investment

· Univision Networks - Miami
New 24 hour news network with ABC
346 new jobs; $274 million in capital investment

· HBO Latin America Production Services, LC – Miami
Corporate headquarters for entertainment, cable TV and interactive media company
101 new jobs; $20.7 million in capital investment

· Verizon – Lake Mary
Creation of a finance and accounting “Center of Excellence”
750 new jobs; $50 million in capital investment

· Prime Therapeutics – Orlando
Specialty pharmacy management company location
213 new jobs; $18.1 million in capital investment

· Digital Risk – Palm Beach
Risk and compliance management for financial services
1,000 new jobs; $3 million in capital investment

· TBC Corporation – Palm Beach
One of the nation's largest marketers of automotive replacement tires
175 new jobs; $12 million in capital investment· Navy Federal Credit Union - Pensacola

World's largest credit union
700 new jobs; $6 million in capital investment

· Hixardt Technologies Inc. – Pensacola
Information technology, systems integration and engineering firm
60 new jobs; $5.1 million in capital investment

· Boeing - Titusville
Manufacture and assemble its CST-100 spacecraft for launches
550 new jobs; $163 million in capital investment

· Harris Corporation – Palm Bay
Development of the Harris Technology Center
100 new jobs; $100 million in capital investment

· Time Warner - Tampa
Shared resources center that hiring IT and human resource positions
500 new jobs; $5 million in capital investment

· CareCentrix, Inc. - Tampa
A leader in home health benefit management
110 new jobs; $720,000 in capital investment

Projects receiving incentives are only a small portion of the work EFI does. A larger untold story is that of international trade. Since taking office, Governor Scott has led seven EFI international missions – more than any other governor in the same time period. The goal of these missions is two-fold. First, they introduce Florida’s businesses to global trade opportunities through introductions to prospective clients and markets that provide exporting potential. Second, the missions aim to attract job-creating foreign direct investment into the state.

Over the last two years, the results from EFI’s international trade include:

· Expected export sales reported by Florida companies assisted by EFI: $1.501 billion

· Export Counseling Sessions with Florida companies: 12,959

· Major Overseas Events: 44

· Participants: 806

· Governor led missions: 7

· Export Sales from Governor led missions: $182.5 million

As you can see, EFI is helping Florida’s businesses find new customers on an international scale, grow their business and, ultimately, create more jobs.

However, these two sets of numbers reflect just a small portion of the hard work that your Enterprise Florida staff puts in each day to help improve our economy and quality of life. We encourage you to follow our progress, look at the results and draw your own conclusion about the importance of our job creation efforts in our state.

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ORLANDO, FL (March 6, 2013) – The Enterprise Florida Board of Directors has identified the following as economic development priorities for the Florida Legislature during its 2013 session.

Removal of the QTI and QDSC per company award caps (Senate Bill 236/House Bill 4013) – This legislation would remove the per company cap for these programs and encourage companies to continue to invest in Florida and create additional jobs.

Update of the Innovation Incentive Fund approval process - Mirroring the Innovation Incentive Fund approval process after the Quick Action Closing (QAC) Fund will allow for a much quicker response to competitive projects.

Manufacturing machinery and equipment tax exemption (Senate Bill 518/House Bill 4013) - Reducing the productivity requirement simplifies the process and allows the manufacturer to focus on equipment purchases without worrying about qualifying for a sales tax exemption, and thus, making Florida’s manufacturing sector more competitive with other states.

Economic development toolkit/SEED fund funding - The economic development toolkit contains incentive programs the state uses to retain and grow existing Florida companies and competitively compete for new business.

Create a recurring funding source for spring training facilities improvements - With five teams that have leases expiring with Florida’s communities in the near future, it is imperative that Florida have in place a mechanism to help ensure these teams stay in Florida.

Space Florida financing fund - In 2010 Space Florida was appropriated $10 million specifically to utilize financing tools. However, no funds have been appropriated since that time.

Institutionalization of spaceports into FDOT’s budget planning - Spaceports are a mode of transportation and should be funded like seaports, roads and rail in FDOT’s budget.

Quick Response Training Grants - Training of workers continues to be a critical part of the economic development process and full funding is needed.

VISIT FLORIDA - Florida’s tourism industry remains an important aspect of Florida’s economy.

Additional items Enterprise Florida supports
        Governor Scott’s JOBS Agenda
        Policy initiatives that increase Florida’s competitiveness in business development

“Enterprise Florida and its board of directors, led by Governor Scott, are focused on creating jobs for Floridians,” said Regions Financial Corporation Florida president Brett Couch, who serves as the board’s vice chairman. “In the last two years, Enterprise Florida announced 314 projects that are contracted to produce 35,226 new jobs and more than $3.2 billion in capital investment in our communities. These legislative items are vital to continuing that success and ensuring that Florida remains top of mind for companies looking to relocate to or expand their business in our state.”

Through improved products and services, proactive outreach to key audiences and effective partnering with Florida communities, Enterprise Florida made notable business development accomplishments in 2012.  Compared to 2011, the number of competitive economic development projects increased by 23 percent (130 to 160), with new jobs from competitive projects totaling 25,144 – 30.4 percent higher than 2011. In addition, companies committed to more than $1.7 billion in capital expenditures in 2012, a 32 percent increase over 2011.

On the international trade front, Enterprise Florida has coordinated three successful TEAM Florida missions so far in fiscal year 2013. Nearly 250 business representatives traveled to Trinidad & Tobago, London & Farnborough (United Kingdom), and Colombia. Those who attended the events reported more than $70 million in actual and expected sales collectively, as a result of nearly 400 pre-arranged business-to-business meetings. The final international trade mission of the fiscal year is scheduled for May in Chile.

Major jobs and investment announcements from 2012 include:

    Digital Risk – Orlando/Statewide
    1,000 new jobs; $3 million in capital investment

    Navy Federal Credit Union – Pensacola
    700 new jobs; $6 million in capital investment

    Bi-Lo/Winn Dixie – Jacksonville
    100 new jobs, 891 retained; $81 million in capital investment

    Univision Networks – Miami
    346 new jobs; $274 million in capital investment

    Cheney Brothers, Inc. – Punta Gorda
    380 new jobs; $21 million in capital investment

    Accuform Signs – Brooksville
    271 new jobs; $15 million in capital investment

The companies Enterprise Florida worked with to garner these jobs and high level of investment reflect the growth industries specifically targeted for the state’s economic development:  aviation & aerospace, cleantech, financial & professional services, homeland security/defense, information technology, life sciences, logistics & distribution, corporate headquarters, emerging technologies and other manufacturing sectors.

*   *   *

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 facilitate job growth for Florida’s businesses and citizens leading to a vibrant statewide economy. 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.

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Lockheed Martin Corp. announced March 5 it received a $71 million long-range, anti-ship missile modification contract from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency to conduct air- and surface-launched flight tests and other risk reduction activities. Under the contract, an air-launch missile flight test will be conducted this year and two surface-launched flight tests will be scheduled for 2014. (Read More)

Renegade Light Sport, a light sport aircraft manufacturer, will hire 75 and commit $1.7 million in capital improvements in Fort Pierce. Renegade, which previously had a facility in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, now has a 70,000 square foot facility at the St. Lucie County International Airport. The company will build small two-passenger airplanes and train pilots of such craft. (Read More)

Northrop Grumman Corporation announced that the company is designating five centers of excellence across the country, two of which will be in Florida. It will establish a Manned Aircraft Design Center of Excellence in Melbourne and an Aircraft Integration Center of Excellence in St. Augustine, creating more than 1000 jobs in Florida. (Read More)

Brazilian plane maker Embraer breaks into the U.S. defense market by partnering with Sierra Nevada in a $427 million contract, awarded last week, to build fighter jets in Jacksonville. Embraer’s first U.S. military contract will boost its ability to sell warplanes in other markets, according to a New York analyst who rates the company’s American depositary receipts as market perform. (Read More)

Florida State University has been awarded a two-year, $4.4 million contract with the Department of Veterans Affairs to develop the next generation of prosthetic limbs for military-veteran amputee patients. FSU is leading a partnership that includes the Georgia Institute of Technology, Prosthetic and Orthotic Associates, Quantum Motion Medical and St. Petersburg College. (Read More)

As part of its Economic Development Strategic Plan, the City of Clearwater developed a Technology District to encourage growth in the IT industry. Spurred by increased sales, iDatix a provider of high-quality software solutions and support services to a wide variety of industry sectors, recently opened its new headquarters building within that technology district. (Read More)

Today, Governor Rick Scott visited the Plasma-Therm headquarters in St. Petersburg, Florida to highlight his commitment to eliminating sales taxes for investments on manufacturing equipment. With just a handful of days until the 2013 Florida Legislative session begins, Governor Scott discussed his Building Up Florida Manufacturing Jobs proposal, intended to help small manufacturing businesses grow and offer more opportunities for Florida families. (Read More)

Norway-based Höegh Autoliners plans to relocate its U.S. headquarters from Jericho, N.Y. to Jacksonville to be closer to the Port of Jacksonville. The company will add about 15 employees to its Jacksonville office, which currently has approximately 20 employees. The move will also bring top-level and mid-level executive management positions to Jacksonville. (Read More)

Chico’s FAS celebrated its expansion in Southwest Florida with a ribbon cutting ceremony to officially open Building 10 at its Fort Myers headquarters. The new 146,000-square-foot building has created about 150 jobs already, with the ability to create up to 450. (Read More)

Over the past decade, the northern Florida metro area’s population has grown 20% to over 1.3 million, but business services employment has expanded nearly 50%, the biggest jump of any of the country’s 51 largest metropolitan areas. Forbes and Praxis Strategy Group compiled rankings based on both long and short-term growth, as well as the extent and growth of each region’s business service economy compared to the national average. (Read More)

New data from University of Florida's Sid Martin Biotechnology incubator shows that Florida's life science sector continues to grow at a faster pace than the nation's. Biotech deals grew by 27 percent in 2012, to 19 deals from 15 in the previous year, and venture capital dollars rose to $103.5 million, a 19 percent increase over 2011. (Read More)

Governor Rick Scott today highlighted the expansion of Coastal Cloud, LLC’s corporate headquarters to Flagler County. Coastal Cloud, a computer service company and subsidiary of Graphene, will be creating 100 new jobs over the next three years and making a $3.1 million investment in Florida with the construction of 30,000 square feet of office space. (Read More)

Sarasota (#2); Venice (#3); Naples (#7) and Fort Myers (#8) captured four of the top ten spots in Topretirements.com’s list of 10 best U.S. cities to retire in. The web site recently released its 7th annual list of the most popular places to retire. (Read More)

Today, Governor Scott announced that Verizon Communications, a Fortune 100 company, will establish a finance and accounting “Center of Excellence” in Lake Mary. This new facility will initially create 300 jobs by 2014, 750 new jobs by 2016 and bring a $50 million capital investment to the Orlando area. (Read More)

Today, Florida's CFO Jeff Atwater unveiled "Financial Education for Servicemembers," a new website aimed at helping military and their families with financial information. The site was set up to help the state's 58,000 service personnel and includes online training presentations that can be accessed individually or for large training groups. (Read More)

AT&T has invested nearly $225 million in its Jacksonville area wireless and wireline networks from 2010 to 2012, according to a new company report. The network enhancements have focused on expanding 4G LTE mobile Internet coverage and enhancing the overall performance of the networks, the company said. (Read More)

Janet Nickloy, director of Aerospace Mission Solutions for Harris Corporation, has been selected as the 2013 Chair of the Hosted Payload Alliance (HPA). The HPA seeks to bring together government and industry in an open dialogue to identify and promote the benefits of hosted government payloads on commercial satellites. (Read More)

Florida ranked first in the country for the fourth straight year for the percentage of students taking AP exams, and fourth in the country in AP exam success. Florida students took, and passed, AP classes at higher rates than their peers in almost every state in the country last year. (Read More)

Governor Rick Scott, along with Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Secretary Ananth Prasad, announced Tuesday an additional $78 million project to improve the safety and mobility on Interstate 95 and J. Turner Butler Boulevard in Jacksonville. The $78 million investment will focus on three primary improvements. (Read More)

Governor Rick Scott and Enterprise Florida announced that the participating companies on the trade mission to Bogotá, Colombia reported actual and expected sales in excess of $40 million as a result of the trip. More than 190 participants representing 116 Florida companies, statewide organizations and higher educational institutions participated in the mission last December. (Read More)

Florida had its second consecutive year of record-breaking tourism, according to preliminary data released Monday. There were 89.3 million visitors to Florida in 2012, an increase of 2.3 percent from 2011, which also was a record year. The number of jobs tied directly to tourism also hit a record 1,030,600, Visit Florida reported. (Read More)

Governor Rick Scott announced the 2012-13 Florida Defense Support Task Force Grants. The grants, totaling $2.6 million, have been awarded to ten projects that serve to protect military installations and grow jobs and opportunities across the state. With numerous bases across Florida, nearly 100,000 men and women who serve in active and reserve duty are living in the Sunshine State. (Read More)

Contact: Sean Helton
407-956-5630
shelton@eflorida.com

ORLANDO, FL (February 19, 2013) – Governor Rick Scott and Enterprise Florida (EFI) today announced that the participating companies on the trade mission to Bogotá, Colombia reported actual and expected sales in excess of $40 million as a result of the trip. Governor Scott and EFI were a part of one of the largest TEAM Florida trade missions to Bogotá, Colombia, with more than 190 participants representing 116 Florida companies, statewide organizations and higher educational institutions to promote economic development opportunities in the Sunshine State last December.

Governor Scott said, “It is great news that mission sales are on track to exceed $40 million, and with the recent ratification of the Free Trade Agreements, I am confident Florida’s economic relationship with Colombia will continue to grow and benefit Florida families. Florida has an ideal location to trade with Latin America and beyond. We are committed to growing jobs for Florida families, and missions to international markets help us build relationships across the globe to create new jobs and opportunities in the Sunshine State.”

Colombia is Florida’s second largest trading partner, with more than $9 billion in bilateral trade.  Florida also accounts for one-fourth of the total U.S. trade with Colombia, and 37 percent of U.S. exports to Colombia move through Florida. Colombia is also among the top five world markets for Florida-made goods. International trade and foreign investment combined are responsible for more than 1.4 million Florida jobs, or about 17.3 percent of the state’s employment.

“Because Florida is the gateway to business in Latin America, we’re in a uniquely competitive position for accessing new opportunities in nations like Colombia,” said Enterprise Florida President & CEO Gray Swoope. “Sustaining and strengthening Florida’s global economic connections is vital to continuous diversification of the state’s economy and achieving overall prosperity. Governor Scott understands the importance of international trade and development in our state and the direct link to jobs growth.”

Manny Mencía, senior vice president of Enterprise Florida’s International Trade Division said, “Florida’s trade relationship with Latin America is critical to continued jobs creation in our state and Colombia is obviously a huge part of that relationship. These connections made between companies will be mutually beneficial for many years.”

Participants in the trip were pleased with the results and connections they made in Colombia. “This was a positive trip for us. Our agricultural control products are pending approval internationally so it was very beneficial to meet with those who can help us, as well as with potential clients in the coffee and flower industries,” said Joel Agler, owner of Magna Bon International in Okeechobee. “We’ve been on two trips, and Governor Scott and members of the Commerce Department have been very helpful in our efforts to get our products approved and traded internationally.”

Eddie Kolos, CEO of H2Ocean in Stuart was impressed with the efficiency of the event and was appreciative of the Governor’s willingness to support Florida’s small businesses. “It was an amazing trip. It was absolutely worth my while and time to meet with some important business people and have the opportunity to have so many productive meetings in one place,” said Kolos. “I spoke with Governor Scott during the trip and he showed a genuine appreciation for innovative natural health and skincare products. He offered his help in getting our products approved for international trade. The entire team was very accommodating and welcoming.”

The next trade mission Governor Scott will lead is a May 20-23 trip to Chile. Chile ranks sixth among Florida’s top products export destinations, having amassed more than $3.9 billion in exports in 2011.  Florida exports to Chile increased by 24.3 percent from October 2011 to October 2012.  The Chilean economy’s growth is expected to generate new export opportunities for Florida firms wanting to benefit from this strong business climate.

*     *     *

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 facilitate job growth for Florida’s businesses and citizens leading to a vibrant statewide economy. 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.

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Value Advisory chief research analyst Howard Rosencrans explains why it's more affordable to live in Florida. (Read More)

Lockheed Martin Missiles & Fire Control in Orlando has received two Army contracts worth a combined $161 million to continue producing upgrades for the Apache helicopter's advanced weapons-targeting and navigation system known as Arrowhead. The latest deals – part of a multibillion-dollar program for the Orlando unit – will extend the work nearly four years to the third quarter of 2016. (Read More)

Today, Governor Scott announced that in order to capitalize on the expansion of the Panama Canal and to strengthen Florida’s position as a leader in international trade, the Florida Department of Transportation implemented administrative rule changes to reduce the regulatory burden on trucks, while protecting the integrity of Florida’s infrastructure and preserving our commitment to safe mobility on our roadways. (Read More)

Today, Governor Rick Scott joined President and CEO of TBC Corp., Larry Day, in a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating their recent expansion in Palm Beach Gardens. Initially announced in August, this expansion has already created 61 new jobs, and will create a total of 175 new jobs by June 2014. In addition to this, TBC Corp. will inject a capital investment of $12 million into the Palm Beach area. (Read More)

CONTACT: GOVERNOR’S PRESS OFFICE
(850) 717-9282
media@eog.myflorida.com

Total Quality Logistics to locate in Orange County with $380,000 capital investment

TALLAHASSEE, FL ( February 14, 2013) – Governor Scott announced today that Total Quality Logistics (TQL), the nation’s second largest freight brokerage firm, will open an office in Orange County and create up to 75 positions there. The company will make a capital investment totaling $380,000.

Governor Rick Scott said, “Our work to make Florida the number one state for business is paying off. The news that TQL will create 75 jobs in Orange County means 75 more Florida families will be able to find jobs and pursue their version of the American dream. I applaud everyone involved in this project and thank TQL for choosing Orange County for their newest office with this $380,000 capital investment.”

The Orlando area offered the right business climate, talent and resources for the company.

“TQL is aggressively expanding nationwide and we have strategically chosen Metro Orlando as our next location,” said Kerry Byrne, TQL Executive Vice President.  “This is a region where our people have told us they will enjoy the quality of life and amenities.  It is also an area where we can attract motivated individuals from surrounding colleges and universities to a challenging and rewarding sales career with our company.”

Organizations that collaborated to support TQL’s expansion included Enterprise Florida, Orange County and Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission.

“We are very pleased to have TQL join our business community,” said Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs.  “The high-wage, high-value jobs they are bringing to our region are another indicator that Orange County is set for continued economic growth this year.”

Even more, Rick Weddle, President and CEO of Metro Orlando EDC, emphasized that “Metro Orlando’s central location within the state and deep, diverse talent pool of experienced distribution employees position it as a hub for its industry, making it perfect location for TQL’s expansion.”

TQL has received approval from the state and Orange County for a Qualified Target Industry (QTI) Tax Refund of $225,000, a performance-based incentive that is awarded after job goals and other contractual requirements are met.

“Despite other location options, TQL chose Florida for this critical step in its business plan.  What a high compliment for our state, and one that speaks volumes about the caliber of Orange County as a place to establish and expand a business,” said Enterprise Florida President & CEO Gray Swoope.

# # # # #

Contact: Sean Helton
(407) 956-5630
shelton@eflorida.com

2013 Paris Air Show offers global opportunity to Florida companies

Space limited in the Florida Pavilion; trade grants available

ORLANDO, FL (February 13, 2013) – Enterprise Florida is coordinating business participation in the Florida Pavilion at the 50th International Paris Air Show, which is scheduled for June 17-23.  Florida-based aviation, aerospace and defense firms are invited to register by contacting:

Ken Cooksey
Enterprise Florida
(850) 298-6632
kcooksey@eflorida.com

Booth space in the Pavilion is limited, so, reservations should be made as soon as possible.

Target Sector Trade Grants are available for qualifying companies. The grants are awarded on a reimbursable basis; companies will be reimbursed following their participation in the event. The grant will pay 50 percent of the booth space cost, up to $7,500.

To be held at Paris’ Le Bourget Airport, the Paris Air Show is considered the world’s leading aviation and aerospace trade fair.  Last held in 2011, this biannual event attracted more than 350,000 attendees, including 151,500 trade visitors, and 290 official delegations from 82 countries.

“The Paris Air Show offers unprecedented access to the world’s leading aviation and aerospace companies,” said Manny Mencía, senior vice president of International Trade and Development for Enterprise Florida.  “Historically, this event has been very fruitful for Florida companies, and we anticipate another successful year.”

Enterprise Florida will host the Florida Pavilion at the tradeshow, and has secured premier location space.  The pavilion offers an ideal opportunity for Florida companies to exhibit their products and services to a global audience, and to create immediate new and lucrative partnerships. 

*  *  *

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.

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Miami-Fort Lauderdale, Bradenton-Sarasota, Orlando, Tampa-St. Petersburg, Palm Bay-Melbourne, Jacksonville, Cape Coral-Fort Myers and Lakeland have been ranked among the nation's 102 largest metros, according to a new On Numbers study on small business vitality. (Read More)

The value of Florida exports increased by 2.5 percent in 2012, according to a recently release report from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. In 2012, Florida exported $66.4 billion worth of goods compared to $64.8 billion in 2011. (Read More)

                                                                       

MEDIA ADVISORY

CONTACT:

Stuart Doyle
407-956-5689
sdoyle@eflorida.com

               ENTERPRISE FLORIDA POINT-BY-POINT RESPONSE

          TO INTEGRITY FLORIDA REPORT

DATE: February 12, 2013

TO: Interested Media

FROM: Stuart Doyle, Vice President, Communications

RE: Point-by-point response to Integrity Florida’s “Enterprise Florida: Economic Development or Corporate Welfare?” report.

Please see the attached response from Enterprise Florida. If you have any questions or need additional information, contact me at (407) 956-5689

Download: Enterprise Florida's point-by-point response
 
* * *

Enterprise Florida, Inc. (http://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 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.

Forbes Magazine's research says Jacksonville has the second-fastest growing tech services base in the country. Over the past decade, the northern Florida metro area’s business services employment has expanded nearly 50%, the biggest jump of any of the country’s 51 largest metropolitan areas. (Read More)

ORLANDO, FL (February 11, 2013) Joe Martinez has joined Enterprise Florida as vice president of International Development.

As a new addition to Enterprise Florida’s Business Development division, Martinez is based in Orlando and leads international business recruitment efforts. His focus is attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) to the state.

Before joining Enterprise Florida, Martinez worked for Miami-Dade County’s economic development partnership, The Beacon Council, as director of International Business Development.

In this position, Martinez managed major projects and corporate headquarters relocation to Miami. He also gained significant experience dealing with companies from Europe, Asia, Canada and Latin America.

A native of Miami, Martinez earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Florida International University.

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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 facilitate job growth for Florida’s businesses and citizens leading to a vibrant statewide economy.  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.

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Florida recently introduced its first business brand, which embraces Florida’s super-state positioning and will be used by its corporate community and economic development organizations to promote Florida as a premier business destination. Collectively, four factors position Florida as a “super-state” for business – the state’s current business foundation, economic power, capabilities and resources.

While the concept of the brand – its look and feel – was unveiled Jan. 31, most of the actual components of it, creative and editorial, will evolve during the coming months.

Logo and tagline Perfect Business Climate logo                                                           

The logo and tagline, Florida. The Perfect Climate for Business., are important elements of the brand and aim to prompt business decision-makers and influencers to visualize a common perception of Florida while communicating that there is something more: Business.

The logo is designed to embrace a color spectrum that is dynamic and fun, while professional. The symbolic necktie in place of the “i” in the logo exemplifies this dynamic aspect of Florida that is not widely known, that of a business climate. An icon, such as a tie, appeals to business leaders – all over the globe – very efficiently and effectively, which assists our recruitment efforts in the US and internationally – from Madrid to Frankfurt to Beijing to Bogota.

Over time, people from all locales have visited or relocated to Florida for its “perfect climate,” beautiful beaches and family friendly attractions. On the business end, the state is working to more fully maximize the use of key superlatives pertaining to its business climate:

    no personal income tax,
    a platform built for global trade, and
    top national rankings:
        2nd best state for business – Chief Executive magazine
        4th most populous state – U.S. Census Bureau
        21st largest economy in the world – Moody’s Analytics
        #1 state for talent pipeline – National Chamber Foundation (NCF)
        #1 state for infrastructure – NCF
        3rd largest exporter of high-tech goods and services - TechAmerica

These unique attributes of Florida’s business climate enhance the state’s competitiveness and credibility as a leading business destination. Florida’s business brand will be used to market the state globally for new business opportunities that can lead to more jobs for Floridians and more investment into the state’s communities.

This initiative encourages the entire state to speak with one voice when promoting Florida as a top location for recruiting new economic investment or for business expansion within the state.

"Economic development excels when the state, county and cities work together to invest resources to help businesses grow and prosper. Working in this capacity with a business brand to represent our collective product -- the state of Florida -- will serve us well in recruiting companies and creating jobs," said Kelly Smallridge, president & CEO, Palm Beach Business Development Board.

Florida Secretary of Commerce Gray Swoope adds, “The state of Florida has risen to a greater place of prominence in national and international business circles. Now is the time to capitalize on the strength and diversity of our assets.  Our business climate is one that offers so many attributes across this great state and provides so many opportunities across a broad spectrum of industries.”

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Sean Helton
407-956-5630
shelton@eflorida.com

First Enterprise Florida board meeting of 2013 highlights new business brand and jobs growth

ORLANDO, FL (February 7, 2013) – Governor Rick Scott joined Secretary of Commerce and president & CEO of Enterprise Florida, Gray Swoope, at the Enterprise Florida Board (EFI) of Directors meeting in Tallahassee last week. The meeting highlighted the state’s first business branding initiative and continued economic growth.

Melissa Medley, senior vice president and chief marketing officer for Enterprise Florida, unveiled the state’s first-ever business brand, “Florida. The Perfect Climate for Business,” in front of EFI’s board of directors and key stakeholders. The brand reflects the state’s existing business foundation, economic power, capabilities and resources, all of which make it a super-state for business.

The brand emphasizes the state’s attributes, such as no personal income tax, unmatched international trade access and top national ranking for transportation infrastructure, all of which support its competitiveness and credibility as a leading business destination.

Swoope added that, “This brand initiative is the result of extensive statewide and national research. Everyone knows about our incredible weather, our world-renowned hospitality and attractions industries, and our quality of life, but not nearly as many know about our stature as far as size of economy and impact on the world stage for business. This brand will help us spread that message.”

The governor shared some of the efforts being made to encourage economic development in our state. Taxes and regulations on job creators have been cut, and jump-started economic growth that has generated around 200,000 new private-sector jobs. This means around 200,000 new opportunities for Florida families to pursue their version of the American dream.

The meeting was the first for new board vice chairman Brett Couch. Couch, senior executive vice president and East region president for Regions Financial Corporation, succeeds Howell W. Melton, Jr., who served from 2010-12. Couch joined Regions in 1990 and oversees banking operations in the East region, which includes Florida (excluding the Panhandle), Georgia, East Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. He is also a member of the company's Operating Committee.

“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to serve as vice chair of the Enterprise Florida board,” said Couch. “It’s clear that the board is filled with dedicated leaders who want to see Florida continue to attract new businesses and create more jobs for Floridians. I look forward to working with Governor Scott, Secretary Swoope and all of my fellow board members. I know we will do great things for the state over the next two years.”

In addition to a new vice-chair, the appointments and re-appointments of five other board members were approved at the meeting:

• New at-large investor – GrayRobinson, Fred Leonhardt, Senior Partner
• Member replacement – Florida Blue, Mike Hightower, VP of Government Affairs
• Governor appointee – Julius Davis, VoltAir Consulting Engineers
• Senate appointee – Lewis Bear, The Lewis Bear Company
• Ex-officio Senate member re-appointment – Senator Nancy Detert

Other agenda items at the board of directors meeting included:
• A Q&A with Florida CFO Jeff Atwater, Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, State Representative Marti Coley, and Florida Chamber of Commerce President Mark Wilson
• An update from Secretary Swoope about return on investment of economic development incentives – more high wage jobs and capital investments

The agenda and board materials are posted online on Enterprise Florida’s website. The meeting was also broadcast live on the Florida Channel and can be accessed at their website.

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 facilitate job growth for Florida’s businesses and citizens leading to a vibrant statewide economy.  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.
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February 5, 2013
Integrity Florida

Thank you for taking the time to meet with the Enterprise Florida team yesterday. While we appreciated the opportunity to hear from you in advance of the release of your report, we are disappointed that the report was released without any response from our organization (or without even receiving an advanced copy, which you said we would be provided during our meeting). We requested that the information we discussed yesterday be released along with your report in order to provide much-needed clarification and context.

Additionally, we were deeply troubled yesterday when you told us that this report was funded by Americans for Prosperity, a group who publicly opposes all incentives - an economic tool provided in Florida law to help our state compete for business investment across the country and around the world. This group has been outspoken in their campaign against economic incentives for job creation. In fact, Americans for Prosperity-Florida recently posted on Facebook, “Enough is enough! Florida needs to get out of the business of trying to pick winners in the marketplace, and just promote free market policy instead.” On June 23, 2012, Sunshine State News reported that, “Americans for Prosperity-Florida wants to replace the state employee pension system, eliminate corporate income taxes and it wants Florida to stop giving tax credits to attract businesses.”

Integrity Florida has claimed to be a non-partisan, non-profit organization with no policy agenda. However, a report on economic incentives for job creation funded by a group that so publicly opposes these incentives is deeply troubling.

Due to our increased concerns about the independence and balance of your analysis of our economic development tools, we are requesting that you publicly post and distribute our response to your report in the same manner that you have publicized your initial report. This response will include information left out of your report, including the aggressive actions the state has taken (and is currently undertaking) to pin down bad actors and ensure they are prosecuted to the full extent of the law, where laws are found to be violated. Digital Domain, for example, is currently under review by the Inspector General, following Governor Scott’s call for a review of how the company received incentive funds after being declined by the state’s vetting process. It appears that this project was brought back to life and funded in another way that effectively circumvented the process we have in place to recommend or decline projects.

We feel just as strongly about our mission of job creation as we do our commitment to safeguarding taxpayer funds. We look forward to your response to this important request, which will best ensure a transparent, balanced and non-partisan conversation about the important subject of job creation tools in our state.

Sincerely,

Gray Swoope
Secretary of Commerce
President & CEO, Enterprise Florida Inc.

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February 5, 2013

The Honorable Will Weatherford, Speaker
Florida House of Representatives
402 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1300

The Honorable Don Gaetz, President
Florida Senate
404 S. Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1100

Dear Speaker Weatherford and President Gaetz:

As the 2013 legislative session quickly approaches, the Enterprise Florida Board of Directors wanted to take this opportunity to update you on the job creation efforts of Enterprise Florida (EFI) as well as address some troubling accusations released today.

In 1995, Enterprise Florida was created to improve the strength of Florida’s economy through the pursuit of competitive projects that lead to higher wages and a more diverse economy. A policy-driven Board of Directors oversees the organization, made up of a combination of appointed members and a diverse group of investors representing some of the nation’s largest and most notable corporations. In addition to the Board, our stakeholders represent each county as well as a number of key partner organizations. Together, these two groups help spread the message that Florida is the best place in the world to locate, grow or expand a business.

Through the legislation that you supported two short years ago, Florida now has a seamless economic development team focused on creating jobs for Florida families, increasing capital investment in our communities and providing a significant return on the investment made by the state’s taxpayers.

The addition of the Secretary of Commerce position that also serves as the President & CEO of Enterprise Florida has led to the efficient use of resources and allowed EFI to more effectively coordinate the state’s economic development efforts with Workforce Florida, Inc. and the newly created Department of Economic Opportunity.

Under the leadership of Gray Swoope, the silos have been torn down, the team is laser-focused in the mission of winning competitive projects and they are developing the tools that will help Florida succeed.

The metrics from 2010 to 2012 clearly demonstrate EFI’s progress. Over the last two years, new jobs projected from announced projects are up 73.6 percent and capital investment is up an outstanding 94.8 percent. A sampling of the top announcements from around the state includes:

    Digital Risk – Statewide
        Risk and compliance management for financial services
        1,000 new jobs; $3 million in capital investment
    Navy Federal Credit Union – Pensacola
        World’s largest credit union
        700 new jobs; $6 million in capital investment
    Bi-Lo/Winn Dixie – Jacksonville
        One of the largest supermarket chains in the country’s headquarters
        100 new jobs, 891 retained; $81 million in capital investment
    Mindtree Limited – Gainesville
        Global IT and product engineering company opened its first U.S. Delivery Center 400 new jobs; $2.925 million capital  investment
    Boeing – Titusville
        Manufacture and assemble its CST-100 spacecraft for launches
        550 new jobs; $163 million in capital investment
    DaVita Rx, LLC – Orlando
        Full service pharmacy in renal care
        100 new jobs; $8.75 million in capital investment
    Chico’s FAS – Ft. Myers
        Expansion of corporate headquarters
        150 new jobs, $25 million in capital investment
    Time Warner – Tampa
        Shared resources center hiring IT and human resource positions
        500 new jobs; $5 million in capital investment
    Univision Networks – Miami
        New 24 hour news network with ABC
        346 new jobs; $274 million in capital investment

Despite the success, EFI staff along with this Board of Directors, knows that there is still work to be done as long as there are any Florida residents who are looking for work. As in any organization or corporation, there are also areas for internal improvement.
Enterprise Florida remains steadfast in its commitment to accountability and transparency regarding economic development incentives. Over the last two years, the following initiatives have taken place:

With the support of Enterprise Florida, DEO launched an online economic development incentives portal providing access to information about the state’s economic development incentive programs. DEO expects to have all non-confidential projects available on the portal by March.

EFI supported legislation to accelerate the release of agreements with companies to create jobs. In fact, the timeframe that details can remain confidential was cut by 50%, from a year to 180 days.

In the 2012 Economic Development Incentives Report, EFI included performance data for the various incentive programs including verified job creation and wage figures, calculation of economic benefits utilizing actual company performance and actual incentive payments made. The report also included listings of businesses with incentive contracts executed during fiscal year 2012 and those receiving incentive award payments.

EFI’s Board meeting materials including the agenda and Board book are posted on EFI’s website and the meetings are being televised live by the Florida Channel.

Some groups publically oppose the competitive incentives Florida provides as a tool to compete for business growth and development. The simple truth is Enterprise Florida abides by the law.

Incentives: Enterprise Florida’s Board of Directors has no role in evaluating, approving or granting incentives. Decisions to award incentives are based on the economic benefit of the project, alone, according to state statute. Incentives are negotiated by the staff of Enterprise Florida and approved by the Department of Economic Opportunity.

Contract Integrity: Like many government agencies and private businesses, Enterprise Florida contracts for business services such as phone, internet, cable, legal services, banking and insurance. Companies represented on the Board of Directors of Enterprise Florida are among the most reputable and successful companies in the state providing these services. It would be impractical to prohibit these companies from competing for these contracts. Contracts with Board member companies are approved by the executive committee/Board and Enterprise Florida complies with Florida Statutes, which requires a Board member with a potential conflict to recuse him or herself.

Protecting Taxpayers: Florida’s economic development toolkit includes programs designed to address specific needs of businesses as they look to expand or locate in Florida. The use of incentives is one of Florida’s most powerful tools in stimulating and diversifying the economy, creating jobs and expanding businesses. Incentives awarded to businesses and local governments are based on meeting performance criteria benchmarks throughout the duration of their agreements with the state and each agreement contains important provisions to protect taxpayer funds.

Return on Investment: In 2010, the State’s Office of Economic and Demographic Research (EDR) reviewed Enterprise Florida’s impact analysis model. Enterprise Florida and EDR worked together to redefine variables within the impact analysis model to optimize the state’s return on investment estimate. EDR recommended using statewide RIMS II multipliers instead of regional multipliers to ensure the fiscal impact of increased economic activity is captured on a statewide basis. The new impact analysis model became effective July 1, 2011.

As you move through this legislative session, we strongly urge you to contact us with any questions you may have about our commitment to economic development in Florida, our record of success in competing for job creation by using the tools provided to us, and our strong standards of ethics and integrity, which are essential to our strength in competing with other economic development entities across the country and the world.

Please feel free to reach out to any one of us with questions. We look forward to working with you.

Sincerely,

The Enterprise Florida Board of Directors

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Brand showcases Florida’s status and reputation as a super-state for business

(TALLAHASSEE, FL) January 31, 2013 – Today, Enterprise Florida (EFI) and Governor Rick Scott unveiled Florida’s first-ever business brand in front of EFI’s board of directors and key stakeholders. The brand reflects the state’s existing business foundation, economic power, capabilities and resources, all of which make it a super-state for business.  More than just a logo or a tagline, the Florida business brand provides a common thread that will allow all of the state’s economic development organizations to work together in showcasing Florida as a premier business destination.

Governor Scott said, “Each day I talk with CEOs around the world to tell them that Florida is the best place to do business. Our unemployment rate is at a four year low, we’ve created close to 200,000 private sector jobs in just two years, and our K-12 education system has jumped into the top ten in the nation. We’re working aggressively to get businesses to Florida, so Florida families have more opportunities to pursue the American dream – and with this innovative business brand we will continue to attract more opportunities to the Sunshine State.”

Perfect Business Climate logoA vital component of the brand is its tagline, “Florida. The Perfect Climate for Business,” which juxtaposes the state’s reputation for having beautiful weather with key superlatives related to Florida’s business climate.  Attributes such as no personal income tax, a platform built for global trade, and a top national ranking for workforce, transportation infrastructure enhance the state’s competitiveness and credibility as a leading business destination.

“Now it is time for us to share the Florida story in a significant way. Many people work year round to be able to visit the state. Why wait? Florida’s business climate makes it an equally appealing place to locate, start or expand a business,” said Secretary of Commerce and President & CEO of Enterprise Florida Inc. Gray Swoope.

This new initiative is not intended to replace individual community business brands, but rather encourage the entire state to speak with one voice when promoting Florida as a top location for recruiting new economic investment or for business expansion within the state.

"Economic development excels when the state, county and cities work together to invest resources to help businesses grow and prosper.  Working in this capacity with a business brand to represent our collective product -- the state of Florida -- will serve us well in recruiting companies and creating jobs," said Kelly Smallridge, president & CEO, Palm Beach Business Development Board.

For more information about the initiative, visit www.PerfectBusinessClimate.com.

** ** **

About Enterprise 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 facilitate job growth for Florida’s businesses and citizens leading to a vibrant statewide economy. 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.

Governor Rick Scott today announced that 11 additional state colleges have accepted his challenge to work to develop quality bachelor’s degree programs costing students no more than $10,000. To date, all of the 23 institutions in the Florida College System that offer baccalaureate degrees have announced their support to Governor Scott’s higher education affordability challenge. (Read More)

Florida’s effort to build its port-to-rail freight infrastructure in anticipation of increased global trade is receiving high marks from one of the oldest Washington, D.C., think tanks. A report from the Brookings Institute, listed as “smart” the state’s freight game plan as directed last year through the creation of the Office of Freight Logistics and Passenger Operations. (Read More)

MEDIA ADVISORY

CONTACT
Sean Helton, Enterprise Florida
407-956-5630/ 407-340-2149 (c)
Shelton@eflorida.com

ENTERPRISE FLORIDA TO UNVEIL FIRST-EVER FLORIDA BUSINESS BRAND

WHAT:     Enterprise Florida Inc. (EFI), the state’s lead economic development entity will unveil Florida’s first-ever business brand following its board of directors meeting on January 31, 2013.

Florida has traditionally been known as a top-tier tourism location, but the state is also a thriving business destination, ranked as the #2 best state in the US for business, according to Chief Executivemagazine. Facts, such as no personal income tax, unmatched trade access with Latin America and Florida’s top national ranking for workforce, transportation infrastructure, support the state’s competitiveness and credibility as a leading business destination.

The branding initiative represents one of the most important competitiveness tools for the state to market itself nationally and internationally as a business destination.

WHEN:     Thursday, January 31, 2013 at 11:15 am – 11:30 am (EST)

WHERE:   Ponce de Leon Park (Across from the DoubleTree Hotel)
              119 E. Park Avenue
              Tallahassee, Fla. 32301

WHO:      Dignitaries in attendance will include: Governor Rick Scott (EFI Chairman); Secretary of Commerce/President & CEO  of Enterprise Florida Gray Swoope

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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.

Manufacturers and distributors across Tampa Bay now have more options for transporting goods as the world’s second-largest container shipping line The Mediterranean Shipping Co. inaugurates cargo service at the Port of Tampa. Based in Geneva, the Swiss shipping line will open up new destinations and options for exporters and importers via the Port of Tampa. (Read More)

Harris Corporation has been awarded a $31 million contract for a Public Safety Access Point and 800 MHz P25 trunked radio system for the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service. The Harris public safety solution will seamlessly connect public safety and Armed Forces personnel through the Harris’ VIDA® network and Harris Falcon military radios currently in use. (Read More)

Florida’s small and medium-size business owners are optimistic they will continue to see the financial health of their company improve in 2013, according to a survey by Kaufman, Rossin & Co. More than 50 percent of the business owners surveyed said they expect to see progress from 2012 continue this year, with 55 percent saying they plan to hire one to 10 employees in 2013. (Read More)

Results of an economic-impact study commissioned by Broward College shows that the community college contributes about $1 billion toward the local economy. The study also reported that the public college offers a solid return for taxpayers, generating $1.40 for every dollar spent at the school for taxpayers. (Read More)

Contact: Sean Helton
(407) 956-5630
shelton@eflorida.com

Media Advisory

Enterprise Florida board to meet January 31

What:  Quarterly meeting of the Enterprise Florida Board of Directors

When:  Thursday, January 31, 2013, 8:30 – 11:00 a.m.

Where:  Doubletree Hotel
101 South Adams Street
Tallahassee 32301-7774

Dial-in Number:
Dial: 877.402.9753  Access Code: 6423569#
*6 to mute/unmute your phone

*                      *                      *

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 facilitate job growth for Florida’s businesses and citizens leading to a vibrant statewide economy.  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.

 
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Contact: Sean Helton
(407) 956-5630
shelton@eflorida.com

Gov. Scott leads trade mission to Chile

ORLANDO, FL (January 28, 2013) – Governor Rick Scott invites businesses statewide to participate in a TEAM Florida trade mission to Santiago, Chile.  The mission is scheduled for May 20-23.

Latin America is the leading export market for Florida companies, accounting for 60 percent of Florida’s total merchandise trade.  As one of the most dynamic and prosperous economies in Latin America, Chile offers a wide range of opportunities for U.S. goods and services.

“Chile is a key business partner with our state and companies there are increasingly interested in expanding their trade operations with Florida companies,” said Manny Mencía, senior vice president of Enterprise Florida’s International Trade & Development division.  “This mission will help businesses identify and establish relationships with buyers in one of the fastest growing markets in the world for Florida products.”

Chile ranks sixth among Florida’s top products export destinations, having amassed more than $3.9 billion in exports in 2011.  Florida exports to Chile increased by 24.3 percent from October 2011 to October 2012.  The Chilean economy’s growth is expected to generate new export opportunities for Florida firms wanting to benefit from this strong business climate.

Because of the January 2004 implementation of the United States and Chile Free Trade Agreement, 90 percent of U.S. exports to Chile enter duty free. The remaining tariffs are set to phase out by 2015.

Products/services ranking among the best for trade with Chile include:
        Healthcare/Medical equipment
        Telecommunications
        Computer hardware, software and services
        Financial services
        Construction
        Security systems and safety equipment
        Agricultural machinery and equipment
        Electric power equipment
        Water resources equipment
        Mining equipment
        Travel & tourism services
        Food processing/packaging equipment
        Water resources equipment
         
The mission will feature business matchmaking:  scheduled appointments between participating Florida companies and potential business partners in Chile.  Space is limited to 20 Florida companies (manufacturers, distributors, exporters and service organizations) on a first-come, first-served basis after they meet eligibility criteria.

Fees
Gold Key Participation (Limited number available) – The U.S. Commercial Service in Chile will prescreen companies to assess their interest in the products and services of the Florida participants. They will schedule one-to-one appointments to match the companies based on their mutual interests and business needs. Gold Key participants will have access to all mission events.

   Other provisions include:
        Spanish-English translator
        Targeted promotional campaign throughout Chile 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 to all official mission events, originating at the official mission hotels

Cost: $900 for first Florida company representative; $650 for each additional representative.  Enterprise Florida trade grants (details below) will be available to qualified Florida producers, covering 100 percent of the registration cost.

   Mission Delegate
        Admission to all official TEAM Florida networking events
        Country briefing by U.S. Embassy official
        Access to “Business Opportunities in Florida” seminar
        Airport transfers in country when traveling on official mission flights
        Ground transportation to all official mission events, originating at the official mission hotels

Cost: $650 per Florida company representative.

Note: airfare, lodging and meal accommodations are not included in the registration fees.

Grants available
For smaller to mid-size companies – 500 or few employees – Enterprise Florida is offering grants to cover 100 percent of the registration cost. The funding is provided through a U.S. Small Business Administration initiative.  The grant is available only to Gold Key participants, and a company will be responsible for the registration cost if a cancelation or no-show occurs.  Companies must complete a separate application to obtain the grant.

The registration deadline is March 25 for companies and April 10 for others who want to participate as Florida delegates.  Businesses can sign up by contacting:

       Juliana Peña                                                       Jay Sumners
     (305) 808-3388                                                    (305) 808-3389
    jpena@eflorida.com                                           jsumners@eflorida.com

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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 facilitate job growth for Florida’s businesses and citizens leading to a vibrant statewide economy. 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.

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Governor Scott today announced the construction in Suwannee County of the Klausner Lumber One sawmill, a high-tech facility that will create 350 permanent jobs and inject $130 million in capital over three years. Construction on the site will require 700 additional positions. (Read More)

Governor Rick Scott visited Hernon Manufacturing’s world headquarters to highlight his commitment to eliminating sales taxes for investments on manufacturing equipment. Earlier this month Governor Scott announced his Building Up Florida Manufacturing Jobs proposal, intended to help small manufacturing business grow. (Read More)

Florida medical companies reported $24.8 million worth of export sales as a result of joining Enterprise Florida at MEDICA, a German medical products and technology tradeshow. Enterprise Florida’s Florida Pavilion hosted 22 companies. (Read More)

Lockheed Martin has been awarded a $90.6 million performance-based logistics contract from the Army to sustain the Modernized Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensor system. The system is an advanced electro-optical fire control system that Apache helicopter pilots use for safe flight in day, night and bad weather missions. (Read More)

Harris Corp. received $36 million in orders from an unnamed NATO member for its Falcon III handheld tactical radios and accessories. The radios will be used by the country's armed forces for both line-of-sight and beyond line-of-sight satellite applications. (Read More)

Ultimate Software, JM Family Enterprises, Darden, Baptist Health South Florida and Publix Super Markets have been named among Fortune magazine’s “Best Companies to Work For” list for 2013. Pay, perks and policies factor into the annual list, which is compiled by the Great Place to Work Institute from anonymous surveys of employees. (Read More)

Saint Leo University and the University of South Florida have been ranked among the best universities in the nation for their online programs by Guide to Online Schools. The guide, which is an index that lists schools with the overall best and most affordable online programs, uses data from the federal government's National Center for Education Statistics to determine rankings. (Read More)

The Marquesa Hotel in Key West (#4), Island Bay Resort in Tavernier (#7), and Orchid Key Inn in Key West (#9) have been named among the nation’s top 25 small hotels for 2013 by TripAdvisor. Selections were based on millions of reviews and opinions covering more than 650,000 hotels and collected in a single year from travelers around the world. (Read More)

Melbourne-based Harris Corp. received a $42 million order for a tactical information system that will be used to connect commanders with armed forces. The unnamed international customer is buying the Harris Integrated Tactical Area Communications System, which will provide fully IP-based voice, data and video services across the battlefield. (Read More)

Bio Clean Water Technologies, which initially began with seven employees but expects that number could reach 50-90 in the next two years, has located its headquarters in Palm City. The company recently introduced a new portable water filtration kit called the BC Water Tower. The kit effectively removes all bacteria from common freshwater sources. (Read More)

Governor Scott is committing $36 million with a $2 million match from JAXPORT and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to engineer, construct and complete Phase II of the TraPac Container Terminal project at JAXPORT. The investment enables JAXPORT, which calculates 3,500 jobs are supported by the port through this project and the associated TraPac terminal, to jump-start the final phase of fixing the navigational problems in the St. Johns River at Mile Point. (Read More)

Sapient Corporation, a global digital advertising and IT company, is combining its three Miami-based operations into a single facility, adding a total of 168 jobs within five years and $6.45 million in capital investment. (Read More)

Giraffas USA, a large Brazilian fast-food chain, has established its U.S. headquarters in Miami-Dade County, adding 285 new jobs within three years and an initial capital investment of $8 million. Giraffas, which has nearly 400 restaurants in Brazil, recently opened restaurants in Midtown Miami, North Miami and Pinecrest. (Read More)

Northrop Grumman Corp. was awarded a three-year $9.2 million contract to make hand-held precision targeting devices for the Army at its Apopka, Florida operation. The advanced targeting system weighs less than 5.5 pounds and allows forces on the ground to relay accurate targeting data to aircraft and command centers. (Read More)

Florida’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropped to 8.0 percent for the month of December – down from last month and the lowest rate since November 2008. The December 2012 rate was 1.9 percentage points lower than the year-ago rate of 9.9 percent. (Read More)

Today, Governor Scott was joined by Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Planet Hollywood CEO David Crabtree and affiliated company officials for the ceremonial ribbon cutting of the new Planet Hollywood International headquarters in Orlando. The company has committed to create 90 jobs at its new Florida headquarters. (Read More)

Radiant Power Corp., a designer and producer of power and sensor products for commercial aviation and marine, will expand its Manatee County, Florida facility for the second time in less than a year. The expansion project will lead to 16 new jobs during the next two years and a capital investment of more than $650,000. (Read More)

Global financial services firm Morgan Stanley will expand its footprint in the Tampa Bay area, creating up to 110 jobs and $6.6 million in capital investment with a new facility in Temple Terrace. Morgan Stanley says the quality of the local workforce was a key reason the company chose to expand in Hillsborough County. (Read More)

Governor Scott is committing $36 million with a $2 million match from JAXPORT and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to engineer, construct and complete Phase II of the TraPac Container Terminal project at JAXPORT. The investment enables JAXPORT, which calculates 3,500 jobs are supported by the port through this project and the associated TraPac terminal, to jump-start the final phase of fixing the navigational problems in the St. Johns River at Mile Point. (Read More)

The University of Florida (#3), New College of Florida (#7), Florida State (#26), the University of Central Florida (#42), the University of South Florida (#57) and the University of North Florida (#64), have been rated among the best values in the nation by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance, which recently released its 2013 ranking of its Top 100 public colleges and universities. (Read More)

DHL recently unveiled its new 140,000 square foot processing hub and airline facility at the Miami International Airport, an investment estimated at approximately $21 million to meet its growing shipping needs to and from Latin America. The new facility will serve as a hub for processing DHL shipments from all over the world to and from Latin America and the Caribbean. (Read More)

Oldsmar-based Vology has acquired Tampa's Bayshore Technologies and expects to create 100 new, high paying jobs over the next two years. Combined, the companies will be called Vology and will pitch the new business as a one-stop provider of information technology services. (Read More)

Contact: Sean Helton
(407) 956-5630
shelton@eflorida.com

Florida company sales increase at MEDICA 2012
Small business sales at world’s largest medical trade show 10% higher than 2011

ORLANDO, FL (January 15, 2013) – Florida companies reported a total of $24,762,300 in export sales at MEDICA, the annual mega tradeshow in Düsseldorf, Germany that showcases the latest advances in medical products and technology.

Held Nov. 14-17, MEDICA attracted 130,500 visitors from 120 countries and featured more than 5,000 exhibitors, 22 of which promoted their products and services from the Florida Pavilion. Enterprise Florida annually arranges the state’s participation, providing small to medium-size companies – those with fewer than 500 employees – with this opportunity to exhibit in the Florida Pavilion and network with national and international medical companies.

In addition to actual sales, the 48 participating companies expect to net $80,100,000 in sales during the next 24 months. They generated more than 2,300 trade leads as well.

“MEDICA helps us find new distribution in countries where we are not trading. From this year's show we are excited to add distributors in Belgium, Poland, Lithuania and Russia,” said Eric Gjerde, president and CEO of Melbourne-based Airon Corporation, a six-time attendee. His company specializes in developing, manufacturing and distributing safe and effective medical devices designed for critical patient care. “The new Russian distribution partner could increase our sales by $1 million over the next few years.”

Michael Schiffhauer, vice president of field operations and European trade development for Enterprise Florida, emphasizes the state’s continuing success at MEDICA. “Aside from helping smaller companies to export, we are increasing global market share for the Florida medical companies that exhibit at this important trade show,” Schiffhauer explained. “It’s also the perfect venue for bringing greater awareness to Florida as a major life sciences and medical industry cluster location.”

Florida Pavilion Participants:

Alachua County
•Endoscopy Replacement Parts

Brevard County
•Airon Corporation

Broward County
•Contour
•US Defib Medical Technologies

Citrus County
•Umbra Medical Products

Duval County
•Statcorp Medical
•Sunoptic Technologies

Hillsborough County
•Excite Medical
•Gulf Fiberoptics
•SHARN Anesthesia, Inc.

Marion County
•Zefon International Inc.

Martin County
•MediCapture, Inc.

Miami-Dade County
•Gaumard Scientific
•Neurovirtual
•STAT Medical Devices Inc.

Orange County
•CT Imaging Technology
•GENICON

Palm Beach County
•Apira Science, Inc.
•Brooklands
•Ogenix

Pinellas County
•Mercury Medical
•Scar Heal Inc. 

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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 facilitate job growth for Florida’s businesses and citizens leading to a vibrant statewide economy. 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.

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Governor Rick Scott recently highlighted The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia’s State Leading Index report showing that Florida’s economy should grow by 1.7 percent during the first half of 2013. This growth rate is the strongest since August 2005, when the rate was 1.98 percent, and is up significantly from December 2010’s rate of 0.95 percent. (Read More)

Three women’s health services projects will put 850 construction workers back on the job at their peak, and create 1,700 jobs. The projects include a new patient tower at the Orlando campus; an 80,000-square-foot, four-story women’s health building at Celebration Health; and a two-story, 22,090-square-foot Women’s Health Pavilion at Winter Park Memorial Hospital. (Read More)

Seventeen Florida banks that received capital through the Small Business Lending Fund have increased their small business lending by $302 million between 2010 and the end of the third quarter of 2012. Small business loans were up $138.4 million at the seven banks in the Tampa Bay area that participated in the SBLF, according to a report from the U.S. Department of the Treasury. (Read More)

Today, Governor Scott announced that DaVita Rx, LLC, a full-service pharmacy specializing in renal care, will create up to 100 jobs during the next two years and make a $8.75 million capital investment as part of a business expansion in Orange County. (Read More)

Amscot Financial is coming to South Florida in a big way, with plans for a $20 million investment and 500 new jobs. The Tampa-based company, which provides a variety of financial services, wants to open more than 50 branches in Miami-Dade and Broward counties over the next two years. (Read More)

Florida reestablished its top-10 ranking this year in a national education report that judges states by their education policies and performance. The Sunshine State was ranked sixth in the annual "Quality Counts" report released today. Florida had been in the top 10 since 2009 and rose as high as fifth place in 2011. (Read More)

Today, at Parametric Solutions, Inc., Governor Rick Scott was joined by President Catherine Haas Barre, CEO Joel Haas, as well as other company officials to announce 130 new jobs and the expansion of an additional facility. In the manufacturing space, Parametric Solutions will primarily assemble turbine engine prototypes for aircraft and power generation applications. (Read More)

Today, Governor Rick Scott announced his commitment to Building Up Florida Manufacturing Jobs in the upcoming legislative session by eliminating taxes on the purchase of equipment to encourage manufacturing companies to grow in Florida. The Governor said building up the state’s manufacturing sector is critical to strengthening the state’s economy because it creates stable jobs for Florida families. (Read More)

Today, Governor Rick Scott was joined by CEO of Bolton Medical Solutions Oscar Rospigliosi, Sunrise Mayor Michael Ryan, and Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance CEO Bob Swindell to announce the creation and retention of over 100 jobs by Bolton Medical Solutions. (Read More)

Florida is a national leader in education reform policy. The sunshine state was ranked second in the nation according StudentsFirst, an education reform organization, when it comes to state education laws that promote quality education. (Read More)

Florida moved up three spots from eighth to fifth in Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council’s yearly rankings of state’s policy friendliness. The Index, now in its 17th year, ranks the 50 states according to 46 different policy measures, including a wide array of tax, regulatory and government spending measures. (Read More)

Florida has received high marks for its controls on tax incentive money used to lure companies to relocate or expand in the state, according the Pew Center, a non-partisan institute based in Washington, D.C. Researchers said Florida did a good job of capping incentive payouts. (Read More)

The nation’s mover rate is up 12 percent this year, with about 36.5 million people moving into a new home, new Census data shows. New York lost 59,228 residents to Florida this year, the most any one state saw move to another. Georgia-to-Florida also was among the top 10 largest interstate moves, with 38,658 residents heading to the Sunshine State. (Read More)

Port Canaveral will get an early start on work to widen and deepen its main shipping channel so the Brevard County port can handle more cargo. Dredging had been scheduled to begin in 2017, but the Florida Department of Transportation is contributing $24.4 million to allow work to begin as early as next summer. (Read More)

According to the National Association of Manufacturers, 93 percent of the state’s exported goods are produced by Florida’s 12,862 manufacturing firms. These firms employ 311,200 workers across the state, with 14.2 percent supported by exporting revenue alone. Florida manufactured goods exports have grown 142.6 percent since 2000, ahead of the national average at 80.1 percent. (Read More)

Florida ranks as the ninth fastest-growing, with a 1.23 percent population increase between July 1, 2011 and July 1, 2012, according to the U.S. Census Bureau state population estimates. The state also had a gain of 235,000 people, making it third for largest population increase. (Read More)

Governor Rick Scott today announced that Florida’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropped to 8.1 percent for the month of November – down 0.4 percentage points from last month and the lowest since November 2008. This was the largest drop in the rate over the month since October 1992, and was the second time it occurred this year. (Read More)

A world-leading provider of aerostructure fabrication and assembly and aircraft modification, L-3 Crestview Aerospace will create 340 jobs through the expansion of their aircraft manufacturing operations in Okaloosa County. The project also marks an investment of more than $13.7 million, which will include upgrades at Bob Sikes Airport. (Read More)

National defense intelligence company CLI Solutions plans to expand their Tampa operations, creating up to 40 jobs and $3.4 million in capital investment with the construction of a new headquarters facility in 2013. The positions will include translators, linguists, analysts and engineers. (Read More)

Compared to 2011, the number of competitive economic development projects increased by 23 percent, with new jobs from competitive projects totaling 25,144- 30.4 percent higher than last year’s total. In addition, companies committed to more than $1.7 billion in capital expenditures this year, a 32 percent increase over 2011. (Read More)

Contact: media@eog.myflorida.com 

(850) 717-9282

Governor Scott Announces

2012 Innovators in Business Award Winners

TALLAHASSEE, FL – The winners of the 2012 Governor's Innovators in Business Awards were announced today by Governor Rick Scott. The winners will be honored this evening during a reception at the Governor's Mansion.

Governor Scott said, "I am proud to announce another group of award winners. My number one mission is to grow jobs for Florida families, and the successes these companies have experienced represent the job opportunities being created in Florida."

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. Enterprise Florida coordinates this annual program, formerly the Governor's Business Diversification Awards, now in its 29th year.
 

Each winner represents one of the following markets:

Mid Market: County population up to 150,000

Major Market: County population 150,001 to 800,000

Mega Market: County population 800,001 and higher

The Award winners for each category are as follows:

 • Governor's Business Expansion Award: For Florida companies that expanded their operations in 2011, investing capital and creating jobs for Floridians.

 • Mid Market: Galaxy Home Solutions, Inc. (Sumter County)

 • Major Market: Embraer Executive Aircraft Inc. (Brevard County)

 • Mega Market: JPMorgan Chase & Co. (Orange County) 

• Governor's Newcomer Award: For new-to-Florida companies that began business operations in 2011.

 • Mid Market: ALM Technologies Inc (Nassau County)

 • Major Market: AAR Airlift Group, Inc. (Brevard County)

 • Mega Market (tie): Prime Therapeutics (Orange County)

 • Mega Market (tie): Time Warner Business Services LLC (Hillsborough County)

 • Governor's Export Excellence Award: For Florida companies with new or significant increases in documented export sales in 2011.

 • Mid Market: Girard Equipment, Inc. (Indian River County)

 • Major Market: AppRiver (Santa Rosa County)

 • Mega Market: Q4 Services LLC (Orange County)

• Governor's Innovation & Entrepreneurship Award: For Florida start-up companies (less than five years old or with a product less than three years old) that have set a standard for entrepreneurship and creativity.

 • Mid Market: B4C Technologies, LLC (Martin County)

 • Major Market: LearnSomething Inc. (Leon County)

 • Mega Market: Flagship Solutions Group (Palm Beach County)

• Governor's Innovators Under 40 Award: New this year, this award recognizes Florida residents under 40 who own or lead a Florida company with annual revenue of $1M or more and who have created at least 10 jobs since January 2011. This category is well-represented in its inaugural year.

 • 3Cinteractive, Mike FitzGibbon, co-founder and president (Palm Beach County)

 • City Advertising, Darren Cleveland, president and CEO (Palm Beach County)

 • Cybis Communications, Jeff Douglass, founder and CEO (Orange County)

 • Datum Corporation, Tom Frost, CEO (Sarasota County)

 • Envy Labs, Gregg Pollack, CEO and founder (Orange County)

 • Hewes & Company, LLC, Allan Bell, partner (Escambia County)

 • Modernizing Medicine, Daniel Cane, CEO and co-founder (Palm Beach County)

 • ndtArtemis, Travis Proctor, CEO (Brevard County)

 • RP Funding, Inc., Robert Palmer, president (Orange County)

 • Utilipath, LLC, Lindon Hayes, founder and managing member (Duval County)

 • Voalté, Trey Lauderdale, chief innovation officer (Sarasota County)

Companies that have been denoted as the top job producers in the state of Florida will also be recognized at tonight's event. These organizations represent various industries, including information technology, life sciences, agriculture and hospitality. The top job producers come from all regions of the state, including Miami, Panama City, Naples and Jacksonville.

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The 2012 Governor's Innovators in Business Awards program is co-sponsored by Bank of America andFlorida Trend magazine. For more information about the awards, click here.

 

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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 facilitate job growth for Florida's businesses and citizens leading to a vibrant statewide economy. 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.

# # # 

Governor Rick Scott announced that The ADT Corporation, a provider of electronic security, interactive home and business automation and alarm monitoring services, will bring 120 new jobs over the next two years to its corporate headquarters in Boca Raton. These new jobs will add to the nearly 700 ADT employees already based in South Florida. (Read More)

Governor Rick Scott was joined by Frederico Curado, President & CEO of Embraer S.A., and Gary Spulak, President, Embraer Aircraft Holding, Inc. to break ground on Embraer’s new Engineering and Technology Center, which will bring 200 jobs and a $50 million capital investment to the are over the next five years. (Read More)

The University of Florida’s Research and Academic Center at Lake Nona, a 106,000-square-foot, $53 million facility, will house the College of Pharmacy, the College of Medicine, the Center for Pharmacometrics and Systems Pharmacology, the Institute for Therapeutic Innovation, Institute on Aging and Clinical and Translational Science Building. (Read More)

The Miami-Dade County Commission has approved a $313 million contract for 136 new MetroRail cars to be built by Italian manufacturer AnsaldoBreda. The company has agreed to build a local assembly plant in the Miami area that is expected to create around 100 permanent jobs, plus more temporary jobs. (Read More)

To meet patient needs, Florida Hospital officials are investing $53 million to expand the 475-bed hospital, add state-of-the-art medical equipment and create 275 full- and part-time jobs within a year. Formerly known as University Community Hospital, Florida Hospital Tampa hospital is expected to complete all interior and exterior improvements by spring 2014. (Read More)

SB Mfg., LLC chose to establish its operations in Pasco County and hire 75 people at average annual wages of $40,000 by 2015 after evaluating locations in Kentucky and Ohio. The company will produce aluminium castings for the automotive parts industry using high quality recycled aluminium from local sources. (Read More)

Aerospace industry leader Pratt & Whitney will expand its manufacturing capabilities at its West Palm Beach facility creating 230 new jobs and a capital investment of $63 million. Gov. Rick Scott and United Technologies Corp. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Louis Chênevert made the announcement at Pratt & Whitney’s West Palm Beach facility. (Read More)

Alachua based biotechnology company Applied Genetic Technologies Corporation has secured $37.5 million in a Series B round of financing. AGTC will use financing, led by Alta Partners and S.R. One, to fund studies for the treatments of rare human diseases. (Read More)

Contact: GOVERNOR’S PRESS OFFICE

(850) 717-9282

media@eog.myflorida.com

Governor Scott to Embark on Trade Mission to Colombia
 
Florida’s overseas trade missions position Florida as a global hub for business and creates jobs for Florida’s families

 
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – On December 2, Governor Scott will lead a trade mission to Bogotá, Colombia with more than 190 participants representing 116 Florida companies, statewide organizations and higher educational institutions to promote economic development opportunities in the Sunshine State.  Colombia is Florida’s second largest trading partner, with more than $9 billion in bilateral trade.  Florida also accounts for one-fourth of the total U.S. trade with Colombia, and 37 percent of U.S. exports to Colombia move through Florida.

Enterprise Florida (EFI) has organized this trade mission and six other international business development missions Governor Scott has led since taking office.  Previously, Governor Scott has led missions to Panama, Canada, Brazil, Israel, Spain and the United Kingdom.

The goal of these international missions is twofold.  First, they introduce Florida’s businesses, elected officials and community leaders firsthand to global business opportunities through introductions to prospective clients and markets that provide exporting potential for their local companies.  Second, the missions aim to attract job-creating foreign direct investment into the state.  These have been core activities for EFI since the late 1990s, soon after the public-private partnership was created to serve as the state’s lead economic development organization. 

EFI, along with Governor Scott, promotes Florida as a global business destination through its Florida Export Sales Missions.  These “matchmaking missions,” organized with support from the U.S. Commercial Service, allow Florida businesses to meet one-to-one with foreign companies to discuss economic development and business opportunities. The nations targeted tend to be those that are major trade partners with Florida.  Enterprise Florida facilitates affordable travel packages to enable businesses to meet prospective international clients.  In addition, Governor Scott has led business development missions with EFI to promote economic development activities in targeted industries that are important to Florida’s economy.

Governor Scott said, “Florida is perfectly positioned to be a global hub for business.  We are committed to growing our relationship across the world in order to create jobs for Florida’s families, and that is why the missions we embark on with EFI are vital to Florida’s economic success.  These missions help us attract new industries and businesses to Florida and further cement our standing as one of the nation’s top trading states.  I look forward to visiting Colombia and with the recent ratification of the Free Trade Agreements, I am convinced that Florida and Colombia’s growing relationship will expand even more.”

Manny Mencía, senior vice president of Enterprise Florida’s International Trade Division, said, “A major goal of these missions is to help increase our state’s exports, which leads to more jobs, by paving the way to greater sales opportunities for Florida companies.  Companies that export, grow faster and are more profitable than companies that do not – and it is clear that we must make this a top priority in Florida.”

Florida Secretary of Commerce and Enterprise Florida President & CEO Gray Swoope notes that “international trade and foreign investment combined are responsible for more than 1.4 million Florida jobs, or about 17.3 percent of the state’s employment.  Florida benefits greatly from a Governor who understands global trade’s effect on job creation and economic prosperity.  When Governor Scott leads these missions, they not only generate a higher level of participation and results, but also attract a higher level of attention and enhance Florida’s business image in the host country.  We applaud him for being a champion of our efforts to expand Florida’s international trade and business development.”

A Record of Success: International missions have been very successful for Florida, providing a notable return on the state’s investment into these business development activities and long-range jobs-producing opportunities.

 

Governor’s Business Development Mission to Panama

Panama City

March 17-18, 2011

The objective of this mission was to assess the opportunities from the Panama Canal Expansion.The delegation -- six Florida port directors, business leaders and executives from the Florida Chamber of Commerce, Florida Association of Manufacturers and Associated Industries of Florida – enhanced Florida’s economic relationship with Panama through strengthened ties between state leaders and the Republic of Panama and Florida seaports with the Panama Canal Authority.

Governor’s Business Development Mission to Canada

Montreal and Toronto

June 6-10, 2011

 The objective of this mission was to promote investment into Florida.

Governor Scott and Florida economic development organizations participated in 155 FDI (foreign direct investment) (FDI) recruitment meetings.

Governor Scott announced the Canadian security company Garda will relocate its U.S. headquarters to Boca Raton Florida, creating 100 professional jobs, which has been exceeded.

Team Florida Trade and Business Development Mission to Brazil

São Paulo and São Jose dos Campos, Brazil

October 22-27, 2011

The objective of this mission was to provide Florida companies with an opportunity to increase sales of their products and services.

51 Florida companies participated in a two-day Florida expo and matchmaking event with Brazilian businesses. The Florida companies reported more than $96,684,500 in actual and expected future sales.

· Governor Scott announced that Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer will invest $50 million to establish new manufacturing facilities at Melbourne Airport.  The project is slated to produce more than 200 jobs over five years. 

Governor’s Business Development Mission to Israel

Tel Aviv, Beersheva and Jerusalem

December 8-15, 2011

The objective of this mission was to promote investment into Florida and promote Florida as a platform for Israeli companies into the U.S., Latin American and Caribbean market. The Governor met with potential Israeli investors, delivered presentations on Florida business climate to Israeli business organizations and was a speaker in the GLOBES Conference.  (GLOBES is the leading financial newspaper in Israel.)

Governor Scott met with six Israeli companies that are investment or expansion prospects for Florida and spoke at the seminar “Florida:  Platform for Israeli Companies Doing Business in Latin America and the Caribbean,” the audience for which included 45 Israeli business executives representing SMEs with an interest in penetrating the Latin American market. 

Governor’s Business Development Mission to Spain

May 21-24, 2012

 The objective of this mission was to promote Spanish investment into Florida.

· Included nine events and 13 meetings with potential investment projects.  Governor Scott met Spanish companies interested in investing in Florida and delivered presentations on Florida business climate to several Spanish business organizations.

· The following companies based in Spain will add 465 jobs within three years in Miami-Dade County:

 o   Obrascon Huarte Lain (OHL USA), one of the world's largest global construction companies is expanding its presence in the U.S. market by adding a new U.S. South Region headquarters in Northwest Miami-Dade County.  Specializing in civil engineering, healthcare and university projects, OHL's new location will add 255 direct jobs within three years and $22 million in capital investment.

 o   Miami City Tour (formerly El Grupo Julià), a travel and tourism transportation company will open its first U.S. location in Miami Beach, adding 150 new direct jobs within three years and $4 million in capital investment.

 o   TotalBank, a leading integrated retail-commercial bank in South Florida and a member of Grupo Banco Popular Español will further expand in Miami-Dade County, adding 10 new branches with 60 direct jobs within three years and $4 million in capital investment. TotalBank is already a leading integrated retail commercial bank in South Florida with more than $2.3 billion in assets and 19 convenient locations throughout Miami-Dade County.

 o   BBVA, a Spain-based retail bank that entered the Florida marketplace through acquiring Compass bank, has 45 full-service branches in the Jacksonville area along with loan production offices in Orlando and Miami.  This bank is expanding in the Miami market by offering domestic private banking and wealth management services.  BBVA will add 45 jobs at an average wage of $60,000 annually.

Team Florida Business Development Mission to United Kingdom

London and Farnborough, England

July 7-12, 2012

The goal of this mission was to promote worldwide investment into Florida and further develop the state’s aviation cluster through access to the aviation and aerospace companies attending the biannual Farnborough Airshow.

Governor Scott and EFI recruitment staff met with more than 40 major aviation and seven Aerospace companies with investment potential in Florida.

Tradeshow participants reported $41 million in combined actual and expected export sales for the next 24 months and 250 sales leads.

Following this mission, Governor Scott announced that Pratt & Whitney will create 230 new jobs at an average wage of $81,000 as part of its efforts to establish jet engine manufacturing and test operations in Palm Beach County. 

Many businesses also participate in multiple international missions because they provide incredible value and return for Florida’s companies.  Below are recent success stories for Florida:

Magna-Bon International LLC

Okeechobee-based Magna-Bon International LLC participated in the October, 2011 Brazil Trade Mission and will embark to Colombia next week. Magna - Bon produces and distributes agricultural products for algae and bacteria control.  Magna-Bon owner Joel Agler says being affiliated with the missions Governor Scott leads brings credibility to his company when promoting and selling in overseas markets.  For example, Magna-Bon is EPA-approved in the United States, which benefits the company domestically.  Other nations may recognize that standard but also place higher value on a business prospect when it has alliances or support from its government.

“It’s helpful to have government on your side,” Agler said.  “It’s important to say we’re with Team Florida.”  Agler’s 14 preset appointments in Brazil with “high quality people,” he describes, bore fruit in several ways, one of which being an import permit that now allows his products to be shipped into Brazil. 

“I learned a lot in Brazil, but Colombia will be better because of the Free Trade Agreement,” Agler said.  He mentioned that he became interested in participating after hearing Governor Scott speak about the benefits of participating in these missions.  “And the fact that the governor is going is a win situation for us,” Agler said. 

Sunshine Industries

Mita Burke, CEO of the family-owned, multinational Sunshine Industries in Coral Gables, said “The introductions, exposure and results we’ve gotten have been over the top.  Since our participation in the mission to Brazil last year, we are exporting there consistently and successfully.  It has really been very fruitful for us,” Burke said.  “The introductions we were able to make during the mission have us very excited about the possibilities and the future is looking good.  The companies we met with were all very receptive to our products. It’s a shame more people don’t pay attention to these types of services provided by Enterprise Florida.”

yNs Med Spa, Inc

The Brazil mission made a difference for the Naples company yNs Med Spa, Inc., which specializes in skin care products.  CEO Ann Breusch said her company was able to collaborate with a large firm that will distribute its skincare products to dermatologists. 

“This is a game changer for our company.  Just the partnership with Brazil will result in hiring five more employees.  I cannot emphasize enough the importance of the Gold Key service for small businesses to help sell USA made products globally,” Breusch said. 

Businesses may qualify for these grants, which reduce the cost of participating in a trade mission.   For the Florida mission, a trade expo and gold key package cost $1,200, but SMEs could qualify to pay only $500.  “Without the Gold Key grant given to small businesses, we would not have been able to expand our international business especially during the current economic situation.”

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Chancellor John R. Watret, Ph.D. acknowledges the university’s longstanding partnership with Enterprise Florida, which he says has opened doors to business opportunities worldwide.  Embry-Riddle’s Worldwide Campus provides educational opportunities for aspiring professionals in the aviation and aerospace industry through an expanding global network of campuses and technology enhanced learning. 

“Of particular importance to Embry-Riddle has been expansion in emerging aviation economies,” Watret emphasizes.  “Enterprise Florida’s support and mentorship was integral in the successful opening of a new subsidiary, Embry-Riddle Asia, headquartered in Singapore.   EFI events and missions have created valuable connections with foreign governments, industry and individual customers in Europe, Asia, South America and the Middle East that will continue to enhance the university’s international brand and serve its mission of teaching the science, practice and business of aviation and aerospace around the world.”

City of Tampa

Representatives from Florida’s communities are regular mission-goers in their quest to scope new opportunities for helping their city, county or region grow and prosper.

"The trip to Colombia is an opportunity to tell our story and make the case to businesses abroad that Tampa is the best place to live, work, and play.  I will market what we have to offer – Florida’s largest port, a world-class airport, and incredible economic potential,” said Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn.

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Governor Rick Scott and Harris Corporation President and CEO William Brown joined other state and local dignitaries today for a groundbreaking ceremony signaling the beginning of construction of the new $100 million Harris Technology Center on the company’s Palm Bay, Florida campus. The center is expected to be completed in late 2014. (Read More)

Florida’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate declined to 8.5 percent for the month of October, the lowest since December 2008. Since December 2010, the state’s unemployment rate has dropped 2.6 percentage points and 174,500 private sector jobs have been created. (Read More)

Nearly 22 million visitors came to Florida in the third quarter of 2012 (July-September), an increase of 3.5 percent over the same period in 2011. Direct travel-related employment in Florida also rose 1.5 percent over third quarter 2011 to 1,020,200, an addition of 15,000 jobs since this time last year. (Read More)

Last week, Governor Rick Scott toured Navy Federal Credit Union’s Brian L. McDonnell Center Campus, where 2,700 of the company’s employees are based. At a press conference following the tour, he highlighted Navy Federal’s ongoing expansion that will result in 700 new jobs and a $6.75 million investment into the area. (Read More)

ECI’s expansion involves a capital investment of approximately $1 million and the hiring of approximately 20 new employees over the next three years, with an average salary of $48,690. ECI Pharmaceuticals, LLC, is a specialty pharmaceutical manufacturer of solid dose drug products. (Read More)

Job reductions in Florida significantly declined in October, as cuts nationwide reached its highest level in five months. Florida employers announced 645 cuts in October, significantly down from 1,818 in September. (Read More)

Lakeland captured the No. 4 spot on CNN Money’s rankings of the most affordable city for home buying. According to the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Opportunity Index, housing markets making the list offer the best combination of low prices and competitive wages. (Read More)

Entertainment Metals’ new HQ in Fort Myers will result in the creation of new jobs and a total project economic impact for Lee County of more than one million dollars in the next four years. Entertainment Metals operates a high-tech production facility with manufacturing capabilities span a broad range of industries. (Read More)

Florida has 176,727 veteran-owned businesses with revenue of $61.9 billion, ranking it third in the nation according to a report from U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy. Of these, 35,548 provide jobs for 310,154 people with an annual payroll of $10.6 billion. (Read More)

Florida captured the No. 10 spot in Site Selection magazine’s annual business climate rankings. Florida also tied for No. 6 in the publication’s Executive Survey Business Climate Rankings 2012. (Read More)

Nuance Communications, a Burlington, Mass.-based technology company specializing in voice and language solutions will expand its operations in Melbourne, creating 115 jobs. At full employment, Nuance Communications’ total projected economic impact will rise by 66 percent to nearly $24.4 million. (Read More)

With 7,752 openings, Florida's High Tech Corridor, a 23-county region, ranked as the fourth-largest tech hub, based on the number of technology-focused jobs posted online from January to August 2012. (Read More)

On January 2 Biologics Development Services will open a scientific laboratory in Tampa, which will create up to 15 new jobs and $1.2 million in capital investment. The facility will be equipped with the latest in instrumentation, robotics and staffed by a highly skilled team of scientists and technicians. (Read More)

Harris Corp. has received a $10.8 million order from the U.S. Air Force for Falcon III multiband manpack tactical radios. The radios will be used by combat controllers and other ground personnel and provide enhanced capabilities for interoperable voice and data communications. (Read More)

Work is underway on the new Strategic Weapons System Ashore facility at Cape Canaveral. Space Florida and Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast anticipate 100 jobs with wages averaging $90,000 annually may be created within three years as a result of the project. The new missile test complex will provide the Navy with a single, land-based facility for testing submarine missile systems. (Read More)

The Orlando training-simulation division landed the $114 million contract to upgrade combat-training simulators for the Army and to produce new systems for the Marine Corps. Under the five-year deal, the division will also develop and install 13 upgraded technologies for the Close Combat Tactical Trainer system and deliver new combat-training systems to the Marine Corps in North Carolina. (Read More)

Florida exporters sent $5.68 billion worth of goods to international markets in August, up 7.1 percent from $5.31 billion in July. On an annual basis, August’s numbers indicate that exporters posted gains due to international demand for goods made in Florida. In August, Florida exporters sold $155.9 million, or 2.8 percent, more goods than in August of last year. (Read More)

Florida continues to lead the nation in the largest drop in its unemployment rate since December 2010 at 2.4 percent. Florida’s unemployment rate has now declined over the year for 22 consecutive months. (Read More)

A $20M grant from the National Institutes of Health will help UM establish the Miami Clinical and Translational Science Institute that will bring the benefits of research to marginalized communities that are often last to see the benefits of new products and procedures. With this grant, UM joins a prestigious consortium across the nation that now includes 60 institutions dedicated to bringing cutting-edge developments to the frontlines of healthcare. (Read More)

SC, a shipping line specializing in automobile cargo, is calling on Jacksonville with a ship that can carry up to 3,000 automobiles. SC will make stops twice a month at the Talleyrand terminal to load new GM vehicles along with used heavy equipment. (Read More)

Lake Nona a master-planned community in southeast Orlando, earned this distinction from Cisco for its networking technologies and digital infrastructure plans and initiatives. Cisco will work with Lake Nona for the next 15 years to ensure integration of technology into the community. (Read More)

In an effort to meet customer needs more efficiently, top-tier global defense and information solutions company ITT Exelis officially opened its new facility in Panama City. Systems produced by Exelis are heavily used by the U.S. Navy and allied forces to find and clear multiple types of sea mines during mine-clearing operations. (Read More)

The international communications and information technology company will provide the U.S Department of Defense with its Falcon III handheld radios for the next two years. The radios provide interoperable voice and wideband data communications in both line-of-sight and beyond-line-of-sight applications. (Read More)

Stretch Wrap Packaging Industries, a manufacturer of plastic stretch wrap for the logistics industry, has relocated their manufacturing facilities from South America to Fort Lauderdale. The company, whose total foreign direct investment is $12 million, has committed to add 200 jobs over the next three years. (Read More)

Since October 2011, 436 Guardsmen have acquired employment through the efforts of the Florida Guard Family Career Connection, a program established to address high unemployment rates and find meaningful employment for returning Florida National Guardsmen and their families. (Read More)

Florida’s unemployment rate declined to 8.7 percent in September and 3,500 new private sector jobs were created. The rate was 1.7 percentage points lower than the 2011 rate of 10.4 percent. Since December 2010, the state’s unemployment rate has dropped 2.4 percentage points and 156,800 private sector jobs have been created. (Read More)

Florida kept its No. 5 slot for the second straight year in the Tax Foundation’s 2013 edition of the State Business Tax Climate Index. The state’s rank is based on its corporate income, individual income, sales, unemployment insurance and property taxes. (Read More)

The State of Women-Owned Businesses Report ranked Florida fourth with an estimated 587,600 women-owned firms that employ 473,100 workers and have roughly $77.6 billion in revenue. (Read More)

Voalte, a leader in clinical communications technology at the point of care, plans on expanding after securing $6 million in funding from strategic partners. With the boost in funding, the company plans to create 100 new jobs, growing from 50 to 150 employees over the next 18 months. (Read More)

The Sunshine State had 968,700 hospitality jobs as of August 2012, up 13,900 from August 2011, according to a new On Numbers analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. The leisure and hospitality sector includes performing arts companies, professional sports teams, museums, restaurants, bars and amusement parks. (Read More)

Accuform, a leading manufacturer and innovator of safety signs and related products, will invest $15million in the construction of a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility near its present location at the Hernando County Airport Corporate Park. The company will hire an additional 271 employees during the next four years, almost doubling its current staffing (280 employees). (Read More)

The cutting edge, high technology company from the U.K. has established its North American corporate headquarters in Fort Lauderdale and plans to expand to a staff of over 100 by mid-2014. SmartWater offers an asset protection system in the form of a clear liquid which contains a unique forensic code. It is applied to items of value that are frequently the target of theft. (Read More)

The Minnesota-based pharmacy benefit management company’s new 55,000-square-foot building in Orlando will bring 213 new jobs to the region over the next three years. “Today’s move is another strong step in the right direction for Florida and an example of how our state is open for business,” said Governor Scott said of the $18.1 million capital investment. (Read More)

Miami-Dade County will be home to a new Univision/ABC television network that will create 346 jobs and make a $274.52 million in capital investment in the area. It is estimated that the joint venture also will bring the county 208 indirect jobs and $8 million in yearly wages within 3 years. (Read More)

Florida’s High Tech Corridor, which is made up of a mix of aerospace, digital media and energy companies, posted 7,752 tech jobs making it the fourth biggest according to research conducted by Bright Labs, a data resource center. Silicon Valley, Silicon Alley in New York City and Dulles Tech Corridor ranked first, second and third respectively. (Read More)

GPD Pathology, a life sciences company, is projected to hire 83 employees over three years at an average annual wage of $68,000. The company, which will make a capital investment of more than $4.6 million into their new facility, expects to be operation by March 2013. (Read More)

http://www.eflorida.com/uploadedFiles/Press_Releases/10102012_UNIVISION.pdf

Colo5, whose services provide protection to a company's IT infrastructure from sabotage, theft, hardware malfunction, viruses, man-made and natural disasters, will be building a new $20 million data center in Lakeland. The company, which has experienced 950% growth since 2008, chose Lakeland for logistical reasons and proximity to Orlando and Tampa. (Read More)

The Center of Excellence for Coral Reef Ecosystems Research has created 22 new academic jobs and 300construction jobs, and it will employ 50 graduate students as well as preserving 22 existing academic jobs. (Read More) 

Gov. Rick Scott announced that 11 Florida communities with military installations collectively will receive $850,000 in 2012-13 Defense Reinvestment Grants, which support base retention and economic diversification efforts. (Read More)

The recent Florida Economic Estimating Conference, a collaborative event featuring the state’s top public sector economists, projected that Florida is expected to create more than 900,000 new jobs by 2018. (Read More)

Brevard and Santa Fe Colleges were announced as finalists for The Aspen Institute’s Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. The prize recognizes institutions four areas: student learning outcomes, degree and college completion, labor market success in students securing jobs after college, and minority and low-income student success. (Read More)

The University of Miami (#5) and Florida State University (#7) medical schools ranked among the nation's best for Hispanics according to HispanicBusiness.com (Read More)

Florida International University (#2), Florida State University (#3) and the University of Miami (#9) colleges of law ranked among best in the nation for Hispanics according to HispanicBusiness.com. (Read More)

Fort Lauderdale has grabbed first place among the top 50 destinations in the U.S. for the lowest combined travel-related taxes. Tied with Fort Lauderdale for the No. 1 spot were West Palm Beach and Fort Myers, while Orlando ranked No. 10 and Miami No. 16. (Read More)

According to Forbes, Orlando (15th) and Miami (19th) rank among the 20 happiest cities for young professionals, based on over 38,000 employee reviews. (Read More)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:  (850) 717-9282

Since December 2010, Florida’s unemployment rate has dropped 2.3 percentage points, more than any other state in the nation. (Read More)

Orlando was one of a dozen cities named as the best places to start a new company, according to Tech Cocktail. (Read More)

AeroTurbine Aviation, a Miami aviation supply company, will expand its corporate headquarters to Miramar early next year bringing 75 new jobs. (Read More)

Media Advisory
Enterprise Florida board to meet Sept. 13 
What: 
Quarterly meeting of the Enterprise Florida Board of Directors
When: 
Thursday, Sept. 13, 2012  8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Where: 
Don Cesar Hotel
3400 Gulf Blvd.
St. Petersburg Beach 33706
Dial-in Number:
(877).402-9753    Access Code: 6423569#

 *                      *                      *

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 facilitate job growth for Florida’s businesses and citizens leading to a vibrant statewide economy.  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.

 

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Sarasota, Florida was selected among FastCompany's Top 10 Underrated Hotbeds of American Innovation. The magazine highlights Sarasota's growing number of startups in fields like film, media, and medical research. (Read more)

Due to tremendous product demand, Panama City-based iSirona--which has grown from 33 to 100 employees since January 2012--is creating an additional 100 new Florida jobs. (Read more)

Total Quality Logistics, the third-largest freight broker in the nation which specializes in full truckload transportation plans, to create 50 jobs in Dania Beach. (Read more)

Melbourne-based Harris Corp. was awarded a $46 million systems and network integration solution contract from the U.S. Air Force. (Read more)

Gainesville company Altavian has received a five-year contract from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to maintain and support its unmanned aircraft used for surveys and inspections in Florida and Puerto Rico. (Read more)

XCOR Aerospace has chosen Florida to be the home of its new East Coast U.S. operations base, 150 jobs, and if market demand allows, a new manufacturing and assembly center. (Read more)

Governor Rick Scott and others broke ground on the final piece of Port Manatee's 11-year, $200-million expansion--a project expected to create 595 construction jobs and 180 permanent Florida jobs. (Read more)

Business Facilities named 4 Florida metros national winners: Orlando (#3) and Tampa (#4) are national leaders in Lowest Cost of Business; Cape Coral is America's #3 Fastest Growing City; Miami ranks #4 Logistics Leader in Air Cargo Hubs. (Read more)

Global Response Corporation, a call services center for multichannel retail, healthcare, insurance and automotive industries will be expanding its current operation and is planning to create 200 new jobs. (Read more)

Nearly 300 Florida companies were named to Inc.'s 2012 list of America's fastest-growing private companies, including #1 in the nation, North Miami Beach-based Unified Payments, which experienced 3-year revenue growth of 23,646%. (Read more)

Florida won several national accolades in Business Facilities' new report: #2 Best Transportation Infrastructure, #3 for Workforce Training Leader, #4 Best Business Climate, and #5 Best Business Tax Climate. (Read more)

Florida is home to nearly 586,500 privately held business establishments, so it is a tremendous accomplishment to be named 1 of only 50 "Florida Companies to Watch." (Read more)

Florida ranks #5 for attracting FDI investment projects, according the fDi Report 2012. (Read more)

StreetLinks Lender Solutions is more than doubling its Florida presence. The company announced plans to add up to 300 new Florida jobs at today's grand opening. (Read more)

Miami (#5) and Tampa (#36) were both ranked among America's Top 50 Cities for Global Trade by Global Trade Magazine. (Read more)

Four Florida cities were named to a new list of U.S. Cities Getting Smarter the Fastest. Jacksonville (#7) and Orlando (#8) saw nearly 50% gains in their college-educated populations, and Tampa (#11, +39.6%) and Miami (#23, +31.7%) also outpaced traditional hotspots like Boston, Washington and Seattle. (Read more)

  Contact: Stuart Doylez

Navy Federal Credit Union is creating 700 new Florida jobs and investing $6.5 million, thanks to the Pensacola area's "high caliber workforce" and help from the new IRREF Grant Program (available in 8 Florida counties). (Read more)

IT folks fishing for jobs will have better luck finding honey holes in the technology-fueled economies of California, Virginia, Texas, New York, and Florida. (Read more)

Ansafone, a national telephone call and contact center providing everything from basic answering services to large scale contact center solutions for major large companies, will invest $2 million to move into and improve a Customer Service Center in downtown Ocala, Florida, with projections of creating 300 jobs. (Read more)

Palm Beach Gardens-based TBC Corporation, one of the nation's largest marketers of automotive replacement tires, will invest $12 million to expand its headquarters in Florida, creating 175 new jobs. (Read more)

The State of Florida has cut 3 years off of the expected completion date of Port Canaveral's expansion by investing $24.4 million toward widening and deepening the shipping channel. (Read more)

Due to the increase its repair and overhaul business, Air Technology Engines is expanding manufacturing space and hiring more workers in Naples. (Read more)

Due to the increase its repair and overhaul business, Air Technology Engines is expanding manufacturing space and hiring more workers in Naples. (Read more)

NeoGenomics, Inc. is expanding its laboratory and corporate headquarters in Fort Myers by adding 75 net new jobs with an average salary of $54,000 and an economic impact of $8.1 million. (Read more)

NeoGenomics, Inc. is expanding its laboratory and corporate headquarters in Fort Myers by adding 75 net new jobs with an average salary of $54,000 and an economic impact of $8.1 million. (Read more)

Office operations in Chicago, including marketing, sales and engineering will shift to Jacksonville to take advantage of Florida's warmer climate and heavy concentration of boat manufacturers that will facilitate a year-round product development cycle. (Read more)

HenKay Precast, Inc., a Division of S & S Precast, has expanded into Hendry County and has begun operations by leasing a 50,000SF building--this plant is their first permanent expansion into another state to manufacture concrete. (Read more)

Piquet Group, a renowned Brazilian investment firm with offices in Miami and New York, offers its clients the convenience of a one-stop shop for all their business needs, from its booming real estate business to concierge services, online education and a real estate university, exotic transportation and racing, to interior design and marketing. (Read more)

In the 12 months between CNBC.com's 2011 and 2012 Top States for Business reports, the economy has created 1.8 million jobs--a third of the new jobs has been concentrated in 10 states. Look ahead to see the top job-generating states as well as which sectors and companies are contributing to the growth. (Read more)

While the number of online job posts contracted in most states from June to July, Florida added 5,600 available jobs. (Read more)

The U.S. Navy will create 100 jobs as it upgrades and refurbishes its missile testing facility at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. (Read more)

The acquisition will allow the port to develop the land for cargo terminals and distribution, as well as cargo generating industrial manufacturing activities--this expansion will help attract new business. (Read more)

With a significant number of manufacturers in the area, Broward College will help grow this industry sector by making sure that people have the right skills to fill the jobs that are open in manufacturing. (Read more)

Sometimes in business what might seem like a disaster at first blush later turns out to be a blessing. Since last year, Daubmann opened a new store in Sarasota and plans to open another in Tampa. There are plans to expand nationally, too. (Read more)

WellCare Health Plans, Inc., a leading provider of managed care services for government-sponsored health care programs, and Teleperformance, the world's leading provider of outsourced customer experience management services, formed a partnership to launch a new call center in North Lauderdale, Florida. (Read more)

Talented entrepreneurs continue to thrive in Florida. Check out this article for 15+ examples of Florida startups experiencing success. (Read more)

Drone manufacturer Prioria Robotics Inc. is investing $2 million and creating at least 30 new jobs in the next two years in Gainesville. (Read more)

Florida ranks 6th for number of women-owned businesses and 10th for economic clout of women-owned firms. (Read more)

Air Products, based in Allentown, Pa., plans to expand its liquefied natural gas heat exchanger manufacturing capacity by constructing a manufacturing in Manatee County. (Read more)

Somahlution, a privately-held development stage life science company focused on advancing the science of organ and surgical conduit transplantation, will relocate from Fargo, North Dakota to Jupiter, Florida. (Read more)

BioRamo, LLC, a manufacturer of both over-the-counter and prescription liquid and semi-solid products, has selected Fort Lauderdale as the site for the location of its company operations. (Read more)

Business Facilities ranks Florida #3 among America's Top States for Workforce Training. (Read more)

The White House has selected 2 Florida projects to be among the first 7 expedited under the federal "We Can't Wait" program. JAXPORT and PortMiami were selected. (Read more)

Have you heard about the growing trend of financial services companies moving off of Wall Street and into Florida? Get the full story on the Florida Business Smarts Blog.

Growing by a phenomenal 163% over the quarter, venture capitalists invested $95 million into Florida companies in the second quarter of 2012--ranking Florida among the nation's top 10 states. (Read more)

Business Facilities has named Florida as one of America's Top 5 States for Best Business Climate. (Read more)

The U.S. Department of Commerce has added three North Florida counties to the Foreign-Trade Zone #64: Bradford, Putnam and St. Johns. This expansion will attract new cargo, manufacturing and distribution operations to the region by offering companies cost- and time-savings. (Read more)

Digital Risk, the nation's largest provider of mortgage risk, compliance and transaction management solutions, just announced that it selected Florida--over four other states--as the location for its 1,000 job expansion. (Read more)

Florida Power & Light Company's special economic development rate helped convince Cheney Brothers Inc., a major food service distributor, to build a new $100 million distribution center in Punta Gorda, creating 300 jobs for Floridians. (Read more)

Contact: Stuart Doyle