Enterprise Florida

Seven Florida Companies Rank Among Fortune's Most Admired

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Tue, 9 Mar 2010 17:02:00 GMT

Seven Florida companies were named to Fortune Magazine's global list of "most admired" companies, earning top marks in their respective industry categories. (Read more)

FPL is Building the World's 2nd Largest Solar Plant in Florida

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Tue, 9 Mar 2010 16:21:00 GMT

Across 500 acres north of West Palm Beach in Martin County, the FPL Group utility is grafting the world's second-largest solar plant onto the back of the largest fossil-fuel power plant in the United States. (Read more)

Florida a National Broadband Leader in Forbes' Rankings

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Fri, 5 Mar 2010 15:35:00 GMT

Florida is home to two of the nation's top 20 Most Wired Cities, as ranked by Forbes. These cities have the greatest access to and usage of broadband and WiFi. (Read more)

Florida Is the Nation's Most Popular Summer Destination

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Thu, 4 Mar 2010 19:15:00 GMT

Florida is once again the nation's most popular summer destination, accounting for 24.5 percent of all responses with cities such as Orlando, Miami, Ft. Lauderdale and Tampa named to the ASTA's 2010 Hot Spots for Summer survey. Orlando was the No. 1 ranked city in 2010. (Read more)

Florida Earns Top Marks on HealthGrades' America's 50 Best Hospitals

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 19:19:00 GMT

Florida tied with one other state for the Top Spot on HealthGrades' America's 50 Best Hospitals rankings. The nation's top hospitals received HealthGrades' stamp of approval after undergoing a demanding analysis of their mortality rates and the number of complications their patients experience. (Read more)

State-of-the-art Fully Digital Hospital Opens Near Tampa

ajulier@eflorida.com — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 19:11:00 GMT

A new full-service hospital opened just north of Tampa in Lutz. St. Joseph's Hospital-North, part of BayCare Health System, offers emergency care, surgical services, imaging and diagnostic facilities, intensive care and more. (Read more)

Boca Raton's Protec Fuel Management Wins Funding & Teams Up with GM

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 18:53:00 GMT

Boca Raton's Protec Fuel Management has received funding from the U.S. Department of Energy to open thirty E85 stations. Protec is teaming up with General Motors, the Renewable Fuels Association and Urbieta Oil to open these alternative fueling outfits. (Read more)

AAR Composites to Train 40 Employees in Pinellas County

ajulier@eflorida.com — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 18:35:00 GMT

AAR Composites, serving the aerospace market, will receive $42,000 to train 40 employees in Pinellas County, Florida. (Read more)

Four Businesses Creating 136 Jobs in Palm Beach County

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 18:44:00 GMT

Four companies are joining the Palm Beach County business community after receiving assistance from the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County. The companies will create 136 jobs with a total capital investment of $3.25 million. (Read more)

Telecom Center Brings 600 Jobs to Rockledge

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 15:23:00 GMT

Telecom Service Center LLC plans to generate up to 600 jobs for Brevard County residents including call center, accounting, operations and management positions. (Read more)

North Florida Scores $30M for Broadband

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 14:53:00 GMT

The newly-formed North Florida Broadband Authority (22 Local Governments) partnered with the North Florida Economic Development Partnership to win a $30 million grant that will enable and enhance real access to Broadband and high-speed connectivity. (Read more)

Martin County Companies Secure Funding for 261 New Jobs

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 17:29:00 GMT

The Business Development Board of Martin County is pleased to announce that all 51 Martin County applicants for the "Florida Back to Work" program were granted their requests. The applications will create 261 jobs in the community. (Read more)

Moffitt Cancer Center Receives CEO Cancer Gold Standard Reaccreditation

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 17:20:00 GMT

Moffitt Cancer Center received the CEO Cancer Gold Standard reaccreditation, recognizing Moffitt's continuous dedication and commitment to maintaining a high standard of excellence in cancer care and prevention. (Read more)

Port Of Pensacola Receives Funding For Homeland Security Enhancements

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 17:17:00 GMT

FEMA released $1.69 million this week for the Port of Pensacola to begin homeland security improvements.

Aviation/Aerospace Executives Gather to Discuss Changing Industry

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 17:32:00 GMT

Acknowledging rapid changes in the aviation/aerospace sector, the Business Development Board of Martin County facilitated a meeting with sector leaders, Martin County companies, and Congressman Thomas J. Rooney. (Read more)

Star2Star Communications Creates 80 Jobs in Manatee

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 19:03:00 GMT

Star2Star Communications LLC, which develops and provides business grade communications solutions via the Internet, plans to create 80 communications technology jobs over the next five years. (Read more)

National VA Medical Simulation Center for Excellence Chooses Orlando

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 18:28:00 GMT

Lake Nona's Medical City has been selected as the national site for the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Simulation Center for Excellence. The center, located at the new Orlando VA Medical Center, will be the nationwide training and planning home for the VA's new medical simulation system, which will allow VA employees to improve care and treatment for veterans across the country. (Read more)

Oliphant Financial's New HQ Creates 100+ Jobs in Manatee

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 18:57:00 GMT

Oliphant Financial LLC, a debt buyer and software provider to that industry, plans to add 100 to 150 jobs in 2010 at the company's new financial services headquarters location in Manatee County. (Read more)

Osprey Biotechnics Announces Sarasota Expansion

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 18:09:00 GMT

Osprey Biotechnics Inc., a Sarasota-based biotechnology company that creates beneficial bacterial products which promote animal health, plant health and environmental restoration, is expanding to a larger facility and plans to add 35 employees over the next three years. (Read more)

Armstrong World Industries Scores $50k Training Grant

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 16:52:00 GMT

Armstrong World Industries, with help from the Pensacola Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, recently received a $50,000 incumbent worker training grant from Workforce Florida to train 60 of its existing employees. (Read more)

Record Number of International Passengers at Orlando International Airport

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 15:07:00 GMT

The number of international passengers through Orlando International Airport (MCO) increased nearly 11 percent in 2009, propelling the airport to a record-breaking year for international travel. (Read more)

Florida Opportunity Fund to Invest $3M in 5AM Ventures

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Tue, 9 Feb 2010 21:43:00 GMT

The Florida Opportunity Fund has made a commitment of $3 million to 5AM Ventures II, a bioscience venture capital fund that recently completed an investment with a life sciences startup company in South Florida. (Read more)

United Service Source Expands in Melbourne

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Thu, 4 Feb 2010 17:10:00 GMT

Melbourne-based United Service Source Inc., provider of commercial and residential communication technical services, will add 30 jobs in a 17,000-square-foot expansion project. The new space will allow for the integration of Ascent Media's Palm Bay operation, as well as a new technical operations center. (Read more)

World's Largest Advanced Biodiesel Demonstration Coming to Okeechobee

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Wed, 3 Feb 2010 16:09:00 GMT

California petroleum company, LS9, is opening a new Okeechobee facility to move its technology from proven pilot capabilities to commercial demonstration scale production. Once the building retrofit is complete, the facility will be the largest advanced biodiesel demonstration plant in the world. (Read more)

Crestview & Lynn Haven National Best Places for High Tech Manufacturing

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Tue, 2 Feb 2010 16:16:00 GMT

The Hub City is the seventh best small city for high-tech manufacturing companies to expand or relocate, according to a national study conducted by the Boyd Co. The study also ranked Lynn Haven in Bay County as the eighth best small city for a manufacturing plant to locate. (Read more)

IHMC Dedicates New Ocala Research Facility

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Tue, 2 Feb 2010 15:44:00 GMT

Federal, state, and local leaders joined to celebrate the official dedication of the Florida Institute for Human & Machine Cognition (IHMC) Ocala research facility. (Read More)

Fingerprint Sensor Maker Sonavision Attracts Nearly $6M

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Mon, 1 Feb 2010 16:32:00 GMT

Palm Beach Gardens-based Sonavision, which makes an ultrasound fingerprint sensor that uses less power than others, has raised $5.87 million. (Read more)

Davidoff Brings HQ & 90 New High-Wage Jobs to Pinellas County

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Mon, 1 Feb 2010 15:57:00 GMT

The Oettinger Davidoff Group will soon bring its "Good Life" philosophy and its U.S. headquarters to Pinellas County, Florida. With this move, Davidoff will bring 90 new jobs paying 150% of the average annual wage to the area. (Read more)

Construction Brought Economic Boost to the NW Florida

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 16:29:00 GMT

The construction of the University of West Florida's new $30.6 million science and engineering building already has provided a much-needed shot in the arm for the Panhandle economy. UWF economist Rick Harper said the economic impact from construction of the building is somewhere around $60 million. (Read more)

Florida is No. 1 in the Nation for Clinical Excellence Award Hospitals

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 17:29:00 GMT

Florida leads the nation in clinical excellence with 43 hospitals awarded HealthGrades Distinguished Hospital for Clinical Excellence Awards. This is nearly double the number of facilities in any other state. (Read more)

Florida is Awarded $1.25 Billion for High Speed Rail

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 16:57:00 GMT

President Obama traveled to Tampa to announce the awarding of a $1.25 billion "down payment" to Florida to build High Speed Intercity Passenger Rail System between Tampa and Orlando and ultimately Miami. (Read more)

Level 3 Inspection brings world-class inspection facility to Stuart

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 17:02:00 GMT

The Business Development Board of Martin County is pleased to welcome Level 3 Inspection (L3I) to Martin County. This move to Martin County positions L3I to hire 33 additional employees over three years. (Read more)

Beacon Council 's Frank Nero Says Do More to Attract Business

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 16:12:00 GMT

The Beacon Council has successfully worked to diversify South Florida's economy targeting industries poised for growth. Because of this, our region's economy sustained growth longer during this recession. (Read more)

Burnham Institute for Medical Research Scores $50M

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 16:37:00 GMT

The announcement of a $50 million gift to the Burnham Institute for Medical Research will further expand the organization's cutting-edge research at Lake Nona's emerging "medical city". (Read more)

JPMorgan Chase & Co. Adding 600 Florida Jobs

ajulier@eflorida.com — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 17:29:00 GMT

JPMorgan Chase & Co. plans to hire 600 people this year in Florida, with 250 of them in South Florida alone. That's just part of the New York-based company's expansion plans, Chairman and CEO Jamie Dimon said during a visit to Miami. (Read more)

Rapidly Growing Internet Firm, IntegraClick, Expands in Sarasota

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 18:44:00 GMT

IntegraClick, a rapidly growing Sarasota Internet firm, has closed on a campus on 12 acres of land. The new space will accommodate IntegraClick's Clickbooth.com business, its sister divisions Calculated Creativity and Authorise.com, and lead to the addition of more than 100 jobs. (Read more)

University of Florida Wins $15M for New Research Facility

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 16:49:00 GMT

The University of Florida's Institute on Aging has received close to $15 million from the National Institutes of Health to construct an almost 40,000-square-foot complex for clinical and translational research. The building will bring together scientists from a range of scientific disciplines and enhance how aging research is carried out on the campus. (Read more)

Eight Florida Companies Chosen to Present at 2010 SEVC

ajulier@eflorida.com — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 20:38:00 GMT

Eight Florida companies have been selected to present at the 2010 Southeast Venture Conference. These showcase companies, representing the future of the region's technology economy, will present to a national venture capital audience representing billions in private equity capital. (Read more)

Extreme Speed Motorsports Brakes in Stuart with 30 High-Tech Jobs

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 17:46:00 GMT

American Le Mans racing has come to Martin County with Scott Sharp's Extreme Speed Motorsports. With the team comes about 30 highly skilled, well-paying jobs. (Read more)

Lithium-Ion Cell Designer and Manufacturer Coming to Alachua County

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 20:29:00 GMT

Bren-Tronics Energy Systems is opening a design and manufacturing facility in Alachua County to produce lithium-ion cells for rechargeable batteries. The company plans to invest about $10 million for renovations and new equipment. (Read more)

Ringling Plans Cutting-Edge Digital Flimmaking Studio Lab

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 17:16:00 GMT

Sarasota's Ringling College of Art and Design, one of the top schools in the nation for the niche craft of digital filmmaking, has announced plans for a new Digital Filmmaking Studio Lab. The program includes hands-on experience with top-shelf producers, directors, screenwriters and other disciplines that is said to be so cutting edge it will break the mold of student filmmaking. (Read more)

Florida Ranks Among the Nation's Top 10 States for Education

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 17:26:00 GMT

Florida public schools ranked 8th overall in Education Week magazine's annual Quality Counts, a report card that grades states on education performance and policy. Florida earned top marks for its Teaching Profession (ranked 4th in the nation); Standards, Assessments, & Accountability (5th); and K-12 Achievement (7th). (Read more)

Florida's Public Universities Win $81M in Federal Research Funding

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 21:18:00 GMT

Florida's State University System will receive $81 million for research activities from the 2010 federal budget- an increase of 31 percent from the previous year. (Read more)

Stuart's American Custom Yachts Creates Marine Industry Jobs

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 17:53:00 GMT

Tradesmen in Martin County may have a clear indication that the economy is starting to turn, with 40 new jobs being created at American Custom Yachts. The company has landed two large contracts and the promise of more. (Read more)

Florida Schools Win Top Spots on Princeton Review's Best Value Colleges

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 15:41:00 GMT

New College of Florida (3rd) and Florida State University (4th) took top spots on the Princeton Review's Best Value Colleges 2010. Rollins College, University of Central Florida and University of Florida also made the top 100. Selection criteria included more than 30 factors in academics, costs and financial aid. (Read more)

Cecil Field Becomes Nation's 8th Licensed Commercial Spaceport

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 14:43:00 GMT

Jacksonville's Cecil Field airport is the country's newest licensed commercial spaceport, and the first in Florida cleared to fly space vehicles that take off and land horizontally, like airplanes. The airport was awarded a federal license to fly commercial space vehicles being designed to ferry tourists, researchers and others beyond Earth's atmosphere. (Read more)

NSU Scores $15M to Build America's Largest Coral Reef Research Center

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 20:14:00 GMT

Nova Southeastern University's Oceanographic Center received $15 million in federal stimulus money to build the country's largest coral reef research center. The $30 million, 86,000 sq. ft. Center of Excellence for Coral Reef Ecosystems Science Research Facility will house local, national and international coral reef research. (Read more)

Florida is Home to the Nation's No. 1 Domestic Travel Destination

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 15:21:00 GMT

Orlando is the nation's No. 1 Domestic Travel Destination, according to Travel Leaders' 2010 authoritative annual Travel Trends Survey. (Read more)

Micro Star Innovations Expands in Largo

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Fri, 8 Jan 2010 18:45:00 GMT

Micro Star Innovations plans to nearly double its Largo workforce, creating new positions in engineering and research and development. The company, in Largo since 2004, utilizes robots to make products ranging from specialized light bulb housings to high-tech laparoscopic surgical tools. (Read more)

Coaxial Components Renews Commitment, Expands in Martin

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Fri, 8 Jan 2010 17:59:00 GMT

The Business Development Board of Martin County is pleased to announce the expansion of Coaxial Components Corp. in Martin County. With this expansion, the company will add 10 to 14 additional employees over the next three to five years. (Read more)

Kiplinger's Ranks 5 Florida Schools Among the Nation's Best

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Tue, 5 Jan 2010 19:43:00 GMT

Kiplinger's ranks five Florida schools among the nation's best values in public colleges and universities. Based on academics and cost, the University of Florida ranked #2 for in-state value and #4 for out-of-state value. (Read more)

Inc Names Sharklet Technologies Among 2009's Most Innovative Technologies

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Mon, 4 Jan 2010 15:43:00 GMT

Alachua's Sharklet Technologies is one of only nine companies chosen for Inc. Magazine's list of the most innovative technologies of 2009. Sharklet makes sheets of plastic which are imprinted with a raised sharkskin-like pattern and can be adhered to germ-prone surfaces to prevent bacteria from settling in for up to 30 days. (Read more)

GeoGlobal Partners Brings HQ,Warehousing Operation and 100 Jobs

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 19:09:00 GMT

GeoGlobal Partners, LLC, a leading manufacturer of outdoor living products, is moving its headquarters and warehousing operations from New Jersey to Palm Beach County. The project brings a capital investment of approximately $3 million and is expected to create 100 new jobs. (Read more)

Success Group International HQ Relocates to Sarasota

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 19:52:00 GMT

Clockwork Home Services, one of North America's fastest growing operators of home services franchises and affinity group memberships, is bringing its rapidly expanding Success Group International (SGI) division to Sarasota County. SGI expects to fill 30 positions in Sarasota over the next two years. (Read more)

Ten Florida Professors Selected as AAAS Fellows

ajulier@eflorida.com — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 19:07:00 GMT

The American Association for the Advancement of Science elected ten Florida professors as AAAS Fellows. These individuals are recognized for their distinguished accomplishments and their contributions to science and technology. (Read more)

SRI International Opens New Marine Technology Facility in St. Petersburg

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 18:47:00 GMT

SRI International's new research facility at the Port of St. Petersburg will house the nonprofit research institute's Marine Technology Program, which is focused on advancing marine science and technology, port security, and environmental research. (Read more)

Blind Iraqi Students Using State-of-the-Art Devices Made in Jensen Beach

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 18:51:00 GMT

Jensen Beach-based Enabling Technologies, manufacturer of the largest, most complete line of Braille production machines in the world, is making machines to help blind Iraqi children learn to read. (Read more)

Florida Ranks Among the Nation's Top 3 Happiest States

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 14:47:00 GMT

Florida ranked 3rd on a new study of state-level happiness. This study found that a person's self-reported happiness matches up with objective measures of state-level happiness. (Read more)

International Fishing Lure Distributor Yo-Zuri America Expands in Port St. Lucie

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 19:45:00 GMT

Yo-Zuri America, Inc. manufacturer of lures, fishing lines and leaders expands to a 16,200 square foot distribution facility in Port St. Lucie, adding a small retail outlet for local anglers and tourists. (Read more)

Jacksonville is Named Among the Nation's Best Cities for Business

ajulier@florida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 19:13:00 GMT

According to an article written by MarketWatch, Jacksonville ranked No. 28 out of 101 "Best U.S. Cities for Business." (Read more)

Paris-based Trod Medical Opens U.S. HQ in Manatee County

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 15:45:00 GMT

Trod Medical S.A., a medical equipment manufacturer based in Paris, France, opened its U.S. headquarters in the Lakewood Ranch area of Manatee County. The Florida location will spearhead the company's launch of its FDA-approved surgical device that focuses in areas of urology, radiation oncology and interventional radiology. (Read more)

Lockheed Martin's Orlando Unit Wins $99M Army Deal

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 14:53:00 GMT

Lockheed Martin Corp.'s Missiles & Fire Control unit in Orlando has landed an Army deal worth nearly $100 million for maintenance support work on the Apache combat helicopter fleet. Terms of the one-year, $99.3 million contract call for Lockheed Missiles to perform repair, maintenance and other work on the Apache fleet. (Read more)

Florida State Agency R&D Grows 123%, Reaches $97 Million

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 18:19:00 GMT

Growing by a whopping 123% over the year, Florida's State Agency R&D totaled $97 million in 2007- the 4th highest in the nation. (Read more)

Florida Dominates America's Crown Community Rankings

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 15:13:00 GMT

Florida communities won 4 of the 11 spots on American City & County's 2009 annual excellence awards for thier creativity, cooperation and communication. (Read more)

Gretna Lands $250M Bioenergy Plant & 628 Jobs

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 14:54:00 GMT

A $250 million bioenergy plant is planned for a 100 acre site in the Gretna Industrial Park. The facility, a development of bioenergy company Adage, will produce 50 megawatts of electricity, enough to power 40,000 homes. The plant and its associated fuel operations will have a permanent staff of up to 150, but the construction will require employment of 478 workers. (Read more)

Brevard #18 on Forbes Magazine's Best-Bang-For-The-Buck Cities

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Wed, 9 Dec 2009 17:12:00 GMT

For the third time this year, Brevard County has been highlighted as a thriving, stable community. The Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville MSA took the #18 spot on Forbes Magazine's Best-Bang-For-The-Buck Cities annual list. (Read more)

Persystent Software Attracts Nearly $3M for Innovative PC Products

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Mon, 7 Dec 2009 14:30:00 GMT

After raising $11.6 million in 2008, Tampa's Persystent Software has raised an additional $2,860,663 in equity. The company sells four products that help users recover from PC disasters in a matter of seconds. (Read more)

HealthChem Diagnostics Opening $27M Facility & Creating 160 Jobs

ajulier@eflorida.com — Fri, 4 Dec 2009 17:02:00 GMT

HealthChem Diagnostics, LLC, a medical diagnostics research and manufacturing firm, is investing $27 million to open a facility in St. Lucie County that will create 160 high-wage jobs. The new facility will manufacture the patented TD Glucose skin patch for use in the TD Glucose Monitoring System. (Read more)

Florida Tech & Melbourne International Airport Launch Tech Research Park

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Fri, 4 Dec 2009 16:55:00 GMT

Florida Institute of Technology and Melbourne International Airport announced the launch of an innovative collaboration designed to enhance and expand Brevard County's technology-research infrastructure. Through creation of the Florida Tech Research Park at the airport, Florida Tech and the Melbourne Airport Authority are embarking on a 20-year partnership aimed at fostering economic development and increasing the region's high-tech competitiveness. (Read more)

Waterblasting Technologies Celebrates Grand Opening in Stuart

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Wed, 2 Dec 2009 18:04:00 GMT

Waterblasting Technologies Inc. has a new international headquarters in Stuart. The new building, which cost about $2.3 million, will allow the company to assemble more of its signature water blasting systems than ever before. (Read more)

Florida Ranks Among the Top States for Entrepreneurs

ajulier@eflorida.com — Wed, 2 Dec 2009 16:21:00 GMT

Florida ranked 6th on the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council's 14th annual "Small Business Survival Index 2009: Ranking the Policy Environment for Entrepreneurship Across the Nation." (Read more)

Orlando-based Seaside National Bank Gets Big Capital Injection

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Tue, 1 Dec 2009 14:35:00 GMT

Orlando's Seaside National Bank & Trust has snagged $40 million in fresh capital to help bolster its operations and finance its expansion statewide. (Read more)

Florida Airports Dominate Zagat's 2009 Airline Survey

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 16:28:00 GMT

Florida's Tampa International Airport and Orlando International Airport placed among Zagat's Top 5 Best on the Ground category for highest overall airport quality. (Read more)

High Rise Escape Systems Wins GSN Homeland Security Award

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 21:42:00 GMT

Sanford-based High Rise Escape Systems Inc. was named the Winner of the Broad Category of Best Clean-Up, Decontamination, Disaster Preparedness or Recovery Product in GSN: Government Security News' 1st Annual Homeland Security Awards Competition. (Read more)

HyGreen Wins Popular Science's 2009 Best of What's New Award

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:49:00 GMT

Gainesville's Xhale Innovations, Inc. announced today that its hand hygiene system, HyGreen, is the recipient of the 2009 "Best of What's New" award from Popular Science magazine. HyGreen was chosen by Popular Science for its use of technology to safeguard health. (Read more)

New Ideas in Solar: Free Clean Energy Webinar Now Available on Demand

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:33:00 GMT

The rapid growth of the US solar market has sparked innovation in technologies and in many new market strategies and regulatory structures. This webinar, produced by Greentech Media and Enterprise Florida, provides an analysis of the US solar market and features speakers from three Florida organizations who discuss their novel approaches to solar energy generation and distribution. View now!

Hillsborough Wins $100M Education Grant from the Gates Foundation

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:27:00 GMT

Hillsborough County Schools took a bow on the national stage Thursday, officially winning a $100 million teacher effectiveness grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The award, part of a $335 million investment into a handful of districts, puts Hillsborough squarely on the cutting edge of national reform efforts. (Read more)

SFCC Expands LPN to RN Nursing Transition Program

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:03:00 GMT

South Florida Community College's Allied Health department has partnered with Heartland Workforce to expand its current Transition-Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to Registered Nurse (RN) Associate in Applied Science degree program. (Read more)

Saft Scores $95M for Jacksonville Lithium-ion Battery Factory

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:40:00 GMT

High-tech battery maker Saft, receives a $95 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to begin construction of the lithium-ion (Li-ion) factory of the future in Jacksonville. The total estimated cost of the project is around $200 million, and it will bring roughly 279 jobs to the area during the next six years. (Read more)

Tampa's Moffitt Cancer Center Awarded Nearly $19 Million

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:51:00 GMT

Tampa's Moffitt Cancer Center has been awarded nearly $19 million in grants from the National Institutes of Health, including a prestigious Grand Opportunities grant to study patient-centered outcomes research. Moffitt was also selected by the National Cancer Institute as one of 12 institutions to serve as Physical Science-Oncology Centers to advance the use of physics, mathematics and related disciplines to study the development of cancer. (Read more)

Coast WET Brings International HQ, Manufacturing Operation, and 230 Jobs

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:14:00 GMT

Coast Water Efficient Technology, LLC (Coast WET) has moved its international headquarters and manufacturing facilities from California to Bay County, Fla. Within three years of opening its doors, Coast WET is projected to create 230 new jobs. (Read more)

Florida Universities Win UEDA Awards for Excellence

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:46:00 GMT

The University Economic Development Association ranked the University of Florida No. 1 in the U.S. for Technology Commercialization, and the University of South Florida placed among the Top 3 schools for Business Assistance, Technology Commercialization, Partnership Development, and Workforce Development. (Read more)

USF & Moffitt Cancer Center Launch New Center of Excellence

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:35:00 GMT

The new USF-Moffitt Center of Excellence for Cancer Health Disparities was formally launced as the Center for Equal Health: Community Partnerships in Research, Education and Training. This summer, USF and Moffitt were awarded a highly competitive $6 million, five-year program grant from the National Institutes of Health to establish the center- one of three in Florida. (Read more)

Orlando's Voxeo Raises $4.5M for IVR & VOIP Technology

ajulier@eflorida.com — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:51:00 GMT

Orlando's Voxeo Corp. has raised $4.5 million in equity from a single investor. The company sells interactive voice response (IVR) or VoIP platforms and services. The profitable business has posted 100 percent year-over-year growth since 1999. (Read more)

Four Florida Companies Honored For Exporting Excellence

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Mon, 9 Nov 2009 17:44:00 GMT

Four Florida companies were among the twenty-one companies honored as recipients of the prestigious 2009 Presidential "E" and "E Star" Awards during a ceremony at the National District Export Council Conference at the Department of Commerce. The "E" Award is the highest U.S. government recognition any U.S. entity may receive for supporting export activity. (Read more)

Biofuels Center to be Developed in Hendry County

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Wed, 4 Nov 2009 19:27:00 GMT

Edison State College and the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences received a nearly $1 million grant to produce biofuels in Hendry County. The combination of education and production of biofuels will translate into a well-trained workforce prepared for emerging careers related to the environment. (Read more)

Innovation Monthly October 2009

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Tue, 3 Nov 2009 22:09:00 GMT

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

October 2009 Highlights:

Florida Opens Nation's Largest Solar PV Facility
Jacksonville's New $20M Aviation Facility
UM's Breakthrough Entrepreneurship Program
Free Solar Energy Webinar

Read Full Newsletter

Southwest Airlines To Launch New Northwest Florida Operations

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Tue, 3 Nov 2009 18:54:00 GMT

Southwest Airlines Co. announced its intent to begin jet service from Northwest Florida's new international airport near Panama City, Florida in May 2010. The planned service is made possible through a strategic alliance agreement developed between Southwest and The St. Joe Company, one of Florida's largest landowners and real estate developers. (Read more)

University of Miami to Hold 2nd Annual Innovation Technology Showcase

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Tue, 3 Nov 2009 18:47:00 GMT

The 2nd annual UM Innovation Technology Showcase 2009 will provide a unique forum where inventors and research scientists can share presentations with industry and members of the investor community. The event will highlight leading-edge technologies available for licensing, including biologics, antibodies, small-molecule drugs and cell therapies, biomarkers and diagnostics, research tools, medical devices, and other technologies.(Read more)

Draper Laboratory Opens 2 New South Florida Facilities

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Mon, 2 Nov 2009 16:18:00 GMT

On Monday Oct 26, Draper hosted two opening dedications at its new sites in St. Petersburg and Tampa, Fla. The St. Petersburg Multichip Module (MCM) Facility held its dedication in the morning, and the Draper Bioengineering Center at USF in Tampa held theirs that same afternoon. (Read more)

Trane Invests $15M to Launch New Product Line in Lynn Haven

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:00:00 GMT

Trane, a global provider of heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems, recently launched its ultra-efficient and environmentally-friendly new commerical rooftop unit in Lynn Haven. Over $15 million was invested in new equipment, and about $12 million in capital investments, for the new assembly line.

Florida Launches the Nation's Largest Photovoltaic Solar Facility

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:07:00 GMT

President Barack Obama joined FPL Group and Florida Power & Light Company officials today for the commissioning of the largest photovoltaic solar facility in the nation. The new 25-megawatt solar array and FPL's Energy Smart Florida project position Florida as a leader in developing a clean-energy economy for the 21st century, delivering significant economic and environmental benefits to the area. (Read more)

$388 Million Shands Cancer Center Opens at the University of Florida

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 17:23:00 GMT

The $388-million Shands Cancer Hospital at the University of Florida, located at the new Shands at UF South Campus, will open to the public on November 1, 2009. The 500,000-square-foot, 192-bed Shands Cancer Hospital will serve a variety of inpatients, including those receiving diagnostic and therapeutic oncology care, and will also house the Shands Critical Care Center for emergency and trauma services. (Read more)

U.S. Army Funds $1.7M Advanced Manufacturing Center at TCC

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:07:00 GMT

Tallahassee Community College has received $1.7 million from the U.S. Army Research Office to support a new Advanced Manufacturing Training Center, which, when completed, will provide job training and foster job creation in manufacturing and related cutting-edge technologies. (Read more)

UF & UCF Partner to Expand Orlando's Center for Emerging Media

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:21:00 GMT

The UF research and teaching center, Citylab-Orlando, an initiative of the College of Design, Construction and Planning, will be housed at the UCF Center for Emerging Media. The center is already home to UCF's Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy, a graduate video-gaming school, and other UCF programs. (Read more)

Florida Biomedical Research Program Wins National TBED Award

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 18:13:00 GMT

Florida's James & Esther King Biomedical Research Program has won a prestigious National Award for Excellence in Tech-Based Economic Development. These awards recognize organizations that initiate successful programs to sustain the nation's position as a global leader for innovation and competitiveness. (Read more)

Contact Centers of America Expanding Services & Creating 1,500 Jobs

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:11:00 GMT

Contact Centers of America plans to expand its number of call centers in Orlando from one to three by the end of 2010, and employ more than 1,500 representatives, with most of them in Orlando. (Read more)

Optima Neuroscience Wins FDA Clearance for Brain Monitoring Product

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 18:09:00 GMT

Alachua-based Optima Neuroscience received FDA clearance to market the company's first clinical product, IdentEvent. Based on extensive research that began at the University of Florida, IdentEvent was designed to assist sub-specialty neurologists in the difficult and tedious task of reviewing long-term EEG recordings. (Read more)

St. Petersburg Telecom Scores $20 Million in New Funding

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 17:53:00 GMT

Tower Cloud, Inc., a provider of backhaul services to wireless carriers, announced today it closed a $20 million equity round to fund expansion into Georgia and other growth opportunities. (Read more)

USAA to Add Banking & Investment Operation & 200 New Jobs

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 14:41:00 GMT

USAA is adding 200 more jobs to its Tampa operation, the financial services company's second major expansion here in less than a year. The new jobs, tied to adding a banking and investment operation here, would bring its Tampa location to nearly 2,000 employees. (Read more)

UCF's FSEC to Help Run New U.S. Solar Installer Training Network

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 12:53:00 GMT

The U.S. Department of Energy is investing in solar workforce development and the University of Central Florida's Solar Energy Center (FSEC) was one of nine national institutions selected to help lead those efforts. (Read more)

Celebration-based InfoTech Company Attracts $3M in New Funding

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 20:19:00 GMT

Channel Intelligence, an innovative tech company that helps retailers, manufacturers and other advertisers make their products and services easier for consumers to find and buy online and in local retail stores, has raised $3.06 million in new funding. (Read more)

CNNMoney Ranks 3 Florida Metros Small Business Growth Leaders

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 17:12:00 GMT

Three of Florida's metro areas ranked among the Top 20 in the Fastest Small Business Growth category of CNNMoney.com's Best Places to Launch a Small Business 2009. (Read more)

Envoy Therapeutics Gets $8M in Funding, Sets Up Office in Florida

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 14:24:00 GMT

Envoy Therapeutics establishes an office in Jupiter, Fla., and raises $8 million in venture capital funding. The biotech startup, which counts a Nobel laureate among its four founders, plans to develop treatments for brain disorders such as schizophrenia and Parkinson's disease. (Learn more)

Siemens Energy Wins Six Wind Turbine Orders

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 13:29:00 GMT

Siemens Energy has been awarded six wind turbine contracts during the past months worth more than $900 million. Siemens Energy, the Orlando-based U.S. power generation division of Siemens AG, will deliver part of the orders, including 180 wind turbines for four of the projects. (Learn more)

BioFlorida's 12th Annual Conference to Focus on Convergence, Personalized Medicine

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:38:00 GMT

BioFlorida's is hosting the state's largest gathering of life science professionals on November 4-6, 2009 in Orlando.This year's theme â Convergence â will showcase Floridaâs life science technologies and focus on the biosynergy with three tracks â Business, Science and Policy. In a partnership with the Personalized Medicine Coalition, the conference will also highlight technology convergence trends in personalized medicine. (Read more)

Kauffman Foundation Helps UM Launch Groundbreaking Entrepreneurship Center

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Thu, 8 Oct 2009 17:36:00 GMT

The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation has awarded University of Miami a grant to help sustain and grow The Launch Pad, a unique career center program that helps students explore and launch new firms while they are still in school. The Launch Pad is the first college entrepreneurship program in the country that is offered as part of a university's career center. (Read more)

U.S. Army Selects FL Company to Build Next Generation Airborne Modem

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Thu, 8 Oct 2009 13:43:00 GMT

Melbourne's Symetrics Industries announced today an award from the U.S. Army Aviation Missile Command (AMCOM) to design the next generation of the Improved Data Modems for installation on multiple Army aircraft. The contract allows the Army to order 1,500 of these new modems and is valued at more than $50M. (Read more)

Cape Coral Manufacturer Diversifies and Creates 75 Jobs

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Tue, 6 Oct 2009 19:52:00 GMT

Seventy-five new jobs are coming to Cape Coral as Marine Concepts/JRL Ventures diversifies to manufacture products for helicopter simulators, septic systems, water slides, and theme parks. (Read more)

Innovation Monthly September 2009

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Sat, 3 Oct 2009 20:18:00 GMT

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

September 2009 Highlights:

Florida Named a National Nanotech Leader
$200M Trade Agreement Helps China "Go Green"
$80M Investment Creates 800 Jobs
New Florida Economy At a Glance Report

Read Full Newsletter

Sarasota Firm Selected to Make Simulators for the U.S. Army

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 17:57:00 GMT

Sarasota County's Medical Education Technologies Inc., a manufacturer of medical simulation products and educational software, has landed a $1.8 million contract with the Army for 41 of its medical simulators which combine an airway, pulmonary and cardiovascular systems, trauma features, and METI's Combat Medical Advanced Simulation Training Learning Module. (Read more)

VeriChip Corporation Announces $10 Million Financing Commitment

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 14:31:00 GMT

The financing will provide funding for the Delray Beach-based company's initiatives to develop an H1N1 virus triage detection system and glucose-sensing RFID microchip. (Read more)

Jacksonville Leaders Break Ground on $20M Aviation Facility

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 15:48:00 GMT

Florida State College at Jacksonville leaders and city officials broke ground on a new aviation facility at Cecil Field, marking the beginning of the $20 million project. In early 2011, students at FSCJ can start learning how to paint aircraft, adding the missing piece to maintenance and overhaul training offered in the area. (Read more)

Forbes Names 2 Florida Companies Among America's Most Promising

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 19:18:00 GMT

In searching for America's Most Promising Companies, Forbes went hunting for small, dynamic companies with the kind of growth potential that makes venture capitalists salivate. Florida companies earned two of the top spots, ranking 4th & 17th. (Read more)

Southeast Fabricators Moves to DeBary & Promises 250 New Jobs

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 19:14:00 GMT

Southeast Fabricators Inc. will relocate to a new manufacturing facility in DeBary this month, and promises to create 250 new jobs during the next three years. (Read more)

Pasco Company Scores a $200M Trade Agreement to Help China "Go Green"

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 19:56:00 GMT

Dais Analytic Corporation announces a $200 million international trade agreement with a Chinese state-owned company that could bring more than 1,000 new "green" jobs to Pasco County in the coming years. (Read more)

Florida Ranks Among the Top 5 Best States For Business

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 18:48:00 GMT

Florida has one of the most "business-friendly" tax systems in the nation, according to the Tax Foundation's 2010 State Business Tax Climate Index. The Index measures the competitiveness of the 50 states' tax systems and ranks them accordingly based on the taxes that matter most to businesses and business investment: corporate income, individual income, sales, property and unemployment insurance taxes. (Read more)

Taurus Expands Miami Operations, Adding 123 Jobs & Investing $7.8M

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 15:43:00 GMT

For nearly 30 years, Taurus has been in Miami manufacturing small arms. Taurus plans to create 123 new full time jobs, and invest $7.8 million for the purchase of new equipment and the construction/renovation of their 59,500 square foot facility which will be expanded by an additional 26,500 square feet. (Read more)

Florida Ranks Among the Nation's Top 10 on InformationWeek 500

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 22:23:00 GMT

Florida ranks among the Top 10 states on this year's InformationWeek 500, an analysis of the most innovative corporate users of information technology.(Read more)

Duke University's Stedman Center to establish a lab at Burnham's Lake Nona campus in Orlando

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 20:05:00 GMT

The Burnham Institute for Medical Research and the Sarah W. Stedman Nutrition and Metabolism Center at Duke University Medical Center announced a new collaborative research program that will use the power of metabolomics to help advance the concept of personalized medicine. (Learn more)

Innovative Florida Businesses Recognized with Governor's Business Diversification Awards

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 18:22:00 GMT

Twenty companies from around the state received the Governorâs Business Diversification Award yesterday, which recognizes exceptional contributions toward statewide economic diversification through job creation and distinctive community involvement and investment. (Read More)

Maitland's Digital Risk Adds 240 Jobs and Invests $1.2M

ajulier@eflorida.com (Adam Julier) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 15:50:00 GMT

Digital Risk LLC, a Maitland-based financial services company, has chosen Metro Orlando for a multimillion-dollar expansion that will bring 240 new jobs to its local operation. (Read More)

Eastern Shipbuilding Group Builds Nation's Largest Fire Boat

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 17:38:00 GMT

Funded by over $40 million in Department of Homeland Security grants, Panama City-based Eastern Shipbuilding Group has launched the first of two record setting fire boats. At 140 feet long, and 500 tons, this fire boat is the country's largest in size and highest in capacity, pumping close to 50 thousand gallons a minute -- equivalent to about 50 average size city fire engines. (Read more)

Innovation Monthly August 2009

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Wed, 9 Sep 2009 17:31:00 GMT

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

August 2009 Highlights:

Nation's Fastest Growing Company in Florida

Florida City Named Top Entrepreneurial Engine

Port St. Lucie Lands $50M Digital Production Studio

Buckeye Technologies' $32M Energy Independence Project

Read Full Newsletter

Solar Cell Equipment Manufacturer Plans 125 New Jobs

ajulier@eflorida.com (Adam Julier) — Tue, 1 Sep 2009 16:18:00 GMT

Mustang Vacuum Systems LLC will relocate its manufacturing operation to Manatee County where the company plans to add 125 jobs. The 50,000-square-foot facility in will allow Mustang to expand its production of thin-film solar photovoltaic cell equipment. (Read more)

New Industry Microsites Launched

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Tue, 1 Sep 2009 14:37:00 GMT

Visit the new eflorida.com Industry Microsites â Hear the latest buzz, be in the know with key trends, view videos, maps and innovation stories, and access the latest webinars, white papers and more at Enterprise Floridaâs new industry microsites for clean energy, life sciences, infotech, aviation & aerospace, homeland security & defense, financial & professional services, manufacturing and emerging technologies.

BOTH Brings HQ & 100 New Jobs to St. Petersburg

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 16:03:00 GMT

BOTH Holdings has selected Downtown St. Petersburg in Pinellas County, Florida, as the location for its new corporate headquarters. Over the next few years, the company is expected to create 100 new high-wage jobs. (Read more)

Worldwide Leader in RSE Expands, Adds 100 Florida Jobs

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterpise Florida) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 15:37:00 GMT

INViSiON, a Celebration-based company that is the worldwide leader in rear seat entertainment, will expand its corporate headquarters by 100 employees over the next five years. (Read more)

Florida is Ranked a National Nanotechnology Leader

ajulier@eflorida.com (Adam Julier) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 15:51:00 GMT

With 50 unique entries, Florida is ranked 7th in the U.S. by the Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies (PEN). PEN highlights more than 1,200 companies, universities, government laboratories, and other organizations that are involved in nanotechnology research, development, and commercialization. (Read more)

Miami Institute for Human Genomics Receives $20 Million Gift to Further Autism Research

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 14:02:00 GMT

The University of Miami Miller School's Miami Institute for Human Genomics, nationally known for its groundbreaking work in unraveling some of the medical mysteries behind autism and other common diseases, received a $20 million gift to support its critical research efforts. (Read More)

Tallahassee Ranks Among Nation's Top 10 Best Places to Find a Job

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 13:49:00 GMT

Tallahassee made the Top 10 list of cities considered "America's Best Places to Find a Job" in a first ever research project by U.S. News & World Report. Tallahassee has seen job growth in education and health services, leisure and hospitality, and in the government sector. (Read more)

Melbourne's Harris Corp. to Bring High-Speed to the High Seas

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 15:55:00 GMT

Melbourne-based Harris Corporation has signed a new, multi-year contract with Carnival Corporation to provide cruise ships with significantly more satellite bandwidth, a modern all-IP network, and operational support of onboard equipment including dual C-band and Ku-band antennas for seamless global coverage and high reliability. (Read more)

RTI International Wins $70 M Contract, to Open an Office in Orlando

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 14:01:00 GMT

RTI International will provide simulation technology training to soldiers as part of a contract for the Abrams Maintenance Training System by the U.S. Army Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training, and Instrumentation in Orlando (read more). To service the $70+ million contract, RTI will establish an office at the Central Florida Research Park near the University of Central Florida (read more).

Florida Dominates Fastest-Growing Company Rankings

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 15:04:00 GMT

One out of five companies named to the HispanicBusiness Magazine 100 Fastest-Growing companies list, are located in Florida. With 20 companies each in the Top 100, Florida and Texas are the geographic powerhouse hubs for Hispanic entrepreneurs in 2009. (Read more)

Vought Aircraft Industries Builds $3.2M Facility & Creates 100 New Jobs

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 15:01:00 GMT

Vought Aircraft Industries plans to add 100 permanent jobs and build a $3.2 million facility at its Witham Field location in Stuart, Florida. (Read more)

Three FL Companies Score Top Spots on Inc 500- Including #1

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 14:54:00 GMT

Miami's Northern Capital Insurance ranks No. 1 on the 2009 Inc. 500. Sarasota-based IntegraClick and Tampa-based Freedom Health were named to the 5th and 7th place spots, respectively. Florida was the 5th ranked state overall. (Read more)

Florida Paper Mill's $45M Energy Independence Project

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 17:15:00 GMT

Perry, Florida's Buckeye Paper Mill is on its way to saving 200,000 barrels oil a year through its energy independence project. Florida Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp and local officials announced a state grant for $7.381 million to contribute to the $45 million project. (Read more)

Renewable Energy Company Moves Headquarters to Florida

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Fri, 7 Aug 2009 16:30:00 GMT

InEnTec Chemical, LLC has chosen Fleming Island as the site for the company's new headquarters. The move affirms Florida's focus on attracting clean energy and technology-based businesses and provides InEnTec Chemical with access to the state's strong research universities, sustainability-minded suppliers and utilities, and growing clean technology talent pool. (Read more)

USF Launches New Academy of Inventors to Grow Research & Innovation

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Fri, 7 Aug 2009 14:23:00 GMT

More than 100 inventors from across the University of South Florida will become members of the newly formed USF Academy of Inventors, an organization created to recognize and promote innovation achievement among faculty, staff, students and alumni. Inventors embody the creativity and innovation which is a hallmark of a fast-growing research university. (Read more)

East Orlando Company Wins $21M Marine Training Simulator Contract

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Thu, 6 Aug 2009 17:13:00 GMT

A small defense contractor in rural east Orange County has won a contract worth nearly $21 million to build air-and-ground tactical-combat training systems for the U.S. Marine Corps. The two-year deal landed by T.J. Drafting & Design Inc. involves building mission-command training simulators at Marine air bases around the world, the company said Tuesday. (Read more)

FIU Opens New Multimillion-Dollar Medical School

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Wed, 5 Aug 2009 15:04:00 GMT

Florida International University is four decades old, but it began a new era on Monday. The school's multimillion-dollar Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine -- South Florida's only public medical school -- opened to an inaugural class of 43 students. (Read more)

Orlando Ranks Among Entrepreneur's Top 10 Startup-Friendly Cities

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Wed, 5 Aug 2009 14:54:00 GMT

Orlando may be the house the mouse built, but a long stretch of intergovernmental and private cooperation is what turned the city into one of the most highly coordinated entrepreneurial engines in the country according to Entrepreneur Magazine. (Read more) http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=e6639057-c455-4e98-a33e-fd427c1ba869&type=website&buttonText=Share%20This

Innovation Monthly July 2009

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Mon, 3 Aug 2009 20:08:00 GMT

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

July 2009 Highlights:

Three Florida Cities Hailed U.S. Hotspots
UF Wins Prestigious $26M NIH Award
Tampa's New $60M CENTCOM HQ
Forecasting the Future of Mobile Services

Read Full Newsletter

UCF Makes History with New College of Medicine

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Mon, 3 Aug 2009 14:43:00 GMT

The University of Central Florida makes history as it welcomes the College of Medicine charter class. The American Association of Medical Colleges says UCF is the first U.S. medical school to provide four-year full scholarships to an entire class. (Read more)

Lakeland Advanced Battery Manufacturer Scores $13.3M Investment

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 18:55:00 GMT

Lakeland-based Solicore, Inc., the world's leading developer, manufacturer and supplier of ultra-thin, flexible lithium polymer batteries, has closed the first phase of its Series D Preferred Stock financing round. The company raised $12.2 million and expects to end the round at $13.3 million. (Read more)

Auburndale's Coca-Cola Packaging Plant Undergoes $100M Expansion, Adds 100+ Jobs

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 17:59:00 GMT

A $100 million expansion of Coca-Cola's Main Street packaging plant will be finsihed later this year, adding more than 100 new jobs to Polk County's economy. The plant now employs 320 people, including 90 new jobs added this year. (Read more)

University of Florida Wins $8.2M To Create Super Incubator

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 17:45:00 GMT

The Federal Economic Development Administration has awarded the University of Florida an $8.2 million grant to help create the Florida Innovation Hub at UF, a facility officials describe as a âsuper incubator.â (Read more)

Source Interlink To Create 350 New HQ Jobs in Lee County

ajulier@eflorida.com (Adam Julier) — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 15:16:00 GMT

Source Interlink will create or transfer 350 positions to its Bonita Springs headquarters, where its finance, human resources, IT, tax and senior executive functions are currently located. The project is anticipated to have $334.6 million in economic impact on the community over five years. (Read more)

Florida is Home to 5 of the Nation's Top 25 Spots for Job Growth

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 18:52:00 GMT

CNN Money Magazine ranks 5 Florida counties (Lake, St. Johns, Pasco, Hernando & Lee) among the nation's best places to live in terms of plentiful job opportunites. (CNNMoney.com)

Orlando-based Planar Energy Devices Takes Top Prize at WTN Awards

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 18:34:00 GMT

Orlando's Planar Energy Devices was named the Corporate Award Winner in the Energy category of the prestigious World Technology Network's annual awards. Planar was cited for doing innovative work of the greatest likely long-term significance in its field. (Read more)

Tampa Biotech Firm Receives $2.2M Funding for Clinical Trials

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 14:52:00 GMT

Quantum Immunologics, the Tampa-based developer of treatments for breast and other types of cancer, has received $2.2 million from Mentor Capital. The funds will support the ongoing FDA-approved Phase I/II clinical trials on metastatic breast cancer. (Read more)

University of Florida Scores $26 Million Health Research Grant

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 18:31:00 GMT

University of Florida wins a competitive National Institutes of Health Clinical and Translational Science Award worth $26 million, joining an elite group of leading-edge medical research institutions. The award will be used to speed the transformation of scientific discoveries into medical advances for patients. (Read more)

U.S. News & World Report Ranks Florida's Hospitals Among America's Best

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 17:41:00 GMT

Florida hospitals earned nearly 30 spots on this year's U.S. News & World Report's America's Best Hospitals rankings - including the nation's No. 1 ranked Ophthalmology Hospital, the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami. Overall, 12 Florida hospitals were ranked in the top 50 in specialties such as cancer, diabetes neurology and others. (Health News Florida)

St. Petersburg's Revolution Money Raises an Additional $15.2M

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 17:40:00 GMT

St. Petersburg-based Revolution Money, the Internet payment processing company launched by former AOL co-founder Steve Case, has raised an additional $15.2 million of a $20 million offering, according to a regulatory filing. The company closed a $42 million C round led by a Goldman Sachs affiliate in April. (Read more)

AirTran Becomes First Major Airline to Offer WiFi Access on All Planes

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 15:18:00 GMT

Orlando-based AirTran Airways has begun offering internet access on its entire fleet of 136 planes. According to the airline, AirTran is now the first major U.S. airline to have WiFi available on all flights. (Read more)

University of Florida Celebrates World's Largest Telescope

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 18:39:00 GMT

Officials from the University of Florida will join more than 500 astronomers, journalists and celebrities, for the inauguration of the Gran Telescopio Canarias telescope. The University of Florida is the only U.S. institution that is part of the project. (Read More)

Solar battery project unveiled in St. Petersburg

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Thu, 9 Jul 2009 18:35:00 GMT

An example of Florida's expertise in energy storage is a demonstration project conducted by University of South Florida and partner Progress Energy Florida which combines renewable distributed energy generation and an advanced battery system to supply renewable energy generated in off-peak hours during peak power demand hours. One of the prototypes of the Sustainable Electric Energy Delivery System (SEEDS) is used on campus, the other at a nearby park to power lights at night.

Officials Break Ground on $60M Central Command HQ in Tampa

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Wed, 8 Jul 2009 12:55:00 GMT

The U.S. Central Command will soon have a new, four-story, $60 million headquarters at MacDill Air Force Base. The 250,000-square-foot facility will house about 1,800 military employees who run the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as oversee counterterrorism, counterinsurgency, humanitarian relief and other operations in 20 countries. (Read more)

Florida Is One of the Top 10 Pro-Business States

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Tue, 7 Jul 2009 13:28:00 GMT

Florida is one of the most pro-business states in the nation, ranking 9th in Pollina Corporate Real Estateâs Top 10 Pro Business States study. The rankings are based on 33 measurements including taxes, human resources, right-to-work legislation, energy costs and job growth study. (Pollina Corporate Real Estate, June 2009)

TCC Announces New Advanced Manufacturing Training Center

ajulier@eflorida.com (Adam Julier) — Mon, 6 Jul 2009 16:09:00 GMT

Tallahassee Community College plans to bring an Advanced Manufacturing Training Center (AMTC) to its main campus. The AMTC will provide technologically advanced training for both incumbent and new workers in the region's manufacturing sector and will serve as a significant resource for attracting new manufacturing businesses. (Read more)

Delray Beach's Ag-Oil to Build $20M Biodiesel Production Facility

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Wed, 1 Jul 2009 19:52:00 GMT

Ag-Oil, a Delray Beach-based biofuel start-up, plans to build a $20 million pilot-scale biodiesel production facility in the Agricultural Reserve west of Delray Beach with the potential to produce 15 million gallons a year. (Read more)

Gainesville, Jacksonville & Orlando Named Hotspots for Young Professionals

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Wed, 1 Jul 2009 17:48:00 GMT

Gainesville, Jacksonville and Orlando rank among the nation's Top 60 U.S. Hotspots for Young, Talented Workers. Theses rankings are based on seven different criteria including cost of living, job growth, transportation, education and social life. (Next Generation Consulting)

Vangent Inc. to Hire up to 1,000 in Brandon Medicare/Medicaid Center

ajulier@eflorida.com (Adam Julier) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 17:32:00 GMT

About 200 employees will be answering phones when Vangent Inc. opens its Brandon call center, and if Vangent's hiring spree is successful, they'll be joined by up to 800 co-workers within a few months. Vangent staffs Medicare and Medicaid calls, and plans to employ up to 1,000 during its peak season. (Read more)

Florida Life Sciences Startup Gets $1.5 M in funding

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 15:29:00 GMT

Sharklet Technologies, the Alachua-based developer of sharkskin-inspired surface material that can help prevent bacteria infections in hospitals, has closed on $1.5 million in series A financing round. The company will begin a hospital pilot test shortly and plans to use the funds for further product development. (Sharklet Technologies)

Innovation Monthly June 2009

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 13:32:00 GMT

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

June 2009 Highlights:

Florida Utility Partners with NASA
Specialized Genetics Lab Doubles Staff
Major Expansion of Pharmaceutical Development Company
Up to 200 new Aerospace/Aviation Jobs

Aerospace Innovation: Advanced Materials

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 21:50:00 GMT

The use of advanced materials in the aviation & aerospace industry is increasing, partly because of heightened requirements for safety, fuel efficiency and noise reduction. Composites and nanotechnology-based materials such as buckypaper are being commercialized for airframes, engines and other aerospace needs. (Read more)

New Southwest Florida Angel Fund Formed

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 18:09:00 GMT

A new angel fund may offer some welcome funding options to entrepreneurs and innovators in Florida. The Naples-based Tamiami Angel Fund I plans to invest in early stage, high growth companies primarily in the Southwest Florida region and throughout the state.
(Tamiami Angel Fund I)

Florida: At the Forefront of the Clean Energy Economy

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 17:52:00 GMT

Florida has "a large and growing" place in the national clean energy economy, ranking among the Top 10 states for green jobs, according to a Pew Charitable Trusts study. The organization noted Florida's strong academic R&D initiatives and favorable government policies as factors in the clean energy's continued growth potential in the state. (Pew Charitable Trusts)

St. Augustine Ranks Among the Nation's Top 10 Places to Live

ajulier@eflorida.com — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 20:18:00 GMT

Floridaâs St. Augustine ranks among the U.S. News and World Report's Best Places to Live. Described as âgreat places to find work, retire, or just change your scene,â these cities were identified as affordable communities that have strong economies and plenty of fun things to do. (U.S. News & World Report)

Florida's Tarpon Towers Scores a $25 Million Investment

ajulier@eflorida.com — Tue, 9 Jun 2009 20:14:00 GMT

Tarpon Towers LLC, a Sarasota-based wireless communications tower company, received a $25 million equity commitment for acquisitions and expansion. The firm absorbed Florida Tower Partners, LLC, a predecessor company, which will continue as a subsidiary. (Read More)

Massive Infrastructure Program to Revolutionize U.S. ATC Network

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Sun, 7 Jun 2009 21:59:00 GMT

The U.S. aerospace industry is engaged in a major effort to use the latest satellite and communications technologies to transform the nation's air traffic control system so it can accommodate an expected doubling of air traffic over the next couple of decades. The FAA's Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) will bring greater precision and accuracy to flight, while enhancing safety and improving aviation's environmental performance. (Read more)

Florida Is a National Leader in SBIR Awards

ajulier@eflorida.com — Thu, 4 Jun 2009 19:32:00 GMT

Florida ranks among the nationâs Top 10 recipients of Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I awards. Of the stateâs 102 awards in FY 2008, 71 were from the U.S. Department of Defense. (State Science & Technology Institute)

Innovation Monthly May 2009

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Thu, 28 May 2009 13:24:00 GMT

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

May 2009 Highlights:

America's First Eco-Sustainable City
State-Of-The-Art R&D and Manufacturing Facility
FL Company Named Top Social Networking Provider in the U.S.
Boeing Launches New Florida Jobs

NextGen's Test Bed: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Tue, 19 May 2009 18:08:00 GMT

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) is a key player in FAA's NextGen initiative -- it is training the next generation of aviation professionals and testing the next generation of aviation technologies. Dr. Christina Frederick-Recaschino, VP of Research, discusses the NextGen efforts underway at ERAU.

Palm Bay - Melbourne Area Considered A Top High-Tech Center

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Mon, 18 May 2009 20:01:00 GMT

Floridaâs Palm Bay-Melbourne area is crowned one of the Top 10 High-Tech Centers in the United States.(Bizjournals, May 2009 )

Palm Beach County Attracts A New Biotech Player

ajulier@eflorida.com — Fri, 8 May 2009 17:51:00 GMT

Palm Beach County's growing life sciences cluster has attracted Leinco Technologies, an established developer and manufacturer of life sciences research products including diagnostic and genetically engineered substances. Leinco plans to build an efficient state of the art life sciences R&D and manufacturing facility, a project with an estimated economic impact of more than $64.8 million. (Business Development Board of Palm Beach County)

Florida is Top Pick for Emerging Biotech in the U.S.

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Mon, 4 May 2009 18:40:00 GMT

Florida is at the top of Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News' list of U.S. Emerging Biotechnology Cluster hotspots. Biotech industry thought leaders selected Florida as one of only two U.S. states featured among the world's most promising emerging biotech clusters. (Read more)

The Ocean: The next frontier in renewable energy? Free Clean Energy Webinar

Enterprise Florida (ajulier@eflorida.com) — Fri, 1 May 2009 19:56:00 GMT

Ocean energy technologiesâdesigned to tap the power of the oceanâs waves, temperature differences, currents and tidesâ have emerged as an area of significant R&D. This webinar will feature the CEO of Greentech Media, who will provide an update on the latest ocean power developments and three leading organizations with operations in Florida who will discuss their novel approaches to ocean power R&D. Register now!

St. Petersburg Gets New Semi-Conductor Manufacturer and 70 High-Wage Jobs

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Fri, 1 May 2009 18:19:00 GMT

New business start-up Plasma-Therm, LLC has selected the City of St. Petersburg, Florida as its home, enhancing Pinellas Countyâs burgeoning advanced manufacturing industry. The semi-conductor equipment manufacturer secured financing recently for an initial capital investment to purchase the land, building and equipment needed to start operations, and plans to create 70 high-wage jobs in its first year. (Read more)

AGTC Raises $11.8 Million in VC Financing

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Fri, 1 May 2009 17:22:00 GMT

Gainesville, Florida based Applied Genetic Technologies (AGTC) has closed on an $11.8 million financing round. AGTC will use the funds to complete the next phase in human trials for its gene therapy treatments for certain types of emphysema and blindness. The financing was led by InterWest Partners; Intersouth Partners and MedImmune Ventures also participated. (Fierce Biotech)

Innovation Quarterly Spring 2009

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 13:06:00 GMT

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

Spring 2009 Highlights:

â Floridaâs National Breakthrough in Clean Energy

â Two Multi-Million Dollar R&D Centers Open in Florida

â NASAâs $600 Million Launch Contract

â 2,600+ New Jobs Announced

Fort Pierce's Oxford Management Services To Hire 303 New Workers

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 19:00:00 GMT

Oxford Management Services, a collection agency, received a quick response training grant to immediately hire and train 303 new workers for its 22,500 square foot facility in Fort Pierce. (Read more)

Polk Schools, CFAA Receive $1.4 Million NASA Grant

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 14:23:00 GMT

Kathleen High Schoolâs Central Florida Aerospace Academy (CFAA), an aviation-oriented high school/career academy in Polk County, was awarded a $1.4 million education grant by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). (Polk County Schools)

Chromalloy Invests $16.5M to Expand Tampa Production

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 19:32:00 GMT

Chromalloy, a supplier of components, PMA (Parts Manufacturer Approval) parts and specialized component repairs for turbine engines in aerospace and land-based applications, announced a $16.5 million investment to expand its Tampa engine component production to offer additional casting capabilities. (Read more)

PricewaterhouseCoopers Establishes Tampa Knowledge Services Organization and 320 Jobs

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 19:11:00 GMT

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) and the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce's Committee of One Hundred announced the addition of 320 new jobs to the Tampa area over the next two years. PwC, one of the nation's largest assurance, tax and advisory firms, will establish a Knowledge Services Organization (KSO) to add to its existing Tampa operations. (Read more)

University of Central Florida is a National Leader in Patent Activity

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 13:08:00 GMT

The University of Central Florida ranked 7th in the nation among Universities/Educational facilities on IEEE Spectrum's Patent Scorecard, which calculates a âpipeline powerâ ranking based on a variety of factors. UCF was ranked 2nd in the nation in the applicability category - an indication that a variety of companies and other universities are citing UCF technology. (IEEE)

Generating Opportunities in Regenerative Medicine

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 15:58:00 GMT

Regenerative medicine, which comprises fields like tissue engineering and stem cell therapeutics, is surging forward with innovations that may soon make it a regular part of healthcare. Hear Jamie Grooms, one of the pioneers in the field, discuss its future.

Sunovia Wins $9 Million in SBIR Funding

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 15:05:00 GMT

Sarasota-based Sunovia Energy Technologies and partner EPIR Technologies win $9 million in federal SBIR funding to produce ultra-high efficiency solar cells. (Sunovia Energy Technologies)

FAU's Center for Ocean Energy Technology Fulfills Major R&D Milestone

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 18:11:00 GMT

Florida Atlantic University's Center for Ocean Energy Technology (COET) has deployed four Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers moorings in the Atlantic Ocean. This is the first step in the COET's plans to create a National Open-ocean Energy Laboratory (NOEL) that will involve a permanent infrastructure offshore of South Florida to serve as an integrated, standardized testing and research range for advanced marine and hydrokinetic devices. (FAU)

Orlando's AirTran Airways Ranked No.1 Low-Cost Air Carrier

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Wed, 8 Apr 2009 15:16:00 GMT

Orlando-based AirTran Airways is the top ranked low-cost airline for the second year in a row, according to the annual Airline Quality Rating (AQR). The AQR reports that AirTran Airways maintained its on-time performance in 2008 (with more than three-quarters of flights being on time), and improved its mishandled baggage rate over the year. (AirTran Airways)

St. Petersburg's Revolution Money Racks Up $42M Round

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Wed, 8 Apr 2009 15:06:00 GMT

Florida-based Revolution Money, an Internet-payment-processing firm launched by former AOL co-founder Steve Case, has raised a $42 million C round. Leveraging the Internet, Revolution Money reduces costs to merchants for accepting credit cards by up to 75 percent. (Read more)

Liberator Medical Supply to add 200 New Jobs in Stuart

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Fri, 3 Apr 2009 19:02:00 GMT

Liberator Medical Supply secured a Quick Response Training Grant to help train the 200 new, permanent, full-time employees it plans to hire during the next 24 months. The new jobs will be in a variety of areas including sales support, IT, customer service, shipping and receiving, and accounting/finance. (Read more)

145 Jobs and $2.5M Investment Coming to Lake Mary

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Fri, 3 Apr 2009 18:50:00 GMT

Access MediQuip LLC, a $200 million health care firm, plans to invest $2.5 million and add 145 new jobs in Lake Mary. The company's specialized and technology-driven services assist manufacturers, payors and providers to manage the acquisition, financing delivery and reimbursement of orthopedic and spinal implants, drug pumps and other medical devices. (Read more)

Florida Remains the Nation's 4th Largest Cyberstate

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Fri, 3 Apr 2009 18:49:00 GMT

Florida's high-tech workforce of 280,300 was the 4th largest in the U.S., according to TechAmerica's just released Cyberstates 2009 report. Florida was also a leader in its number of high-tech establishments (22,700 establishments, ranked 3rd in the nation) demonstrating that Florida's business environment is highly conducive to high-tech business success. (Read more)

Florida Ranks No. 1 in Workforce & Among Top 3 Best States For Business

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:19:00 GMT

Florida continues to shine as one of the nationâs best states for business, ranking No. 1 in the nation for Workforce, among the Top 10 in Technology & Innovation and Access to Capital, and moving up to rank 3rd overall in this yearâs Chief Executive survey of the best places for jobs and business growth. (Chief Executive)

Florida Universities and Colleges Among the Nation's Top in R&D Funding

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 19:45:00 GMT

Floridaâs academic institutions attracted more than $1.5 billion in research & development investment in FY2007- the 10th highest among all U.S. states. (National Science Foundation)

Clean Energy On Your Radar: Concentrated solar thermal energy is having its moment

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 21:29:00 GMT

Concentrated solar thermal energy is having its moment Solar thermal, the other method for generating energy from the sun besides photovoltaics (PV), uses solar collectors and lenses to concentrate sunlight to generate hot water or electricity (via steam or gas powered turbines). Solar water heating is a widely adopted technology, but large scale electricity generation - concentrated solar thermal (CST) has long been troubled by inefficiencies that have kept costs high. Now, CST is on a major growth spurt thanks to technological breakthroughs that are bringing it closer to grid parity.

Boca Raton's TMS Health to Add 153 Employees

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 18:44:00 GMT

Boca Raton-based TMS Health, a healthcare and pharmaceutical sales and service provider, plans to hire 153 additional employees. (Read more)

Time Health & Science Spotlights Tampa's Paperfree Prescription Initiative

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 19:38:00 GMT

The Paperfree Tampa initiative aims to change completely the way doctors prescribe and practice medicine, by digitizing the entire medical record-keeping process, from patient charts to lab reports and test results. Over the next two years, Tampa's leaders plan to train every one of the 8,000 physicians in the area in electronic prescribing, with the goal of having at least 60% of all eligible prescriptions by Tampa Bay doctors written on a computer instead of a prescription pad. (Time Inc.)

Florida's Space Coast Wins $600M Rocket Launch Contract

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 19:29:00 GMT

United Launch Alliance, a joint venture partnership of Lockheed Martin and Boeing, was awarded a $600-million NASA contract for four Atlas V rocket launches that will blast off from Florida's Cape Canaveral Launch Complex. Two communications satellites and two science missions will be launched under the contract. (Florida Today)

USF to Build Largest Comprehensive Energy Smart Grid in Southeast

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 18:26:00 GMT

The University of South Florida's Power Center for Utility Explorations and Progress Energy Florida have been selected to build the largest and most comprehensive smart grid in the Southeast, a $15 million project serving at least 5,000 customers. (Read more)

Three Orlando Photonics Companies Win SBIR Phase II awards

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 21:06:00 GMT

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) has awarded Phase II grants to three photonics companies based at the University of Central Florida's Incubation Program. The three winning companies, all part of UCF's Photonics Incubator, are bdDisplays, SD Photonics, and PICO Technologies. Funding for research and development will help the companies compete in today's marketplace.
(The Accelerator newsletter)

University of Florida's Shands Cancer Center Gets Largest Gift Ever - $21 Million

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 14:40:00 GMT

The University of Florida's College of Medicine was given $20 million to create the Jerry W. and Judith S. Davis Cancer Endowment. The gift is the largest single donation made to the College of Medicine, and it will be used to support teaching, research and programs in cancer, with special emphasis on research in lymphoma, breast cancer, bone marrow and gastrointestinal cancer. Shands HealthCare also received $1 million for its Raising Hope Campaign to support construction of the $388 million Shands at UF Cancer Hospital. (University of Florida Shands Cancer Center)

Moffitt Cancer Center Performs First-Time Procedure

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 14:23:00 GMT

Doctors at Tampa's Moffitt Cancer Center performed Florida's first-ever thoracoscopic pneumonectomy - a procedure which involves inserting a small camera in the chest to identify and remove an area with a tumor. The area around where the tumor used to be is then treated with an absorbable mesh containing radiation seeds. This procedure was the first in a new series of minimally invasive approaches to thoracic cancers that will be implemented at Moffitt. (Moffitt Cancer Center)

Tampa Electric Signs Contract with One of the Nation's Largest Solar PV Facilities

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 17:54:00 GMT

Tampa Electric has signed a contract to purchase solar power supplied by Energy 5.0's Florida Solar I facility, a proposed 25-megawatt (MW) solar PV electric generating station, for a 25-year period beginning in 2011. The 25-MW facility will be built on a 200 to 400 acre site in Polk County, and will be one of the largest solar PV facilities in the nation. (Read more)

Florida is a National Leader in Defense Jobs

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 17:44:00 GMT

Two Florida cities, Orlando and Tampa/St. Petersburg, have been named among the nation's Top Ten Cities for Defense Jobs. (Read more)

Full Sail University Breaks Ground on a Landmark Studio Complex

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Mon, 9 Mar 2009 20:00:00 GMT

Orlando's Full Sail University has officially broken ground on its new Full Sail Studios Gateway project. The 2.2 acre landmark project includes a live performance venue, a studio complex which holds a state-of-the-art game production studio and a flagship recording studio, an outdoor plaza courtyard, and an expansion to the on-campus professional film studio Backlot. (Read more)

Nomad Aviation to Double Workforce at its Seminole County Offices

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Mon, 9 Mar 2009 19:53:00 GMT

Nomad Aviation Inc., one of the leading avionics specialists for commercial, military and civilian aircraft, has announced plans to double its workforce at the Orlando Sanford International Airport, adding 124 new positions over the next 2 years. To accommodate this expanded workforce, the company will add 33,000-square-feet to its existing facility and invest an anticipated $300,000. (Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission)

University of Florida's Innovative Wound Dressing Wins FDA Clearance

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Tue, 3 Mar 2009 19:28:00 GMT

The Food and Drug Administration has given its clearance to an innovative wound dressing primarily developed by University of Florida scientists and engineers and being marketed by Gainesville-based Quick-Med Technologies. (Read more)

University of South Florida Unveils New Marine Research Vessel

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Mon, 2 Mar 2009 17:19:00 GMT

The University of South Florida's College of Marine Science received the state's newest ocean-going research tool, the R/V WeatherBird II. The $2.1 million, 115-foot vessel was purchased by USF for use through the Florida Institute of Oceanography in St. Petersburg. It is equipped with oceanographic devices and sensor technology related to studying marine biological, chemical, geological and physical characteristics. (Read more)

Florida Tech's New Aviation Center Opens Doors

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 13:38:00 GMT

The Florida Institute of Technology opened its Emil Buehler Center for Aviation Training and Research at Melbourne International Airport. The center, valued at $5.1 million, consists of a main building and 17,600-square-foot hangar, located on eight acres at the airport. In addition to flight training, the building will house centers in human factors and simulation, and accommodate a fixed-base operation with space for 44 aircraft for student use and for aviation services to the local population. (Florida Institute of Technology)

Florida's Eglin Air Force Base Selected As Joint Strike Fighter Training Site

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 21:44:00 GMT

The U.S. Air Force plans to bring 59 F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft to Northwest Florida's Eglin Air Force Base and construct the Joint Strike Fighter Integrated Joint Training Site. The arrival of the 7th Special Forces Group and additional F-35 related activities is expected to add approximately 4,000 personnel and more than 6,000 dependents. Military construction is anticipated to bring another $700 million to the area. (Defense-Aerospace.com)

$1 Million Northrop Grumman Gift Sparks Student Innovation at Florida Tech

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 16:11:00 GMT

Melbourneâ's Florida Institute of Technology received $1 million from industry leader, Northrop Grumman. The money will support the university's annual engineering and science student design competition, which is said to inspire student innovation and strengthen America's global competitiveness. (Florida Institute of Technology)

Prioria Robotics Launches Unmanned Aircraft System Services Division

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 14:48:00 GMT

Prioria Robotics, Inc., a Gainesville-based pioneer in embedded systems and developer of the "smart," small Unmanned Aircraft System (SUAS) called Maveric, has created a separate UAS Services Division. The division's goal is to help customers design products, integrate cutting-edge technology, and collect data in actual or simulated operational environments. (Read more)

Miami International Airport Named U.S. Department of Homeland Security TSA's Airport of the Year

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 14:06:00 GMT

The Transportation Security Administration named Miami International Airport as the agency's Airport of the Year. This award recognizes the airport that continuously implements the highest quality of airport security while maintaining exceptional courtesy and attentiveness to all passengers and customers. (Miami International Airport)

Scripps Florida Opens State-of-the-art Biomedical Research Facility

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 13:41:00 GMT

Scripps Florida, a division of The Scripps Research Institute, opened a 350,000 square-foot biomedical research facility next to the Florida Atlantic University campus in Palm Beach County that focuses on basic biomedical science, drug discovery, and technology development. Scripps Florida is expected to create 6,500 new jobs during the next 15 years. "The opening of Scripps Florida marks an important milestone in the Sunshine State's development as a biotech hub and as a global leader in medical research and development," said Governor Crist. (Read more)

Telecom Manufacturer SkyCross Raises $23 Million

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 21:15:00 GMT

SkyCross, an antenna manufacturer based in Viera, attracted $23 million in financing to continue development of its products which simplify antenna solutions for a variety of devices, mobile phones, handsets, data cards, USB dongles, laptops and routers. The company has grown by 50 percent during each of the last four years and has raised a total of $58 million in VC backing since opening in 2000. (TechJournal South)

Nemours Breaks Ground on Orlando Children's Hospital and Pediatric Health Campus

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 20:53:00 GMT

Nemours, one of the nation's leading children's health systems, broke ground on a state-of-the-art $400 million children's hospital in the Lake Nona medical city. The 620,000-square-foot facility will serve as the core of a 60-acre pediatric health campus featuring a children's clinic, emergency department, diagnostic and ambulatory programs along with education and research centers. (Read more)

West Palm Beach's M3X Media gets a $10.5M Investment

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 20:36:00 GMT

M3X Media Inc., a digital entertainment and multimedia technology and services company, has raised $10.5 million. This Florida-based company is developing a technology platform that brings together all the popular forms of digital entertainment, downloadable music, music videos, interactive games as well as a multi-faceted social networking capability called GruvMe. (TechJournal South)

Florida's Industrial Nanotech Inc. to Work with US Army

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 20:43:00 GMT

Naples-based Industrial Nanotech Inc., an emerging global leader in nanotechnology, was selected to work with the US Army. The company's patented Nansulate protective thermal insulation coatings will be incorporated into military equipment. (Read more)

Florida State University Opens New Materials Research Building

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 21:00:00 GMT

Florida State Universityâs new 45,000-square-foot Materials Research Building is now open, priming the school as one of top American universities conducting state-of-the-art research on cost-efficient, high-performance composite materials. The $20 million building is a two-story facility that houses 13 laboratories for the design, processing and characterization of advanced materials and systems. (Florida State University)

University of Florida recognized by DOE for significant R&D breakthroughs and achievements

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 19:14:00 GMT

The University of Florida was one of seven R&D project teams recently honored at "Transformations in Lighting," the sixth annual U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Solid-State Lighting R&D Workshop. UF was recognized for achieving a record efficacy of 50 lm/W in a blue phosphorescent OLED. (EERE News)

Gainesville wins nation's first solar feed-in tariff ordinance approval

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 16:41:00 GMT

Beginning March 1, those in Gainesville with new solar photovoltaic systems will be eligible to receive 32 cents per kilowatt hour of electricity produced by the system over the next 20 years. (The Gainesville Sun)

One of the Nation's First Commercial-Scale Cellulosic Ethanol Facilities Coming to Florida

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 15:33:00 GMT

Highlands County, Florida has attracted global energy leader BP and partner Verenium Corp. as the best location for one of the nation's first commercial-scale cellulosic ethanol facilities. (BP)

Clean Energy On Your Radar: A wave of investments in ocean technologies

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 18:17:00 GMT

Researchers estimate that the combined energy generated from ocean waves and the tidal, river and ocean currents available to the U.S. could satisfy about 10% of the total national demand for electric power, while having a minimum negative impact on the environment. Given the global size of the potential market, Greentech Media believes that by 2014 the ocean energy sector could see over $2 billion in investments in commercial production and installation and a similar amount of investments in research, design and development.

Four Florida Companies Selected to Present at Venture Conference

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 21:21:00 GMT

Four Florida companies (Altor BioScience, Gen2Media, Planar Energy, and SkyCross) have been selected to present at the Southeast Venture Conference. The conference highlights top technology innovations from the region and allows showcase companies to present to an audience representing over $60 billion in private equity capital. (Southeast Venture Conference)

Humana to Employ 325+ in New St. Petersburg Center

ajulier@eflorida.com (Adam Julier) — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 19:25:00 GMT

New Humana Cares center in St. Petersburg, will initially employ 275 associates, and plans to expand on-site staff to more than 325 by the end of 2009. The center will provide personalized, telephonic health coaching, care management, health education and health support. (Read more)

Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Sciences Celebrates New Florida HQ

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Mon, 9 Feb 2009 15:53:00 GMT

Port St. Lucie celebrated the official opening of the 103,000-square-foot, LEED-certified Florida headquarters of Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studiesâ (TPIMS). TPIMS pursues innovative research to understand and treat major medical conditions and is expected to employ nearly 200 people in Florida by 2016. (City of Port St. Lucie)

Digimation Relocates Headquarters to Florida

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Wed, 4 Feb 2009 14:17:00 GMT

Digimation, a provider of 3D content and related services to the entertainment and defense industries, will relocate their headquarters from Louisiana to Metro Orlando. The company's headquarters location will result in 30 new jobs, generate $750,000 in capital investment, and the lease of over 4,000 square feet of space in Heathrow/Lake Mary. (Metro Orlando EDC)

Innovation Quarterly Winter 2009

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Tue, 3 Feb 2009 19:16:00 GMT

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

Winter 2009 Highlights:

Siemens Energy Grows Florida Footprint
Scripps Announces New Florida R&D Center
Florida's Biotech Industry: Spinning-out Success
NASA Selects Florida-based Launch-tracking Solution

Florida Cities Earn High Marks for High-Speed

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 20:28:00 GMT

Three Florida cities (Orlando, Miami, and Tampa) are among the nationâs âmost wiredâ, according to Forbesâ rankings based on high-speed connections, Internet access options, and Wi-Fi availability. (Forbes)

Biotest Pharmaceuticals Expands in Palm Beach County

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 18:31:00 GMT

Floridaâs largest pharmaceutical company, Biotest Pharmaceuticals, will create 50 new jobs to accommodate increased plasma protein manufacturing at its Boca Raton plant. (Florida Governor's Press Office)

Mobile Entertainment Made Easy

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 22:30:00 GMT

New digital media and wireless technologies have transformed the cell phone into a portable entertainment and productivity center. Hear how Myxer leveraged this trend to become the largest and fastest-growing place for mobile content today.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide Establishes New Center for Aviation & Aerospace Leadership

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 22:52:00 GMT

Daytona Beach's Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Worldwide has launched a new center dedicated to developing future leaders for the aviation and aerospace industry. The Center for Aviation and Aerospace Leadership will perform multiple roles including leadership development programs and studies tailored for the industry, issuing periodic reports on leadership issues, and administering a major research program on collaborative innovation across the industry. (Read more)

Florida Hospital Opens New Heart & Vascular Center in Sebring

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 16:49:00 GMT

New year and a new Heart & Vascular Center at Florida Hospital's Sebring campus. Already a certified chest pain center, Florida Hospital has expanded its cardiology and vascular services, upgraded its technology and brought in the area's only Interventional Cardiologist. (Read more)

Life Sciences On Your Radar: Medicines from the Sea

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 19:28:00 GMT

Organisms that can survive the harsh undersea environment are truly unique in their bio and genetic diversity. That's why marine biotechnology scientists are interested in uncovering the biological secrets of these underwater inhabitants and the potential they may hold for the development of new drugs, medical devices and other products that can improve life on dry land. Indeed, the UN Atlas of the Oceans reports that marine organisms are becoming the fastest growing source for drug discoveries. More importantly, they seem more promising: about 10% of the samples collected by the NOAA's Undersea Research Program are flagged for follow up research compared to only about 0.5% of land samples.

Six Florida Universities Named Kiplinger's Best

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Thu, 8 Jan 2009 20:17:00 GMT

Six Florida universities, including University of Florida at No. 2, and New College of Florida at No. 8 place, were named to Kiplingerâs Best Values in Public Colleges. These rankings recognize schools with top-flight academics and affordable costs. (Kiplingerâs Personal Finance, January 2009)

Education Week Ranks Florida Among Top 10 States

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Thu, 8 Jan 2009 19:47:00 GMT

Florida ranks among the nationâs top 10 states in Education Week's 2009 Quality Counts: Portrait of a Population, a report that tracks state policies and performance across key areas of education. Florida ranks 4th in the nation in the Teaching Profession and 7th in student achievement. (Education Week, Jan 2009)

Florida Wins the Biennial National Trails Award

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Sun, 4 Jan 2009 20:21:00 GMT

Florida is the Best Trails State in America, winning the biennial National Trails Award, and noted for its outstanding statewide system of trails. (American Trails, November 2008)

Life Sciences On Your Radar: Pharma Companies Betting on Personalized Medicine

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 18:55:00 GMT

Personalized medicine is often described as "the right drug for the right person." It uses an individual's genetic information to improve health outcomes. Consider for example the fact that, according to a study quoted in a report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, most drugs prescribed today are effective for less than 60% of patients who take them. As an alternative, personalized medicine offers many potential benefits from safer, more efficient drugs better tailored to meet an individual's needs to huge healthcare savings due to better prevention, diagnostics and treatment. (Read more)

Florida Ranked as Leader in Growing Alternative Energy Industry

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 20:24:00 GMT

Florida is a national leader in growing the alternative energy industry, ranking 2nd for number of new branches, 3rd in employment, and 5th in the nation for number of startups. (Business Xpansion Journal, Nov/Dec 2008)

Florida ranks No.1 in U.S. for online education

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Thu, 4 Dec 2008 14:06:00 GMT

Florida ranks No.1 in the nation in online education. The Center for Digital Education evaluated each stateâs vision, policies, programs and strategies to transform their academic environments to meet student need, and declared Florida the national leader. (Center for Digital Education, October 2008)

Site Selection ranks Florida Top State for Business Climate

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 14:13:00 GMT

Florida earned top spots on Site Selection's 2008 Top State Business Climate rankings. The state's business climate ranked 4th among executives and 6th overall. (Site Selection, November 2008)

Innovation Quarterly Fall 2008

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 18:59:00 GMT

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

Fall 2008 Highlights:

Forbes names America?s No.1 Economic Climate
Biomass & Biofuel Plants are popping up all over
The latest Micro-Technology hotspot
$180 Million in new National Institutes of Health funding

Clean Energy On Your Radar: Everything is coming up algae

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:30:00 GMT

Is 2008 the year of the algae? It appears so, given that VC investment in this biofuels sub-sector reached a record $95 million in the third quarter, topping off a record $84 million investment in the second quarter of 2008, according to the Cleantech Group. This is a sharp reversal in investment patterns for VCs who just two years ago put $495 million in grain ethanol production and zero dollars this year.

NASA selects Harris Corporation's OS/COMET Product for the Constellation Launch Control Program

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 00:29:00 GMT

Harris Corporation, a Melbourne-based international communications and IT company, is selected to provide launch-tracking software for NASA's Constellation, the space exploration program that will replace the Space Shuttle. The OS/COMET product will deliver critical command and telemetry processing services to meet the needs of the Launch Control System architecture. (Read more)

Florida High School InvenTeam awarded a grant from MIT

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Mon, 3 Nov 2008 22:35:00 GMT

Oviedo High School has been awarded a grant by the prestigious Lemelson-MIT program to invent a system to protect Florida's citrus crops from freezing. Only 16 high schools in the nation are selected every year by the program, which aims to inspire new technology innovators to look for solutions to real-world problems. (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)

Florida is home to 12 of America's Most Admired Companies

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 20:33:00 GMT

Florida is home to 12 of Americaâ's Most Admired Companies - all of which ranked among the top 5 in their respective industry group categories. These annual rankings are determined by a survey of industry peers and are based on qualities such as innovation, social responsibility, financial soundness, quality of products/service, and use of corporate assets. (Fortune Magazine, March 2008)

Florida Ranked 4th in the Nation, With the Fastest Growing Privately-Held Companies

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 20:18:00 GMT

Florida is 4th in the nation, with 22 and 263 of the fastest growing privately-held companies, respectively, on this year's Inc. 500/5000 rankings. (Inc. Magazine, August 2008)

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Alternative Energy: The Ocean Power of the Gulf Stream

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 14:54:00 GMT

In South Florida, researchers are already working to harness the power of one of the ocean's most energy-dense currents -- the Gulf Stream. The Center of Excellence in Ocean Energy Technology is only a little more than a year old, but it's in a great location. It's just off the beach and, as director Rick Driscoll points out on a map, it is just 15 miles from the Gulf Stream.

Driscoll says that by investing in ocean energy technology, Florida will do more than just fill its power needs. It will create jobs and make the state a leader in an emerging industry. Driscoll says that by investing in ocean energy technology, Florida will do more than just fill its power needs. It will create jobs and make the state a leader in an emerging industry.

Watch Video Now!

Video originally aired on Eco- Tech and is property of the Science Channel.

Cellulosic Ethanol

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Thu, 9 Oct 2008 21:20:00 GMT

Half the automotive fuel in the United States could be replaced with ethanol from renewable agricultural and forest waste, says a University of Florida researcher who has developed a biotechnology "bug" that converts biomass such as sugarcane residues, rice hulls, forestry and wood wastes and other organic materials into ethanol

Watch Video Now!

Video originally aired on Eco- Tech and is property of the Science Channel.

Florida in Top 5 States for Best Tax Climates in U.S.

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Thu, 9 Oct 2008 20:00:00 GMT

Florida is among the top 5 states for best tax climates for business. Florida has remained among the top 5 U.S. states since the surveyâs inception. (The Tax Foundation, Oct '08)

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University of South Florida's Graduate Entrepreneurship Program Ranked 5th Best in U.S.

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Mon, 6 Oct 2008 20:07:00 GMT

The University of South Florida's graduate entrepreneurship program was ranked the 5th best program in the country in the 2008 ranking from The Princeton Review and Entrepreneur Magazine. USF is also the youngest program to be included in the 2008 ranking.

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Florida Has 2nd Highest Number of Leading Metropolitan Areas

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Sun, 5 Oct 2008 20:12:00 GMT

Florida has the 2nd highest number (tied with Washington) of leading metropolitan areas on the Milken Institute/Greenstreet Real Estate Partners Best Performing Cities 2008 - 200 Largest Metros Index. Florida consistently ranks among the top states in this annual report which measures economic growth, job creation, and technology growth. (Milken Institute, September 2008)

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University of Central Florida Among Top 10 Research Universities in U.S.

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Wed, 1 Oct 2008 20:16:00 GMT

The University of Central Florida is among the top 10 research universities in the nation, according to the 2008 University Patent Scorecard published by Intellectual Property Today. The Patent Scorecard ranks technology innovations gained from patents. UCF jumped from 21st to eighth to surpass Harvard University and the University of Wisconsin in the top 10. UCF also ranked third in the industry impact category, which measures the role a universityâs patents play in serving as a foundation for other patents and technologies. (Intellectual Property Today, Sep 2008)

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Eight of Florida's College and Universities Ranked Among Nations Best

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 20:23:00 GMT

Eight of Florida's college and universities were ranked among the best by the U.S. News & World Reportâs 2009 edition of "America's Best Colleges." University of Florida and Florida State University earned #17 and #50 ranks, respectively, in the Top Public Schools: National Universities list, while the University of Miami ranked #51 in the overall Best National Universities list. Among private colleges, Rollins College ranked #1 among 121 Southern master's-level universities, New College of Florida became the nationâs #5 ranked Public Liberal Arts College, and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University retained its top ranking for the ninth year in a row in "Best aerospace/aeronautical/astronautical engineering programs" in the U.S. (U.S. News & World Report August 2008)

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Forbes Ranks Florida's Economic Climate No.1 U.S.

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 20:28:00 GMT

Florida's Economic Climate ranks No.1 in the U.S., according to Forbes' Best States for Business. Ranking 8th overall, Florida also scored among the Top 5 in Labor and in Growth Prospects. (Forbes, August 2008)

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Alternative Fuel: PetroAlgae Offers New Source of Clean Energy

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 15:10:00 GMT

Fred Tennant is Vice President of Business Development for PetroAlgae.
The company is helping save the environment and reduce America's dependence on foreign oil by "growing" fuel from algae. PetroAlgae's technology can yield up to 14,000 gallons of oil per year from just one acre of algae.

Watch Video Now!

Clean Energy Webinar

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Fri, 1 Aug 2008 18:57:00 GMT

You are invited...
to a COMPLIMENTARY Cleantech Group - Enterprise Florida Webinar

Partnering for Success: Strategies for growing your cleantech business through partnerships

What: Many cleantech industryâs success stories are the result of collaborations forged to conduct research, improve on a technology or product, or expand into new markets. This webinar will touch on:

best practices of partnering in cleantech
advantages and challenges of industry partnerships
avoiding pitfalls

When: September 30, 2008, Tuesday, 1:00-2:00pm ET

Who: Learn from industry experts, including:

Vinod Philip, Siemens Power Generation
Cindy Tindell, Sr. Director, Project Development, FPL
Carl Smith, CEO, Sunovia Energy Technologies

Who should attend: clean energy entrepreneurs and industry executives, VCs, researchers

Listen Now!

This free webinar is brought to you by:

The Cleantech Group, one of the leading cleantech industry organizations in the world. Enterprise Florida is the official economic development organization for the state of Florida.

Florida has 30 spots on U.S. News & World Report's 2008 Best Hospitals

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 21:48:00 GMT

Florida hospitals took 30 spots on U.S. News & World Report's 2008 Best Hospitals list, including Miami's Bascom Palmer Eye Institute which ranked No. 1 Ophthalmology hospital in the nation for the 5th year in a row. (U.S. News & World Report, July 2008) For a list of FL's winning hospitals.

Florida Has #1 Workforce in the Nation, According to CNBC

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 21:46:00 GMT

Florida has the #1 Workforce in the nation, according to CNBC's America's Top States for Business. Florida also ranked high in technology & Innovation and Access to Capital. (CNBC, July 2008)

Florida's business climate is among the Top 5 in the country

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 21:42:00 GMT

Florida's business climate is among the Top 5 in the country, according to a new study published by the consulting firm Development Counselors International. (The Wall Street Journal, July 2008)

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Diabetes Research Institute HIghlights Research Advantages

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 21:31:00 GMT

The scientists at the University of Miami's Diabetes Research Institute (DRI) are making amazing progress in the fight against diabetes. Dr. Camillo Ricordi, the Scientific Director of this world-renowned center talks about the latest research advances.

Innovation Quarterly Summer 2008

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 20:20:00 GMT

Highlights from the new Summer 2008 issue include:

Americaâs #1 Workforce: CNBC selects Florida
$1.95 Billion Available for Technology & Growth Enterprises
Nationally Ranked Medical Facilities: U.S. News & World Report recognizes Florida hospitals
New Frontiers in Clean Energy

Get more news stories, the latest economic reports, and the new innovation podcast.
(Read Now)

Florida leads the Nation with the most Top 100 High Schools

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Tue, 3 Jun 2008 18:05:00 GMT

Florida leads the nation with the most Newsweek Top 100 U.S. High Schools, accounting for nearly 1 out of every 5 of the top ranked schools as measured by the magazine's Challenge Index. (Newsweek, May 2008)

Telling Stories with Digital Media

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Wed, 28 May 2008 17:59:00 GMT

Learn how i.d.e.a.s., a leading digital media company, works in the fast-paced fields of e-learning, video production, entertainment, and online media to tell compelling stories for its clients.

7 of the Top 100 best places to live

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Tue, 20 May 2008 15:35:00 GMT

With 7 of the Top 100 best places to live - more than any other state - Florida reaffirms its status as one of the states with highest quality of life. (Relocate America, May 2008)
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Florida's Universities Continue to Grow Their Research Investments

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Fri, 9 May 2008 17:53:00 GMT

Florida's universities continue to grow their research investments, which totaled more than $1.6 billion in 2007. Licensing income, patents and invention disclosures were also up last year at the 13 major Florida research universities surveyed. (Florida Research Consortium, May 2008)
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Innovation Quarterly Spring 2008

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Thu, 1 May 2008 14:28:00 GMT

Highlights from the new Spring 2008 issue include:

Leaders of Industry: See what Fortune says about Florida
High-Tech Workforce: Florida remains a Top U.S. Cyberstate
Groundbreaking Partnerships and World Class Medical Institutes
New Frontiers in Clean Energy

8 deals and $115.5 million in investments during Q1 2008

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 20:50:00 GMT

With 8 deals and $115.5 million invested, Florida was the 10th most popular state for venture capital investments in Q1 2008. (PwC/NVCA, Apr '08)
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Florida ranks 11th on the Kauffman entrepreneurial Index

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 20:45:00 GMT

Florida is among the nationâs top entrepreneurial states, ranking 11th on the Kauffman Index of Entrepreneurial Activity, a study that measures business startup activity across the United States. The Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Miami Beach metro continued to rank high (5th) among large MSAs in terms of its rate of entrepreneurial activity. (Kauffman Foundation, April 2008)
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Florida receives high marks for its business tax structure

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 20:22:00 GMT

Florida continues to receive high marks for its business tax structure, ranking as the 5th Best State Tax System for Entrepreneurship and Small Business. (Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council, April 2008)
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Florida added another 5,700 high tech jobs

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 21:20:00 GMT

In its 3rd consecutive year of growth, Florida added another 5,700 high tech jobs to its economy, placing it as the 4th largest Cyberstate by tech industry employment and the 8th fastest growing. (AeA Cyberstates 2008, Apr '08)
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Florida is the 2nd most business-friendly state in the nation

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 21:15:00 GMT

Florida is the 2nd most business-friendly state in the nation, according to the 2008 Pollina Corporate Top 10 Pro-Business States study. (Pollina, Apr '08)
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The University of Florida's Warrington School of Business gets top MBA program ranking

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Thu, 3 Apr 2008 15:55:00 GMT

The University of Florida's Warrington School of Business tops the Economist Intelligence Unit's just-published ranking of distance learning MBA programs. Florida's students are especially impressed with the quality of the school's distance learning materials, the program's value for money and their sense of connection to the school.
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South Florida designated a mega region of the future

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Thu, 3 Apr 2008 14:04:00 GMT

South Florida has been designated a mega region of the future and a driver of U.S. economic growth in Richard Florida's new book, "Who's Your City?" Noted strengths include considerable capability in arts and entertainment technology, an up-and-coming biotech and marine biology research center, and its status as a gateway for Latin American banking and investments.
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Florida Posts Phenomenal Gains in Venture Capital in 07

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Wed, 2 Apr 2008 14:56:00 GMT

Florida posted phenomenal gains in venture capital in 2007, nearly doubling over the year to reach $608.3 million. More on this story
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Forbes names Palm Beach County a hotbed of tomorrow's technology

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 15:19:00 GMT

Innovation Quarterly Winter 2008

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 21:10:00 GMT

Highlights from the new Winter 2008 issue include:

World Renowned Research Institute selects Florida
Turning Garbage into Gold
Starting a Business: See what Fortune says about Florida
Lower Business Costs: Workersâ compensation rates slashed by 18%.

A True Wave of Innovation - From the Ocean

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Fri, 4 Jan 2008 20:08:00 GMT

When we think about the ocean, the thoughts that come to mind for most us are about enjoying a nice day at the beach. Many alternative energy experts, however, think of the ocean as a source of energy.

The Real-Life Applications of Simulation Technologies

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 16:07:00 GMT

Russ Hauck, the Executive Director of the National Center for Simulation explains how Modeling, Simulation & Training (MS&T) technologies are used to train professionals in a variety of fields, from homeland security to aviation, education and medicine.

Made for Humans: Making Technology Design More People-friendly

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 23:01:00 GMT

The Director and CEO of the Institute for Human-Machine Cognition (IHMC) talks about human-centered design and how its principles can improve our relationship with technology.

The State of Alternative Energy in the Sunshine State

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 19:16:00 GMT

The Director of the Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) tells us about Florida's advances in R&D and implementation of "green" technologies.

Computing in Space

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 15:04:00 GMT

Learn about the Florida scientists and researchers who want to make it easier to conduct high-performance computing in space.

Getting the Most Out of Least Invasive Surgery

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 22:33:00 GMT

The technologies of one Florida company are helping surgeons make lives better for a fast-growing number of their patients who suffer from knee osteoarthritis.

Biosensors with a Sense of Purpose

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 22:17:00 GMT

These portable biosensors rapidly detect microbial pathogens and biological toxins in food, water and the environment, as well as in humans.

Pushing the Boundaries of Supply Chain Simulation

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 21:17:00 GMT

A Florida company has built a simulation toolset solution flexible enough to apply across an industry supply chain range.

Safer Skies in the Blink of an Eye

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 15:52:00 GMT

This innovative avionics system has the potential to make flying safer by helping pilots get better oriented.

Shining a Spotlight on the Science of Light

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 21:44:00 GMT

An interview with the President of the Florida Photonics Cluster reveals much about this important technological field and its applications in our daily life.

Drones with Urban Sophistication

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 21:14:00 GMT

They are usually small, silent and fast. They fly high and see far. They are unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

Building Port Security from the Bottom Up

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 22:36:00 GMT

A new technology developed at one of Floridaâs research institutes will protect our ships and ports from terrorist attacks or any other unwelcome intrusions.

Innovation Quarterly Fall 2007

ajulier@eflorida.com (Enterprise Florida) — Tue, 4 Dec 2007 20:12:00 GMT

Highlights from the new Fall 2007 issue include:

Florida leads the nation in fastest growing job markets
Florida will soon have the largest waste-wood biomass plant in the United States
The National Cancer Institute recruits Florida company and its novel nanoparticle delivery technology
A Florida company revolutionizes the air travel industry with âPer-Seat, On-Demandïï? very light jet service

Get more news stories, the latesteconomic reports, and a new innovation video.