Florida: News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Contact: Stuart Doyle

(407) 956-5689

sdoyle@eflorida.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

- Dr. Jackson Streeter, CEO, Banyan Biomarkers

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

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

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

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

#####

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

Nominations for Governor’s Business Diversification Awards due Friday

Contact: Stuart Doyle

(407) 956-5689

sdoyle@eflorida.com

Nominations for Governor’s Business Diversification Awards due Friday 

Program honors businesses for job growth, economic investment feats

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

- Aviation/Aerospace   

- Cleantech 

- Corporate Headquarters

- Distribution/Logistics    

- Education/Training

- Emerging Industries

- Financial/Professional Services 

- Homeland Security/Defense 

- Information Technology   

- Life Sciences

- Manufacturing   

- Marine

- Trade/Export Services

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

www.eflorida.com/govawards

*                      *                      *

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

#####

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

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

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

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

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

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

Business prospecting Enterprise Florida's focus at Paris Air Show

Contact:  Stuart W. Doyle

(407) 956-5689

sdoyle@eflorida.com

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

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

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

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

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

Florida Pavilion participants

Bay County

- Sonalysts Inc. -- Panama City

Broward County

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

Collier County

- Loos & Company Inc. -- Naples

Duval County

- Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce -- Jacksonville

Miami-Dade County

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

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

Orange County

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

Palm Beach County

- Relli Technology Inc. -- Boca Raton

Volusia County

- Embry Riddle Aeronautical University -- Daytona Beach

*  *  *

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

#####

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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