FEDC Legislative Affairs Committee Teleconference November 12

Help us shape the FEDC 2015 Legislative Agenda by participating in this very important call. We will be presenting possible legislative items submitted to date as well as taking your input for additional items. Once the Committee has approved the items, we will move it to the FEDC Board for their final approval. Have a voice and participate!

November 12 @ 10am - Call in number 712-432-0075 code 452692#
Read More »

Career & Professional Education Act (CAPE) – Deadline TODAY

Since the Career and Professional Education Act was created in 2007, the Florida Legislature has been vigilant in building upon its successes, ensuring its growth in agility and responsiveness to the talent needs of Florida businesses. You may be aware that new measures were approved during the 2014 legislative session that further enhance this alignment to better prepare Florida students to seize career opportunities and offer more immediate value to businesses. These new measures have implications on the process by which industry certifications may be submitted to CareerSource Florida.

The submission period CLOSES OCTOBER 31, 2014. I urge you to both review the FAQ, which answers high-level questions you may have about the new process, and visit the resource page CareerSource Florida has created to help guide you through the process and provide valuable information for business, education and economic development stakeholders.
Read More »

Economic Development Innovation Initiative (EDI2)Funding – Deadline TODAY

The Economic Development Innovation Initiative (EDI2) is a comprehensive program to drive the growth of technology and innovation start-ups and small businesses. The Small Business Assistance Program has been a part of the County’s Economic Development Department work program for several years, however it is an opportune time to carry that program to a new level and to address segments of the small business ecosystem that have been neglected or under-served. EDI2 encompasses the need for financial, technical and infrastructure support, and addresses the mounting consensus by the technology and innovation community at-large that there needs to be greater appreciation, awareness, resources and coordination commensurate to their potential impact on the economic prosperity of the community. This enhanced program will be built on a collaborative effort with non-profits, companies and other community partners specializing in this segment of the economy.
Read More »

James B. Greene Economic Development Award Nominations – Deadline TODAY

Each year the Metro Orlando EDC presents the James B. Greene Economic Development Award to an individual who has contributed significantly to the region’s economic growth. Established in 1990 in memory of the long-time business leader for whom it is named, this prestigious award will be presented at the EDC’s 2015 Annual Dinner. In addition to the nominations received, nominations from last year will also be considered. Nominations that were made prior to 2013 will require a new/updated nomination packet, if they are to be re-nominated.
Read More »

Enterprise Florida announces $2.59 million in defense grants given to 13 Florida projects

Enterprise Florida announced that 10 counties were awarded $2.59 million through the Florida Defense Support Task Force Grant Program. The funding will support 13 projects to strengthen Florida's bases ahead of any potential Department of Defense realignment or closure actions, thereby protecting more than $73.4 billion in economic impact, and more than 758,000 jobs that the defense industry supports in the state.

The Florida Defense Support Task Force was created in 2011 with the mission to make recommendations to preserve and protect military installations, support the state's position in research and development related to military missions and contracting, and improve the state’s military-friendly environment for service members, military families, military retirees and businesses that bring military and base-related jobs to the state.

A combined $2.59 million was awarded to 13 worthy projects in the state, helping to protect and improve Florida military installations, and furthering Florida's reputation as the most military friendly state in the nation. Ten counties received a Florida Defense Support Task Force Grant, which will be utilized to protect, preserve and enhance Florida's military missions and installations while maintaining Florida’s reputation as the most military friendly state in the nation. The 2014-15 Florida Defense Support Task Force Grants were awarded to defense partners in the following counties: Polk, Brevard, Duval, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa (3), Clay, Hillsborough, Escambia, Orange, and Bay (2).
Read More »

Key Economic Development Partners Assist Local Employer

International Paper (NYSE: IP), a global leader in packaging and paper products, recently announced its plans to significantly reinvest in its Pensacola Containerboard Mill. More than $90 million is projected to be spent at the mill over the next five years in order to increase energy efficiencies, support and enhance the work environment and strengthen its competitive position.

Support of existing industry is a mainstay of economic development and key partners, including Enterprise Florida, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, Florida Department of Transportation, CareerSource Florida, Escambia County, the University of West Florida’s Office of Economic Development and Engagement, CareerSource Escarosa, Gulf Power and the Greater Pensacola Chamber, came together to deliver programs that will leverage International Paper’s corporate commitment to invest in long-term strategies for the Pensacola area. The company’s commitment to Escambia County will be supported by approximately $5,000,000 in grants and infrastructure improvements.

"Northwest Florida’s business-friendly environment and initiatives continue to attract strong, innovative businesses," said Florida Senate President Don Gaetz. "Just last year, International Paper’s Pensacola Mill had a local economic impact of nearly $330 million. I am confident this multi-year investment will continue to help our communities thrive and our region’s economy to grow."
Read More »

SeaLand To Establish Corporate Headquarters In Miramar, Florida

SeaLand will locate its corporate headquarters in Miramar, Florida. The shipping company will make a capital investment of $350,000 in the South Florida community, creating 65 jobs. This project was made possible through the close partnerships of Enterprise Florida, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, CareerSource Florida, the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance and Broward County. CareerSource Florida provides performance-based partial reimbursement grants to qualifying new or expanding businesses for customized employee training through the Quick Response Training program.

Craig Mygatt, SeaLand’s CEO said, "We are excited to base our headquarters in Miramar, Florida. The SeaLand headquarters will act as the main hub for our business which spans throughout North, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. This location is ideal for our operation and will serve us well as we focus on delivering world-class shipping service for all of our customers throughout this vital region of the world. We believe Florida offers great opportunities for our team and their families. We thank Governor Scott, Secretary Swoope, the State of Florida, Enterprise Florida, and our local partners for their outstanding support on this project."
Read More »

Enterprise Florida to Lead Trade Mission to Peru

Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI), the state’s principal economic development organization, will lead a trade mission to Lima, Peru from March 23-25, 2015. Florida companies are invited to join EFI and other business leaders for an export and trade event with Florida’s eighth-largest trade partner. The mission will provide Florida companies with the opportunity to expand through trade with Peruvian businesses..

EFI Senior Vice President of International Trade and Development, Manny Mencia said, “Peru has a dynamic and expanding economy, and is projected to be one of fastest growing in Latin America for years to come. This presents unique opportunities for Florida exporters. If you look at the products that are in demand in Peru, they are all sectors in which Florida specializes. The market is well-positioned for Florida companies to expand, and there’s also interest from Peru in expanding relations with Florida.”.

EFI will offer a limited number of Gold Key Matchmaking one-on-one appointments through the U.S. Commercial Service for participating Florida companies. The pre-screened meetings allow participants to talk with qualified companies interested in forming trade relationships with Florida businesses. The price of this service is $1,050. Small and mid-sized Florida manufacturers, high-tech companies and professional service providers may qualify for a Gold Key Grant, which will offset 100 percent of the registration fee for the first company representative.
 

• Gold Key Registration Deadline: December 12, 2014
• Delegate Package Registration Deadline: February 20, 2015.

Read More »

Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems to locate North American headquarters in Lake Mary

Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems Americas, Inc. forecasts adding in excess of 100 new jobs over the next five years with the establishment of its North American headquarters in Lake Mary. Last February, two multinational industrial companies, Hitachi and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, merged their fossil power generation business, Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems Americas, Inc. As a result, the company is locating its new North American headquarters in Lake Mary. The new facility will add significant space to accommodate the recent merger and expansion. The new headquarters location will provide overall management of the strategic and tactical direction of the company’s activities in the western hemisphere.

Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems President & CEO David Walsh said, "This is a significant commitment that confirms our intent to make Florida the newly formed MHPSA’s headquarters home, providing good jobs in Florida. Our business is high-tech, and requires a highly skilled workforce with advanced education, experience and technical aptitude. The quality of life in the Orlando area, the pro-business Florida environment, the highly developed Orlando transportation hub, and the high quality of the regional talent base, are key reasons why we are affirming our commitment to locate here, and call Florida home."

MHPSA has had a continuous, strong partnership with Enterprise Florida, CareerSource Florida, the City of Lake Mary, Seminole County and Orange County. Read More »

Navy Federal Credit Union Bringing 5,000 New Jobs To Pensacola Area

Navy Federal Credit Union announced plans to create 5,000 new jobs and a $350 million capital investment at its Pensacola campus. This makes the second expansion announcement in two years for the world’s largest credit union. Navy Federal began operations in Escambia County in 2003 with 60 employees. The credit union currently employs more than 3,800 on the campus. They have added more than 530 employees so far in 2014 and have an annual payroll estimated at $160 million.

The project will include the construction of two buildings that will be home to the 5,000 new positions. In April 2013, NFCU announced it would build two multi-story office buildings by 2016 to house 1,500 employees. Navy Federal has created more than 2,100 jobs and invested more than $250 million in capital in Florida as a result of competitive economic development projects. In total, the company plans to employ more than 10,000 and create $1 billion in capital investments in the state.
Read More »

Gadsden County Economy Facing Future Improvement

Gadsden county was one of four counties selected out of 17 applicants for the Florida Competitive Partnership. The program is designed to improve economic opportunities. "It's a great asset building program that will help us identify our baseline for economic development criteria, whether or not, what kind of assets we have, whether that’s human capital or financial capital or volunteer resources within the business community", said Allara Gutcher, the Director of Planning & Community Development of Gadsden County.

Read More »

2015 Advertising Opportunities with Florida Trend

Florida Trend is published for top executives, managers and influencers in Florida business, industry and government. Since 1958, Florida’s business and government decision-makers have depended on Florida Trend each month for trusted reporting and the incisive analysis they need to thrive in one of the world’s most dynamic marketplaces. Simply put, there is no other way to reach the “movers and shakers” of Florida’s business community through one vehicle. There are some great advertising opportunities coming up:

• January - Floridian of the Year; CEO Outlook 2015
• February - Small Business
• March - Advocacy - 2015 Legislative Preview
• April - Economic Yearbook; Wealth Management
• July - Top 350 Public & Private Companies
• August - Best Companies to Work for in Florida
• Business Florida - Annual Florida Opportunity Guide

Read More »

Get Ready for Minimum Wage Increase January 1, 2015

The minimum wage will rise to $8.05/hour, effective JANUARY 1, 2015. The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity has set up a webpage with all of the required posters and notices so you can get your workplace ready for the change.

Read More »