As you know FEDC has a very aggressive business plan for more regional events and education this year. Our Regional Directors are the face for FEDC in your respective regions and we are so thrilled to have this distinguished group this year! Please reach out to them or the FEDC office with any comments or suggestions for events and training in your region.
Next Tuesday, July 22nd at 3PM, please mark your calendars for participation in the Enterprise Zone working group. As you may be aware, EZ’s are planning to sunset next year. If you are interested in being a part of the discussion, please plan to participate. Conference Call number: 712-432-0075 code: 452692# As always, should you have any questions, please take a moment to email
Florida Employment Figures — June 2014
Florida’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 6.2 percent in June 2014, down slightly from the May 2014 rate of 6.3 percent, and down 1.2 percentage points from 7.4 percent a year ago. There were 597,000 jobless Floridians out of a labor force of 9,626,000. The U.S. unemployment rate was 6.1 percent in June. Prior to June, Florida’s unemployment rate had been less than or equal to the national rate for 13 consecutive months. Florida’s seasonally adjusted total nonagricultural employment was 7,800,000 in June 2014, an increase of 37,400 jobs (+0.5 percent) over the month. Compared to June a year ago, the number of jobs in the state was up by 237,500, an increase of 3.1 percent. Nationally, the number of jobs was up 1.8 percent over the year. Florida’s annual job growth rate has exceeded the nation’s rate since April 2012.
Download Florida Employment Figures — June 2014
Governor Scott Announces Advanced IT Concepts Corporate Headquarters Expansion In Winter Springs
Today, Governor Rick Scott announced that Advanced IT Concepts, Inc. (AITC) will expand its corporate headquarters in Seminole County. AITC provides systems integration, professional services and value-added resale of Information Technology (IT) solutions to both the government and private sectors. The expansion in Winter Springs will bring 50 new jobs and a capital investment of $1.87 million, including land, to the area over the next five years.
Advanced IT Concepts Corporate Headquarters Expansion In Winter Springs
Florida’s Aircraft Manufacturing Industry Taking Off
Florida’s booming aircraft manufacturing industry is helping to diversify the state, according to a new report from Florida TaxWatch, the independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit research institute. The report, Ready for Takeoff: Florida Can Lead The Nation In Aircraft Manufacturing, shows that Florida is the most attractive state for aircraft manufacturing, illustrated by the number of industry companies relocating to the state. “Florida is a great place to do business, and the state’s commitment to investing in aircraft manufacturing is ensuring that Florida’s economy continues to benefit from this important industry sector,” said Dominic M. Calabro, President and CEO of Florida TaxWatch, the independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit taxpayer research institute and government watchdog. Commercial aviation is expected to increase by 5 percent.
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USF Names New Director Of Innovation And Incubation Programs
USF names new director of innovation and incubation programsStephanie Ashley joined the University of South Florida Research & Innovation and USF Research Foundation as director of innovation and incubation programs. Ashley formerly served as economic development manager with Hillsborough County Economic Development where she oversaw innovation, entrepreneurship and technology initiatives within the department. Ashley also currently serves on USF CONNECT’s Council of Professionals and will continue to work closely with the council in her new role. Her position also includes forging business partnerships with departments throughout the USF System to enhance research activities of faculty, staff and students, and promote and support best practices in business development and entrepreneurship.
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Tech council, USF Provides $50k Scholarship to SmartStart
In what officials are calling a surprise announcement, Florida High Tech Corridor Council president Randy Berridge announced his organization is offering a $50,000 sponsorship for the SmartStart Business Incubator program. This is the group’s second sponsorship of Pasco Economic Development Council’s SmartStart Program with USF. Last year, both groups announced it would provide a $50,000 sponsorship during the opening of the Dade City business incubator. Pasco EDC’s goal is to work with new entrepreneurs and scalable start-up companies in the incubators in Pasco County, and help them build their businesses from the ground up, officials said.
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Tampa Trade Mission To Chile Set
The Tampa Bay Export Alliance, a partnership of the Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corp. and Pinellas County Economic Development, will lead a mission to Santiago, Chile in December to promote export opportunities for local businesses. Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn, Hillsborough County Commissioner Les Miller, Pinellas County Commissioner Karen Seel and St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman will join the delegation, according to the Tampa Bay Partnership. Companies will have the opportunity to meet with Chilean trade partners during one-on-one matchmaking sessions. Ten businesses — first come, first served — can participate, once assessed and approved on the basis of their product or service for the market.
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All Aboard Florida Unveils Design For Fort Lauderdale Station
Local Florida officials joined All Aboard Florida executives at the revealing of designs for the passenger service’s new Fort Lauderdale station, which was planned and designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM) in association with Zyscovich Architects. All Aboard Florida says that each of its three planned stations in South Florida (Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach) will serve as both gateways to their respective cities and as key portals and iconic destinations with ready access to places to shop, eat and connect. As part of the urban infrastructure of each area, the stations are expected to generate significant economic impact to the state. Economists estimate that All Aboard Florida will add more than $6 billion to Florida’s economy over the next eight years, including $333 million in economic impact for Broward County through 2021.
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FEDC 2015 Business Plan Available for Download
Established in 1964, The Florida Economic Development Council is a statewide membership association that includes economic, workforce and community developers. Its membership of nearly 400 public and private professionals includes representation from Florida s sixty-seven counties, more than 400 cities, 24 regional workforce regions, 28 colleges, 12 universities as well as utilities, ports, airports and industrial authorities. Through conferences, workshops, and other events, membership provides an opportunity to promote networking and professional development opportunities as well as collaboration and alignment among state, regional and local entities toward the state’s economic vision.
Download the 2015 FEDC Business Plan
