Opportunity Florida, Florida’s Great Northwest’s regional partner representing eight rural Northwest Florida counties, has joined six additional Florida counties to form the Florida Rural Broadband Alliance, LLC. The alliance received a federal stimulus broadband grant for nearly $24 million designed to link large scale, high-speed internet service providers with smaller communities. The broadband network aims to improve educational opportunities, health-care and public safety services as … [Read more...]
Hillwood and City Agree on Master Developer Plan for Cecil Commerce Center
Hillwood announced today that it has completed an agreement with the City of Jacksonville, Florida to serve as Master Developer of 4,474 acres at Cecil Commerce Center, which is a portion of the former Naval Air Station Cecil Field, and will bring its premier Alliance brand to the East Coast. Hillwood will work with the City's Jacksonville Economic Development Commission to direct redevelopment and rebrand the property as AllianceFlorida at Cecil Commerce Center. Hillwood brings its private … [Read more...]
FEDC Member Appointed to Goodwill Board of Directors
Goodwill Welcomes Harrison to Board of Directors North Fort Myers- Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida, Inc. (www.goodwillswfl.org) is pleased to announce that Roger Harrison of LaBelle has joined the organization's volunteer Board of Directors. Harrison is the President and CEO of the Hendry County Economic Development Council. Despite arriving Southwest Florida just this year, Harrison has already made a large volunteer commitment to the region. He serves on the board of directors of … [Read more...]
Partnership Formed to Pursue High Speed Rail System in Florida
A group of leading companies serving the rail transportation industry today announced they have formed a partnership to compete for high-speed rail opportunities in Florida. The companies in the partnership—all of whom are number one in their respective fields—include: VINCI, OHL, Virgin, Alstom; and non-equity partners: Archer Western, AECOM, and PBS&J. Each of the partners boasts strong ties to Florida and a long history of doing business in the state. “High Speed Rail in Florida will … [Read more...]
Florida Universities Receive Economic Development Grants
Florida's 11 public universities have received $10 million in state economic development grants for 31 projects designed to help attract new industry. The grants cover topics ranging from aerospace to veterinary medicine. Most involve at least two universities Some examples: -- A University of Florida and University of North Florida project to develop the next generation of environmental monitors. -- Construction of a large-animal laboratory for veterinary study at Florida. -- … [Read more...]
Florida Aerospace Industry Launches Online Info Resource, Florida STARnetwork
FloridaSTARNet.org Goes Live to Provide Channel for Information- and Resource-Sharing For Business, Workforce, and Community at Large Florida's Space Transition and Revitalization Network launched its online information hub today. Representing the formal coming together of the aerospace industry, including economic development, workforce, and related sector leaders, Florida STARnet provides a single, open online repository for information from all aerospace companies, partners, and … [Read more...]
Florida Chamber Forms Econometrics Council
The Florida Chamber Foundation has established an Econometrics Council to discuss and make recommendations on pressing economic trends and issues facing the state of Florida. “Florida is moving toward its next economy, and the new Econometrics Council will provide invaluable guidance to help get us there,” said Jane Adams, chair of the board of trustees of the foundation and vice president of university relations at the University of Florida. Council experts include Charles “Skip” Cramer, … [Read more...]
Enterprise Florida plans export sales mission to Dominican Republic
Florida businesses can register through November 30 Enterprise Florida invites businesses statewide to participate in an export sales mission to Santo Domingo, D.R., scheduled for February 13-16, 2011. The registration deadline is November 30, and companies can sign up by contacting: Lorrie Belovich (305) 808-3663 or [email protected] Participation will be limited to 15 manufacturers, distributors, exporters and service companies on a first-come, first-served basis after they … [Read more...]
Florida’s Economic Gardening Program Harvests Success for Growing Businesses
Florida’s Economic Gardening Program Harvests Success for Growing Businesses Florida’s investment in the tested strategy of “economic gardening” has made an incredible impact in job creation this year. Established in late 2009, the Florida Economic Gardening Institute and its GrowFL program have helped hundreds of second-stage companies across the state create a reported 418 jobs in the program’s first year. Thanks to a partnership with the FEDC and other statewide organizations, the GrowFL … [Read more...]
Deborah Wilkinson’s November Message
Thank you to the FEDC Board for all of your hard work! Our future board meetings will continue to focus on strategic planning and implementation. During our Board meeting, we also discussed the 2011 Legislative Session. Bill Lambert, Amy Evancho and several others are putting together a great team for Economic Development Week in Tallahassee starting March 28th, 2011. Please mark your calendars and plan to come to Tallahassee! On the immediate horizon is the launch of the new FEDC website … [Read more...]
