BAI Payments Connect Conference & Exp

   TSYS announced that two of its executives will appear at the upcoming 2010 Bank Administration Institute (BAI) Payments Connect Conference & Expo, March 1-3 at Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee. The speakers will discuss a timely range of topics on combating payments fraud, including payment protection and the use of creative technology.
   Victoria Strayer, senior director of TSYS Enterprise Business Compliance, will serve on a panel titled “Protecting Payments in the 21st Century” on Tuesday. Strayer will speak on the growing difficulty of mitigating risk in the payments industry due to a variety of new attacks, as well as a range of issues that are challenging financial institutions.
   Sarah Hartman, senior director of Payment Solutions at TSYS, will speak on the topic of “Creating Value for Customers Through Creative Technology” on Wednesday. Hartman will discuss the opportunities and challenges of more effectively managing their finances with the accelerating shift from credit to debit and prepaid payment vehicles, as well as consumer feedback and details of “pay it now, pay it later” applications that combine payment options, such as TSYS Hybrid.
    For more information, visit www.bai.org/paymentsconnect/fb.

Pleasant Hill Commons acquired

   The Inland Real Estate Group of Companies, Inc. announced last week the acquisition of the Pleasant Hill Commons shopping center in Kissimmee by Inland Diversified Real Estate Trust, Inc. (“Inland Diversified”). The 70,642-square-foot grocery-anchored shopping center is the second acquisition for Inland Diversified. The purchase was facilitated by Lou Quilici of Inland Real Estate Acquisitions, Inc.
   “This center is anchored by Publix, the region’s number one grocer, providing a strong draw to the smaller tenants in the shopping center,” commented Barry Lazarus, president and chief operating officer of Inland Diversified. “Grocery-anchored retail centers perform consistently across all economic cycles, and Pleasant Hill Commons is well positioned to provide strong returns to our company and stockholders.”
   Constructed in 2008, the shopping center’s other tenants include Bonworth, Century 21, TrustCo Bank, Subway, Pizza Hut and Fantastic Sam’s. The property was 100 percent leased at closing. It is located adjacent to a senior community, Good Samaritan Village, which is occupied by over 1,000 residents.

ESPN 3D launching in Osceola County

   ESPN announced Thursday the launch of the ESPN 3D Development Complex in Osceola County, the "Amateur Sports Capital of the World."
    ESPN has designated the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort as the hub for developing the new ESPN 3D network, which will be launched June 11. ESPN will invite various technology companies to utilize the site for emerging technology enhancements focused on 3D television. In addition to the resources at the ESPN Innovation Lab at the sports complex, ESPN will bring online a new production center that can be used for producing live sporting events for multiple ESPN platforms.
   “This is fantastic news,” Osceola County Commission Chairman Fred Hawkins Jr. said. “Being able to marry our assets as the amateur sports capitol with the resources of ESPN, the worldwide leader in sports, is a win for our community and the hundreds of thousands of youth and amateur athletes that come here every year to compete.”
   The new production center will also serve as a laboratory for production personnel to gain experience in telecasting 3D events. This facility houses eight edit rooms which feed highlights into the main server system based in Bristol, Conn. Also, the production center controls 42 robotic cameras and 40 high-definition video screens scattered throughout the complex which capture highlights from the various playing venues. The facility also has 10 ENG cameras and four EFP cameras. The production control room has 16 channels of bi-directional video along with audio ingest, play out capabilities, graphics building and more.
    “The ESPN Innovation Lab and the new production center based at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex gives ESPN a designated testing ground to continue creating a robust ESPN 3D network,” said Chuck Pagano, executive vice president, technology, ESPN. “This complex provides ESPN access to more than 300 annual sporting events which means 3D production testing can occur throughout the year. The research ESPN gathers through these facilities will set the pace for innovation and provide fans the best 3D on-air coverage of sporting events.”
    “We maintain a strong relationship with Disney and are pleased that this initiative will increase awareness of the high tech innovation happening in Osceola County." said Commissioner Michael Harford, whose district includes the Wide World of Sports complex.
    ESPN 3D, the industry’s first 3D television network, will showcase a minimum of 85 live sporting events during its first year, beginning with the first 2010 FIFA World Cup match on June 11 featuring South Africa vs. Mexico. Other events to be produced in 3D include up to 25 2010 FIFA World Cup matches, NBA games, X Games 16, college basketball, and college football, which will include the BCS National Championship game in Glendale, Ariz., January 10, 2011. Additional events will be announced at a later date.

Medical Device webcasts

   FREE WEBCAST No. 1, Tuesday, March 2, 2010. 1PM – 2:30PM (EST):
This free webcast is an overview of the EtQ Reliance Environmental Health & Safety Suite. Topics include an overview of the suite and the modules that are specific to the EH&S suite (Aspects, Objectives and Targets; Emergency Preparedness; Legislative and Regulatory; Monitoring and Inspections and MSDS). Register Now.
   WEBCAST No. 2, March 11, 2010, 1PM – 2:30PM (EST):  See How Medical Device Manufacturers Are Decreasing Variability and Improving Visibility. This live webcast shows Medical Device manufacturers how they can control variability and improve organizational visibility to:
• Improve end-product quality
• Select suppliers that provide the highest quality materials possible
• Create leaner production processes and reduce waste
• Ensure compliance with government regulations
Attendees will also get an in-depth look at Camstar's MedicalDeviceSuite™, the only platform designed to Advance Product Quality in the Medical Device industry.
View the Webcast Abstract and Register.

Nicholson Center News

From our friends at the Orlando Business Journal:
"Florida Hospital’s Nicholson Center for Surgical Advancement, which focuses on robotic surgery and training, will start construction by June for its new $35 million, 50,000-square-foot facility in ­Celebration. This will mean up to 75 new permanent jobs, as many as 350 temporary construction jobs....In this case, the center’s new permanent jobs will include 50 high-tech positions such as clinicians, technicians, product development specialists and project managers, with an average salary of $55,000. It also will include 25 administrative and research jobs. Hiring should begin in the second quarter of this year and continue through 2011. Read more here.

ESPN the Weekend comes to Osceola County

This is the ultimate weekend where sports and entertainment come together to give you the unique opportunity to get inside the game and have fun with some of the biggest names in pro sports. Want to toss the football around with Chad Ochocinco? Shoot hoops with Scottie Pippen? Play catch with Curt Shilling? Or just talk football strategy with the ole’ ball coach Steve Spurrier or one of ESPN’s expert commentators? (Check it out. A good part of the fun involves ESPN's Wide World of Sports in Osceola County -- the Amateur Sports Capital of the World.)http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2010/02/espn-the-weekend-where-sports-entertainment-collide/

Bio Fuel white paper available

Enterprise Florida, in partnership with clean energy industry analyst group, GTM Research, has produced a white paper on the development and commercialization of next generation biofuels. Designed as a follow up to the recent “Biofuels: The Promise of the Next Generations” webinar, the paper identifies opportunities and challenges of advanced biofuels. Register for the white paper here.

UCF Named Most-Admired Employer for Minorities in Science

The University of Central Florida has been recognized as a most-admired company by a spectrum of publications that cover the impact of minorities in critical scientific areas. Good news because Osceola has a diverse and bilingual workforce. Another reason to ChooseOsceola.

OIA Scores in Airport Rankings

Hey business travelers. Check this out. Orlando International Airport placed fourth in the large U.S. airport category in the 2010 J.D. Power and Associates North American Airport Satisfaction Study rankings. OUA ranked five points behind the number one airport, Detroit, and one point behind Denver International and Minneapolis/St. Paul International, which tied for second. In 2008 Orlando International ranked third after ranking 14th in 2006. The rankings are based on airport accessibility, baggage claim, check-in and baggage processing, terminal facilities, security checkpoints and food and retail services. All this from the Orlando Business Journal: http://orlando.bizjournals.com/orlando/stories/2010/02/22/daily8.html

Microkey Software Solutions 25th

Kissimmee-based Microkey Software Solutions is holding its 25th Anniversary Users Conference this week. At the Users Conference we will be revealing brand new products and features that will make organizations more efficient and profitable.  The company is hosting two levels of both Report Writer and Data Mining classes that will be held in the computer lab, so you can learn to use the tools hands-on. During these classes, we will have multiple assistants available to help each customer, if necessary. This class by itself is a $1,500 value, and we have included it in the Users Conference registration price at no extra cost, writes the company's leader Wayne Torrens. For more info http://www.microkey.com/.

Kissimmee property ranks in Timeshare Top 25

The Annual Top 25 list of timeshare rental resorts was released today from RedWeek.com (www.redweek.com), the largest timeshare marketplace. And coming in at No. 17 -- the Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Orange Lake Resort - East Village - Kissimmee. Disney Beach Club Villas in the Orlando secures the number one slot for the second year running.

Are you an Entrepreneur?

    Nominations are open for for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year 2010 Awards in Florida. The deadline for applications is March 19, 2010, with the awards ceremony scheduled for Thursday, June 10, 2010 at the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate.
   The Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards program, now in its 24th year, is recognized as the most prestigious business award program in the country. Award winners are selected by a panel of independent judges, including area leaders from civic organizations and academic institutions as well as local business owners, many of whom have won the award in the past.
   Learn more here.

Osceola's Kempfer Family honored

   The Orlando Sentinel has a mention about Osceola's Kempfer family in an article about the Culinary Hall of Fame. "For six generations, the Kempfer family has continued to maintain Florida's heritage as the oldest cattle-raising state." More here.

   "The third annual Orlando Sentinel Culinary Hall of Fame recognizes those who have made significant contributions to how Central Florida eats, drinks and dines. Each year, we select 10 honorees and remember those no longer with us. We also offer you an opportunity to tell us about the trailblazers you have encountered."

Fair, Rodeo are happening

Check out the Osceola County Fair and Silver Spurs Rodeo.

Link-o-rama

Just some awesome linkage.

Cool Enterprise Florida TECHNOLOGY map here.

Our Facebook page.

Florida High Tech Corridor Virtual Entrepreneur Center.

Link to info about the company making a movie in Celebration.

Our February newsletter. Read and Subscribe!

Our LinkedIn link. :)

Astros Spring Training tickets here.

Bravos at Disney here.

Fitch A+ Rating

Fitch Ratings assigns an 'A+' rating to the following Osceola County, Florida (the county) sales tax revenue bonds:  $43.3 million series 2010.  The Rating Outlook is Stable.

National Ethanol Conference at Gaylord Palms

An announcement from the conference:
   Novozymes launches the first commercially viable enzymes for production of biofuel from agricultural waste. Breakthroughs in enzyme technology enable cellulosic biofuel as a competitive alternative to gasoline.
   Novozymes’ new Cellic^® CTec2 enzymes enable the biofuel industry to produce cellulosic ethanol at a price below $2 per gallon for the initial commercial-scale plants that are scheduled to be in operation in 2011. This cost is on par with gasoline and conventional ethanol at the current US market prices.
   “We have been working on this for the past 10 years and promised our customers and the market to be ready by 2010,” says Novozymes' CEO, Steen Riisgaard. “I'm extremely pleased to announce that we're ready. The enzymes are ready. Biofuel producers now have a critical component to turn agricultural waste into a competitive alternative to gasoline.”
    More about the conference here.

Movie time in Celebration/Kissimmee

Fan of the TV show Heroes? Then you should know that a movie being shot in Osceola County features Brea Grant, who had a role in the series -- until she was killed off. But even if the writers don't find a way to bring her back, it created the opportunity for her to work on this film. http://bit.ly/a5ulLj (FYI: The Osceola County Economic Development Department serves as the local film office). Here's some info about the production company.

Crist appoints new School Board member

TALLAHASSEE – Governor Charlie Crist today announced the appointment of Marjorie Guillen-Melendez to the Osceola County School Board, filling the spot vacated by her husband, Julius Melendez, during his military leave of absence.

“Marjorie is well-equipped to serve the educational needs of her district and community,” said Governor Crist. “I am confident she will fill her husband’s vacancy with the same level of dedication and integrity he consistently displayed and will continue to contribute during his heroic service in Kuwait.”

                Guillen-Melendez, 33, is a bill review supervisor for CorVel Corporation in Lake Mary. She is also a member of the Parent Teacher Organization for Partin Settlement Elementary. Guillen-Melendez received her bachelor’s degree from Fordham University.

As a member of the Florida National Guard, Melendez is being deployed to Kuwait. He expects to be in regular contact with his wife on school board issues. Guillen-Melendez’s appointment is supported by the Osceola County Board of County Commissioners and the Osceola County School Board.

Biofuels Webinar today at 1 p.m.

   Enterprise Florida and Greentech Media are hosting a webinar this afternoon on Biofuels. Here's the link to register.
   Topics to be covered include:
   *What is the difference between 2nd and 3rd Generation biofuel processes?
   *How important are feedstock choices and location of plants?
   *What are the challenges and opportunities for mass commercialization of advanced biofuels going forward?
    One of featured spearkers=Dr. George Philippidis - Energy Director, Applied Research Center (ARC) and Co-Director of the Global Energy Security Forum at Florida International University in Miami. Dr. Philippidis works closely with the private sector and venture capital firms to commercialize clean technologies and advises US and Latin American companies and governments on energy policy, markets, and project financing.

 

 

Gaylord Entertainment Co. Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2009 Results

Detailed Gaylord earnings info here.

- Gaylord Hotels Total RevPAR declined only 0.8 percent in the Fourth Quarter of 2009 –

- Net Advance Group Bookings increased 8.7 percent in the Fourth Quarter of 2009 Underscoring Strength of Brand and Customer Loyalty -

Gaylord Palms posted revenue of $41.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2009, a 3.0 percent decrease compared to $43.0 million in the prior-year quarter driven primarily by a decrease in occupancy. Full year 2009 revenue of $157.2 million represented a 13.0 percent decrease compared to $180.8 million in 2008. Occupancy for the quarter was down 4.6 percentage points compared to the prior-year quarter, and was down 10.3 percentage points for the full year. 

Florida Opportunity Fund

The Florida Opportunity Fund has made a commitment of $3 million to 5AM Ventures II, according to TechJournalSouth.com. 5AM is a bioscience venture capital fund that recently completed an investment with a life sciences startup company in South Florida. The Florida Opportunity Fund has announced five investments from the States $29.5 million fund. Fund managers have been on an aggressive schedule since 2009 to make commitments that will attract more venture dollars to the State.

Bio International in Chicago

It's almost like an old Saturday Nite Live cartoon -- only it is real. Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush will be discussing issues relating to both foreign and domestic policy, and other topics at the Bio International Convention May 3-6 in Chicago. The BIO International Convention has a rich history in securing top-level, globally-recognized speakers who bring a fresh perspective to attendees.
http://convention.bio.org/default.aspx

FDA budget worries Device Industry

There's worry among some medical device makers. According to FDANEWS.COM, "the FDA’s proposed 2011 budget includes new user fees for devicemakers. The $4.03 billion budget would require manufacturing facilities the FDA has inspected to pay the full cost of re-inspections and associated follow-up work. The fee would be imposed when the agency re-inspects facilities due to a failure to meet good manufacturing practices or certain other FDA requirements, the agency says. The proposed budget represents a 23 percent increase, mostly from user fees, over the agency’s current budget."

Shared Services event

   The 14^th Annual North American Shared Services & Outsourcing Week returns to Osceola County from March 22-25 at the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate.
    This event was mentioned in a recent edition of Fast Company magazine. The blurb noted that outsourcing doesn't mean that jobs have to leave the country. As a matter of fact, one of the participants -- Disney Worldwide Shared Services -- operates in Osceola County.
   Presented by the Shared Services & Outsourcing Network this event series has evolved into the ultimate platform for exchanging ideas, discussing industry trends, benchmarking against peers and building a roadmap for organizations to achieve desired business outcomes. Highlights, include:

   G8: Global Sourcing Think Tank: After its success in Europe, Asia and Australia, this neutral platform aims to help shape a common industry agenda. Hosted by America’s foremost political columnist, George F. Will, the panel will include members from KPMG, Capgemini, IBM, Deloitte Consulting LLP, Accenture, Ernst & Young LLP, SAP and Oracle On Demand.
   Under the C-Suite Spotlight: Business guru Rene Carayol, MBE, will be hosting an exclusive onstage CXO interview focused on board-room revelations regarding shared service & sourcing model strategies.

Biofuel Webinar

   Enterprise Florida and Greentech Media are putting on a Clean Energery Webinar Feb. 10 with a focus on BioFuels.
  Biofuels are the only commercial alternative to petroleum. While 1st Generation biofuels like corn ethanol and soy biodiesel sparked the “food vs. fuel” controversy, the 2nd wave of biofuels such as cellulosic ethanol, algae, and other exotic ones bypass the issue. These advanced biofuels are on the cusp of commercialization. “Biofuels: The Promise of the Next Generations” webinar will introduce leading companies and R&D institutions and discuss the latest developments in the advanced biofuel space.

   The webinar will cover questions such as:
   *What is the difference between 2nd and 3rd Generation biofuel processes?
   *How important are feedstock choices and location of plants?
   *What are the challenges and opportunities for mass commercialization of advanced biofuels going forward?
   Register here http://bit.ly/90cXsr

Lunch and Learn on Feb. 11.

   KISSIMMEE – If you were to compare the business of industrial recruitment to fishing, the first task would be to use the right equipment.
   Osceola County’s economic development toolbox includes a variety of incentives, partners and gear. If incentives are the bait, then the hook is Osceola County’s greatest resource – its land and people.
   On February 11, the Osceola County Economic Development Department is holding a “Lunch and Learn” to help property owners and real estate professionals attract companies that are looking to relocate or expand in Osceola, by preparing their property information using the proper format..
   “Even in tough economic times there are still deals to be made,” said Economic Development Administrator Maria G. Toumazos. “But to seal the deal we must present property in a simple, consistent and easy to view way.”
    Just like a job resume, a property submittal should be customized to highlight and match a property’s attributes to what the client is seeking. On many projects those requirements are set by the client through Enterprise Florida Inc. -- the public-private partnership that serves as the Florida’s statewide economic development agency.

A starring role for Custom Plastic Developments

Have you seen Avatar, the 3D blockbuster motion picture? Well there’s a good chance that the RealD 3D glasses used in the movie were made right here in Osceola County. Custom Plastic Developments has been in business here since 1972. They are one of Kissimmee's best kept business success stories. Every week they are cranking out thousands of those glasses for Avatar and other 3D movies -- along with a multitude of other plastics products. Despite early predictions from some critics that it would be a box office flop, Avatar has gone on to break several box office records during its release and end up becoming the highest-grossing film of all time worldwide, surpassing Titanic. Get ready for a sequel.

Osceola County to fund Kissimmee Incubator

  County Commissioners recently approved funding for a new incubator to accelerate creation of successful, homegrown businesses that will provide high-wage jobs to residents. The Osceola County Economic Development Department spearheaded efforts to create an incubator in  downtown Kissimmee.
   “This incubator is another fundamental step in creating jobs for our community,” said Osceola County Commissioner Brandon Arrington, whose district includes the incubator site. “This partnership again shows this commission’s commitment to growing jobs right here at home. Kissimmee’s downtown is the perfect environment for entrepreneurs who will create new, high-wage jobs.”

Florida Hospital Kissimmee Expansion

Florida Hospital Kissimmee is expanding to better serve the community with a new, three-story outpatient 85,000-square-foot tower that will add 85,000 provide the community with more comprehensive services as well as many specialized physician offices. Many convenient outpatient services will be expanded and re-located to the new building. A new Imaging Center will offer digital mammography, 4-D ultrasound, CT scan, X-ray, DEXA and MRI.
The hospital is one of many businesses located in Kissimmee/Osceola County Enterprise Zone. Businesses in the zone can be eligible for incentives when new jobs are created or equipment is purchased. Learn more about the zone at www.chooseosceola.com/ez.

Skanska hosting training program

   Skanska USA Inc. is hosting a training program called "Construction Management Building Blocks" for industry partners interested in doing business with the company. The program kicks off Feb. 23 at the Kissimmee/Osceola County Chamber of Commerce. Registration is a on a first-come, first-served basis for the seven-week program. Contact Bert Fonseca at 407-839-2925 or at bert.fonseca@shanska.com for more information. Skanska is one of the world's leading companies in construction and project development.
Skanska is a Fortune 500 company.In the U.S., it is a provider of comprehensive construction services and a developer of public-private partnerships. It applies our expertise to everything from small renovations to billion-dollar projects, using a variety of delivery methods.
   See more about the workshops after the jump...

Lunch and Learn on Feb. 11

Calling all Cinderellas. Property owners and real estate professionals find out what it takes to market your property and land a project.