Monday, May 31, 2010
Bowie appointed Site Manager of St. Cloud Incubator
The University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program has named James M. (Jim) Bowie site manager of the new UCF Business Incubator in St. Cloud.
Gordon Hogan, director of operations for the UCF Business Incubation Program, said Bowie served as director of the Columbus State University Technology Incubator in Columbus, Ga. from 2006 through 2009. He has more than 20 years of experience in business development including AT&T, Orkin, and four entrepreneur start-ups.
Bowie earned his BBA and MBA Degrees at Texas Christian University (TCU). U.S. News & World Report ranks the TCU Business School Entrepreneurship Center as one of the best in the country.
“Business incubation is a young industry and Jim Bowie is one of the most experienced incubator administrators we have recruited,” Hogan said. Jim is one of the few ‘Certified’ Incubator Directors by the National Business Incubator Association (NBIA) in the southeast. “We expect him to play a big role in the growth of the UCF Business Incubation Program in St. Cloud,” Hogan said.
The 14,000 square foot UCF Incubator facility, located at 3201 Budinger Ave. in St. Cloud, has already attracted four client companies.
Governor's Business Diversification Awards
On behalf of Governor Charlie Crist, Enterprise Florida is calling for nominations for 2010 Governor’s Business Diversification Awards, which recognize Florida companies in emerging and high-technology industries for their outstanding contributions to the state’s economic growth. The awards will be presented during Industry Appreciation Week, held annually in September.
Nothin' but links
Tampa Bay-Orlando may be ready to tie knot on high-speed rail.
Work starts on jobs plan.
Dr. William Broussard of Forever Florida profiled.
Osceola County considers incentives...
Toho Could Well Be State's Hottest Lake.
Crist signs Fla. economic development law.
Interview excerpts with with Michael Poteshman, CFO of Tupperware.
World Cup: ESPN’s 3-D push started with a little Disney World magic.
ESPN VP Pagano: calls the current state of 3-D production "the ultimate science project."
Get the report on Florida's Super Region
At the Super Regional Leadership Conference at Gaylord Palms last week, world renowned urban planner Professor Jonathan Barnett and members of his University of Pennsylvania Urban Design Studio (PennDesign) presented the results of Connecting for Global Competitiveness: Florida’s First Super Region, an in-depth study that demonstrates the potential advantages of coast-to-coast connectivity and develops a "Super Regional Strategy" for transportation and land use, economic and workforce development, environmental sustainability and quality of life issues.
Click here to get the publication.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Entrepreneurs=successful economy
It is difficult to overstate the importance of entrepreneurs to the success of the U.S. economy, says a new report from TD Economics. “While economists spend a lot of time analyzing near-term trends and developments in aggregate data, economic growth over the longer-term is driven primarily by individuals taking risks and making sacrifices in order to bring innovative ideas to market,” writes TD economist James Marple in “Small and Medium Sized Businesses Key to U.S. Economic Recovery.”
And here's a mind-boggling number! Marple points out that small and medium-sized businesses, typically firms with fewer than 500 employees, make up 99.7 percent of all U.S. companies and more than half of total employment in the country.
Bazinga!
And here's a mind-boggling number! Marple points out that small and medium-sized businesses, typically firms with fewer than 500 employees, make up 99.7 percent of all U.S. companies and more than half of total employment in the country.
Bazinga!
State, Osceola unemployment rates drop
Florida and Osceola County's unemployment rate improved in April. For the state, it was the first time in more than four years, with 15,500 more workers finding jobs than those who lost them, state labor officials reported. More than 1.1 million Floridians remained jobless and the unemployment rate was 12 percent. That was slightly better than a record 12.3 percent in March, the first improvement in the state's employment numbers time since February 2006, the Agency for Workforce Innovation said. Osceola County's unemployement rate dropped nearly an entire percentage point (.9 percent) to 12.3 percent.
Obama sends money to Florida for rail
Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood told a gathering of Tampa Bay and Orlando business and civic leaders Thursday that $66.6 million in federal grants is being released to help fund the planned high-speed rail service between Tampa and Orlando, the St. Pete Times reports. The funding is part of the $1.25 billion down payment first committed to the project by President Barack Obama during his visit to Tampa earlier this year.
"The president's vision for high-speed rail will forever change the way Americans travel by offering new transportation options," LaHood said. "The grants released today are merely the very beginning of many more to follow."
The money will be used for preliminary engineering and related up-front work on the project, LaHood told an audience of 500 gathered at the second annual "super region" conference. The meeting, a collaboration of economic development groups from Tampa Bay and Orlando, was convened to find common ground and smart growth strategies between the two metro areas as they anticipate slowly merging into a single, gulf-to-Atlantic Central Florida metropolis.
"The president's vision for high-speed rail will forever change the way Americans travel by offering new transportation options," LaHood said. "The grants released today are merely the very beginning of many more to follow."
The money will be used for preliminary engineering and related up-front work on the project, LaHood told an audience of 500 gathered at the second annual "super region" conference. The meeting, a collaboration of economic development groups from Tampa Bay and Orlando, was convened to find common ground and smart growth strategies between the two metro areas as they anticipate slowly merging into a single, gulf-to-Atlantic Central Florida metropolis.
Area gains convention business because of floods
The devastating floods in Nashville, Tenn., have led to a little extra convention business in Central Florida, the Orlando Sentinel reports. Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, a key convention destination in Nashville, said the flooding has forced dozens of conventions to relocate. The resort, damaged by the floods, said it would refund deposits for conventions scheduled at least through early August and would try to relocate guests to other Nashville hotels "whenever possible."
The Gaylord Palms resort in Kissimmee has absorbed about eight business groups from its sister property in Tennessee, with the transfers totaling about 12,000 room nights combined, spokesman Jeff Abbaticchio said.
The Orange County Convention Center is host this weekend for 4,500 people from the American Society of Millitary Comptrollers. The group's convention was initially scheduled for Nashville but was moved at the last minute after record rainfall caused Nashville's Cumberland River to overflow earlier this month.
The Gaylord Palms resort in Kissimmee has absorbed about eight business groups from its sister property in Tennessee, with the transfers totaling about 12,000 room nights combined, spokesman Jeff Abbaticchio said.
The Orange County Convention Center is host this weekend for 4,500 people from the American Society of Millitary Comptrollers. The group's convention was initially scheduled for Nashville but was moved at the last minute after record rainfall caused Nashville's Cumberland River to overflow earlier this month.
Kissimmee hotel sells for $7 million
The former Howard Johnson-Heritage Park hotel in Kissimmee sold to a San Francisco firm for $7 million, or nearly $35,000 per unit, the Orlando Business Journal reports. Menlo Capital Group LLC’s 201 Simpson Road LLC bought the nearly 200-room hotel on Simpson Road between U.S. Highway 192 and Florida’s Turnpike from Hollywood-based Mazel Investments LLC. Akhil Suri, a managing director of Menlo Capital Group, was unavailable for comment on plans for the property by press time. CoStar Group reported the hotel has been closed for more than a year due to severe water damage, and the lobby had been destroyed.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Gov. Charlie Crist announced a new, major public-private partnership between Microsoft and the State of Florida to provide free technology training to individuals across the state. Through the Microsoft Elevate America initiative, Microsoft has partnered with Workforce Florida Inc. to donate to the state 40,000 vouchers for no-cost, online technology training and certification through all of the state’s 24 Regional Workforce Boards. The Elevate America program complements Workforce Florida’s ongoing efforts to bolster digital access and literacy and to provide resources to individuals and employers seeking talent development resources.
“On behalf of all Floridians, I want to thank Microsoft for helping us in our ongoing efforts to prepare Floridians to work and prosper in our increasingly high-tech, global economy,” said Governor Crist. “These vouchers will go a long way toward making Florida job seekers competitive in today’s marketplace while preparing them for the opportunities of the future.”
“On behalf of all Floridians, I want to thank Microsoft for helping us in our ongoing efforts to prepare Floridians to work and prosper in our increasingly high-tech, global economy,” said Governor Crist. “These vouchers will go a long way toward making Florida job seekers competitive in today’s marketplace while preparing them for the opportunities of the future.”
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Report: BP $25 million to Florida to promote tourism
The Miami Herald reports: BP is awarding $70 million in grants to help Gulf Coast states promote tourism in the aftermath of the massive oil spill. The company announced that it will provide $25 million to Florida and $15 million each to Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Commercial Property Search Online is Live
After a successful beta testing phase, Osceola County launched its free Commercial Property Search Online, the Osceola County Economic Development Department announced. The new online database will allow property owners and real estate agents to list their Osceola County properties as the primary response system to submit properties for pending economic development projects. “We think this new method of property listings will be more efficient and cost-effective for everyone,” said Maria Toumazos, Economic Development Administrator. “In addition, it is a great way for all those with commercial properties to showcase them to key decision-makers. Our Web site is a great resource for companies that are seeking to relocate and this database will only enhance that utility. Anyone with commercial property should take advantage of this free service.”
The new system was built by the county’s Information Technology Department. It will replace a less efficient e-mail query system, as well as a more costly commercial subscription system.
The full-featured online search is Phase 2 of the Department’s Web Site, which already offers a dynamic and user-friendly online presence that enables site consultants and targeted industries searching for the best place to relocate or expand their headquarters, manufacturing, distribution, or research facility to easily access information.
The new search system can be accessed through the Economic Development Department’s Web Site, ChooseOsceola.com/go/propertysearch.
For more information, please contact Osceola County Economic Development Department Administrator Maria G. Toumazos at 407-742-4200.
The new system was built by the county’s Information Technology Department. It will replace a less efficient e-mail query system, as well as a more costly commercial subscription system.
The full-featured online search is Phase 2 of the Department’s Web Site, which already offers a dynamic and user-friendly online presence that enables site consultants and targeted industries searching for the best place to relocate or expand their headquarters, manufacturing, distribution, or research facility to easily access information.
The new search system can be accessed through the Economic Development Department’s Web Site, ChooseOsceola.com/go/propertysearch.
For more information, please contact Osceola County Economic Development Department Administrator Maria G. Toumazos at 407-742-4200.
Work on locks begins this month
The South Florida Water Management District was to temporarily close the navigational locks in Lake Toho (S-61@ Southport) and Lake Kissimmee (S-65 @ SR60) for maintenance work from May 17 through December 31, 2010. During this six month timeframe, boaters will not be able to travel to and from Lake Toho through the canals linking Lake Cypress, Lake Hatchineha or Lake Kissimmee, nor travel south from Lake Kissimmee via S-65 to the Kissimmee River.
Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission staff have stressed the importance of completing the maintenance work before January 1, 2011, as there are two fishing tournaments scheduled on the Chain of Lakes next year: one in January and one in February, and the locks must be open.
The structure gates will be completely accessible throughout the project; nothing should hinder operation of the gates for flood control purposes.
Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission staff have stressed the importance of completing the maintenance work before January 1, 2011, as there are two fishing tournaments scheduled on the Chain of Lakes next year: one in January and one in February, and the locks must be open.
The structure gates will be completely accessible throughout the project; nothing should hinder operation of the gates for flood control purposes.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Green energy momentum builds
Green Energy is making a comeback after losing seemingly losing some of its pizzazz. A certain incident in the Gulf of Mexico is one part of the reason.
But in addition to power and fuel, often overlooked is energy efficiency -- where the opportunities for improvements already exists.
Here's some information from Enterprise Florida:
Energy efficient technologies, from better air conditioners to insulated windows and other energy-saving building materials, may not be as sexy as solar panels or advanced batteries, but are considered one of the fastest, most effective methods of reducing energy consumption.
According to a study sponsored by the U.S. Green Buildings Council (USGBC), investing in the energy efficiency of buildings, combined with other non-transportation initiatives, could reduce U.S. energy consumption by 23 percent by 2020, save the U.S. economy $1.2 trillion and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 1.1 gigatons annually. The USGBC contends that such an initiative could also create millions of jobs and add more than half a trillion dollars to the American economy over the next four years.
Based on these and similar estimates, the federal and state governments have jumped on the green buildings wagon, with ARRA alone providing $4.5 billion to retrofit federal buildings and another $6.3 billion to improve the energy efficiency of state agencies.
The private sector is also onboard, given that the 5 million commercial buildings in the US total more than $100 billion a year in energy expenses currently. For many of them, the cost of retrofitting can be recouped quickly just by the reduction in operational expenses.
With such easy return on investment, it is no surprise that many analysts predict a surge of innovation and investment in the green buildings industry.
But in addition to power and fuel, often overlooked is energy efficiency -- where the opportunities for improvements already exists.
Here's some information from Enterprise Florida:
Energy efficient technologies, from better air conditioners to insulated windows and other energy-saving building materials, may not be as sexy as solar panels or advanced batteries, but are considered one of the fastest, most effective methods of reducing energy consumption.
According to a study sponsored by the U.S. Green Buildings Council (USGBC), investing in the energy efficiency of buildings, combined with other non-transportation initiatives, could reduce U.S. energy consumption by 23 percent by 2020, save the U.S. economy $1.2 trillion and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 1.1 gigatons annually. The USGBC contends that such an initiative could also create millions of jobs and add more than half a trillion dollars to the American economy over the next four years.
Based on these and similar estimates, the federal and state governments have jumped on the green buildings wagon, with ARRA alone providing $4.5 billion to retrofit federal buildings and another $6.3 billion to improve the energy efficiency of state agencies.
The private sector is also onboard, given that the 5 million commercial buildings in the US total more than $100 billion a year in energy expenses currently. For many of them, the cost of retrofitting can be recouped quickly just by the reduction in operational expenses.
With such easy return on investment, it is no surprise that many analysts predict a surge of innovation and investment in the green buildings industry.
Economic news from OBJ
The Orlando Business Journal has some interesting information at its site.
For starters, Florida’s economic indicators were up slightly in March. Slight is OK. Up is the key word here. This is on top of a modest increase in February. Hopefully the trend continues.
Here's what OBJ reported: Florida’s leading indicator — a measurement of economic activity in the state compiled by Durham, N.H.-based e-forecasting.com — increased in March by 1 percent after going up 0.8 percent in February.
Nine of the 10 components that make up Florida’s leading indicator had a positive contribution in March: unemployment claims, weekly hours in manufacturing, building permits, exports of manufactures, international tourism outlook, stock prices (national), interest rate spread, technology index (national) and domestic vacation barometer.
The only negative contribution to the indicator in March was Floridians’ consumer sentiment.
NEXT IS NEWS ON OIA, which of course is a key economic driver for the region.
OIA generates a $26.4 billion economic impact, said a March 2010 Florida Department of Transportation study, “Florida’s Statewide Aviation Economic Impact,” which looked at passengers, air cargo, employment, payroll, tenants/businesses at the airport and related construction projects.
Orlando International, the 10th busiest airport in America and the busiest airport in Florida, had 33.7 million passengers fly in and out last year. It features two 12,000-foot runways, a 10,000-foot runway and a 9,000-foot runway. It is host to 84 domestic nonstop daily flights and 24 international nonstop daily flights winging their way to 90 U.S. cities and 23 international destinations.
For starters, Florida’s economic indicators were up slightly in March. Slight is OK. Up is the key word here. This is on top of a modest increase in February. Hopefully the trend continues.
Here's what OBJ reported: Florida’s leading indicator — a measurement of economic activity in the state compiled by Durham, N.H.-based e-forecasting.com — increased in March by 1 percent after going up 0.8 percent in February.
Nine of the 10 components that make up Florida’s leading indicator had a positive contribution in March: unemployment claims, weekly hours in manufacturing, building permits, exports of manufactures, international tourism outlook, stock prices (national), interest rate spread, technology index (national) and domestic vacation barometer.
The only negative contribution to the indicator in March was Floridians’ consumer sentiment.
NEXT IS NEWS ON OIA, which of course is a key economic driver for the region.
OIA generates a $26.4 billion economic impact, said a March 2010 Florida Department of Transportation study, “Florida’s Statewide Aviation Economic Impact,” which looked at passengers, air cargo, employment, payroll, tenants/businesses at the airport and related construction projects.
Orlando International, the 10th busiest airport in America and the busiest airport in Florida, had 33.7 million passengers fly in and out last year. It features two 12,000-foot runways, a 10,000-foot runway and a 9,000-foot runway. It is host to 84 domestic nonstop daily flights and 24 international nonstop daily flights winging their way to 90 U.S. cities and 23 international destinations.
Heated competition on the Web
According to BiofuelsDigest: In Florida, a titanic battle of votes on the final day of the YouChu 2010 competition, between Enerkem and Idaho Sustainable Energy, and a late disqualification of another competitor for voting irregularities, marked the end of a spirited competition between 33 companies — 18 who received DOE awards last November, and 15 challenger companies who believed their technologies offered more attractive options. In YouChu, the readers took the role of Dr. Steven Chu, Secretary of Energy, and awarded mythical grants to projects based on project plans submitted by contestants, and information released by DOE on its own award winners.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Reuters: Optimistic Manufacturing Execs
Top manufacturing executives expressed confidence that the U.S. economy will continue to recover from its worst downturn in decades, though they expect slow growth ahead. Story here.
How to partner early and successfully
Thanks to TechJournal South for this article. "Successful entrepreneurs know to seek out quality partners early on in a project or a startup venture. Not only will partners help flesh out your ideas, but they can also help your company save money by providing cost-effective solutions from the start—solutions you may never have considered on your own. In manufacturing, for example, having a number of resources at hand helps make the process more efficient and effective. One of our customers recently partnered early on in a project with us and also with a molding group and an extrusion company," writes By Jeff Graham, president of Allied Automation, a full-service automation group that offers a complete system integration of custom automation equipment from conceptualization through design and fabrication. For more information, visit www.alliedautomation.com.
Microsoft Web Docs
Too little, too late? Or just Goliath flexing his muscles. Microsoft rolled out the new 2010 version of Microsoft Office to businesses this week and it will be available to consumers in June. One major change in the new edition: it is adding free Web versions of Word and other popular applications. A clear shot at Google-like "cloud" computing that doesn't require desktop storage space.
NBIA Conference Starts Sunday in Orlando
NBIA’s International Conference on Business Incubation is the premier gathering for incubation practitioners worldwide. Each year, incubation and economic development professionals from across the globe get together at conference to participate in in-depth workshops, educational sessions, roundtable discussions and networking activities. The conference provides a way for those in the industry to meet and explore strategies for providing entrepreneurial support. Individuals connect by sharing experiences and stories about their common challenges, and learn techniques and tips to further their incubation programs.
This year’s conference will take place May 16-19, 2010.
UCF Hosts
The University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program. The UCF Business Incubation Program has seven sites (including St. Cloud and Kissimmee), with more sites planned to open in 2010. Since its founding in 1999, the program has assisted more than 130 start-ups. These emerging companies have created more than $500 million in annual revenue and more than 1,600 new jobs, with an average salary of $59,000. http://www.incubator.ucf.edu/
FHTCC is Title Sponsor
The Florida High Tech Corridor Council is a regional economic development initiative of the University of Central Florida, University of South Florida and University of Florida. FHTCC’s mission is to grow high-tech industry and innovation through research, workforce development and marketing partnerships. http://www.floridahightech.com/
This year’s conference will take place May 16-19, 2010.
UCF Hosts
The University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program. The UCF Business Incubation Program has seven sites (including St. Cloud and Kissimmee), with more sites planned to open in 2010. Since its founding in 1999, the program has assisted more than 130 start-ups. These emerging companies have created more than $500 million in annual revenue and more than 1,600 new jobs, with an average salary of $59,000. http://www.incubator.ucf.edu/
FHTCC is Title Sponsor
The Florida High Tech Corridor Council is a regional economic development initiative of the University of Central Florida, University of South Florida and University of Florida. FHTCC’s mission is to grow high-tech industry and innovation through research, workforce development and marketing partnerships. http://www.floridahightech.com/
Bonds and Bio Fuels
Can the bond market solve the biofuels financing crisis? The USDA thinks 'maybe so', after an industry group pioneers a new approach, according to Biofuels Digest. In Washington, a team from the investment bank Stern Brothers, and the law firms Mintz Levin and Kreig DeVault have developed a bond-oriented approach that has received favorable initial reaction from the USDA, and may well shift the paradigm for financing the commercialization of biofuels.
Solar sales surging
According to GreenTech Media,:Solar sales continue to surge in advance of Germany's cut in its feed-in tariff. But stocks did not follow suit, as if anticipating difficult times ahead. Several of the industry's largest manufacturers offered insight into their businesses this week -- and the news was generally favorable. Sales rose sharply over the past three months, even if profits sometimes did not.
Among the companies with the strongest gains was SunPower of San Jose, where quarterly revenue rose 64 percent, helped by the company's acquisition of SunRay. The company said Tuesday it wasn't able to meet demand for its products. However, earnings still fell short of expectations.
Among the companies with the strongest gains was SunPower of San Jose, where quarterly revenue rose 64 percent, helped by the company's acquisition of SunRay. The company said Tuesday it wasn't able to meet demand for its products. However, earnings still fell short of expectations.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Mercury has good Q1
Good news for Brunswick Corporation and Mercury Marine, which has a plant in St. Cloud.
The Brunswick first quarter report showed that Mercury Marine reported net sales of $445.7 million in the first quarter of 2010 — up 30 percent from $343.9 million in the first quarter of last year. As a whole,
Mercury posted operating earnings of $26.5 million, including restructuring charges of $2.4 million. Last year, Mercury had an operating loss of $50.6 million, which included $11.7 million in restructuring charges.
"All the changes and actions Brunswick and Mercury have taken in the last year are resulting in positive steps forward," said Mercury Marine spokesperson Steve Fleming.
Mercury's manufacturing facilities ramped up production during the quarter in response to customer inventory requirements, the report said. The report said higher sales, increased fixed-cost absorption, lower restructuring charges, fixed-cost reductions, as well as reduced pension and lower bad debt expense had a positive effect on operating earnings during the quarter.
The Brunswick first quarter report showed that Mercury Marine reported net sales of $445.7 million in the first quarter of 2010 — up 30 percent from $343.9 million in the first quarter of last year. As a whole,
Mercury posted operating earnings of $26.5 million, including restructuring charges of $2.4 million. Last year, Mercury had an operating loss of $50.6 million, which included $11.7 million in restructuring charges.
"All the changes and actions Brunswick and Mercury have taken in the last year are resulting in positive steps forward," said Mercury Marine spokesperson Steve Fleming.
Mercury's manufacturing facilities ramped up production during the quarter in response to customer inventory requirements, the report said. The report said higher sales, increased fixed-cost absorption, lower restructuring charges, fixed-cost reductions, as well as reduced pension and lower bad debt expense had a positive effect on operating earnings during the quarter.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Celebration Hospital ICU honored
Celebration ICU has beem awarded a National Beacon Award! The Beacon Award is presented by the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (the Largest Critical Care Organization in the World) and given to Critical Care Units that have exemplified nursing innovation, high quality patient outcomes, healthy work environments and a commitment to excellence.
Gaylord Earnings Report
Hotel and leisure company Gaylord Entertainment Co. (GET) Monday, reported a loss for the first quarter, compared to a profit in the previous year quarter. The company recorded net loss for the first quarter of $1.85 million or $0.04 per share, compared to net income of $3.52 million or $0.08 per share in the previous year quarter.
Revenues for the quarter rose 2.1% to $216.69 million from $212.32 million in the prior-year. Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected the company to report a loss of $0.05 per share, on revenues of $212.56 million for the quarter. Analysts estimates typically exclude special items.
Gaylord Palms posted revenue of $43.3 million in the first quarter of 2010, a 5.6 percent decrease compared to $45.9 million in the prior-year quarter, driven primarily by a decrease in group Average Daily Rate (“ADR”). ADR in the Orlando market has been under significant pressure as approximately 2,400 rooms have been added into the market since September 2009.
Revenues for the quarter rose 2.1% to $216.69 million from $212.32 million in the prior-year. Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected the company to report a loss of $0.05 per share, on revenues of $212.56 million for the quarter. Analysts estimates typically exclude special items.
Gaylord Palms posted revenue of $43.3 million in the first quarter of 2010, a 5.6 percent decrease compared to $45.9 million in the prior-year quarter, driven primarily by a decrease in group Average Daily Rate (“ADR”). ADR in the Orlando market has been under significant pressure as approximately 2,400 rooms have been added into the market since September 2009.
Buffalo Wild Wings expansion in the works at Formosa Gardens
Buffalo Wild Wings’ local franchisee has two new eateries in the works — the company’s sixth and seventh in Central Florida — and is expanding an existing restaurant, the Orlando Business Journal reports.
Sunshine Restaurant Corp. is building a new 10,500-square-foot restaurant in Formosa Gardens Village shopping center in Kissimmee and a 9,600-square-foot restaurant at the Clermont Landing retail center in Clermont. The firm also is adding 2,100 square feet to its existing 6,700-square-foot restaurant at the Crossroads center in Lake Buena Vista, which is expected to be done by mid-June.
The Kissimmee restaurant is slated for a mid-July completion, while Clermont should be finished by mid-August.
The expansion will cost the company about $6.5 million and will create 200 jobs, said Sunshine Restaurant principal Andy Gross. The new restaurants also are expected to feature several green elements, including capturing rainwater for irrigation and incorporating low-flow faucets and toilets, Gross said.
Sunshine Restaurant Corp. is building a new 10,500-square-foot restaurant in Formosa Gardens Village shopping center in Kissimmee and a 9,600-square-foot restaurant at the Clermont Landing retail center in Clermont. The firm also is adding 2,100 square feet to its existing 6,700-square-foot restaurant at the Crossroads center in Lake Buena Vista, which is expected to be done by mid-June.
The Kissimmee restaurant is slated for a mid-July completion, while Clermont should be finished by mid-August.
The expansion will cost the company about $6.5 million and will create 200 jobs, said Sunshine Restaurant principal Andy Gross. The new restaurants also are expected to feature several green elements, including capturing rainwater for irrigation and incorporating low-flow faucets and toilets, Gross said.
Florida Flight at Civic Center
Florida Flight. Say it fast three times.
The Flight are a World Basketball Association team that will call Kissimmee Civic Center home for the team's 2010 inaugural basketball season, according to reports.
"We are thrilled to be able to have a first-class facility like the Kissimmee Civic Center to call home," said Flight Co-Founder and President Mark King. "We look forward to providing the greater Central Florida area with a high-quality brand of family entertainment."
The Flight are part of the seven-team World Basketball Association (WBA), a professional basketball league designed to teach, develop and expose players to the NBA, NBA Developmental League, the Premier Basketball League (PBL) and international scouts. Other teams include the Decatur (GA) Court Kings; Frankin (TN) Knights; Gwinnett (GA) Majic; Jacksonville Bluewaves; Marietta Storm and Tupelo Rock-n-Rollers.
As part of a 16-game regular season, the team will play eight home games. They also have one exhibition date set for May 9. The regular season begins May 11 and runs through July 18.
The Flight are a World Basketball Association team that will call Kissimmee Civic Center home for the team's 2010 inaugural basketball season, according to reports.
"We are thrilled to be able to have a first-class facility like the Kissimmee Civic Center to call home," said Flight Co-Founder and President Mark King. "We look forward to providing the greater Central Florida area with a high-quality brand of family entertainment."
The Flight are part of the seven-team World Basketball Association (WBA), a professional basketball league designed to teach, develop and expose players to the NBA, NBA Developmental League, the Premier Basketball League (PBL) and international scouts. Other teams include the Decatur (GA) Court Kings; Frankin (TN) Knights; Gwinnett (GA) Majic; Jacksonville Bluewaves; Marietta Storm and Tupelo Rock-n-Rollers.
As part of a 16-game regular season, the team will play eight home games. They also have one exhibition date set for May 9. The regular season begins May 11 and runs through July 18.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Florida remains the 4th ranked 'cyberstate'
TechAmerica Foundation today released its 13th annual Cyberstates report detailing national and state trends in high-tech employment, wages, and other key economic factors. The report, Cyberstates 2010: The Definitive State-by-State Analysis of the High-Technology Industry, covers all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.
Florida remained the 4th ranked cyberstate employing 292,300 workers in 2008, the most current year for which state data is available. High-tech employment in Florida increased slightly with 1,100 jobs gained between 2007 and 2008. This 0.4 percent gain in the midst of recession compared with an overall 4.1 percent loss in the state’s private sector workforce in 2008.
Florida is a leader in multiple high-tech sectors, ranking among the top three in space and defense systems manufacturing, photonics manufacturing, internet and telecommunications services, engineering services, and computer training.
“The technology sector remains critical to Florida’s economy,” said N. Louis Shipley, VP and GM, Citrix Xen Products Group and Citrix’ representative to TechAmerica. “Even in the midst of the 2008 recession, Florida added tech jobs, while the private sector as a whole was shedding them. Anecdotal evidence, combined with more recent 2009 national numbers showing the U.S. tech industry shedding jobs for the first time in over half a decade, point to the fact that these trends are not likely to continue in the short term. The larger question is how can state and local policymakers support the tech industry and help it lead the state into recovery.”
Nationally, the high-tech industry lost 245,600 jobs in 2009, for a total of 5.9 million workers. This recession–induced, four percent decline in tech employment is slightly lower than the five percent decline experienced by the private sector as a whole and follows four years of steady growth in tech industry employment.
Florida remained the 4th ranked cyberstate employing 292,300 workers in 2008, the most current year for which state data is available. High-tech employment in Florida increased slightly with 1,100 jobs gained between 2007 and 2008. This 0.4 percent gain in the midst of recession compared with an overall 4.1 percent loss in the state’s private sector workforce in 2008.
Florida is a leader in multiple high-tech sectors, ranking among the top three in space and defense systems manufacturing, photonics manufacturing, internet and telecommunications services, engineering services, and computer training.
“The technology sector remains critical to Florida’s economy,” said N. Louis Shipley, VP and GM, Citrix Xen Products Group and Citrix’ representative to TechAmerica. “Even in the midst of the 2008 recession, Florida added tech jobs, while the private sector as a whole was shedding them. Anecdotal evidence, combined with more recent 2009 national numbers showing the U.S. tech industry shedding jobs for the first time in over half a decade, point to the fact that these trends are not likely to continue in the short term. The larger question is how can state and local policymakers support the tech industry and help it lead the state into recovery.”
Nationally, the high-tech industry lost 245,600 jobs in 2009, for a total of 5.9 million workers. This recession–induced, four percent decline in tech employment is slightly lower than the five percent decline experienced by the private sector as a whole and follows four years of steady growth in tech industry employment.
FAHU Educational Symposium and Expo at Gaylord
The Florida Association of Health Underwriters has announced that Russ Childers President National Association of Health Underwriters, has agreed to address the 2010 FAHU Educational Symposium & Expo at Gaylord Palms March 5-7.
Childers has been at the forefront throughout the debate revolving around the recent Healthcare Reform activity in Washington. In his role as the head of NAHU representing over 100,000 licensed health insurance professionals, he will be bringing a very relevant perspective to our Symposium.
The opening session address will feature Don Hamm, President, CEO of Assurant Health.
Childers has been at the forefront throughout the debate revolving around the recent Healthcare Reform activity in Washington. In his role as the head of NAHU representing over 100,000 licensed health insurance professionals, he will be bringing a very relevant perspective to our Symposium.
The opening session address will feature Don Hamm, President, CEO of Assurant Health.
For more information or to register go towww.FAHU.org.
About the Florida Association of Health Underwriters The Florida Association of Health Underwriters mission is to protect the consumer’s future. To accomplish our mission, we will strengthen the insurance marketplace by advocating effective legislation, ethical leadership and professional standards, and by educating our members and the consumers they serve. For more information visit our website at www.fahu.org.
About the Florida Association of Health Underwriters The Florida Association of Health Underwriters mission is to protect the consumer’s future. To accomplish our mission, we will strengthen the insurance marketplace by advocating effective legislation, ethical leadership and professional standards, and by educating our members and the consumers they serve. For more information visit our website at www.fahu.org.
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