Florida Opportunity Fund

Have you heard about the Florida Opportunity Fund? The Florida Opportunity Fund recently made a commitment of $3 million to 5AM Ventures II, a bioscience venture capital fund that recently completed an investment with a life sciences startup company in South Florida, according to TechJournal South. The Fund has announced five investments from the State's $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.

FDA Inspections Summit coming

Fifth Annual FDA Inspections Summit, Nov. 3–5, 2010, Bethesda, MD. This year, it's more important than ever to clearly understand the FDA's expectations for inspections. With a record-setting budget, more new inspectors than ever before, and a clear mandate to be more proactive, the FDA is changing the rules, as well as how it operates.Click here for more information. 

Nothing but links.

NAIOP's Development '10 starts today at the Peabody.Big things in solar.
How to get biofuel moving.
Advanced Biofuels Mark Nov. 9-10 in San Francisco

www.kissimmeechamber.com

The 2010 SEBIO Investor Forum is only 7 DAYS AWAY! 

Siemens displays HSR tech at Orange County Convention Center Nov. 8-9.

World's biggest solar plant

Solar Millennium’s 1,000 MW Blythe plant checks the final box in its permitting checklist.  Still waiting on the federal Loan Guarantee, some hefty equity investors—and then it’s shovel time, Greentech Media reports. Solar Millennium LLC's Blythe concentrating solar project secured a Final 'Record of Decision' from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) approving the plant's Right-of-Way Grant. Read more here. And here's a link to other CSP projects in the U.S.

3D Tech Talk

   Consumer electronics leader Panasonic and media analyst Paul Kagan announced today the program for 3D MEDIA MARKETS, the conference that analyzes the business structure and future prospects for the new 3D media industries is meeting next week at New York City's Waldorf-Astoria.
   Headliners include interviews with leaders in motion picture content, distribution and technology, and panels on 3D exhibition venues covering: the cinema, TV, videogames, mobile and internet networks and advertising.
   Among those participating with Osceola ties: Michael Lewis (CEO RealD, glasses are made here) and Anthony Bailey (VP/Emerging Tech, ESPN, Wide World of Sports is testing site for much of network's 3D tech).
   ReadD is the largest theatrical 3D provider in the world. Lewis is a veteran producer of advanced 3D programming and innovative financing for 3D ventures. RealD now has 3D screens in 17 of the world’s 18 largest theatre circuits.
   Jeffery Katzenberg - CEO, DreamWorks Animation - is also scheduled to appear.
   See the full release here.

Bruno White Foods sparks culinary excitement

   Yummy Creme Brulee without a torch. Kissimmee’s Bruno White Foods started selling Cookal with Elle & Vire dessert bases 1 year ago and now offers a retail sales option as well. In the company's  first year, they have sold over 50,000 liters of dessert bases which make over 550,000 individual desserts. In addition to this they have caramelized over 450,000 Crème Brulee’s with Cookal.
   The company has also launched Coconut flavor Cookal, and is testing 3 new products from Elle & Vire, including Tiramisu. A new product is schedule for launch in January.
    BWF Sales Director Christian Nicholson says that chefs who have opened their minds are now regular users of both products and are using their creative skills to explore the possibilities of how the products can be used. Those that have embraced the products are now using them on a regular basis and can’t live without them in their kitchen, Nicholson says.

$8.3 million grant for Health Department

    The Osceola County Health Department has been awarded a Facility Improvement Project grant totaling $8.3 million. As a result of this grant from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Osceola CHD will expand facilities at two of its Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) in Kissimmee and St. Cloud; and construct a new two-story building in Poinciana, which has been operating out of modular units since 2005.
   "We are excited about the grant award we have received" stated administrator Belinda Johnson-Cornett. "It will enable us to expand primary care services and provide a medical home to more of the uninsured and others in our county who are in need of medical care. Osceola County Health Department's FQHCs are a major safety net provider within Osceola County. Without our services many would go without healthcare. We are looking forward to working with the county and other community stakeholders to ensure this project is successfully implemented."
    According to the American Community Survey compiled by the Census Bureau, Florida ranks fourth in the nation with 20.9% uninsured. The Orlando-Kissimmee metro area exceeds both the state and the nation, with 21.2% uninsured. Additionally, Osceola County experienced the greatest increase in poverty among children of any Central Florida county, increasing over 6% from 2008 to 2009.
    The Capital Development program grants, administered by HHS' Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), will support major construction and renovation at 143 community health centers nationwide over the next five years.