ChooseOsceola.com

Godin to Give Guest Keynote at Gaylord Palms

2012-01-18T14:01:00.003-05:00

"America's Greatest Marketer" is coming to Osceola County in March. At least that's what American Way magazine said of best-selling author Seth Godin. His blog is perhaps the most popular in the world written by a single individual.Godin writes about the post-industrial revolution, the way ideas spread, marketing, quitting, leadership and most of all, changing everything.
He is scheduled to deliver a keynote during Gartner Inc.'s Customer 360 Summit at Gaylord Palms. The event runs March 14-16. Gartner is the world's leading information technology research and advisory company. The company says the event "delivers complete coverage of the new strategies and technologies that are enabling organizations to better understand and engage their customers, build loyalty and grow the business."
Read more about the event here.

PGA Pro John Cook joins forces with PlayGolfPlanet.com

2012-01-13T13:24:00.001-05:00

     KISSIMMEE ---PlayGolfPlanet.com, the start up company that provides golfers with a socialway to book tee times and deals with their favorite courses, has landed itssecond PGA golf pro endorsement from John Cook. CameronCress, founder and chief executive officer of PlayGolfPlanet.com, said Cook isgoing to place the PlayGolfPlanet.com logo to his golf bag for the duration ofthe PGA tour.
     “JohnCook is a friend and supporter and we are very excited about his endorsementand support,” Cress said.Cookis one of the top money winners on the senior golf circuit and is the winner ofsome 11 PGA tournaments.
   PlayGolfPlanet.com connects golfers directly with their favorite golf courses, brings them exclusive deals on tee times and local tournaments and allows them to organize rounds with friends.

PlayGolfPlanet.comis a client company of the University of Central Florida Business IncubationProgram located in Kissimmee at 111 E. Monument Avenue.

** *

For more information, contact

Cameron Cress, Founder/CEOPlayGolfPlanet, 407-615-7106 ccress@playgolfplaneat.com

Rafael Caamano, Site ManagerKissimmee UCF Business Incubation Program, 407-343-4300 Rafael .Caamano @ucf .edu

Larry Vershel orBeth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142 or LvershelCo@aol.com

Aboutthe UCF Business Incubation Program:

Since its founding in 1999, theUCF Business Incubation Program has helped more than 200 emerging companies(including more than 100 current clients) create over $200 million in annualtotal economic output and more than 1,600 new jobs with an average salaryof $59,000. With nine facilities across the Greater Orlando community, theBusiness Incubation Program is a collaboration in economic development betweenthe University of Central Florida, Orange County, the City of Orlando, SeminoleCounty, the City of Winter Springs, The City of Sanford, Lake County, the Cityof Leesburg, Osceola County, the City of Kissimmee, City of St. Cloud, VolusiaCounty and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. Please visit www.incubator.ucf.edu and UCFBIP onFacebook.

Sustainability event set for ChampionsGate

2011-12-30T16:08:00.000-05:00

   Sustainability will be showcased during a March event at the Omni Championsgate. Pira International, in association with Packaging Digest and Pharmaceutical & Medical Packaging News, is pleased to announce that the key players in the packaging industry will be featured in the just-released Sustainability in Packaging 2012 agenda.
    This year’s event will take place March 12-14 with a focus on driving innovation through the supply chain, providing the most up-to-date information affecting sustainability in the packaging industry.
    “Year in and year out, the Sustainability in Packaging conference draws an outstanding audience of packaging professionals who are dedicated to staying on top of developments in sustainability,” says John Kalkowski, editorial director of Packaging Digest and Conference Advisory Board Member. “They come because they know the agenda is pertinent and timely, and because the conference is an opportunity to network with like-minded individuals.”     Organizations presenting at Sustainability in Packaging 2012 include HAVI Global Solutions, Hewlett-Packard, McDonald's, Nestlé Research Center, PepsiCo, Procter & Gamble, RMIT University, S.C. Johnson, TerraChoice, The Coca Cola Company, The Sustainability Consortium, UC Berkeley, Haas School of Business and the WWF.
    Attendees will also hear from the American Chemistry Council, the Better Business Bureau, Big Room Inc., Braskem America, Inc., Brooks Sports, Can Manufacturers Institute, Ecole Polytechnique, Ecologic Brands, Inc., Ecovative Design LLC, Flint Group, Georgia-Pacific, Henkel, Interbrand, Krones AG, Michigan State University, MicroGREEN Polymers Inc., Mirel™ Bioplastics by Telles, NextLife, Octal, Packaging Digest, PAC NEXT, Placon, RecycleMatch, Replenish Bottling Sonoco Packaging, StewardEdge USA Inc., Tetra Pak, The Dow Chemical Company, The Gillette Company, The Shelton Group, Tonejet Limited, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, Whole Foods Market and WRAP.
“Sustainability continues to be a challenging and yet exciting area for innovation across the entire packaging supply chain,” says Alan Blake, Procter & Gamble, Corporate Packaging Development Sustainability and Conference Advisory Board Member. “The Sustainability in Packaging conference offers the opportunity to hear about success stories, to share ideas with an outstanding panel of speakers and to connect with a broad group of industry representatives.”

    For more information about Sustainability in Packaging 2012 or to attend, visit http://www.sustainability-in-packaging.com.

About Pira International
Pira International – the worldwide authority on the packaging, paper and print industry supply chains. Established in 1930, Pira provides strategic and technical consulting, testing, intelligence and events to help clients gain market insights, identify opportunities, evaluate product performance and manage compliance. Our events combine productive networking, high caliber presentations and targeted marketing opportunities for key decision makers across the globe in the packaging, paper and print industry supply chains. Visit www.pira-international.com for more information.

Building permit fee waiver program extended

2011-12-29T15:00:00.000-05:00

Believing that it has led to increased construction activity and additional jobs in both the commercial and residential sectors, the Osceola County Commission extended the county building permit fee waiver program through Sept. 30, 2012. Read the entire story in the Osceola News-Gazette.

New Incubator client

2011-12-29T10:03:00.000-05:00

        Inspire Travel, a kinder, gentler online travel company that provides a platform that can be leveraged to support social causes and community organizations, has joined the University of Central Florida Business Incubator in Kissimmee. Inspire Travel is a startup company with a conscience and a business model that combines the best features of online booking agencies with group discounting and social media while promoting social entrepreneurship. Inspire Travel recently had a soft launch of www.InspireTravel.com.
     “Inspire Travel is a natural evolution of online travel that combines discount travel options with a social media driven marketing strategy,” said Bill Haberman, company founder and CEO.
   Read more here.

Rida/Gaylord Project moves forward

2011-12-28T10:10:00.002-05:00

The Osceola County Commission to authorize the county to issue up to $14 million in bonds to be funded by tourist development tax revenue to build the first phase of the convention space/hotel room project resulting from an agreement between the county, Rida Development and Gaylord Palms. Read more in the Osceola News-Gazette.

Extension of Impact Fee moratorium to be considered

2011-12-28T10:08:00.000-05:00

County commissioners have agreed to allow staff to move forward on drafting an ordinance extending the moratorium on both residential and commercial impact fees. The moratorium is set to expire Feb. 1 and the proposal is to extend it until Sept. 30, 2012, as well. The moratorium covers transportation, fire and park impact fees, but not school impact fees. The commission will consider the ordinance in January. As of early December, $7.37 million of fees had been waived in commercial construction and $1.53 million for residential construction, according to county documents. County staff also said impact fees had been waived for new projects valued at about $90 million, representing almost 800,000 square feet of commercial space. In addition, impact fees had been waived for 380 residential units. Read the full story in the Osceola News Gazette.

Parking garage Update

2011-12-28T09:31:00.000-05:00

    Have you been to downtown Kissimmee lately? If so, there's no little doubt you've seen the big orange crane that's a key tool in constructing an 8-story parking garage, directly east of the Osceola County Administration Building.
   Scheduled for completion in May, the $15 million garage is expected to employ hundreds of workers in various trades over the course of the project.
   Ask anyone who does business at Courthouse Square and they'll tell you that the 830 spaces on the 1.5-acre site are badly needed.
   The precast concrete garage is designed to accommodate future flex space on the ground floor.
   Fast fact: More than 2,000 tons of stone was installed beneath the ground surface during to provide a solid foundation for the structure.
   Project architect/engineer Heery International included architectural features similar to the adjacent County buildings, including aluminum frames, brick and cast stone/masonry elements to blend with the rest of the campus.
   The civil engineer is Hanson, Walter and Associates Inc., and the construction manager is Manhattan Kraft Construction Inc.

Procurement reaches out to small business

2011-12-27T10:38:00.003-05:00

In an effort to show commitment to locally-owned small businesses, Osceola County has adopted the LSBE program to enhance your opportunities for contracting with the County. Here’s how the program works. Certified Local Small Business Enterprises are permitted to match the lowest bid price when they are within 5% of the lowest bid. If more than one LSBE is within 5% of the lowest bid, the lowest bidder among the LSBEs is granted the opportunity to match the lowest bid first.

Sessions already scheduled for 2012

January 11, 9 a.m.

January 25, 6 p.m.

February 8, 2 p.m.

February 22, 6 p.m.

Valencia best in Nation

2011-12-27T10:37:00.000-05:00

    Valencia College won the inaugural Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. Announced in a ceremony held Dec.12 at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., the award comes with $600,000 in prize money.
    "It is such a privilege to represent my colleagues and the hundreds of community colleges across the country that have done amazing work for years and years," said Dr. Sanford Shugart, president of Valencia College, show receiving the prize at left in the photo above. "The whole country is looking to us these days, it seems. The nation has discovered that we have this unique instrument at hand. We are institutions where excellence is not defined by exclusivity."
     In selecting Valencia as the best community college in America, Aspen officials noted that over half of the college's full-time students graduate or transfer within three years of entering the school, a rate significantly higher than the national average (51 percent versus 39 percent).
      Because community colleges also train students for the workforce, Aspen judges focused on the college's workforce training programs and the likelihood of graduates landing jobs. They noted that Valencia graduates "are employed at rates higher than graduates from any of the other 10 Aspen Prize finalists. This is especially impressive given the region's unusually high unemployment rate and low job growth rate."
Watch a video here.

Wawa Expanding to Osceola

2011-12-27T10:35:00.000-05:00

Folks from the Northeast know all about Wawa convenience stores. For Floridians it is something new. But based on the glowing reviews from its loyal fan base, Wawa's move into Osceola County is exciting stuff. Wawa’s founder Grahame Wood pledged that Wawa stores would be different: fast, fresh, and friendly with value pricing. The company invests more than $5 million for every new store it brings to a community, creating 30-40 jobs at each location with a 60/40 mix of full-time to part-time positions. The popular northeast company serves 400 million customers annually – 22 times the population of the state of Florida.
Read more here.

Economic Prognostication

2011-12-27T10:29:00.001-05:00

    University of Central Florida economist Sean Snaith said slow will continue to be a key word in his latest forecast from the UCF Institute for Economic Competitiveness.
   Snaith he predicts unemployment in Florida will remain above 9 percent until the end of 2014 – but that some areas will see growth.
   Payrolls and incomes are expected to creep up, retail sales will be much stronger, and housing starts will go up, Snaith predicts.
   Still, he said, things won't look like 2006-2007 for quite some time.
   "The year is shaping up to be another year of subpar growth," the institute said in its report. "Growth, to be sure, will continue and 2012 will be an improvement over a largely disappointing 2011, but economic growth for the year will (be less than) 2 percent and payrolls will expand by just 1.8 percent….
   "The near term economic picture for Florida is for a modest acceleration of the pace of recovery, including the labor market over the next two quarters," the report said.
    But, Snaith noted, "the damage to our economy from the recession, housing and financial crises was severe, and the process of rebuilding will take time."
     State economists have come to share Snaith's caution, after getting a bit giddy earlier in the year. Revenue forecasters for the state had projected strong growth numbers that back in the spring had given lawmakers hope that there might be state budget growth this year, or at least flat tax revenue. But after a couple months of warnings that taxes weren't coming in as strong as first thought, economists in October reduced their projections fairly dramatically, slicing $1.6 billion from the state's forecasted tax revenue over the next year and a half.
      Much of Florida's fate is tied to the national economy – as it goes so go the local economies to a certain degree. In Florida, that link is particularly acute because of the state's reliance on people moving here, either in retirement or for new opportunities – when housing was booming, there was a stream of people moving to the state to take part in that boom – and people coming here on vacation.

Valencia wins Aspen Prize

2011-12-13T10:11:00.002-05:00

Valencia College won the inaugural Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. Announced in a ceremony held Dec.12 atthe National Press Club in Washington, D.C., the award comes with $600,000 inprize money.

"It is such a privilege torepresent my colleagues and the hundreds of community colleges across thecountry that have done amazing work for years and years," said Dr.Sanford Shugart, president of Valencia College. "The whole country islooking to us these days, it seems. The nation has discovered that we havethis unique instrument at hand. We are institutions where excellence isnot defined by exclusivity."

"This award embodies theidea that community colleges are incredibly important; important to the futureof this great country, of course, important to our education system and oureconomy," said Richard Riley, former U.S. Secretary of Education andformer governor of South Carolina. "The prize is alsohighlighting which community colleges best show us the way to moving beyondextraordinary access to exceptional levels of student success. That's somethingwe need all community colleges to do nationally."

In a competitive year-longprocess, the Aspen Institute, along with a panel of some of the biggest namesin higher education, selected Valencia and four runners-up from apreliminary list of 120 "top" community colleges in the nation, basedon student performance and graduation data collected by the U.S. Department ofEducation. The runners-up include community colleges from around the country,including Miami-Dade College, Lake Area Technical Institute in Watertown, S.D.,Walla Walla Community College in Walla Walla, Wash., and WesternKentucky Community and Technical College in Paducah, Ky.

"Valencia College has proventhat devotion to assessment yields results," said Josh Wyner, executivedirector of the Aspen Institute's College Excellence Program. "The collegeis an engine for employment in Central Florida, and a model for thecountry."

"Community colleges areAmerica's best kept secret," said Jill Biden, wife of Vice PresidentJoe Biden and a community college professor. "Excellence happens every dayin community college classrooms and campuses across thiscountry...Congratulations to Valencia College and all the finalists. Yourcommitment to your students is an inspiration to all of us."

In selecting Valencia as the bestcommunity college in America, Aspen officials noted that over half of thecollege's full-time students graduate or transfer within three years ofentering the school, a rate significantly higher than the national average (51percent versus 39 percent).

At a time when data show anincreasing number of students nationwide are not ready for college-level work -and that the U.S has slipped to 12th globally in the percentage of youngadults who hold at least an associate degree - Valencia is experiencing risinggraduation rates among all students, including minorities.

Valencia has experienced dramatic increases in graduation rates among college-ready African American students, nearly tripling in the last decade from 15.4 percent to 44.3 percent today.

Graduation rates for college-ready Hispanic students have similarly impressive gains, jumping from 38.7 to 45.5 percent in the last decade.

Because community colleges alsotrain students for the workforce, Aspen judges focused on the college'sworkforce training programs and the likelihood of graduates landing jobs. Theynoted that Valencia graduates "are employed at rates higher than graduatesfrom any of the other 10 Aspen Prize finalists. This is especially impressivegiven the region's unusually high unemployment rate and low job growthrate."

This is not the first time thatValencia has made national news. In November, the Carnegie Foundation for theAdvancement of Teaching named Valencia ESL professor James May the 2011 FloridaProfessor of the Year. May was one of only 27 state professors selected torepresent the most outstanding undergraduate instructors in the country.

In 2009, Valencia won theinaugural Leah Meyer Austin Institutional Student Success Leadership Award forhelping minority students succeed. In 2007, the New York Times named Valenciaas one of the nation's leading community colleges, and in 2001, Valencia waschosen by Time Magazine as one of the nation's best schools athelping first-year students excel.

Valencia's innovations include:

LifeMap, launched in 1998, empowers students to chart their own paths through college to achieve career and life goals through connections with advisors, faculty, staff and interactive tools.
Supplemental Learning, which bolsters traditional courses with small-group study sessions, led by a student who has already successfully taken the class. Since 2006, almost 32,000 students have taken SL courses - one of the largest scale learning experiments to ever take place in a U.S. community college.
Bridges to Success, which offers disadvantaged high school students free tuition if they enroll in Valencia immediately after high school graduation, keep their grades up and participate in Bridges activities.
DirectConnect to UCF, which has streamlined the admissions, financial aid, advising and transfer processes for Valencia students continuing their education at UCF.

Founded in 1967, Valencia Collegeoperates six campuses and centers in Central Florida's Orange and Osceolacounties, offering credit and continuing education programs. The college hasmore than 70,000 students and more than 80,000 students have earned degrees atValencia since its founding.

Colt's Expanding to Osceola County

2011-12-06T08:38:00.001-05:00

   Osceola County, Florida - Colt's Manufacturing Company, LLC announced (on Dec. 1)its commitment to create 63 jobs in Osceola County for its new regional headquarters and product manufacturing center. The center will hire people for engineering and manufacturing jobs, among others. In 2012, Colt is projecting to begin phasing in the first of 63 jobs paying an average salary of $45,060 to be created during the following three years. Governor Rick Scott and Colt's Manufacturing Company President and CEO Lieutenant General William M. Keys USMC (Ret.) were joined by the Osceola County Board of County Commissioners for the announcement.
   "As a supporter of new job creation and the Second Amendment, this announcement sends the clear message that Florida is both open for business and a defender of our citizen's right to bear arms," Florida Governor Rick Scott said. "My primary responsibility as governor is to be our state's chief advocate for job creation. My personal involvement in bringing Colt to Florida demonstrates my administration's deep commitment to rebuilding our economy."
   Colt is making a $2.5 million capital investment in a vacant building, which the company will lease, that is owned by Osceola County. Governor Scott and his economic development team at Enterprise Florida Inc. and the Osceola County Economic Development Department worked with Colt to bring this project to fruition. State incentives include $250,000 from the Governor's Quick Action Closing Fund and funds for workforce training. Osceola County is offering additional incentives, including renovation of the building and rent concessions.
   "Colt looked at many possible sites across the nation, but we ultimately decided to locate our new facility in the State of Florida," Gen. Keys said. "Florida offered a strong pro-business incentive package. Coupled with the low cost of doing business in Florida and a favorable regulatory environment, opening this new facility was very attractive to us. Governor Scott's personal commitment to both Colt's growth plan and America's right to bear arms was instrumental in our decision."
   "Attracting an American icon like Colt, which is one of the world's top brands, is a real coup for our economic development efforts," said Commission Chairman John Quiñones. "Beyond creating new, high-wage jobs, Colt is going to be a great asset to our community."
   "Colt's expansion to Osceola County is a perfect fit for the region," said Dr. Sanford Shugart, president of Valencia College, which will design a specialized training program for the company. "Valencia College stands ready to deliver the best trained, best educated workforce possible. We welcome Colt's Manufacturing to Osceola County and commit to partnering with them and serving their employees and families for many years to come."

El Gobernador Scott y Colt's Manufacturing Anuncian Nuevos Empleos para el Condado de Osceola
Condado de Osceola, Florida - En el día de hoy, Colt's Manufacturing Company, LLC anunció su compromiso de crear 63 empleos en el Condado de Osceola para su nueva sede regional y centro de fabricación de producto. El centro contratará personal para trabajos de ingeniería y manufactura, entre otros. Para el 2012, Colt está proyectando comenzar la implementación gradual de los primeros 63 empleos pagando un salario promedio de $45,060 que serán creados durante los próximos tres años. El Gobernador Rick Scott y el Presidente y Director Ejecutivo de Colt's Manufacturing Company, el Teniente General William M. Keys USMC (Ret.), fueron acompañados por la Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Osceola para el anuncio.

   "Como partidario de la creación de nuevos empleos y la Segunda Enmienda, este anuncio envía un mensaje claro de que Florida es igualmente abierta a los negocios y en ser un defensor de los derechos de nuestros ciudadanos a portar armas", dijo el Gobernador de Florida Rick Scott. "Mi responsabilidad primordial como gobernador es ser el principal impulsor abogando para la creación de empleos. Mi participación personal en traer a Colt a Florida demuestra el profundo compromiso de mi administración por reconstruir nuestra economía".
   Colt está haciendo una inversión de 2.5 millones de dólares en un edificio vacante, que la compañía arrendará, propiedad del Condado de Osceola. El Gobernador Scott y su equipo de desarrollo económico de Enterprise Florida Inc., y el Departamento de Desarrollo Económico del Condado de Osceola, trabajaron con Colt para llevar este proyecto a buen término. Incentivos estatales incluyen $250,000 del Governor's Quick Action Closing Fund y fondos para la capacitación de los trabajadores. El Condado de Osceola está ofreciendo incentivos adicionales, incluyendo la renovación del edificio y alquiler de concesiones.
   "Colt visitó muchos posibles lugares en toda la nación, pero al final decidimos ubicar nuestras nuevas facilidades en el Estado de Florida", dijo el General Keys. "Florida ofreció un fuerte paquete de incentivo pro-empresarial. Junto con el bajo costo de hacer negocios en Florida y un entorno normativo favorable, la apertura de esta nueva instalación fue muy atractiva para nosotros. El compromiso personal del Gobernador Scott con el plan de crecimiento de Colt y el derecho de los Estadounidenses a portar armas fue instrumental en nuestra decisión".
   "Atraer un icono Americano como Colt, la cual es una de las mejores marcas del mundo, es un verdadero logro en nuestros esfuerzos hacia el desarrollo económico", dijo el Presidente de la Comisión John Quiñones. "Más allá de la creación de nuevos empleos de altos salarios, Colt va a ser un gran beneficio para nuestra comunidad".
   "La expansión de Colt al Condado de Osceola es un ajuste perfecto para la región", dijo el Dr. Sanford Shugart, Presidente del Valencia College, quien diseñará un programa de adiestramiento especializado para la empresa. "El Valencia College está listo para ofrecer a los trabajadores la mejor educación y adiestramiento posible. Le damos la bienvenida a Colt's Manufacturing al Condado de Osceola y nos comprometemos a trabajar en conjunto con ellos y servir a sus empleados y familias durante muchos años por venir".

Florida: Who wouldn't want to live here

2011-11-14T08:54:00.001-05:00

NEW YORK , N.Y. -- Excluding their current state, if Americans had to say where they would most like to live, the top three mentions are states typically associated with sunshine and the beach: Hawaii (1), California (2) and Florida (3). These states have consistently been in the top 3 the last 8 times this question has been asked. However, this year marks the first time since 2001 that California has not been the top mention.
These are some of the results of The Harris Poll of 2,463 adults surveyed online between October 10 and 17, 2011 by Harris Interactive.

Ferro Assumes Micro Key Presidency

2011-11-10T10:23:00.005-05:00

Micro KeySolutions recently announced the promotion of Victoria Ferro to President. Victoriahas been leading the company since last spring while Wayne Torrens enjoyed along awaited hiatus from the business world. Victoria's managementstyle will help Micro Key move to the next level. Wayne will remain with thecompany as CEO and oversee Micro Key's growth and work with our customersto come up with new applications, software enhancements and features toensure we continue to meet the needs of the industry. During the announcement, madethrough a LIVE webcast from Micro Key headquarters in Kissimmee, Victoria stated: "Micro Key will continue to adhere to the same corevalues of providing innovative technology and superior customer service to the securityalarm industry. That is a promise." All of us at Micro Key support theseexciting moves and join Victoria in her commitment to our customers and theindustry. To see a video of the LIVE webcast visit webcast.microkey.com.

A very seasonal cluster

2011-11-01T09:41:00.000-04:00

This is what happens when you give planners knives and other tools and turn them loose -- a "Pumpkin Industry Cluster." Credit goes to Osceola County Community Development's Pete Gousis, Brenda Ryan, Josh DeVries, Leigh Anne Wachter, Carlene Bowen and Tina Demostene.

Changes at Reunion brings new energy

2011-11-01T09:23:00.002-04:00

From Orlando Sentinel golf writer Jeff Shain:

When Annika Sorenstam launched her golf academy in 2006, ReunionResort was a place of grand ambitions. Those were boom times. One of the LPGA's richest tournamentsgave the locale south of Walt Disney World instant recognition. Vacation homessold quickly. Owner Bobby Ginn was flush with cash.

All that dried up, of course, when the economy took a nose divea few years later. Since then, Sorenstam has waited for someone to breathe somelife into the property.

Promise arrived last month, when Reunion and its sister propertyin Palm Coast were united with venerable Innisbrook Resort near Tampa in athree-resort, nine-course alliance stretching from one Florida coast to theother.

"I think it's refreshing," Sorenstam said afterSalamander Hotels & Resorts formally took over management. "This placehas so much potential."

An LPGA return may not be far off, either. Salamander CEO SheilaJohnson also disclosed plans to meet next week with tour officials abouthosting a tournament again.

"I think it's hugely important," said Johnson, whomade her fortune as co-founder of Black Entertainment Television and now ownsthe WNBA's Washington Mystics. "It puts us on the map, just like the [PGATour] did at Innisbrook."

Innisbrook is part of the Florida Swing as host of theTransitions Championship. Together with Reunion Resort and Hammock Beach Resort,the trio now is being marketed to travelers as the "Grand Golf Resorts ofFlorida."

Among the promotional points: A "Legends of Golf"trail that packages the resorts' 162 holes of golf over nine courses, includingdesigns by Hall of Famers Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson.

"This resort concept has never before been accomplished,and because of the unique characteristics of each property, it cannot bereplicated," Johnson said.

"I love the synergy. All three facilities are superb, they reallyare. In fact, Reunion and Hammock Beach really had a leg up on Innisbrook. Ireally almost had to do a gut job to bring it up to the level it is now. … Whatyou all have here is remarkable."

Innisbrook is a wholly owned Salamander property, acquired in2007 and soon given a $26 million renovation. Salamander is taking over bothReunion and Hammock Beach as part of a partnership with real-estate equity firmLubert-Adler LP, which owns the resorts.

Both locales, in fact, spent time as tour stops during the lastdecade, when Ginn had an open checkbook. The LPGA's best came to Reunion forthe Ginn Open from 2006-08; Hammock Beach brought the Champions Tour to itsfairways.

Financial woes from the slumping real-estate market forced Ginnto withdraw sponsorship from both events in 2008. A year later, Ginnrelinquished management of both properties.

"This area has been a little flat, as we all know,"said Sorenstam, who still hosts one of the nation's top junior tournaments atReunion. "We've been looking for somebody that'll come in and give it thelittle spark that it needs."

Johnson's involvement — she's also a newcomer to the AnnikaFoundation board — also may provide the final push to fulfill Sorenstam's dreamof creating an LPGA event in her adopted hometown.

"It's certainly not going to hurt it," the LPGA Hallof Famer said. "We're just going to be patient and keep our fingerscrossed. We need a partner, and here's a partner."

2011-10-26T17:20:00.003-04:00

Consumers want wireless communication withphysicians

A new study by the ConsumerElectronics Association (CEA) reveals that consumers are interested incommunicating with their doctors via wireless devices. The study, The New Roleof Technology in Consumer Health and Wellness, examines consumer perceptionsand attitudes in using technology products to maintain their health andwellness. According to thestudy, 36 percent of consumers say they would be interested in sending healthdata to their doctor via a wireless device; 33 percent are interested inmanaging their health records online; and 32 percent would be willing toconsult with their doctor via online video, according to this report in TechJournal South.

Odds 'n' Ends

2011-10-24T14:32:00.003-04:00

SoftServe, a leading global provider of proven high quality software development, testing and consulting services, held their 4th annual Innovations Conference at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center. SoftServe is a leading global provider of proven high quality software development, testing and consulting services. ...John Shegerian, Chairman and CEO of Electronic Recyclers International, the nation's leading recycler of electronic waste, was among the panelists of a group discussion on the state of the electronics recycling industry at the 2011 E-Scrap Conference held at the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate. The E-Scrap Conference is the premier electronic waste recycling conference of North America and hosts industry leaders from around the world who network and discuss trends and challenges facing the electronic waste recycling industry today. ...Hospital Corporation of America has purchased 45 acres near the Solivita community in Poinciana with plans to build a 60-bed hospital with an emergency-medical facility and a medical-office building, the Orlando Sentinel reported. ...TNP Strategic Retail Trust Inc., a publicly registered non-traded REIT announced the acquisition of Osceola Village, a 116,645-square-foot retail center in Kissimmee. The retail center was purchased directly from the construction lender. "Rarely does this type of opportunity present itself to purchase the dominant grocery anchor in a growth market like Orlando," said Thompson National Properties' CEO, Anthony W. "Tony" Thompson. Constructed in 2008, Osceola Village is 77 percent occupied and anchored by Publix with a lease expiration in 2028 and hhgregg with a lease expiration in 2018. The property is located at the intersection of Osceola Parkway and Dyer Boulevard. ...

ESPN Wide World of Sports honored

2011-10-24T14:31:00.003-04:00

Walt Disney World’s ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex earned the title of “Business of the Year” at the inaugural Central Florida SPORTYS Awards. The SPORTYS Awards honors both amateur and professional local athletes, coaches, employees and businesses from throughout Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia Counties.

St. Cloud company presents at VC forum

2011-10-24T14:30:00.002-04:00

True-Safe Technologies Inc.of St. Cloud was one of 17 Florida companies chosen by the Florida Venture Forum to present at the 2011 Early State Venture Capital Conference at the Reunion Resort last month.

The companies, selected as the best early-stage prospects for equity financing, each gave a 10-minute presentation to the audience of the conference which includes venture capitalists, private equity investors, angel investors, investment bankers, financial intermediaries and entrepreneurs.

True-Safe Technologies Inc. is a leader in Arc Fault Detection and Interruption (AFCI) Systems in low voltage residential, commercial and industrial applications.

The company continues to seek investors and is also in discussions for a strategic partnership with a manufacturer in the industry.

Local plumbing company honored

2011-10-24T14:26:00.001-04:00

Rodolfo Ortiz, president of Rodolfo Ortiz Plumbing, was recently received a Rising Star Award from the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. The award recognizes the company for "commitment and dedication to the Authority and for your continued success as a Small Developing Business. Rodolfo Oriz Plumbing Inc. has consistently maintained a high level of service to the Authority."

Ortiz attended the "Making Media Connections at the UCF Incubator in St. Cloud that was hosted by Commissioner Fred Hawkins Jr. and Economic Development Administrator Maria Toumazos.

Enterprise Florida grant to boost export activity

2011-10-21T15:15:00.006-04:00

Enterprise Florida hasbeen awarded a State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) grant for $780,786 bythe U.S. Small Business Administration to help boost exportactivity during the next year. EnterpriseFlorida’s grant is one of many totaling $30 million that the SBA has presentedto states, territories and Washington, D.C. as a result of the 2010 SmallBusiness Jobs Act’s State Trade and Export Promotion Program.

“Iam on board with the President’s vision that U.S. companies and workers candouble U.S. goods and services exports during the next five years, which wouldhelp support good, high paying jobs in manufacturing, services, and in agriculture,” says the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Regional Administrator CassiusButts. “We are happy to be working with partners, such as EnterpriseFlorida and other partners across the United States to increase both the numberof exporters and the number of countries they ship to. The Step Grantexemplifies the dedication that Florida has to spurring economic growth andassisting entrepreneurs to thrive from the international market.”

In using its granttoward that purpose, Enterprise Florida has goals that include helping thestate’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) diversify their targetmarkets, and prompting infrequent and single-market exporters to expand theiroverseas trade activity.

“Furthermore, we willwork to engage new SMEs, particularly manufacturers, in exporting,” emphasizesManny Mencía, senior vice president of Enterprise Florida’s international tradedivision. “The grant will enable more SMEs to take advantage of overseastradeshows and missions because we will be able to provide them with funding tooffset their costs.”

Cenek makes soft landing at Kissimmee Incubator

2011-10-21T14:26:00.002-04:00

Cenek, a learning contentmanagement system firm headquartered in Medellin, Colombia is the first companyto join the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program’s SoftLanding program.

Pim Vanden Bergh, sales manager for Cenek, said the firm specializes in simplifyingthe training process of large groups of employees geographically dispersed byusing its cloud based platform, Cenek 3.0. With aproven record of almost half a million completed courses in Colombia alone, Cenek hopes to repeat this success in the U.S.

RafaelCaamano, site manager for the UCF Business Incubation Program in Kissimmee,said Cenek plans to take advantage of the resources in order to understand the Florida andU.S. market from a new base at UCF’s Business Incubator in Kissimmee.

JuanHerrera, chief executive officer for Cenek said he is looking forward toembracing this opportunity that can lead to jobs in both Kissimmee andin Medellin.

Aboutthe UCF BIP

Sinceits founding in 1999, the UCF Business Incubation Program has helped more than200 emerging companies (including more than 100 current clients) create over$200 million in annual total economic output and more than 1,600 new jobswith an average salary of $59,000. With nine facilities across the GreaterOrlando community, the Business Incubation Program is a collaboration ineconomic development between the University of Central Florida, Orange County,the City of Orlando, Seminole County, the City of Winter Springs, The City ofSanford, Lake County, the City of Leesburg, Osceola County, the City ofKissimmee, City of St. Cloud, Volusia County and the Florida High Tech CorridorCouncil. Please visit www.incubator.ucf.eduand UCFBIP on Facebook.

2011-10-17T08:36:00.001-04:00

Same phone numbers and e-mails but we have a new address!

Nicholson Center Grand Opening

2011-10-10T08:26:00.001-04:00

The Nicholson Center held its grand opening Oct. 6.The center, which is expected to train 20,000 surgeons a year in minimally invasive techniques, is a brand new 54,000-square-foot, two-story, $54 million facility at the Florida Hospital Celebration Health campus. The hospital plans to hire 75 permanent jobs with the new center, which is projected to have a more than $13 million annual economic impact.

The facility has six da Vinci robots, at $1.8 million a pop, 40 endoscopic surgical stations, a medical simulation center, and an innovation and technolgy accelerator. The Department of Defense awarded the Nicholson Center a $4.2 million grant to study ways telemedicine technology can be used in surgery. What’s more, the hospital is open to companies looking to partner, especially those already working in military simulation that want to translate their work into the medical field.

Center Features

500-seat conference center with high definition, multi-campus site videoconferencing and global communication capabilities.
6 da Vinci robotic stations in a dedicated robotics lab with bidirectional connectivity to other learning and education spaces.
A simulation and robotics training center that offers computer-based simulations, medical virtual reality trainers, surgical simulators and multiple robotic technologies.
An innovation and technology accelerator that focuses on new business initiatives with physicians, global medical companies, medical associations and the military.
A dedicated dry simulation and robotics lab that can be subdivided into three suites, each offering full AV integration.
Two 935 square foot, fully equipped team training operating room with bidirectional AV integration.
Conference rooms, collaboration suites and board rooms accommodating teams from 4 to 25.

Lots o' Links

2011-08-30T09:56:00.000-04:00

Tupperware makes the Washington Post Style section.

UCF economist Dr. Sean Snaith on Central Florida Spotlight.

Channel Intelligence CEO Rob Wight on the retail market.

Micro Key Solutions offers a mobile app.

Comptel event at Gaylord Palms in October.

News on Florida Hospital Celebration Health's new patient tower.

2011 NERF DART TAG World Championship held at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort

Natural Gas Summit at ChampionsGate.

AES coming to Osceola County

2011-08-24T09:19:00.002-04:00

Commissioner Fred Hawkins Jr., Darren Porcello, Commissioner Michael Harford and Boris Masera.
An Indiana Company that repairs and overhauls high-end electronics, weapon systems and accessories for military operators worldwide and Prime Contractors is establishing its world headquarters here, the Osceola County Economic Development Department announced today.
    Called Project AES, the company has committed to creating 20 jobs over a three-year period with an average salary of $60,526 - 200 percent over the Osceola County average.
    "Osceola County offered an excellent business climate for an entrepreneurial, hi-tech company like ours," said Darren Porcello, spokesman for the company. "Osceola County has great weather, an affordable cost of living, a well-educated workforce, plenty of community amenities, including its location in the Florida High Tech Corridor."
    Because of the high wage level of the new positions, Aero Engineering Support will receive $100,000 in cash upfront from Osceola County as part of an agreement approved by the Board of County Commissioners. "This is great news for Osceola County. AES is creating highly-desirable jobs in a growing field," said Commissioner Michael E. Harford, whose district includes AES' new facility. "This company's choice proves that Osceola is a great place for cutting edge technology businesses to call home."
    The money will be used to purchase a back-up generator because the company can't afford any down time due to the need of military mission aircraft readiness.
    AES specializes in repair and overhaul of high-end electronics systems, as well as software development, Test Programming Services (TPS) and Design & Fabrication of Test Equipment, including Automatic Test Equipment (ATE) for end-users and the repair of weapons systems.
    Porcello said AES works with companies such as Rockwell-Collins, L3, Boeing, Lockheed Martin and many other Prime Contractors worldwide. The company provides repair/overhaul services for our Armed Forces that would include the Air Force, Navy and Army. The majority of AES customers are foreign military sales (FMS) including NATO, Canada, Australia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia and South Korea.
    "This company is a great fit for Osceola County," said Chairman Brandon Arrington. "AES has ties to the defense industry that will enhance our portfolio of companies and will create high-paying jobs for Osceola County residents."
    AES is also making a substantial investment to build out the space it is leasing, including construction of a clean room. AES plans on hiring technicians, engineers, scientists, software developers, Porcello said.
    Anyone with these skills who is interested in potential employment with AES should contact WORKFORCE CENTRAL FLORIDA for more details at www.workforcecentralflorida.com or Anika Holmes at 407-531-1222, ext. 2055.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

AES Inc. Traslada su Sede Mundial a Kissimmee

     Condado de Osceola, Florida - El Departamento de Desarrollo Económico del Condado de Osceola anunció hoy que una compañía en Indiana, la cual repara y revisa equipo electrónico sofisticado, sistemas de armamento y accesorios para operadores militares mundialmente, y Contratistas Principales establecerá su sede mundial aquí.
     Llamada Proyecto AES, la compañía se ha comprometido en crear 20 empleos durante los próximos tres años con un salario promedio de $60,526 - 200 por ciento sobre el promedio del Condado de Osceola.
     "El Condado de Osceola nos ofreció un excelente clima empresarial para una compañía emprendedora y de alta tecnología como la nuestra," dijo Darren Porcello, portavoz para la compañía. "El Condado de Osceola tiene un clima estupendo, un costo de vida económico, una fuerza laboral culta, muchos servicios en la comunidad, incluyendo su ubicación en el Corredor de Alta Tecnología de la Florida."
      Dado al nivel salarial alto de las nuevas posiciones, Aero Engineering Support (AES) recibirá $100,000 en efectivo del Condado de Osceola por adelantado como parte de un contrato aprobado por la Junta de la Comisión.
    "Estas son buenas noticias para el Condado de Osceola. AES está creando empleos altamente convenientes en una área de crecimiento," dijo el Comisionado Michael E. Harford, en cuyo distrito se encuentra la nueva facilidad de AES. "La elección de esta compañía demuestra que Osceola es un gran lugar el cual empresas con tecnología de alto nivel pueden llamar su hogar."
    El dinero se utilizará para la compra de un generador para reserva, ya que la compañía no puede estar tiempo fuera de servicio ante la necesidad y disposición de aviones para misiones militares.
    AES se especializa en la reparación y revisión de sistemas electrónicos de alta tecnología, al igual que al desarrollo de programas, Servicios de Prueba de Programas (conocido en inglés por sus siglas TPS) y Diseño y Fabricación de Equipo de Análisis, incluyedo Equipo Automático de Análisis (ATE) para equipos terminales y la reparación de sistemas de armamento.
    Porcello dijo que AES trabaja con compañías tales como Rockwell-Collins, L3, Boeing, Lockheed Martin y muchos otros contratistas principales a nivel mundial.
    La compañía provee reparación/revisión para nuestras Fuerzas Armadas que pueden incluir las Fuerzas Aéreas, Marina y el Ejército. La mayoría de los clientes de AES son ventas militares al extranjero (FMS) incluyendo NATO, Canada, Australia, Turquía, Arabia Saudita, Tailandia, Taiwán, Singapur, Malasia y Corea del Sur.
   "Esta compañía es perfecta para el condado de Osceola," dijo el Presidente Brandon Arrington. "AES tiene vínculos con la industria de defensa que mejorará nuestro portafolio de empresas y generará empleos de altos ingresos para los residentes del Condado de Osceola".
    AES también está haciendo una inversión considerable para construir el espacio que está rentando, incluyendo la construcción de un cuarto esterilizador.
   Los planes de AES son de contratar técnicos, ingenieros, científicos y desarrolladores de programas, dijo Porcello.
   Cualquier persona con estas habilidades que esté interesada en empleo con AES debe contactar WORKFORCE CENTRAL FLORIDA para más detalles en www.workforcecentralflorida.com o Anika Holmes AL 407-531-1222, ext. 2055.

Like us on Facebook

2011-08-01T16:37:00.000-04:00

Check out our wall and like us on Facebook.

Videos and some links...

2011-07-29T08:59:00.000-04:00

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

Or look at the photos from the event here.

Link to our "We Speak Jobs" Event on Aug. 23 here.

Screening for Movie Filmed in Celebration Set

2011-07-18T12:15:00.000-04:00

   Homecoming, staring Brea Grant was filmed in Celebration and will be shown at the Central Florida Film Festival. See a video clip here.
    "We are showing in Theater #2 at West Orange 5 Cinemas in Ocoee Florida at 7:15 pm on Friday the 2nd of September. The film will be shown again in Theater #1 at 5:15 pm on Monday the 5th. We hope you can save the dates to come out and support Homecoming and independent filmmaking at the Central Florida Film Festival!"
    More here.
    "As America enters a second decade of war, many soldiers feel misperceived, unrecognized, and unsure where they belong when they return. Homecoming shows a rare glimpse of a female soldiers story - a view one seldom finds in cinema."
Producers Tim & Mary Larson are Celebration residents. Tim and Mary have a particular interest in films that feature women in strong roles, with excellent writing, from new writers of any age. Their company, About The Logo, has several screenplays currently in development and pre-production.

CI co-founder Fulmer on Brands

2011-07-11T08:51:00.000-04:00

"Brands have a tremendous opportunity to transform the social environment into the initiation point for online commerce,” says my colleague Alan Fulmer, co-founder of Channel Intelligence. “But the evolution is slow because there are way too many manufacturers and retailers who don’t get it to one degree or another. They don’t have the presence, haven’t mastered the art of interaction, or lack the transactional capability.” Full Forbes story here.

Gaylord Palms

2011-06-28T11:39:00.001-04:00

A new off-road attraction experience is ready to break into the Orlando tourism market just a few miles from Walt Disney World Resort Walt Disney World Resort, according to the Orlando Business Journal. Legendary Excursions FL LLC, a Winter Springs-based Baja racing attraction, is shopping for more than 36 acres in northwest Osceola County off of U.S. 192 and State Road 417. The company plans to use the land for two tracks — a 5-mile track that would use the Baja race cars, and a 1.5-mile off-road go-kart track. The company is negotiating for operational space at the Gaylord Palms Resort, the paper reports.

Harmony Seeks Contractors for Sports Complex

2011-06-28T11:26:00.000-04:00

The public-private venture behind a planned new sports complex in Osceola County is looking for an all-star team of contractors, the Orlando Business Journal reports. Harmony-based Harmony Development Co. plans to build an 81-acre, $21.5 million multi-use sports complex along the southern end of U.S. Highway 192. The county, which is kicking in $7.5 million in tourist tax revenue for the project, expects the complex to add to the millions of dollars in economic impact it already gets from amateur, collegiate and youth sports programs as teams travel to Central Florida for tournaments and championship games, and later spend time at area attractions and theme parks.

U.S. Chamber Ranks Florida's Workforce & Job Training No. 1

2011-06-27T13:50:00.000-04:00

Florida earned the top spot in the second annual Enterprising States report just released by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Chamber Foundation. After being ranked No. 2 last year for its workforce and training, the Sunshine State moved into the lead based on measures including job placement, the affordability and efficiency of its higher education system and the number of high school students enrolled in advanced placement courses. The nationwide report also touted Florida's Quick Response Training Program. Full story here.

A "Killer' Hire for CI

2011-06-16T14:15:00.000-04:00

Channel Intelligence (CI) has hired Frank Lane as senior vice president and chief marketing officer (CMO) responsible for leading CI clients’ use of its e-commerce technology to deliver even more remarkable results. As a well-known marketing guru and business author of Killer Brands, Lane brings a breadth of branding experience to the Celebration-based company. He founded and spent more than 25 years at FrankLane Ltd., where he created the Killer Brand method and consulted more than 100 companies, including 38 of the Forbes' 500. He used his Killer Brand method on such brands as Shout stain remover, Gatorade, Arm & Hammer, Bullfrog Amphibious Formula Sun Block and Neutrogena Products, where he was president and chief operating officer. Full release here.

Born 2011: Florida Department of Economic Opportunity

2011-06-16T14:04:00.000-04:00

Gov. Rick Scott signed into law Tuesday legislation that reshuffles the state’s economic development agencies, while eliminating Florida’s lead growth management department. Scott signed SB 2156 into law while meeting with Enterprise Florida business leaders in Orlando. The head of the public-private Enterprise Florida, Gray Swoope, who Scott recruited from a similar post in Mississippi, becomes Florida’s secretary of commerce, under the legislation. The legislation also consolidates much of the state’s economic development efforts under a new Department of Economic Opportunity.

Partin Village groundbreaking = Jobs

2011-06-14T10:26:00.001-04:00

Developers Tuesday morning, along with Osceola County officials, broke ground on a new shopping center on East U.S. Highway 192 that they say will generate hundreds of new jobs and boost sales and property taxes – all thanks to a moratorium on county transportation impact fees, the Osceola News-Gazette reports.

Kissimmee gets $2 million from state for Airport

2011-06-14T10:19:00.001-04:00

After failing to escape the governor’s veto pen over a number of years, the Kissimmee Gateway Airport received $2 million this year from the $69.1 billion state budget to allow an aviation business park project to take flight and help create jobs, the Osceola News-Gazette reports. The design, which was completed in 2001, calls for a 12-acre park with about 10 parcels of land on which about eight aviation-related businesses could build. Some examples, according to Airport Director Terry Lloyd, could be aviation maintenance shops, manufacturers of aviation components or specialized flight training, such as a jet training school.Lloyd said the airport had been waiting since about 2003 for the appropriation.

Growth rate slows: BEBR

2011-06-14T10:09:00.000-04:00

Florida's growth has slowed to its lowest level in more than 60 years, and the rate is expected to steadily decline through 2040 although the state again was a national leader in population gain during the past decade, according to a study released Monday. The University of Florida's Bureau of Economic and Business Research analyzed U.S. Census figures that show the state's permanent population increased by more than 2.8 million, or 17.6 percent, to 18.8 million between 2000 and 2010. That was the third-largest increase overall and eighth-biggest on a percentage basis among the states, but Florida's growth rate dropped significantly during the last few years of the decade. Full story in the Ledger here.

Partin Village Shopping Center

2011-06-07T13:10:00.000-04:00

Partin Village Shopping Center
A quick slideshow from this morning's ground-breaking.

Parking Garage Goes to Bid

2011-05-23T10:18:00.000-04:00

Manhattan Kraft Construction, Inc. Invitation to Bid on Osceola County Parking Garage GMP
BID DATE: Friday, May 27, 2011 TIME 02 PM ET
PROJECT CONTACT: Bill McCollum - Chief Estimator
DESCRIPTION: Osceola County is planning to build a 830-car parking garage (approximately 334,000 SF) in Kissimmee beginning in June 2011 and finishing April 2012. The parking garage will have seven elevated parking levels over slab-on-grade on a 44,000 SF footprint. The parking garage will be a plant-cast concrete structure (NOT PART OF THIS BID) comprised of color-integral concrete exterior spandrels, full-brick clad exterior concrete panels, standard gray concrete interior structure, pre-topped double tees, and pre-cast concrete stairs. This job will be governed by the Davis-Bacon wage rates for Osceola County, Florida and will incorporate the Buy American Act.

PROJECT NOTES

ATTENTION ALL BIDDERS: Manhattan Kraft is currently soliciting bids for 100 Percent Drawings. Please refer to the DOCUMENTS tab; review and include in your bid; Manhattan Kraft Construction contractual requirements. If you have not submitted a Manhattan Kraft Prequalification Form within the last year, please submit with your proposal. The Prequal Form can be found under the Documents folder as well.

BIDS WILL BE ACCEPTED VIA HAND DELIVERY, FAX and/or EMAIL TO THE FOLLOWING OFFICES OF MANHATTAN KRAFT CONSTRUCTION, INC.:

2511 TRAFALGAR BOULEVARD, KISSIMMEE, FL 34758
FAX: (407) 201-7098
EMAIL: letha.vanderhei@manhattankraft.com

OR

3520 KRAFT ROAD, NAPLES, FL 34105
FAX: (239) 643-0090
EMAIL: bill.mccollum@manhattankraft.com

Please review all bidding information as it will become part of the contractual documents.
Any RFIs should be referred in writing via email to bill.mccollum@manhattankraft.com or fax 239-643-0090.

The Estimating Assistant for this Project is Lyn Ross.

CDs or Paper Plans can be ordered through one of the following locations; Midwest Reprographics - Naples (239) 566-2214, Midwest Reprographics - Bonita (239) 948-1533, Lee County Reprographics - Fort Myers (239) 278-4444, or Triangle Reprographics - Orlando (407) 843-1492 (to be invoiced you must have an account on file, or provide other means of payment).

The plans and specs can also be viewed at our office located at: 2511 Trafalgar Boulevard in Kissimmee, by appointment only. Please call Letha at 407-201-8301 to schedule a viewing time.

WORKFORCE CENTRAL FLORIDA: Launch 2.0

2011-05-23T09:59:00.000-04:00

WORKFORCE CENTRAL FLORIDA is hosting Launch 2.0, a half-day entrepreneurial conference created to promote entrepreneurial growth in Central Florida and to prepare job seekers to succeed in an entrepreneurial economy this Wednesday at the Rosen Centre Hotel. The event, for highly skilled, unemployed job seekers, is designed to expose potential entrepreneurs to a series of seminars and resources to assist them in successfully starting their own businesses in Central Florida.

Reservations required. $25 per ticket OR complimentary for those who register online at http://www.employflorida.com/.

Gaylord-DreamWorks: A New Alliance

2011-05-02T14:35:00.000-04:00

    Gaylord Entertainment and DreamWorks Animation SKG Inc. has unveiled a strategic alliance to expand Gaylord Hotels’ family-friendly leisure offerings to feature the DreamWorks Experience, the next generation of family vacation programming and world class entertainment.
     As part of this strategic alliance, Gaylord plans to offer unique leisure experiences for its guests featuring DreamWorks Animation’s iconic characters at all Gaylord properties. The live interactive experiences will include character breakfasts, newly themed Christmastime events, poolside activities in the summer, imaginative food-and-beverage offerings, private birthday parties, festive parades, merchandise and various themed entertainment. Gaylord Hotels plans to feature live appearances by characters from current DreamWorks Animation franchises, including “Shrek,” “Kung Fu Panda,” and “Madagascar,” as well as other future films and characters from the studio.
     “We are honored to form such an exciting alliance with one of the most visionary entertainment companies in the world to bring the iconic DreamWorks Animation characters to life for our leisure hotel guests,” said Colin V. Reed, chairman and chief executive officer of Gaylord Entertainment.
     “Gaylord Entertainment has displayed an incredible commitment to creativity and high-quality family entertainment, making each of their world-class U.S. resorts an ideal destination for the DreamWorks Animation brand,” commented Jeffrey Katzenberg, chief executive officer of DreamWorks Animation. “We look forward to bringing to life the characters, stories and worlds featured in our film franchises in new and innovative ways throughout the Gaylord Hotel guest experience starting this year.”
     “Visitors to Gaylord Palms and our community, be they tourists or locals, will be offered something unique and exciting,” said County Commission Chairman Brandon Arrington. “The opportunities that this partnership is bringing to Osceola County, Florida are endless.”
      “The DreamWorks Experience is a great strategic move by Gaylord Entertainment,” said County Commissioner Michael E. Harford, whose district includes the resort. “These beloved characters will attract thousands of additional guests to Gaylord Palms, which will translate into greater occupancy and more tourism dollars for the Osceola County market.”

Congressman Posey Hosts Entrepreneur Summit

2011-04-29T13:31:00.004-04:00

The Osceola County Economic Development Department coordinated with Congressman Bill Posey in hosting a successful entrepreneur summit in Osceola County on April 27. The event at Workforce Central Florida in Kissimmee showcased six local entrepreneurs to the public and potential investors.
The event drew a large crowd of interested business leaders, local experts and members of the public.

“The entrepreneurial spirit is alive in Central Florida,” said Congressman Posey. “This was a great experience and I very much enjoyed the opportunity to listen to the presentations and talk with local business leaders about getting our local economy moving. I would like to thank everyone who helped pull this forum together, for their dedication to our community and their drive to help local businesses and job seekers succeed.”

“Osceola County is glad to be part of an event that helps identify and nurture entrepreneurs in our community,” said Osceola County Commissioner Frank Attkisson. “This forum is a great way to jump start entrepreneurship – and ultimately help small businesses that will create jobs for Osceola County residents.”

     “In these tough economic times, it is vital that agencies work together to create an environment that allows small businesses to flourish,” said Maria Toumazos, Osceola County Economic Development Administrator. “There’s no doubt that connections made at today’s event will spark new partnerships and employment opportunities for Osceola County entrepreneurs.”
   A VIP luncheon at Valencia Community College was held with the help of the Florida High Tech Corridor Council and other partners.
    More pictures from the Summit here.
     “This Summit gives a wonderful opportunity for leaders, business professionals and entrepreneurs to enhance the economic development of Osceola County,” said Jackie Colon of (NALEO) National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials.
     Entrepreneur’s making presentations included: BIOWOMAN LLC, A natural based beauty product company with FDA-approved products and strong user feedback; Blast Family Sports Multi-plex, full-service multi-sport all-in-one, affordable family entertainment complex; Cinematika, a technology-based entertainment company focused on emerging digital delivery systems; Green World Products LLC, presenting a product called “DE-OIL-IT” which breaks down petroleum waste in the form of grease, fuel, oil and carbon by separating the hydrocarbon chains; TRUE-SAFE Technologies Inc., presenting a product which safeguards against electrical fires; and MemoreePlus, a company specializing in digital memory cards.
      Speakers and resource agencies for the event included: Florida Venture Forum, Florida High Tech Corridor Council, Ken Shipley with the Osceola Small Business Development Center, Florida Business Expo LLC, Rock Your Business, Inc., Central Florida Disability Chamber, Osceola County Adult Learning Center, Virtual Options, Black Business Investment Fund, Disney Entrepreneurship Center, Hispanic Business Initiative Fund, Kissimmee/Osceola County Chamber of Commerce, St. Cloud Greater Osceola Chamber of Commerce, the Heart of Florida United Way and Florida Economic Gardening Institute - GrowFL Program.
         This morning’s summit was in coordination with: Workforce Central Florida, Osceola County Economic Development Department, Valencia Community College, City of Kissimmee, City of St. Cloud, UCF Business Incubator Program, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Small Business Development Center at the University of Central Florida and SCORE.

SBDC Success Story: In On Cable Installers Inc.

2011-04-29T13:16:00.001-04:00

    Mark Hobson, left and Jeff Austin (far right), the owners of In On Cable Installers Inc. worked with SuntTrust's Asley Caroli, second from the left, and the SBDC's Janice Lopez, third from the left, to position their company for sustained growth in the future.
     While setting the stage for the future by securing capital, In On Cable Installers Inc. is also hiring right now. Sustained financial growth is expected in coming years, company officials said, thanks in part to resources offered through the Small Business Development Center at UCF-Kissimmee.
     Specializing in all areas of low voltage wiring IN ON has evolved from a two-man operation in 1991 to a company with more than 150 employees in becoming one of the largest cable contractors in Central Florida.
     To leverage their business through programs offered by the SBA, Jeff Austin scheduled an appointment with the SBDC -- a program funded by Osceola County, the City of Kissimmee and United States Small Business Administration -- to learn about the different types of SBA Loan Programs.
     After discussing the company's position, the group decided that more cash flow would allow for an increase in employees. The SBDC recognized that the company was financially sound and the key was to make sure that they were prepared before approaching local lenders.
     Once all the documents were in place, the SBDC referred the client to three SBA participating lenders, one of which was SunTrust who was able to provide the necessary financing through an SBA 7(a). Ashley Caroli, from SunTrust, stated that "the fact that In On was prepared, made the loan process that much smoother."
     In On was able to tap into their local resources and save on finance charges, which in turn has allowed them the opportunity to continue hiring more employees. Jeff Austin stated the "SBDC at UCF is a great resource for companies in Osceola County."

Shrek and Pals to Call Gaylord Home.

2011-04-28T08:08:00.000-04:00

Shrek and his pals are about to make themselves at home in one of Central Florida's biggest hotels, the Orlando Sentinel reports.

Gaylord Entertainment announced a deal Wednesday with DreamWorks Animation to bring the studio's characters to Gaylord hotels across the country, including the Gaylord Palms Hotel & Convention Center in Kissimmee.

The partnership gives Gaylord access to DreamWorks' stable of cartoon characters, including those in movies such as "Shrek," "Kung Fu Panda" and "Madagascar." In Central Florida, the arrangement could help the company compete with local theme-park hotels by offering amenities such as "character breakfasts" and themed entertainment.

"We have been looking for a significant way to expand our leisure offerings for some time, and this program with DreamWorks Animation will allow us to offer unique experiences that will enthrall our customers," said Colin Reed, chairman and chief executive officer of Nashville-based Gaylord Entertainment.

2011-04-20T14:38:00.003-04:00

(See Video Here.)
     Hasbro, Inc.’s (NASDAQ: HAS) NERF brand announced that the annual, much-anticipated NERF DART TAG World Championship will take place at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Aug 19-21.
    "The NERF DART TAG World Championship has experienced tremendous growth during only a few years. There are already nearly 15,000 athletes registered for the NERF DART TAG league and it has inspired us to revamp the competition and open it up to our increasing fan base," said Kelly Stone, Director of U.S. Marketing for Hasbro’s NERF brand. “The major changes to the 2011 competition, our alliance with ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, and completely redesigned DART TAG equipment give this unique sporting event the spotlight it deserves and make the NERF DART TAG experience more accessible to our diverse community of NERF athletes across the country.”
    For more information on 2011 NERF DART TAG tournament rules, eligibility, registration forms, and the NERF DART TAG World Championship, visit WWW.NERF.COM.
About Hasbro, Inc.
Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS) is a branded play company providing children and families around the world with a wide-range of immersive entertainment offerings based on the Company’s world class brand portfolio. From toys and games, to television programming, motion pictures, video games and a comprehensive licensing program, Hasbro strives to delight its customers through the strategic leveraging of well-known and beloved brands such as TRANSFORMERS, LITTLEST PET SHOP, NERF, PLAYSKOOL, MY LITTLE PONY, G.I. JOE, MAGIC: THE GATHERING and MONOPOLY. The Hub, Hasbro’s multi-platform joint venture with Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) launched on October 10, 2010. The online home of The Hub is www.hubworld.com. The Hub logo and name are trademarks of Hub Television Networks, LLC. All rights reserved.
About ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, which hosts more than 300 events a year, is the leading multi-sport venue for amateur and professional sports in the United States, accommodating 70 different sports and athletes from more than 70 countries. Designed to take youth sports to the next level, the 230-acre facility features the ESPN Innovation Lab, a real-world testing ground for the ESPN Emerging Technology Group to develop ground-breaking on-air products like Ball Track and ESPN Snap Zoom, as well as development of its new 3-D television channel. In addition, the complex features 56 high-definition cameras (42 robotic, 10 hand-held and four studio) and 40 high-definition video screens, including three jumbo screens, that can capture and display footage from any event taking place at the complex. The camera and video screens, as well as a 20-zone audio system, are controlled through the state-of-the-art HD and 3-D Broadcast Center that features eight edit bays and links to ESPN facilities in Bristol, Conn., New York and Los Angeles. For more information, visit www.wdwnews.com for press releases, photos and videos. Follow us on Twitter at @DisneySports.

Tupperware makes Fortune "Most Admired Companies" list

2011-04-20T14:30:00.000-04:00

Tupperware Brands Corporation (NYSE: TUP) has again been recognized in the Home Equipment category of Fortune’s recently released “Most Admired Companies” list. Tupperware was especially noted for its global competitiveness and the quality of its products, ranking third and fourth respectively within the industry in those categories. “This is the fourth year in a row that Tupperware has been named a ‘Most Admired Company’, which is a testament both to the great work our designers are doing in developing innovative new products and the incredible job our millions of consultants around the globe are doing in representing our brand and growing our business,” said Rick Goings, Chairman and CEO of Tupperware Brands Corporation, which is headquartered in Osceola County.

Unemployment level falls

2011-04-18T16:39:00.000-04:00

   Florida’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in March 2011 is 11.1 percent, the lowest since November 2009 when the rate was also 11.1 percent. This represents 1,030,000 jobless out of a labor force of 9,251,000. The state’s rate is down 0.4 percentage point from the February 2011 rate of 11.5 percent and is 0.2 percentage point lower than the March 2010 rate of 11.3 percent. This is the first over-the-year decline in Florida’s unemployment rate since November 2006.
    Florida’s total nonagricultural employment in March 2011 is 7,205,300, an increase of 22,600 jobs (+0.3 percent) from February 2011. The number of jobs in the state is up 51,500 over the year, an increase of 0.7 percent from March 2010. It is the strongest over-the-year growth rate in the state since May 2007 when it was also 0.7 percent.
   “The continued decline in the unemployment rate paired with very positive job growth provides a strong signal that Florida’s economy has turned the corner,” said Agency for Workforce Innovation Director Cynthia R.Lorenzo. “While there are still too many Floridians out of work, our economy is clearly heading in the right direction with Governor Scott’s emphasis on job creation and economic development.”

Channel Intelligence Facebook App

2011-04-18T09:25:00.000-04:00

Celebration-based Channel Intelligence, a developer of e-commerce software and services for manufacturers and retailers, has unveiled CI Where to Buy Facebook, an application to help manufacturers use the social media site to connect potential buyers to retailers that sell their products, Information Week reports.
    The company's latest product joins its CI Boost family, which includes a product-search tool used within Google and Bing; display advertising; shopping engines used on sites such as PriceGrabber.com and Shopzilla.com; marketplaces for discontinued, refurbished, and end-of-inventory items used on sites like eBay and Amazon; e-commerce sites; and Where to Buy, which directs consumers to retail outlets from a manufacturer's site.
    "A lot of manufacturers are still figuring out how to be in the right place at the right time. The popularity of Facebook is undeniable," Alan Fulmer, CI's executive VP and co-founder, said in an interview. "They know they want to be there and interact with their consumers. People are interacting with brands. If you're looking for opportunities with discounts, deals, or coupons, and there's a buying moment, [manufacturers] want to help them close that process and help them buy."
     More than 100 of CI's 140-plus manufacturing clients have a Facebook page, according to the marketing software and service firm's internal research. About 10 of those manufacturers have created a temporary Facebook solution to help guide their customers to retailers, perhaps by adding a list of retail locations that sell their wares, said Fulmer.
   "They're definitely looking for a solution and we know that, now that we've rolled this out, there's going to be huge demand almost immediately to get a solution up to take advantage of the fact they've got traffic. There's going to be a push," he said.
   TrippLite, a manufacturer of uninterruptible power supplies, has already signed on for CI's new Facebook service, said Fulmer.
   Manufacturers and retailers continue to investigate ways in which they can leverage social media, he said.
   "Just the fact that Facebook is the second most popular website in the world increases its importance as an area that manufacturers and retailers have to look at to ensure they're taking advantage of the opportunities that are presented there," said Fulmer. "If it's not the highest priority, it's becoming one of the highest priorities for both. To sell products you have to be where the people are. Facebook has made themselves a priority by being where people are. You have to come up with some kind of solution. You want to do it well and you want speed. You want to do it efficiently and effectively."

Teeing it up at the Annika Academy

2011-04-07T14:21:00.002-04:00

Shaving a few strokes off your handicap is usually the goal of a golf school getaway, but in some cases the payoff can be much greater. Since spending three days in March 2009 at Annika Academy, a golf and fitness retreat in Osceola County, Heidi Happy of Worcester has lowered her handicap by five strokes, she says. More significantly, the 44-year-old corporate manager has lost more than 150 pounds and credits the academy’s fitness and nutrition training for spurring her transformation. “I left there with a new commitment to health and to myself,” she says. Full Boston.com story here.
    Part of the posh Reunion Resort near Walt Disney World, Annika Academy is spearheaded by contemporary golf legend Annika Sorenstam. At her golf school, students get in-depth instruction from her closest advisers. A 40-year-old Swedish pro who retired from the Ladies Professional Golf Association in 2008 after a Hall of Fame career, Sorenstam has long been known for her shot-making as well as her workout routine – hence her academy’s emphasis on both golf and fitness.
    Sorenstam’s longtime swing coach, Henri Reis, and sister, Charlotta Sorenstam – also an LPGA winner – are two of the school’s lead golf instructors, while Annika’s personal trainer, Kai Fusser, oversees the fitness curriculum. Sorenstam herself participates in select schools, offering clinics and then having lunch with guests; the academy’s ultimate experience, the Soren-Slam, includes a clinic, lunch, and nine holes with her.
   The academy offers two- and three-day itineraries from October through May, with classes capped at eight guests and instruction typically taking place in groups of four, says director of operations Pam Kehoe. Most packages include full-swing, short-game, and course-management instruction; a Callaway club-fitting session; video swing analysis; fitness instruction that includes a personalized workout program; and a session on nutrition. All include villa accommodations and golf at Reunion Resort, which has three courses designed by golf greats Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and Tom Watson. Packages start at $2,500 and premium itineraries that include time with Sorenstam range from $4,500 to $10,000 for the Soren-Slam. (Although Sorenstam is expecting her second child this summer, the academy plans to offer packages with her this spring and fall.)
   Annika Academy, Reunion, Florida, http://www.theannikaacademy.com, 888-266-4522

9th annual National Economic Gardening Conference in Orlando

2011-04-07T13:09:00.000-04:00

    The Florida Economic Gardening Institute in conjunction with the University of Central Florida will host the 9th Annual National Economic Gardening Conference in Orlando on May 19-20. The conference’s primary focus is to give business leaders and economic development representatives the tools necessary to develop viable business development programs that will strengthen their communities, regions and states. Practitioners and speakers from across the country will convene to share ideas and teach new ways to stabilize and grow existing businesses, while learning about the Florida model.
   “The theme of the conference this year is going to be focused on the success of the Florida pilot project. We have been able to scale up the Littleton, Colorado program to a state the size of Florida with high fidelity. We will explore all the components that led to that success.” said Chris Gibbons, Co-Creator of Economic Gardening.
   The conference will begin with a networking reception on Thursday, May 19 at Casa Feliz, the beautifully restored Spanish Farmhouse designed by acclaimed architect James Gamble Rogers located in Winter Park. The conference will be held at the state-of-the-art facilities at the UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management. The scheduled sessions will cover a variety of topics including Entrepreneurs in the Florida Pilot Economic Gardening Program, Building Local Engagement, Outreach and Marketing Strategies, Organizational Culture Perspectives, a Panel Discussion on Other State Programs and their Best Practices, along with many others.
   According to Dr. Tom O’Neal, Executive Director of the Florida Economic Gardening Institute, “We look forward to hosting this important and growing event and look forward to the opportunity to share how economic gardening has reshaped the economic development landscape in Florida.”
   The cost of the conference is $150 per person through April 30th, and $175 through May 18th, and $200 per person at the door. There are also lodging discounts for conference guests at Rosen Shingle Creek Resort. For more information including sponsorships and registration please log on to www.NEGI2011.com or call 407-823-6384 for additional information. Attire for the conference is business casual.
Florida Economic Gardening Institute (FEGI)
    The Florida Economic Gardening Institute was created by the 2009 Florida Legislature as the Economic Gardening Technical Assistance Pilot Program to stimulate investment in Florida’s economy by providing technical assistance for expanding businesses in the state. Qualified companies must be engaged in the following sectors: Manufacturing; Finance & Insurance Services; Wholesale Trade; Information Industries; Professional, Scientific & Technical Services; Management Services; and, Administrative & Support Services. Additional information is available at www.GrowFL.com

University of Florida Celebration of Innovation Showcase, April 19

2011-04-06T15:07:00.000-04:00

Anyone interested in licensing, commercializing, investing or otherwise taking new discoveries to the market won't want to miss the University of Florida's Celebration of Innovation April 19. It's an exciting year for UF with developments at Innovation Square, and the Florida Innovation Hub opening in the fall. Hear about new discoveries and see presentations from 14 startup companies in two tracks. The agenda also includes a panel of successful Gator entrepreneur alumni. Read more and register here.

Kissimmee's new college

2011-04-05T14:19:00.000-04:00

   With colleges in Orlando, Lakeland and Deland, Florida Technical College is expanding its operations to include one the fastest growing communities of Central Florida – Kissimmee. See full story in Osceola News-Gazette. The college recently celebrated the grand opening of its new Kissimmee campus, serving the needs of the ever-growing population of Osceola County and offering post-secondary education in specialized fields, associate degrees and diploma programs for today's fastest growing professions.
   The college, which was honored in 2009 on the President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll – the highest federal recognition a college or university can receive for its commitment to volunteering, service-learning and civic engagement – upholds a proud tradition of career training excellence for more than 28 years, college officials stated in a press release. Faculty, staff and students work together toward the common goal of increased career potential and brighter futures.
   "With our exciting programs, we seek to meet the present-day needs of students and the current market trends," David T. Ruggieri, president and CEO the college, said. "At the Kissimmee campus in particular, we are reaching an important segment of the Central Florida community and look forward to assisting students in achieving their career goals."
   Situated at the centrally located Osceola Square Mall, 3831 W. Vine St., Florida Technical College Kissimmee will offer programs in healthcare, business, beauty, culinary arts and other high-demand careers such as criminal justice and HVAC/R with PLC.
   For more information on career choices at FTC Kissimmee, contact the Career Desk at 407-483-5700 or kdesk@FTCCollege.edu.
   Florida Technical College is an educational partner with Instituto De Banca, National College and POPAC. It is part of the EduK group, a family of more than 30 post-secondary institutions in the United States and Puerto Rico.

ESPN WWOS and Full Sail finalize partnreship

2011-04-05T14:16:00.000-04:00

   The ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and Full Sail University have finalized a partnership that enables Full Sail to promote its sports curriculum, the Orlando Business Journal reports. As part of the collaboration, Full Sail will be represented throughout ESPN Wide World of Sports, including the complex’s welcome center, on digital signs and in promotional video packages. In addition, guests who are interested in learning more will be able to arrange a tour of Full Sail’s Winter Park campus from the sports complex.
   The agreement follows the university’s recent launch of its new sports marketing and media bachelor of science degree program. The 32-month curriculum, offered both on-campus and online, is designed to help students develop a balanced skill set of technical expertise and content creation.
   Full Sail also has recently collaborated with ESPN in launching a sports broadcast research lab at the university, complementing the current ESPN Innovation Lab located at its Walt Disney World complex. That lab has been critical in the development of ESPN 3D, Ball Track, NBA Player Card and Ultimate Uplink.

Nemous in hiring mode for 2012 opening

2011-03-18T16:05:00.000-04:00

The new Nemours Children’s Hospital, now under construction in Osceola's front yard, will hire 700 employees between next fall and its fall 2012 opening, the Orlando Business Journal reports. Health care is expected to be one of the bright spots in the local economy, growing by more than 3.5 percent in the next seven years.

Hispanic residents drive Florida's population growth

2011-03-18T09:29:00.002-04:00

A boom in Hispanic residents during the past 10 years drove most of Florida's population growth to a total of 18,801,310, according the U.S. census 2010 count released Thursday. That's up nearly 18 percent from the 15,982,378 people the Census Bureau counted in 2000. The growth in minority populations helped tip Broward, Orange and Osceola counties to become so-called minority-majorities. In each, along with four others statewide, non-Hispanic white residents now make up less than 50 percent of the population. They join Miami-Dade, Hendry and Gadsden counties, which were populated by minority-majorities in the 2000 census, plus Hardee County, which became minority-majority last year.

Gov. Rick Scott off on first mission trip to Panama

2011-03-18T09:00:00.000-04:00

Gov. Rick Scott and an entourage of staffers and business people from Enterprise Florida left this morning on an overnight trade mission to Panama, the Orlando Sentinel reports. The idea is to drum up business for Florida’s ports as a result of the widening of the Panama Canal. Scott recently announced his intention to divert money to the Port of Miami to upgrade it so that it can accommodate larger ships that will be able to pass through the canal. Port executives from around Florida are interested in similar upgrades and a number of those executives accompanied Scott on the trip. Noticeably absent, though, was a representative from Port Canaveral. Scott’s chief economic development hire, Gray Swoope, will not be on the trip. He officially starts on Monday as the new president of Enterprise Florida.

Unemployment rate holds state in January

2011-03-14T09:37:00.000-04:00

   Florida's statewide unemployment rate remained virtually unchanged in January, falling to 11.9 percent, down just a bit from December's rate of 12 percent, the Orlando Sentinel reports. The figure represents about 1.1 million jobless out of total labor force of 9.3 million, the Florida Agency for Workforce Innovation said Thursday. Total non-agricultural employment in January dropped by 12,900 jobs from the previous month, but it is up about 8,400 positions from a year earlier. In Metro Orlando, the jobless rate rose to 11.7 percent, up from 11.5 percent in December. But the region led the state in year-over-year job gains.
University of Central Florida economist Sean Snaith likened the job market to a jet preparing for takeoff. The doors have been sealed, seatbacks are in the upright and locked position, and now everyone is waiting for clearance from the tower. Snaith expects that to happen sometime in the next several months.
   "We're seeing movement in the right direction," said Snaith, the director of UCF's Institute for Economic Competitiveness. "This is just the beginning, and our recovery will continue to build over the course of the year."
   Progress, however, will be slow – and dependent, to a degree, on factors such as the price of oil, government cutbacks and improvement in the housing market. Other parts of the country will heal more quickly than Florida. When discouraged workers – those who've given up job hunting – and those forced into part-time jobs are added into Florida's mix, the so-called under-employment rate shoots to 20.1 percent.
   State economist Rebecca Rust said Central Florida was benefitting from growth in the leisure and hospitality sector, which added 32,600 jobs in the last year.
   Orlando, she said, "is up by far more than any other area."
   This is the fourth month in a row that jobs statewide improved on a year-over-year basis. But the gains have been modest and, for the most part, limited to a few sectors.

Swoope to Head Enterprise Florida

2011-03-01T09:49:00.001-05:00

   The board of Enterprise Florida voted Monday afternoon to hire Gray Swoope as its new president and chief executive officer, the Orlando Sentinel reports. Swoope, executive director of the Mississippi Development Authority, was recommended by Gov. Rick Scott. The board, which had begun a search for new president since Scott fired former President John Adams, decided it would forgo a national search and go with the governor’s recommendation.
   In fact, former House Speaker Allan Bense, who was leading the search effort for Enterprise Florida, cited how long it took — six months– for the Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission to find a new president.
   “Frankly, I don’t think Florida is in a position right now where we can wait five or six months,” Bense said.
   The board voted to cap Swoope’s salary at $300,000, including base pay equal to the governor’s salary of about $130,000 and incentive pay not to exceed $170,000.
   There’s a big catch in his contract, though. Swoope has agreed to work without a cushy severance package. All that his contract will require is that he receive 30 days notice if the governor decides to fire him.
   Last month in a move symbolic of his assertion as the state’s chief economic development officer, Scott led an Enterprise Florida board meeting and then promptly fired Adams.
   Also on Monday the board approved Adams’ severance package, which board members noted will not be paid with any taxpayer money. The exact value of the package was not discussed during the the meeting and Enterprise Florida did not immediately respond to a request for the details.
   According to a letter sent by Scott to Enterprise Florida Vice Chairman Hal Melton and obtained by the Sentinel, the governor reiterated his plan to create a Department of Commerce, which would include economic development, workforce training and community development.
   He said he wanted to maintain the private investment in Enterprise Florida, but said the same person would lead the group as well as the Department of Commerce.
    Bense and others said during the meeting that they were unsure whether Swoope will be based in Tallahassee or Orlando, where Enterprise Florida is headquartered.
   Scott, clearly impressed with Swoope’s credentials, said Swoope helped convince companies like Toyota and GE Aviation to build facilities in Mississippi.
He also said Swoope refocused Mississippi’s efforts “to aggressively support industry retention and expansion” resulting in a “measurable increase” in jobs saved or created through expansions.
   And Scott pointed out that Swoope was successful at increasing his agency’s services and programs while decreasing its staff by 15 percent and lowering its budget by 26 percent over seven years.
   According to Swoope’s bio at the Mississippi Development Authority, he joined the organization in 2004 and was appointed as executive director by Barbour in 2007.

Electric Vehicle Showcase

2011-02-25T14:01:00.000-05:00

   When it comes to electric vehicle power, Osceola County is plugged in thanks to Sunshine Restaurant Corporation, the Central Florida developer of Buffalo Wild Wings restaurants/sports bars.
   In February, the company introduced Florida’s first restaurant-based electric vehicle charging station.
   Joined by Progress Energy Florida and NovaCharge the event was meant to emphasize Central Florida’s commitment to support electric vehicles. Immediately following the announcement, the group hosted the region’s first electric vehicle showcase, bringing an unprecedented number of electric vehicles together for a free public event.
   County Commissioner Michael Harford cited President Obama’s challenge to have a million vehicles on the road by 2015.
   “To do that we have to have a national network of electric charging stations to be in place,” said Harford, whose district includes the restaurant located in the Formosa Gardens development. “As consumers increase the use of their electrical vehicles, the convenience of recharging must be in place."
   “Osceola’s own GM dealer, Starling Chevrolet will sell its first electric vehicle -- the Chevy Volt -- later this year,” added Harford, who was able to the drive the Volt and several other vehicles during the event.
   Buffalo Wild Wings guest looking for a charge can find station locations, check availability and get directions by using the ChargePoint® Network Find Stations live map.
   “While electric vehicles are great for environmental reasons, we believe there is a strong business case for providing charging stations for our customers,” says Andrew L. Gross, president/CEO of Sunshine Restaurant Corp. “As the number of electric vehicles grows over the coming years, we know customers will choose Buffalo Wild Wings over our competitors because of the ability to charge their vehicle for free while enjoying their favorite sporting event.”
   The showcase included displays and test drives from most of the electric vehicles currently or soon to be available in the United States. In addition to the Volt, attendees were able to test-drive the the Nissan LEAF, the Tesla Roadster and many more.
   During the event, Progress Energy Florida – which is supporting vehicle electrification through several automotive industry partnerships – emphasized the importance of ensuring the infrastructure to support electric vehicles is in place.
   “As the ways our customers use electricity evolve, it’s important that we, as a utility, adapt to their changing energy needs,” says David Maxon, regional vice president of Progress Energy Florida. “We’re taking steps to support the adoption of this exciting, environmentally friendly technology today while determining how we can best support electric vehicles in the long term.”
   “It was exciting to see how quickly Andrew and the Buffalo Wild Wings team embraced the electric vehicle market,” says Helda Rodriguez, president of NovaCharge. “They were able to show why businesses should be embracing charging stations as part of their business plan.”

2011-02-25T13:49:00.000-05:00

    Florida universities collectively conduct over $1B in research each year. MegaWatt Ventures, an annual clean energy business competition that focuses on Florida and the southeast, plans to tap into the expertise and intellectual property of our universities as a source of promising renewable energy technologies to commercialize. The event, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy and several energy corporations, provides the ideal showcase for college and technology entrepreneurs across the state to compete for funding to launch their innovative energy ventures that have the potential to create new jobs and help solve today’s global energy issues.

   According to Andrea Wesser, Program Co-Manager, “MegaWatt Ventures is an exciting forum for renewable energy innovation and commercialization in our state. We are seeing tremendous growth in collaborations across the state, as well as a rise in educating scientific researchers, such as graduate students, on basic business principles.” Megawatt Ventures is encouraging the commercialization of a wide range of technologies from across Florida. For instance, there are teams collaborating from the University of Florida and the University of Central Florida on solid oxide fuel cell technologies, while another team from Florida Atlantic University is working with Gainesville entrepreneurs on a revolutionary wave energy design.
    “Our goal is to foster entrepreneurship along with technology development,” explains Jack Henkel, Program Co-Manager. “In addition to the prototype funding, we want to provide technology entrepreneurs with the invaluable support to help develop the tools and abilities needed to create successful renewable energy companies.”
   Interested teams are asked to submit a proposal of an innovative energy technology venture. Ten applicants will be selected by a panel of seasoned venture capitalists, technology experts, and industry veterans to compete for the $100K grand prize to launch their new company, as well as attend the National Research Energy Laboratory’s (NREL) Industry Growth Forum in October in Denver, Colorado with their newly attained investor pitching skill set. The top ten teams will be announced in mid-April and will begin preparing for the final competition event, scheduled for Friday, September 2nd through 3rd in Central Florida.
   The ten finalist teams will each receive $10K in funds, be assigned professional mentors, and gain access to business workshops that will help to develop a commercially viable product prototype and business plan. This includes coaching on business plans and strategy, presenting a technical concept to potential investors and education on additional funding sources available, such as federal SBIR grants. These resources will provide young entrepreneurs and their companies’ with unique opportunities to which few technical start-ups enjoy.
    The teams will have access to an impressive network of business mentors that include corporate executives from companies such as Siemens, Progress Energy and OUC, as well as nationally recognized venture capitalists from Kleiner Perkins, Arch Ventures and other notable firms. To further assist in the success of the company, a technical mentor network of veteran product engineers and developers with 20+ years of experience will advise teams on delivering a working demonstration of their prototypes for the competition.
    The deadline to enter the competition is Friday, March 11, 2011 by 5pm. Teams can apply online at www.megawattventures.com and will be required to upload a three-page executive summary of the proposed energy efficient business idea along with other supporting documents. Teams may consist of a blend of at least one Florida university student, along with entrepreneurs, experienced business professionals, engineers, or scientists. Additional information on project categories, the application process, as well as eligibility details can be found online at www.megawattventures.com.
MegaWatt Ventures
MegaWatt Ventures is an annual clean energy business plan competition that is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy in conjunction with Florida’s universities. The competition has an over-riding mission of encouraging the commercialization of innovative energy-related technologies from the lab bench into the marketplace. Students, entrepreneurs and faculty are all invited to participate in this exciting program that brings innovation, entrepreneurship and the energy industry together to create new ventures that have the potential to create new jobs and help solve today’s global energy issues. For more information, please visit www.megawattventures.com or call 407-882-0594.

Avaya President to Speak at Gaylord Conference

2011-02-18T13:59:00.000-05:00

Avaya Inc., a global leader in business collaboration systems, software and services, today announced that Avaya president and CEO, Kevin Kennedy, will deliver a keynote address at Enterprise Connect 2011, the industry's leading enterprise communications conference and exhibition. Kennedy will discuss the current state of the multimedia communications industry, including why business collaboration is an important element to enterprise communications and how it is changing the way businesses operate and people interact. The keynote will take place at 11:15 a.m. Eastern on Tuesday, March 1, 2011 at the Gaylord Palms.

Posey Hosts Summit for Entrepreneurs

2011-02-16T09:29:00.000-05:00

   Building on the success of two previous summits for entrepreneurs, Congressman Bill Posey (R-Rockledge) will host a third forum in Osceola County on April 27.
    The goal is to continue to bring together various entrepreneurs from across the 15th Congressional District to showcase their innovative technologies to the public and potential investors.
     “Keeping the entrepreneurial spirit alive in Central Florida is critical to our local economy and our ability to create jobs,” said Congressman Posey. “These forums provide an opportunity for entrepreneurs to showcase their new products and innovative technologies to the public and potential investors.”
Companies interested in presenting must compete and submit an application no later than March 4 at 5 p.m. Applications can be obtained by contacting Pamela Gillespie at 321-632-1776.
     The agenda includes a keynote address by Congressman Bill Posey and presentations by 8-10 companies.
     The Osceola County Entrepreneur Summit will take place at Workforce Central Florida in Kissimmee from 8 a.m.– Noon.

Disney profit up

2011-02-09T09:45:00.000-05:00

Via the Orlando Sentinel. A rebound in its theme parks during the final three months of 2010 helped propel the Walt Disney Co. to 54 percent quarterly profit growth, the company announced. Disney said it made $1.3 billion for the three months that ended Jan. 1, the first quarter in the company's fiscal year, up from $844 million a year earlier. Companywide revenue rose 10 percent to $10.7 billion. The results easily topped Wall Street expectations. "It's a great start to a new fiscal year," Disney Co. President and Chief Executive Officer Bob Iger said.

St. Cloud Regional: There's an App for That

2011-02-09T09:25:00.000-05:00

    St. Cloud Regional Medical Center officials announced the introduction of an iPhone app and mobile sites to facilitate extra fast and extra easy customer service.
    The next stage in the “ER Extra” campaign is the a free iPhone app and mobile sites that perform a similar function for smartphones. For those not requiring immediate emergent care, the ER Extra app is designed to help decision making in emergency care extra fast and extra easy.
    The app is designed specifically to provide wait times, a map, a link to the main website and the phone number of the nearest Health Management hospital. The ER Extra iPhone app can be downloaded for free at the iTunes app store, and can also be used on the iPad. Even though this app is dedicated solely to iPhone and iPad users, the hospital has also created mobile sites that allow similar features to be used on any smartphone.
    Mobile sites are designed to recognize that the user is accessing a website via their smartphone as opposed to a traditional computer. When you search for the name of a Health Management hospital, and click on the link, you will immediately see a very important safety reminder.
    The safety reminder reads as follows: Information in this application is not a substitute for medical advice. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911.
    Users are then prompted to continue on to the hospital’s ER Extra webpage where they can see the current wait time, click through for directions to the hospital or to call the hospital, and they also have the option to view the hospital’s full website.
    ER wait times are tracked by the ProMed tool. They reflect the average wait time of the patients that were triaged during the previous hour. The data comes to our hospital in a feed directly from ProMed, a tool which tracks Time to Triage.
    All of these tools are made possible because of strides made last year in providing ER wait times online. These new tools will only further enhance patients’ experiences and allow SCRMC to reach their goal of exceeding expectations.
    St. Cloud Regional Medical Center is located at 2906 17th Street in St. Cloud. For more information, call 407.892.2135 or visit www.stcloudregional.com.

February newsletter is online

2011-02-02T08:19:00.000-05:00

Check out the Osceola County Economic Development Department's February newsletter here. It's also easy to sign up. Cost = free. Information = priceless.