Shared Services event

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

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

Biofuel Webinar

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

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

Lunch and Learn on Feb. 11.

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

A starring role for Custom Plastic Developments

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

Osceola County to fund Kissimmee Incubator

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

Florida Hospital Kissimmee Expansion

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

Skanska hosting training program

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

Lunch and Learn on Feb. 11

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