Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission - News

Florida's Digital Media Industry is Ahead of the "Game"

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 08:25:30 -0500

Digital media industry leaders, including the EDC's vice president of technology and entertainment Suzy Spang, recently gathered at Digital Media Alliance of Florida's (DMAF) quarterly Digital Media Seminar (DiMeNar) hosted by Full Sail University to discuss the latest trends and developments in the industry and their impacts on Florida's digital media businesses and professionals. The result of the discussion? Florida is clearly ahead of the "game" when it comes to digital media and the Metro Orlando region is on path to our goal of "world domination" in this industry sector! Already a leader in digital media, Metro Orlando is home to industry resources such as DMAF and the Employ Florida Banner Center for Digital Media. In addition, companies such as Electronic Arts (EA) Tiburon, n-Space, and Helios Interactive - a full-service game development studio and 3D software technology company - call Orlando home. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer was also on hand at DiMeNar to kick off the international product launch of Helios Interactive's flagship product, GameCore 2.0. This new technology is designed to create full 3D games, virtual worlds and other interactive 3D content without the traditional barriers of complex technology, programming expertise and high development cost. It is thought that this product could revolutionize the 3D game and simulation industry. Helios' launch is a sign of the ongoing evolution of Orlando as THE place for digital media companies.

Innovation Orlando - Call for Nominations

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 12:22:11 -0500

Successful innovation is a driving force behind expanding and diversifying our economy. Every day in Metro Orlando, innovative local companies are putting imagination to work - pioneering new products, solving problems creatively, partnering in previously untried ways. Those are the success stories that our annual Innovation Awards program is designed to uncover and celebrate. We need your help in identifying these companies and their innovations. The EDC is now seeking nominations for our 2009 William C. Schwartz Industry Innovation Awards, which will honor one innovative company from each county in the region - Orange, Seminole, Lake, Osceola - as well as the City of Orlando. Awards will be announced at a luncheon on Thursday, September 17th at the Sheraton Orlando North in Maitland. Click here for more information and to download the nomination form. Deadline for nominations is 5:00 p.m. on July 31st.

"Orlando Declaration" Garners Int'l Attention

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 12:00:39 -0500

When our region played host to the annual meeting of the International Stock Exchange Executives Emeriti (ISEEE) in March, the realization of having some of the worlds' most knowledgeable and powerful financial executives gather in the community would one day pay off. We just didn't realize how soon. When the current and former stock exchange execs met here, for the second year in a row, their wide-ranging discussion led to development of a document recommending eleven actions to be taken to help spur global market recovery. That document - titled the "Orlando Declaration" - was released via the ISEEE website recently, and word quickly spread. These recommended actions cover a broad spectrum of capital market issues, including such areas as: governance issues; regulatory independence; remuneration and incentives for financial executives; responsibilities of regulators and government policy makers; transparency; clarity and accuracy of descriptive language for financial markets; national government oversight of financial risk assessment; deposit protection; and open, explicit government policy. ISEE participants intend to return here in Spring 2010, so future "Orlando Declarations" are expected. To view the document in its entirety, click here.

Companies Fly Into Orlando Sanford International Airport

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 12:30:32 -0500

Things at Orlando Sanford International Airport are taking off, in more ways than one. The Father's Table, a dessert manufacturer based in Sanford, announced that it will expand into an 118,000-square-foot facility near the airport. The growing company will make apple dumplings and swiss cake rolls at this location, while maintaining their cheesecake business in their original location. The expansion will create 30 new full-time and 20 seasonal jobs and is expected to generate over $2.5 million in capital investment. Success for this company is particularly sweet, as they donate a percentage of profits to The Father's Table Foundation, which helps to fund women's & children's charities worldwide. Miami-based Avocet and sister company Aircraft Parts Sales, Inc. also recently announced that they will relocate their headquarters to OSIA. The company - which provides aviation repair and maintenance, tear down services and sales of aircraft parts - will occupy temporary space on airport property while a new 44,000-square-foot hanger is being built. Avocet's anticipated capital investment is more than $5 million. The EDC and Seminole Community College are currently working to help the company secure a Quick Response Training Grant, which will help them hire and train 150 new employees, primarily mechanics who will earn an average of over $45,000 annually. Seminole's Board of County Commissioners has focused on the airport as a top economic development priority. That focus appears to be paying dividends. According to Maria Arellano, Avocet general manager: "We were being recruited by other locations in and outside of Florida. Orlando Sanford Airport was extremely accommodating in meeting the needs of our company and this played a big part in why we choose Metro Orlando for our new home."

Movie filmed in Metro Orlando premieres

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 09:22:03 -0500

Away We Go, a feature film shot on location in Metro Orlando, premiered in theaters this past weekend. The movie, which filmed primarily at a home on Lake Harris in Leesburg, stars two popular actors, Maya Rudolph of Saturday Night Live and John Krasinski of The Office. It was directed by Sam Mendes, who received the Best Director Academy Award for American Beauty. Originally dubbed "Farlanders," the story follows a thirty-something couple on a journey to find the best place to raise their child. The EDC's Film & Entertainment Commission worked closely with film producers on site selection, permitting and vendor identification. The movie was shot over two days, employing 120 local crew members, two local actors and six extras.

The Right Rx for Health & Medical Worlds

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 09:15:51 -0500

From the creation of simulated trauma patients used to train military medics, to virtual 3D people used to diagnose and treat patients, the place to be for some of the latest gaming and digital media technology for health and medical applications is Orlando, Florida. Orlando is one of the top 12 clusters in the country for digital media, as well as one of only two cities in the world with a large-scale 'medical city' complex underway. The digital media and medical sectors are converging, bringing new innovations to life. Numerous people and organizations are leading the way. 360Ed has teamed up with the Florida Department of Health and the University of Florida College of Medicine to develop Burn Center, an interactive, 3D, game-based technology used to train medical professionals at trauma centers, hospitals and universities across the country. The purpose of the program is to improve the triage and care of critically injured victims of burn, bomb and blast disasters. Virtual Reality Medical Center - Orlando (VRMC) develops and uses computer-generated simulations and other special effects to treat clients with panic disorder, specific phobias, agoraphobia and social phobia. VRMC has partnered with the University of Central Florida to create a virtual game (featuring flying, smash-able insects) to aid stroke survivors in expanding their range of movement. To become better doctors, the new University of Central Florida College of Medicine will engage its first class of medical school students in playing games. A web-based avatar program developed by UCF Assistant Professor David Segal will help students learn how to properly evaluate and diagnose a variety of patient ailments. The digital patients can respond to questions, sneeze, cough, age and even call students in the middle of the night with an illness. Engineering & Computer Simulations Inc. (ECS) developed a virtual world called Nexus to help first responders train and collaborate during natural disasters. The company also has a contract with the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command (RDECOM) to train military medical professionals. GeoMotion Group is dedicated to being an innovative fitness leader. Its goal is to meet the training needs of individuals and groups, for all fitness levels and for any age. Two innovative products, the GeoMat and the GeoFloat were created to meet this goal. Used in elementary, middle and high schools, the GeoMat is used to teach locomotor moves, number recognition, number sequencing and math problem solving using a variety of activities and aids. The GeoFloat is used for exercising in water and works the core and stabilization muscles more effectively than other existing products. Emergency Medicine Learning & Resource Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and advancing emergency medicine, disaster management, prehospital emergency care and public health by providing annual continuing medical education and research activities. Its 45-foot Mobile Simulation Lab (motor coach) trains emergency providers around the state. The Lab utilizes simulation technologies to train real lifesavers on everything from ER care, to pandemic flu, nerve agents, blast injuries and more.

Hannah + Tiger + more... Oh My!

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 11:00:00 -0500

The University's of Central Florida's (UCF) Studio 500 - UCF's Center for Emerging Media - has attracted a steady stream of film and digital media work in its first 18 months of operation. Working with studio partner Vicon Entertainment's House of Moves, faculty and staff from UCF's graduate game-development program, the Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy (FIEA), have worked on video games for Electronic Arts, 360Ed, and n-Space (including "Hannah Montana: The Movie" video game), national commercials (including Gillette ads starring Tiger Woods, Derek Jeter and Roger Federer), feature films and more. For more information, click here.

Input sought for strategic economic development plan

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 09:30:02 -0500

Feedback from this event will enhance the state's economic development roadmap The Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission (EDC) and Enterprise Florida Inc. are calling on Metro Orlando's business, education, government and economic development leaders to help update the plan for the state's economic future by participating in a strategic planning workshop. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 23 at 1:00 p.m. at the University of Central Florida (UCF) Fairwinds Alumni Center on campus. Ideas and recommendations from the meeting will be used to enhance the state's blueprint for economic development -- the Roadmap to Florida's Future: The 2007-2012 Strategic Plan for Economic Development. The Roadmap details Florida's priorities for furthering economic expansion and diversification. "As we continue our progress in strengthening Metro Orlando's economic outlook and business opportunities, we call on our local leadership to participate in this critical strategic planning process," said Ray Gilley, president and CEO, Metro Orlando EDC. "This is an opportunity to express ideas and share concerns and suggestions that will help shape Florida's long-term economic development strategy." The half-day workshop will provide a forum for high-level Florida officials to work with Metro Orlando's business and community leaders in identifying key economic priorities. Topics will include creating, retaining and attracting high-value jobs; building a world-class workforce; enhancing infrastructure; and protecting Floridians' quality of life. "Perspectives from a wide range of industries and service areas can be fuel for sparking further growth and diversification of our economy," explained former Florida House Speaker Allan Bense, who serves as vice chairman of Enterprise Florida's board of directors. "This valuable feedback will help us focus on the most important needs and set the right goals for making Florida more competitive and economically, much healthier." In partnership with regional and local economic development organizations, seven other workshops will be held throughout the state to encourage participation and involvement from all communities. "It's important that we have input from as many business and community sectors as possible," said John Adams Jr., Enterprise Florida's president & CEO. "This is a grassroots effort, so, we want to hear the voices and opinions of everyone, whether they're leaders in the arts, transportation officials or workforce providers, as well as from those who work in economic development." Other opportunities also are available for public contributions to the Roadmap's development. An Enterprise Florida microsite -- www.eflorida.com/roadmap - will allow for feedback through several interactive features including a Roadmap survey and discussion board.

Learn more about green initiatives

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 09:08:46 -0500

Interested in learning more about the impact of green initiatives on our lives and our economy? The Magic of Landscapes conference, to be held on Friday, June 26th in South Lake County, will focus on how quality landscapes and other quality of life factors help our region differentiate itself as we compete worldwide for business investment and corporate locations. For example, did you know:

Trees and grass maintenance can increase the sense of safety in neighborhoods.

Quality landscapes can reduce temperatures, remove air pollutants and improve water quality.

Green space has proven to promote emotional and physical healing and to have a positive impact on children with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD).

A federal congressional committee recommended environmental immersion as the number one strategy for improving U.S. schools.

Students taking standardize tests score higher when they have a view of green space.

To learn more or to register, click here.

Spread the word that Orlando Works!

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 17:15:56 -0500

The Orlando Magic's run to the NBA Finals has generated a palpable sense of pride in our team and our community. And, while the eyes of the world's basketball faithful are upon us, it also presents a unique opportunity to spotlight what makes this a champion place to live, work, play and build a business. Here's how you can help. Tell us why ORLANDO WORKS for you in your own 140 characters on Twitter. Is it the quality of life, sense of community, diverse business climate or all of the above? Spread the word while you are glued to the NBA series - from your living room, neighborhood sports pub or from the rocking Amway Arena. Make sure you use #orlandoworks along with #magic or #beatla in your tweets during the upcoming Magic vs. Lakers games. And be sure to follow us @OrlandoWorks. Our goal is to see Orlando as a "trending topic" on Twitter in the days ahead. We also want you to tell us how ORLANDO WORKS in video. Upload your video to YouTube, click "send message" and send us a link with your video in it. If we like it, we'll add it to our favorites! Our first YouTube star is none other than "the fat guy" - Orlando Magic fan Dennis Salvagio. Got great photos that reflect the dynamic nature of our region? Shots that show the rest of the world all that metro Orlando has to offer? Post those pictures to our ORLANDO WORKS group on Flickr. You can also join in the conversation via the Metro Orlando EDC fan page on Facebook. If you are not a fan yet, click here to join us. Our hometown team has provided an unprecedented opportunity to tell the world about this region, which is as magic for business as it is for basketball. Thanks for your help in spreading the word!

Solar powered innovation

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 10:00:13 -0500

Technology and research advances are being made every day in Metro Orlando. And the "clean tech" industry is a bright spot for innovation. RubeLab, a Lake County think tank specialized in advancing environmentally-friendly innovations and solutions, has built a solar-powered recharge station for electric cars and golf carts in downtown Eustis. The charging station - dubbed RubeStation - accommodates three slots for small electric cars and features a pedestrian bench and shelter. There is 200 square feet of photovoltaic array of panels that produce approximately 3,000 watts of energy from the sun. Building Lake County's clean tech industry is a key objective of the county's recently adopted strategic economic development plan.

Economic Gardening: Sowing the seeds of success

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 13:14:12 -0500

Today's economic landscape may look barren, but new strategies of "economic gardening" are being planted that, with the right nurturing, will help sprout new jobs and seed renewed prosperity. Designed to harvest the potential of existing local companies and entrepreneurs, economic gardening is quickly taking root here in Metro Orlando, which has a rich history of supporting business growth. On Thursday, June 25 from 8:00 - 11:00 a.m., join the Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission (EDC) for the 2009 Economic Outlook event at the Embassy Suites in downtown Orlando to learn more about Central Florida's leadership as economic gardeners. Meet the national and homegrown experts who are leading the worldwide dialogue on this subject and discover how local businesses can benefit. To RSVP or for more information, click here.

Biotech Incubator "Next Big Thing" in Building bioOrlando

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 15:51:03 -0500

When the Burnham Institute for Medical Research unveiled its dream to establish a research facility in Metro Orlando, that plan was helped along by Florida's Blood Centers, who offered 14,000 square feet of existing wet lab space in FBC's headquarters in Orlando's SouthPark to serve as temporary office and research space for Burnham scientists. With those scientists now moved into Burnham's permanent east coast facility in Lake Nona, Florida's Blood Centers has offered use of that same space for another significant community purpose: to establish and house a specialized biotech incubator, which will serve as a catalyst for the region's growing life science industry. Recognizing that the fulfillment of Orlando's quest to become a significant life science hub will take many years and rely on the creation, as well as the attraction, of related companies, the EDC has been in talks with Florida's Blood Centers to create an incubator to help grow new companies specific to the biotech and life science industry. The University of Central Florida, whose tech incubator network has been recognized among the best in the world, is also involved in ongoing discussions. While details are still being finalized, the 14,000 square feet of biology and chemistry labs could eventually house six or more start-up companies in various stages of growth. News of the proposed bio incubator spread quickly at the international BIO Conference, which members of the EDC team attended on behalf of our region. During meetings with companies there, it was clear that having a biotech-specific incubator would provide Metro Orlando with a competitive edge; and several companies have already expressed interest in taking space in the facility.

Film incentive doubled

Thu, 28 May 2009 14:31:00 -0500

This week, Florida Governor Charlie Crist signed the 2009-10 budget preserving economic development items. Among those items, the Film and Entertainment Incentive received $10.8 million - more than double the $5 million that was allocated last year. Thanks to State Legislators and the Governor for recognizing the importance of the film, digital media and entertainment industry to the state of Florida, especially during these tough, economic times. Starting June 1, filmmakers and others can visit www.filminflorida.com for an incentive application for projects beginning on or after July 1, 2009. Applications are accepted starting June 15.

State budget preserves economic development items

Thu, 28 May 2009 11:30:46 -0500

This week, Florida Governor Charlie Crist signed the $66.5 billion 2009-10 budget, preserving Florida's investment in economic development, education and public safety. This budget included many items important to the future of economic development in both Metro Orlando and the State of Florida, including:

UCF & FIU Colleges of Medicine: Fully funded.

Economic Development Tool Kit: $21.6 million. This includes funding for incentives such as Qualified Targeted Industries (QTI), Qualified Defense Contractors, and High Impact Performance Incentives. This also includes $500,000 for the Florida Manufacturing Extension Partnership.

Quick Action Closing (QAC) Fund: $13.46 million.

Road Fund: $20 million.

Quick Response Training (QRT) Grants: $3.3 million. This is for new and expanding businesses to offset expenses for customized skills training for newly created jobs.

Incumbent Worker Training (IWT) Grants: $4 million. Funds for this program are from the Employment Security Administration Trust Fund ($2 million) and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 ($2 million). This is double the amount allocated last year.

Film & Entertainment Incentive: $10.8 million. This is more than double the $5 million that was allocated last year.

Enterprise Florida Funding: $11.4 million.

Space Florida Funding: $3.84 million.

For more information about the 2009-10 budget, please visit www.FLGov.com/budget.

i.d.e.a.s. becomes part of Orlando's "Creative Village"

Tue, 26 May 2009 11:00:54 -0500

Last week, i.d.e.a.s. opened its new headquarters in downtown Orlando. This creative production and digital media studio, one of Central Florida's largest, becomes a new "anchor tenant" of the Creative Village evolving in downtown Orlando. As part of the opening ceremony, City of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer helped company founder Bob Allen unveil a new "Creative Village" logo. The logo will be used to help identify the growing number of companies that comprise this sector of our economy. i.d.e.a.s. moved to downtown from their longtime location on the backlot of Disney MGM Studios.

Leaders "Flip the Switch" at Convention Center

Fri, 22 May 2009 16:00:46 -0500

During the opening session of the Green Cities Florida conference this week, Orange County Mayor Richard Crotty, together with county commissioners, Senator Lee Constantine, representatives from OUC-The Reliable One and EDC president Ray Gilley, "flipped the switch" on the solar panel system at the Orange County Convention Center. This one-megawatt rooftop PV system, the largest of its kind in the southeastern U.S., will generate 1,300-megawatt hours of electricity per year, equivalent to the power used by 100 typical houses. And, it will do so without producing any greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, community leaders officially opened Orange County's new Climate Change Education Center (CCEC), located in the South Concourse of the Convention Center. The CCEC, which will be permanently housed there, will offer visitors a unique look at some of the latest energy efficiency and alternative energy technologies.

Gilley Named Florida's Economic Development Professional of the Year

Fri, 22 May 2009 15:13:44 -0500

The Florida Economic Development Council (FEDC) held its annual convention at Orlando's Rosen Shingle Creek Resort this week. Themed "To Innovation and Beyond", the conference drew over 200 economic development professionals from throughout the state to discuss the latest trends, challenges and best practices in our industry. Central Florida was prominent throughout the dialogue, as representatives from the EDC, UCF, Florida High Tech Corridor Council and our development community led a variety of panel discussions and break out sessions. A highlight of the annual conference is presentation of the Eunice Sullivan Professional of the Year Award, which recognizes the achievements of an outstanding economic developer within the state of Florida. This year that award went to Ray Gilley, president and CEO of the Metro Orlando EDC. In presenting the award, Mary Jane Stanley, CEO of the Pasco County EDC and last year's Sullivan Award winner, recalled that Ray recently told her, "You can't be effective if you don't have passion." She then highlighted the passion he has brought to his 25+ years in economic development, citing such achievements as answering the Governor's call to chair Workforce Florida; establishing the FEDC PAC to help align efforts of economic developers from around the state; leading Metro Orlando EDC initiatives, which have resulted in the creation of 32,000 jobs in our region since he took the helm in 2001; and serving as an active member, including chairing, the FEDC Board of Directors. Ray's peers from around the state admire him as an effective consensus builder and the consummate team player. And awards for Central Florida didn't end there. Harvey Massey, recipient of the EDC's 2009 James B. Greene Award, was also honored as FEDC Volunteer of the Year for Florida's East Central Region; and Tracy Turk, EDC Senior Director in Seminole County, was named FEDC Regional Director of the Year. The Metro Orlando EDC is widely considered the state's leader in web-based marketing. Two awards in the FEDC Marketing Materials Competition reflected this. The EDC's Marketing and PR team took top honors for the re-vamped website, OrlandoEDC.com, and for the EDC's comprehensive social media initiative, which includes Facebook, MySpace, YouTube, and Twitter components. Congrats also to the EDC's marketing partners in Tavares, Florida, who won an award for their Event Video, which chronicled the City's efforts to support the relocation of the Sunnyland Antique Boat Festival to Wooton Park and demonstrates how City events support downtown revitalization efforts. The video can be seen at tavares.org.

Metro Orlando EDC participates in BIO 09

Tue, 19 May 2009 09:37:40 -0500

The Metro Orlando EDC, along with numerous community partners, is in Atlanta, Georgia, for the BIO International Convention this week. Our goal is to continue to build awareness of this region's emergence as a hub for life science and biotech research, as well as to make business connections with growing bio companies. In preparation for this conference, which opens today, the EDC launched the new bioOrlando Web site, used Facebook to promote our presence here, is "tweeting" from the show floor. The EDC is sharing booth space with the Florida High Tech Corridor Council (booth #3003) and is partnering with representatives from the University of Central Florida, Lake Nona, Burnham Insitute for Medical Research at Lake Nona and M. D. Anderson - Orlando Cancer Research Institute.

Special effects + simulation = realistic training

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 09:15:24 -0500

Virtual Reality Medical Center (VRMC) merges special effects with simulation technology at its Center for Injury Creation Science.

Attracted to Metro Orlando because of the strength of the region's simulation and training industry combined with the upcoming University of Central Florida College of Medicine, the company develops prosthetic tissue and wounds for medical training purposes, among several other focus areas. These prosthetics can be adhered to mannequins or human actors and create a realistic training environment for combat medics or first responders.

In addition to its Center for Injury Creation Science located in downtown Orlando, VRMC has a location in Central Florida Research Park with UCF's Institute for Simulation and Training and will soon have another location in Orlando's emerging 'medical city' at Lake Nona.

Watch as Angela Salva demonstrates the merging of special effects and simulation in action.

Orlando Rocks

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 14:47:25 -0500

Looking for facts and rankings on Orlando and aren't sure where to find them? Check out Orlando Rocks - the Metro Orlando EDC's newest compilation of reasons why Orlando rocks...for innovation and entrepreneurs, for global business connections, for technology companies, for education and access, for business growth and as a place to call home.

Central Florida business revamps traditional shipping product

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 12:36:09 -0500

Traditionally, pallets were traded back and forth between shippers until they were discarded -- a process that was both inefficient and expensive. CHEP USA sought to solve this problem by creating higher-quality, rentable pallets for manufacturers to use without the storage and repair issues. While the rental concept has been around for more than fifty years, CHEP has made the supply chain more effective by investing $20 million in logistical technology and tracking systems that use real-time, historical data to reduce the distance pallets travel and anticipate times of high usage. This system reduces energy consumption and green house gas emissions. For more on CHEP, click here.

Emergency medical training on the road

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 11:00:18 -0500

Orlando-based Emergency Medicine Learning Resource Center (EMLRC) provides pre-hospital emergency care providers with the medical training necessary for disaster situations. The company's Mobile Emergency Simulation Lab (SimLab) is a motor coach designed to resemble a simulated ER and ambulance, allowing first responders to train in a realistic environment. This training prepares first responders for disaster situations they may encounter.

Inside the training center are responsive mannequins that act out real world injuries and illnesses. The simulation lab is on the road five days a week visiting hospitals, EMS agencies and fire departments. EMLRC is the first mobile simulation lab in the country.

Watch Beth Brunner, CEO of EMLRC give a tour of the SimLab.

Orlando: A leader in solar technology

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 04:08:29 -0500

With warm weather and consistent sunshine, Florida is an ideal location for solar research and application. And with growing awareness of clean technology, Orlando is poised to become a leading force in the solar industry. The existence of a strong technology cluster and proximity to the University of Central Florida (UCF) - one of the nation's top research universities - help set Orlando apart. In addition to research being conducted by UCF's Florida Solar Energy Center, local companies are working to leave their mark on the industry as well. Lake Mary based Advanced Solar Photonics is poised to become Florida's first photovoltaic solar manufacturer by producing thin-film solar panels. In nearby Longwood, SKYShades is merging shade structures and solar power by harnessing thin-film solar technology atop sidewalk umbrellas dubbed "Powerbrellas" in order to power small electronics. For more information on the growing clean tech industry in Metro Orlando, click here. Watch below as Executive Vice President of SKYShades, Joe McKenna, provides more info on the "Powerbrella."

bioOrlando Establishes "Medical Marker" Program

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 15:15:12 -0500

The Metro Orlando EDC's bioOrlando initiative recently unveiled a new "Medical Marker" program designed to celebrate and visually recognize the medical, research and biotech companies that are the cornerstone of Metro Orlando's burgeoning life science industry.

"Medical Markers" will be presented to life science and biotechnology organizations identified by bioOrlando as leaders in scientific research and medical technology, as well as companies who have contributed substantially to the evolution of this industry in Central Florida. Twelve members of the inaugural class of Medical Marker designees will be announced on June 25th at the EDC's Annual Economic Outlook event, which will be held at the Embassy Suites in Downtown Orlando.

To commemorate establishment of this celebratory new program, the first marker designation was given to Florida Hospital Orlando, which this year celebrates its 100-year anniversary in Metro Orlando. Florida Hospital's seven campuses give it a footprint throughout the region, and its Celebration Health Campus was also recognized with a marker. Celebration Health is the site of both the Nicholson Center for Surgical Advancement and Global Robotics Institute.

In addition to a certificate noting Medical Marker designation, a physical "marker" will be developed as a recognizable sign of this honor. To assist in development of this physical symbol - visualized as a form of public art that identifies the organization as part of the "medical destination" in Metro Orlando - the EDC is working with United Arts of Central Florida to invite artists to submit design concepts for the "Medical Marker". Click here to view competition details.

In a time when things to celebrate seem in too short supply, bioOrlando's new "Medical Marker" program will help to point out the bright spots in Metro Orlando's increasingly diverse economy.

Clothes drying for the next generation

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 09:45:00 -0500

High tech innovation may not conjure up images of household appliances, but with advanced technological knowledge, anything is possible. President of Hydromatic Technologies Corporation, Michael Brown, believes in the use of new technologies to conserve energy and increase efficiency. It all began when Brown discovered the source of his soaring electric bills- his dryer. After conducting research on dryer technology, he found that 80 years had passed with minimal improvement in dryer technology and energy conservation. This led Brown to develop the first "hydronic" process for clothes drying. Using a heated liquid rather than a combustible source of heat, the dryer is able to dry clothes up to 41 percent faster, while using 50 percent less energy and is also safer than the traditional dryer. Hydromatic's "Dryer Miser" retrofit kits can be purchased soon, which will allow consumers to benefit from energy savings without purchasing a new dryer. Brown credits the Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission and UCF's Technology Incubator for helping bring his ideas to fruition. To read more about Hydromatic, click here. Watch Mike Brown, president of Hydromatic Technologies explain how the "Dryer Miser" works.

Healthcare company growth - a sign of things to come

Fri, 03 Apr 2009 10:53:04 -0500

A newly released report by the University of West Florida's Haas Center for Business Research & Economic Development predicts that 190,000 new and related jobs in the biomedical and defense industries will be created in Florida by 2018. Access MediQuip's recent decision to expand its operations in Lake Mary takes Orlando one step closer to that goal.

Access MediQuip LLC, a $200 million health care firm based in Houston, provides medical implant outsourcing to support surgery centers. The company's specialized and technology-driven services assist manufacturers, payors and providers to manage the acquisition, financing delivery and reimbursement of orthopedic and spinal implants, drug pumps and other medical devices.

Last month, Access moved its 18 Central Florida employees into just under 13,000 sq. ft. in Primera in Lake Mary. That is just the first step. Plans are to grow to a 26,000 sq. ft facility and add 145 new jobs within three years. That translates into over $2.5 million in new capital investment and jobs that pay an average of $60,000 annually.

Other signs of success in Metro Orlando's emerging medical industries include:

The University of Central Florida's College of Medicine was featured on NBC Nightly News. Click here to watch.

Orlando was ranked as a top medical meetings destination by the Healthcare Convention and Exhibitors Association's 2009 State of the Industry Report. Orlando has been the top healthcare meeting location for the last 12 years.

AARP The Magazine, the voice for Americans age 50 and better and the world's largest circulation magazine, named Orlando Regional Medical Center and M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Orlando among the leading hospitals in America. Click here to read.

Nemours received full accreditation for its human research protection program from the Association for the Accreditation of Human Research Protection Programs, Inc. This recognition places Nemours among the top research institutions in the United States. A few weeks ago, Nemours Childrens Hospital broke ground in Lake Nona's 'medical city' with plans for completion in 2012.

New issue of Texture Magazine

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 13:16:35 -0500

The newest edition of the EDC's award-winning Texture magazine is here. In this edition, you'll meet some of the rock stars of Metro Orlando. Rather than topping the Billboard charts, this talented group is making their mark as leaders in the new health and bio-tech cluster that is reverberating throughout Metro Orlando's economy. From research in cancer and diabetes, to advances in robotic surgery and mental health therapies, these "top docs" are break out artists in the world of science. You'll get the dirt on the "economic gardening" trend that is becoming an important component of state and federal economic recovery plans. Much of the national dialogue about the importance of second-stage growth companies to job creation and renewed prosperity is being led by Orlando's Steve Quello, who has advised presidents, governors and legislators and whose theories are being advanced at the University of Central Florida. This issue also sheds light on Central Florida's position in the growing solar power industry; takes a look at the future of commercial space launches; introduces you to the Creation Health theory of holistic healthcare; and much more. All of this is happening in Metro Orlando! Published twice annually, the EDC's Texture magazine tells the stories of innovators and innovations from throughout our region. Click here to view Texture online!

Groundbreaking news

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 13:01:45 -0500

Accelerating growth of Orlando's life science industry. Global domination of the nation's digital media industry. Two bold goals of the Metro Orlando EDC. Real strides were made toward realizing those goals recently with groundbreakings on both fronts.

Nemours Children's Hospital broke ground on its Lake Nona "medical city" campus. The 620,000-square-foot facility will include 95 beds, an 18-bay emergency department, a neonatal intensive care unit and departments specializing in complex childhood diseases. The hospital, scheduled to open in 2012, will be the central hub of a 60-acre pediatric health campus featuring a children's clinic, emergency department, diagnostic and ambulatory programs, education centers and research programs. The Nemours Children's Hospital investment is expected to pump $400 million into the Central Florida economy and eventually create 2,600 new jobs.

In addition, Full Sail University, a Winter Park-based education program that focuses on entertainment-related industries, broke ground on its new Full Sail Studios Gateway project. The 32,000-square-foot, 2.2-acre project will be equipped with a live performance venue, a two-story complex for game production and recording studios, and an expansion to the on-campus professional film studio backlot. The Hollywood-style backlot will complete the existing backlot and will offer 19 different outdoor filming locations.

Not all Doom and Gloom...New Jobs Coming to Metro Orlando

Fri, 06 Mar 2009 10:34:43 -0500

Economic development that results in new job creation is the key to economic recovery. Thus, now more than ever, the EDC is pleased to share two of our most recent economic development success stories resulting in new jobs: 124 New Jobs: Seminole County-headquartered Nomad Aviation Inc., one of the world's best-known avionics specialists for commercial, military and civilian aircraft, has announced that they will double their workforce here, adding 124 new positions over the next 2 years. To accommodate this expanded workforce, the company will add 33,000-square-feet to its existing facility, which is based at Orlando Sanford International Airport. They also anticipate capital investment of $300,000. The EDC and Seminole Community College assisted Nomad in acquiring a Quick Response Training grant in the amount of $180,579, which will be used to train their new hires. The average salary of these new jobs is in excess of $65,000. 75 New Jobs: FedEx Ground's recent opening of a new 112,734-square-foot operations facility on Monroe Road in Sanford has created 75 new jobs here in Metro Orlando. The Sanford terminal -- one of 500 in the company's nationwide network -- houses operations for FedEx Ground and FedEx Home Delivery. This Central Florida expansion is part of the company's national expansion strategy designed to increase package processing capacity to meet customer demand. The EDC's business development team assisted FedEx in identifying potential sites in accordance with the company's specified parameters. For more recent EDC announcements, click on the category - Economic Development Projects.