Suzanne Christman, CEcD, Senior Manager, Business Development at Pinellas County Economic Development and FEDC Regional Director of Tampa Bay interviewed Michael McHugh, Director at Hernando County Office of Business Development.

How long have you been in economic development?

I have been the Director of Business Development for Hernando County since 2002.  Previous to that I worked in the mining, power and cement industries with responsibilities from management to distribution. My current responsibilities include economic development, tourism and the Brooksville-Tampa Regional Airport.

Tell us about a current project or endeavor that you are working on where you are creating results for a company, your community, or your region.

We have a robust business retention program built upon strong relationships.  It has resulted in numerous announcements in the last year including HealthSouth Central Billing, Airdyne Aerospace, Accuform Signs, Dynamic Pharmaceuticals and Interconnect Cable Technologies all announcing major expansions.

What do you consider to be the biggest achievement in your career?

The Accuform Signs project is the largest manufacturing announcement in Florida for 2012 at 305,000s.f. Certainly something we are all very proud of.

What tools do you use to succeed in your position?  Have connections or education programs offered by FEDC benefitted you?  How?

I would say the most important is collaboration.  Almost everything we do involves partners that play a role in getting things done.  The FEDC certainly plays a role through its education and advocacy efforts.  All of that is very important.

Tell us something about your region that our membership isn’t aware of.  

We are embarking on the creation of a new adult technical education facility to help us transform our workforce to the new realities of the workforce.  This has been very challenging given budget constraints but it is too important not to accomplish.

What are the current challenges you face, and how do you overcome them?

Funding is a huge issue.  The concern is that opportunities may arise before our local economy improves.  I also think all communities face the constant need to develop talented high-skill workers to meet the changing demands of business.

Where do you see your region in the next 1, 5, 10 years?  Where do you want to be in your career?

With a legacy of business success.  At the end of the day if I have helped to create and maintain an environment in which businesses are prospering and creating jobs, then I will be satisfied.  The Tampa Bay Region has so much to offer, including our community, that the work is never done.

Describe your most recent job creation success.  What were the tools used to close the deal?  What piece of advice would you pass along to fellow FEDC members?

All of the announcements we have made are from organic growth.  I never cease to be amazed at how much opportunity comes from within.  Listening is the best tool to use.  Your businesses will provide you with valuable insight if you listen closely and the act on their needs.

Describe your current advocacy focus.  What tools are you using to gain support of your agenda?  How can FEDC members help support your goals?

Certainly a continuation of economic development funding both at a local and state level is very important.  We must have the necessary resources to compete on a national and international basis.

What role does economic development education for local and state legislators play in advancing your community?

It is critical.  They ultimately craft the budget and priorities for economic development.  Having them apprised and engaged is a critical element for them to be effective.

What piece of advice would you offer to someone just beginning their career in economic development?

Listen closely.  Whether it is a new business or existing company, each word they convey to you can provide opportunity.  So much of what we have accomplished is from conversations that became meaningful three, six or twelve months later. It is a long-term thought process.

How does your organization promote economic development?

Primarily through the web, consultants, real estate professionals and trade shows.

Would you like to nominate someone to be featured as FEDC’s Member of the Week? Reach out to your FEDC Regional Director today!

AICP Certification Maintenance points: CM | 16

This interactive course presents the core components of a BRE program and why the concerns of local businesses need to be actively addressed. By building an understanding of business visitation techniques and survey methods, practitioners will be able to clearly gauge their community’s business climate. Learn the “red flags” that may indicate a company is looking to move elsewhere, and learn how to structure an effective technical assistance program to respond to business concerns. This course helps participants understand how a BRE program relates to attraction, workforce development, small business finance, technology transfer and many other economic development activities. More Event Information.

 

Course Highlights:

• Establishing, maintaining and upgrading a BRE program
• Creating effective models for business visitations and surveys
• Customer-Relationship Management (CRM) techniques
• Marketing a BRE program
• Establishing an early warning system
• Cluster and industry-focused BRE programs
• Tracking and analyzing customer feedback and response
• Quantitative and qualitative economic development metrics

Register NOW

The Basic Economic Development Course (BEDC) focuses on the fundamental concepts, tools and skills needed to be successful in today’s political, economic and business environment. The BEDC will provide the participant with a comprehensive understanding of the keys of successful economic development.

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Additional Events of Interest

On behalf of the Florida Economic Development Council and our Board of Directors, it is with great excitement that I announce the winners of the Mickie Birdsall Scholarship:

• Allie Stewart, Marketing Coordinator, Business Development Board of Palm Beach County
• Adam Myers, Economic Development Coordinator, Greater Pensacola Chamber

This scholarship is given to attend the 36^th Annual Basic Economic Development Course in Tampa November 13-16, 2012.  Stewart and Myers will both attend the course in order to advance their career and expand their economic development skill set.

]]> http://www.fedc.net/newsroom/mickie-birdsall-scholarship-winners-announced/feed/ 0 http://www.fedc.net/newsroom/upcoming-webinar-leveraging-your-electric-utility/ http://www.fedc.net/newsroom/upcoming-webinar-leveraging-your-electric-utility/#comments Tue, 16 Oct 2012 10:55:35 +0000 Brittany http://www.fedc.net/?p=4052

Register Today for FEDC’s October Webinar

  The partnerships your city, county, region or organization have developed could mean the difference between winning or losing a potential project in your area. One key partner in your economic development efforts should be your local electric utility – these power players bring extensive expertise to the table and are committed to helping grow the communities they serve.

Register NOW

Additional Events of Interest

]]> http://www.fedc.net/newsroom/upcoming-webinar-leveraging-your-electric-utility/feed/ 0 http://www.fedc.net/newsroom/celebrate-second-stage-entrepreneurs-at-florida-companies-to-watch-gala/ http://www.fedc.net/newsroom/celebrate-second-stage-entrepreneurs-at-florida-companies-to-watch-gala/#comments Wed, 10 Oct 2012 10:52:49 +0000 Brittany http://www.fedc.net/?p=4049

Fifty high-performing companies from across the State of Florida, will be honored at the second annual Florida Companies to Watch gala event, sponsored by SunTrust Banks, Inc. on Friday, October 19 at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort in Orlando, FL.

Created by the Edward Lowe Foundation, Companies to Watch is a unique awards program that honors second-stage growth companies for their impressive employment rates and revenue growth.  These companies have a reputation for generating a large portion of new jobs, strengthening Florida’s economy.

The combined impact of the 50 companies selected to Florida Companies to Watch is immense. In 2011 alone, the companies generated $355 million in total annual revenue, and held 1,576 full-time equivalent employees. The companies collectively created 350 net new jobs compared to the previous year. Between 2008 and the end of this year, these companies will have generated $1.4 billion in revenue and added 1,297 employees (both in Florida and out of state), reflecting a 204 percent increase in revenue and 151 percent increase in jobs for the five-year period. In 2012 alone, that translates to a 35 percent annual revenue growth and 37 percent annual growth in employees. *Data compiled in August 2012.

The winners of the 2012 Florida Companies to Watch award were selected based on their growth, entrepreneurial leadership, product innovation, social/community responsibility and competitive business practices. Many of the winners were nominated by commercial service providers and local economic development organizations, making this event a celebration for communities throughout the state.

To purchase tickets to attend the event or more information, please visit the event website - Florida Companies to Watch - or call the GrowFL office at 407-823-6384.

Additional Events of Interest:

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Aug. 24, 2012 — A consulting team commissioned by the worldwide technology services company IBM at no cost to taxpayers has concluded a three-week research project Downtown and is now finalizing an action plan to help Mayor Alvin Brown’s efforts to revitalize the urban center.

The work comes as part of the IBM Smarter Cities Challenge, a worldwide initiative to distribute a total of $50 million worth of services and technical assistance to 100 cities through 2013. The project carries an approximate value of $400,000.

Preliminary results were unveiled at City Hall Friday, casting a strong focus on the need for mixed-use redevelopment while suggesting that the mayor’s plan for a Downtown Investment Authority, authorized earlier this month through a unanimous City Council vote, marks a positive step forward. The IBM team made comparisons to best practices in other cities and advocated for Jacksonville officials to increase signage, better utilize historic buildings and create a stronger sense of identity to promote Downtown to attract visitors and business people.

“Investments Downtown will create the action and energy that will draw new talent, new ideas and innovation,” said the mayor. “A vibrant Downtown will help to boost property values, grow career-building jobs and develop a stronger identity to brand our city in the global economy. I commend IBM’s work on this issue and look forward to continuing to work with all the stakeholders for solutions to make Jacksonville the most active and competitive city that it has ever been.”

Jacksonville was selected for the Smarter Cities Challenge grant earlier this year among just eight cities nationally and 33 globally after Mayor Brown and a number of stakeholders from the public, private and nonprofit sectors met with IBM representatives at City Hall to make the case for Downtown.

“A healthy downtown equates to a healthy city,” said Emily Santos, corporate citizenship and corporate affairs manager, IBM. “Jacksonville’s passion for revitalization was reflected throughout the interviews the team conducted. It is clear that stakeholders across the city are committed to building a healthy downtown to help improve economic opportunity for all residents. ”

The IBM team also provided Jacksonville with a model for building an advanced technology tool which could help to determine investment priorities for Downtown. During the course of its engagement, the IBM team met with more than 80 organizations ranging from the mayor and city staff to business, religious, academic and nonprofit leaders.

Media contact:
Ron Drew, APR
Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance
(954) 627-0130
rdrew@gflalliance.org

Miramar, FL – August 28, 2012 – Miramar Centre Building A within IDI’s 70-acre industrial development, Miramar Centre Business Park, is nearing completion and slated to deliver 264,074 square feet of Class A industrial product to the Southwest Broward County submarket by December 2012. IDI and CBRE announced today that 200,214 square feet in the building has been leased to AeroTurbine, a global aviation solutions provider, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC). This is the largest industrial lease in the South Florida market year to date and the largest industrial spec development lease to be completed in Broward County in the past five years.

AeroTurbine’s new location at Miramar Centre A (15701 SW 29th Street) will serve as the company’s corporate headquarters as they expand and relocate from their current location at 2323 NW 82nd Avenue in Miami, Florida. Outside the south Florida location, AeroTurbine has offices throughout the world including Singapore, the United Kingdom, and two other United States locations in Texas and Arizona. The company chose to expand in Florida after considering Dallas.

Michael King, AeroTurbine’s President and CEO said, “AeroTurbine is thrilled to be moving into Miramar and into this new state-of-the-art facility next year. This facility is ideal for our new headquarters location and will well serve AeroTurbine’s aggressive growth plans. We are also excited to be working with IDI, the City of Miramar and the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance as this project drives to completion and we thank them for their tremendous support.”

“AeroTurbine’s decision to expand in Florida validates the state’s success in maintaining a business climate that supports both manufacturing and headquarters operations, both of which are targeted areas for our economic growth initiatives,” said Gray Swoope, president & CEO of Enterprise Florida Inc., the state’s lead economic development organization. “This project, therefore, benefits Florida as well as Broward County, and we’re pleased to have a hand in helping AeroTurbine achieve its business goals.”

“Since 2008, we have witnessed greater activity from the national firms verses the smaller to mid-sized businesses,” said CBRE industrial specialist Harry Tangalakis.

“We are proud to welcome AeroTurbine to our city and commend the company for partnering with us as we work to sustain a strong economic base for our community,” said Miramar Mayor Lori C. Moseley.

AeroTurbine was recently approved for $300,000 from the state’s Qualified Targeted Industry (QTI) Tax Refund program—a performance-based incentive in which the refund is awarded after job requirements are met—with support from Broward County which provided 10 percent matching funds on the QTI, plus an additional $150,000 Job Growth incentive. The City of Miramar also provided a 10 percent match on the QTI, plus an additional $243,000 direct cash incentive. A training grant valued at $150,000 which is provided through Workforce Florida’s Incumbent Worker Training Program is also among the support for the project, bringing the total incentive package to $918,000. Incumbent Worker Training is a program that provides training to currently employed workers to keep Florida’s workforce competitive in a global economy and to retain existing businesses. The program is available to all Florida businesses that have been in operation for at least one year prior to application and require training for existing employees. The approval of the QTI Tax Refund Incentive package played a major role in AeroTurbine’s decision to remain in Florida.

“AeroTurbine has a long distinguished reputation in the aerospace and aviation industry and we thank them for bringing their business to Broward County,” said Broward County Mayor John E. Rodstrom, Jr. “Broward County continues its widespread effort to bring new companies to our area and we are pleased to welcome AeroTurbine to Miramar. AeroTurbine is quite the asset, as they have needs for a 200,000-square-foot facility, which will bring 75 new jobs to join their labor force of 175 people and a $30 million capital investment.”

“We are very happy that AeroTurbine chose to relocate to Miramar because of its central location and the availability of a first-class facility,” said J. David Armstrong, Jr., chairman of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance and president of Broward College. “A special thank you goes to David Coddington, vice president of business development for the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance for his work on this project and congratulations to the company, CBRE and IDI.”

“We are thrilled to welcome AeroTurbine to Miramar Centre Business Park as they expand their presence in Florida,” said Larry Dinner, vice president of leasing for IDI’s Florida office. “Leasing and development activity at Miramar Centre signifies an increasing strength in the overall south Florida market. We trust that AeroTurbine will be pleased with the facility, and we look forward to exceeding their expectations for a corporate headquarters, warehouse and distribution facility.”

The new facility meets AeroTurbine’s specifications as a high-quality building with a central location for employees. Miramar Centre Business Park is positioned at the northwest corner of Interstate 75 and Miramar Parkway. AeroTurbine’s location in Building A will feature 32’ clear height ceilings, early suppression fast response (ESFR) sprinklers, 45,000 square feet of office space and an air-conditioned warehouse.

Construction on Miramar Centre Business Park Building A, which will be the largest facility in the business park when finished, began in the fourth quarter of 2011 and was the first new construction for IDI in south Florida since 2008. In accordance with IDI’s green building philosophy, Building A was designed to meet LEED Silver standards as determined by the U.S. Green Building Council. Upon completion, the park is projected to have 10 buildings over a million square feet of space. There are currently seven buildings totaling 600,000 square feet in the park where tenants include ZF Marine LLC, AT&T, Caremark and Propulsion Technologies. With AeroTurbine’s lease, 63,860 square feet remains available in Building A.

CBRE was hired by AeroTurbine to provide exclusive tenant representation services. Tangalakis, a Senior Vice President with CBRE in Fort Lauderdale, was joined by Senior Associate Tom O’Loughlin in representing AeroTurbine. Dinner represented IDI.

About CBRE Group, Inc.

CBRE Group, Inc. (NYSE:CBG), a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company headquartered in Los Angeles, is the world’s largest commercial real estate services firm (in terms of 2011 revenue). The Company has approximately 34,000 employees (excluding affiliates), and serves real estate owners, investors and occupiers through more than 300 offices (excluding affiliates) worldwide. CBRE offers strategic advice and execution for property sales and leasing; corporate services; property, facilities and project management; mortgage banking; appraisal and valuation; development services; investment management; and research and consulting. Please visit our Web site at www.cbre.com.

About IDI

IDI is one of the largest  privately-held real estate companies in North America  focused exclusively on industrial property. The company, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, provides development, investments, property management and leasing services to corporations, property owners, investors, financial institutions and real estate service providers. Valued at $1.8 billion, IDI has ownership or interests in 34 million square feet of investment grade assets.

Since the company’s founding in 1989, IDI has built a reputation for delivering superior quality properties and service. To date, IDI has developed and acquired 140 million square feet of industrial space and completed more than 568 industrial facilities in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. The company’s joint-venture investment portfolio, focused on building long-term value, holds more than 19 million square feet of assets and the company manages a portfolio of 56 million square feet. For more information on IDI, visitwww.idi.com.

About AeroTurbine

AeroTurbine offers the aviation industry access to one of the world’s largest pools of certified aircraft engines, parts, and supply chain solutions. By leveraging our expertise and financial strength, our customers can choose solutions tailored to their operational and financial goals. For more information on AreoTurbine, visit www.aeroturbine.com.

About ILFC

ILFC is the world’s largest independent aircraft lessor measured by number of owned aircraft. ILFC’s portfolio consists of over 1,000 owned or managed aircraft, as well as commitments to purchase 239 new high-demand, fuel-efficient aircraft and rights to purchase an additional 50 of such aircraft. www.ilfc.com 

About the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance

The Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance (www.gflalliance.org) is Broward County’s official public/private partnership for economic development.  Its mission is to lead Broward County in building a stronger and more diverse economy by stimulating the creation of new jobs and capital investment while facilitating the growth and retention of businesses in Broward County.   Services offered by the Alliance include assistance with business relocation or expansion and site selection; incentive programs and information; market research; and serving as a liaison for workforce development between WorkForce One Employment Solutions, educational institutions and the business community.  To learn more, call (954) 524-3113.

From the federal government to individual businesses, and everyone in between, planning for sudden, unexpected situations is critical.

Enterprise Florida has developed  a Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP) which integrates with the emergency management plans and programs of Florida’s Division of Emergency Management & ESF-18 (FDEMwww.floridadisaster.org) This plan is now the official CEMP for state EDOs.  Florida is the first state in the nation to create an EDO CEMP to match the state’s emergency plan & processes.  The CEMP has three parts: the Basic Plan, Emergency Support Function Annex, and Incident-Specific Annexes.

The following documents are meant to guide the CEMP creation process for EDO primary partners direct needs and roles.

EDO_CEMP_Directions

EDO_CEMP_Manual

For more information please contact Sharon Spratt at sspratt@eflorida.com.

Florida’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 8.8 percent in July 2012, up 0.2 percentage point from June. There were 816,000 jobless Floridians out of a labor force of 9,269,000. The July 2012 rate was 1.8 percentage points lower than the year-ago rate of 10.6 percent. The U.S. unemployment rate was 8.3 percent in July.
Florida’s seasonally adjusted total nonagricultural employment was 7,331,400 in July 2012, a decrease of 3,300 jobs (less than 0.1 percent) over the month. The number of jobs in the state was up 69,900 over the year, an increase of 1.0 percent from July 2011. Nationally, the number of jobs was up 1.4 percent over the year.

Continue Reading and Download July 2012 Labor Stats

Source: Florida DEO