Good Afternoon,

Nominations for the 2013 FEDC Awards Close Today

Last minute nominations are still being accepted! Please help us celebrate excellence, innovation and the achievements of you and your team at the 2013 FEDC Conference. Please visit our conference website right away and get your final nominations in before you leave your office.

For more details on the nomination process and eligibility, visit the 2013 FEDC Awards page on fedcconfernce.com.

Book Your Hotel Room for the 2013 FEDC Conference

The 2013 FEDC Conference will be at the Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport. Conference attendees can book their room today for only $134 per night. Our room block is filling up quickly. Make sure you do not miss out on the FEDC rate by booking your room as soon as possible.

For more details on the Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport visit the hotel page on fedcconferencecom.

Call for Nominations and Willingness to Serve FEDC’s 2013-2014 Executive Committee

• Vice Chair of Professional Development
• Vice Chair of Economic Development Advocacy
• Vice Chair of Finance
• Vice Chair of Membership and Regional Relations
• Vice Chair of Marketing and Communications

Learn more about the nominating process on our website, fedc.net.

Have a wonderful weekend,
Amy Evancho
President and CEO
Florida Economic Development Council

Good Afternoon,

Nominations for the 2013 FEDC Awards Open Until Friday, May 17, 2013

Celebrate Excellence, Innovation and Achievement!Do you know someone that has continued to dedicate their career to growing Florida? Heard of a project that produced outstanding job creation results? The 2013 FEDC Awards celebrate a variety of milestones including personal career achievements and urban, regional and rural team successes that have advanced Florida’s business climate and economy. Nominations accepted until Friday, May 17, 2013 for the following awards:

• Eunice Sullivan Economic Development Professional of the Year Award
• Toni Jennings Workforce Development Professional of the Year
• Young Professional of the Year Award
• Richard McLaughlin Economic Development Volunteer of the Year Award
• Recognizing Outstanding Achievement and Acknowledgement of Excellence in International Business ($95 Entry Fee)
• Recognizing Outstanding Achievement in the Location/Expansion in the State of Florida: Deal of the Year Award ($95 Entry Free)
• Promotional and Marketing Innovation Awards ($95 Entry Fee)

Reminder: The Richard McLaughlin Economic Development Volunteer of the Year is awarded to 1 volunteer from each region. A total of 8 awards are given each year. Contact your FEDC Regional Director if you have any specific questions when nominating for your region.

For more details on the nomination process and eligibility, visit the 2013 FEDC Awards page on fedcconfernce.com.

Professional Development Opportunities at the 2013 FEDC Conference

This year’s conference is jam-packed with opportunities for you to expand your knowledge on economic, workforce and community development.Leaders from around our state and nation will be teaching you what matters most – check out the highlights from the Plenaries and Breakout Sessions we have scheduled for you:

Plenary Speakers

• Amy Liu, Senior Fellow and Co-Director of the Brookings Metropolitan Policy Program
• Rick Harper, Ph.D,  Director of UWF’s Office of Economic Development and Engagement & Senior Policy Advisor on Economic Affairs, Senate President’s Office
• T. Phillip Dunlap, Direcor of Economic Development, City of Auburn
• Kim Lear, Generational Consultant &BridgeWorks Speaker

Breakout Sessions

• Financing Your Project
• Let’s Kick (Start) It! Becoming a Technology Start-Up Friendly Community
• Industrial Development/FTZ – Intermodal Facility in Columbia County
• Workforce Retention Expertise from Dick Finnegan – Renowned Author and Speaker
• Export Assistance – Brookings 10 Step Guide
• Military andDefense in Florida: $64 Billion Industry
• A Glimpse into Technology Tools to Support Economic and Workforce Development
• Transportation/Transit Planning as an Economic Development Enabler
• Anatomy of a Successful Project
• ED Liaisons – A Great Addition to the Project Development Team
• Entrepreneurs and Innovation
• Working with International Prospects
• Space Florida and Its Applicability to ALL of Florida
• Marketing Your Community or Region
• Educating and Engaging Stakeholders
• America’s Gateway Logistics Center

For more details on the 2013 FEDC Conference Agenda visit our conference website, fedcconference.com.

Have a wonderful weekend,
Amy Evancho
President and CEO
Florida Economic Development Council

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media contact:
Ron Drew
Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance
954-627-0130 or 954-257-8509 (cell)
rdrew@gflalliance.org

The Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance/Broward County and WorkForce One Employment Solutions will be presenting free forums for business owners throughout Broward County titled: Broward County Business Forums: “Is Your Business Ready to Grow?”

Business owners are invited to attend any of these free sessions, serving the four quadrants of the county, to be held during May and September of 2013.

The first session, serving Northwest Broward, will take place Tuesday, May 14, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Tamarac Community Center, 8601 W. Commercial Blvd. To register, visit www.gflalliance.org/tamarac.

Opening remarks will be given by City of Tamarac Mayor Beth Talabisco. Forum speakers include: Terra Spero of RealTime Marketing, who will discuss using social media as a marketing tool for business; Jeff Moxley and Neal Murray of Furman Insurance, who will discuss changes and updates to healthcare insurance for business owners; George Gadson of the Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in Broward, who will give an overview of resources available from the SBDC; and Jack Bennings of WorkForce One, who will discuss workforce resources for training and employment.

Additionally, a mini-business expo will be held at each of the forums. The following exhibitors will be on hand at the Northwest/Tamarac session:  City County Credit Union, the City of Tamarac, Connectica, the Florida Small Business Development Center in Broward, Furman Insurance, the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance, the Margate Chamber of Commerce, RealTime Marketing, SCORE, the Tamarac Chamber of Commerce, the South Florida Technology Alliance and WorkForce One.

Additional sessions are scheduled for the following dates and locations:

• Southwest – Wednesday, May 22, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.; Southwest Focal Point Senior Center, 301 N.W. 103rd Ave., Pembroke Pines. To register, visit www.gflalliance.org/pembrokepines.
• Southeast – Thursday, September 12, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.; I.T. Parker Community Center, 901 N.E. 3rd St., Dania Beach. To register, visit www.gflalliance.org/daniabeach.
• Northeast – Tuesday, September 17, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.; Hagen Park Community Center, 2020 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors. To register, visit www.gflalliance.org/wiltonmanors.

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.

Job Summary:

Establish the strategic direction for economic development for Tallahassee and Leon County. Responsible for overall administration and supervision of the EDC, as well as providing the President/CEO with timely reports for the Board of Directors and the Partners.  Directs staff in the areas of Business Development, Marketing, Partner Relations, Business Expansion and Retention and Entrepreneurial Growth, in coordination with the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Serves as chief economic development representative for Tallahassee and Leon County and the Capital Region.  Markets the region to prospects, helps clients evaluate key location issues, find real estate solutions, engage appropriate state and local leaders and utilize research information to develop proposals to companies.  Utilizes experience with and knowledge of various aspects of economic development.
• Develops and maintains cooperative working relationships with the City of Tallahassee and Leon County staffs, stakeholders, and regional economic development partners, as well as, Enterprise Florida, Florida’s Great Northwest, Workforce Plus and other local/regional organizations and elected officials.
• Serve as “Resident Expert” for headquarters targeted industry sector and continue to gain and share knowledge of targeted industry.  Maintain list of top corporate prospects and develop and execute outreach plan to these contacts, as well as site location consultants to uncover and qualify potential projects.
• Promotes and cultivates a strong communications network with EDC Partnership investors and Chamber members to maintain strong investor relations, value and involvement.
• Directs team that produces programs, speakers and locations for investor and partner events.
• Participates in various sales and marketing missions, domestic and international, to market Tallahassee and Leon County and the Capital Region to corporate real estate professionals and site consultants.
• Maintains membership and proactive leadership in professional organizations including FEDC, IEDC, NAIOP, IAMC and CoreNet.
• Supervises planning and production of EDC marketing initiatives to increase visibility of the Tallahassee and Leon County as well as the Capital Region and increase likelihood that the area will be short-listed for an economic development project.
• Develops, promotes and executes strategies for sustainable growth for Tallahassee and Leon County and the Capital Region.
• Represents the EDC at appropriate public and private meetings.
• Oversees EDC program of work. Establishes priorities and goals for department. Coaches and evaluates direct reports.  
• Oversees EDC fundraising campaigns in coordination the Chamber efforts and work with Membership in intervening years to fund EDC operations. Supervise EDC direct contracts, grants and other funding agreements and the budget process and execution to maximize use of funds and stay within budgeted amounts.
• Represents EDC through various public speaking engagements.
• Serves as EDC media relations point of contact on economic development topics when appropriate.
  • Bachelor’s degree in business administration or related field.
  • 5+ years of experience in economic development or related field.
  • Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) preferred. (Other related certifications/degrees may be considered).

The above cited duties and responsibilities describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to the job.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that an incumbent may be expected or asked to perform.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in economic development or related field.
• Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) preferred. (Other related certifications/degrees may be considered).

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Ability to work effectively with all levels of internal and external associates/customers/colleagues.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Excellent human relations skills
• Outgoing, visionary, personable, aggressive, entrepreneurial, team player
• Ability to develop and maintain collaborative relationships internally and externally with public and government officials and private enterprises
• Ability to follow through on issues, make informed decisions that comply with policies and procedures, complete tasks and problem-solve
• Track record as a results-oriented leader

Salary commensurate with experience.

Please send resumes to Stu Bevis via email at sbevis@talchamber.com or via fax to (850) 224-0877.

Good Afternoon,

Final Day of Session

Its the final day of the  2013 Session and I’m sure many share the sentiment with me that it’s finally over. The themes this year have been change and transparency. While economic development, as usual, come to the forefront, many other initiatives have also moved to the surface. Please look for our complete legislative recap early next week as everything is finalized today.

On a personal note, I cannot begin to thank the FEDC Board, members, friends, statewide partners and others who waived in support of economic development and all issues affecting the business climate in Florida. As we all know it takes a team of dedicated professionals who have passion to help reach out to the legislature. Additionally for those of you who personally sent emails, made calls whether it be once or multiple times, don’t think it doesn’t matter. Those calls play a vitally important role for us to reach our legislative goals.

Looking Forward to the 2013 Florida Economic Development Conference

As we close the door on the 2013 Session, please turn your attention to the 2013 FEDC Conference at the Hyatt Regency, Orlando International Airport June 26-28. As you always spread the word during Session, please spread the word out to other groups and organizations. This years conference is setting up to be the best ever! I look forward to seeing you there. Don’t forget to visit the conference website for all the information on the agenda, award nominations and other details: fedcconference.com.

Nominations Open for 2013 Florida Economic Development Awards

FEDC leadership would like the opportunity to honor your achievements at the 2013 Florida Economic Development Conference. Nominations will be accepted until May 17th, 2013 for the 2013 FEDC Awards including Marketing and Promotional Awards, Eunice Sullivan Economic Development Professional, Toni Jennings Workforce Development Professional, Young Professional of the Year, Richard McLaughlin Economic Development Volunteer of the Year, Excellence in International Business and Deal of the Year. You can submit all nominations online on the conference website. 

May you all have a great and restful weekend and thank you for all you do!

Amy Evancho
President and CEO
Florida Economic Development Council

Help Wanted OnLine, Statewide Summary April 2013

Help Wanted OnLine TM from The Conference Board is a measure of real-time labor demand captured through online job ads. The Conference Board compiles online job ads from over 1,200 job boards and publishes the data in an online application that covers national, state, Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) and county levels, detailed by occupation, industry and employer. Since the online ads are a direct indication of hiring intent by employers, they serve as a measure of labor demand. Reports of hiring demand by area, industry, occupation and employer are a valuable tool for identifying employment opportunities and helping with the reemployment of Florida’s out-of-work citizens. The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, Bureau of Labor Market Statistics compiles and publishes reports every month from Help Wanted Online that show hiring demand at both the state level and the regional workforce board level.  Continue Reading

Online Labor Demand up 204,300 in April

• April rise offsets losses in February and March, leaving labor demand unchanged in 2013
• Metro areas show resilience with 24 of the 52 largest metro areas having fewer than 2 unemployed for every advertised vacancy (Table B, p. 4)
• Note: Revision to occupational levels for June 2012 forward (see p. 6)
• HWOL_National_March-2013

The U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) press release covering national employment and unemployment estimates for April 2013 and the BLS Commissioner’s statement released this morning are available for download here.

• The national unemployment rate was 7.5 percent in April 2013, down 0.1 percentage point from the March rate of 7.6 percent and down 0.6 percentage point from 8.1 percent a year ago.
• Total nonagricultural employment was 135,474,000 in April 2013, an increase of 165,000 jobs (+0.1 percent) over the month and an increase of 2,077,000 jobs (+1.6 percent) over the year.

Florida’s April 2013 labor statistics will be released on May 17, 2013.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media contacts:
Ron Drew
Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance
(954) 627-0130 or (954) 257-8509 cell
rdrew@gflalliance.org
or Pierson Grant Public Relations, 954-776-1999
Jenna Leon, ext. 242 or Samantha Russo, est. 255

(Fort Lauderdale, FL) – Education Training Corporation d/b/a Anthem Education, announced that it has chosen Fort Lauderdale as the location to expand its new consolidated North American headquarters.

 Anthem Education operates as a post-secondary educational institution with 34 campuses in 14 states. The Company operates its campuses under the Florida Career College, Anthem College, Anthem Career College, Anthem Institute, The Bryman School of Arizona and Morrison University names. Florida Career College has operated in Florida since 1982 and has grown and expanded its schools and programs to meet the needs of students and businesses and currently offers career-focused programs in various subject areas, such as allied healthcare, information technology, technical trades and others at each of its 12 locations throughout the State of Florida. In April 2012, Education Training Corporation acquired Arizona based High-Tech Institute Holdings, Inc., d/b/a Anthem Education, with 22 campuses in 14 states.

Officials from the Company worked closely with the office of Florida Governor Rick Scott, Enterprise Florida, the City of Fort Lauderdale and the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance CEO Council to secure state and local incentives that will result in the creation of 70 new jobs with average salaries of $50,000 at its new headquarters over a 3 year period and the retention of 85 existing jobs, along with the investment of over $300,000 in additional capital expenditures for construction, renovation and leasehold improvements and the purchase of computer equipment, office furniture, fixtures and other property. Anthem Education’s new headquarter offices are located in approximately 40,000 square feet of space at 1000 Corporate Drive, Suite 500 and 600, in the City of Fort Lauderdale.

The state and local incentives from Florida and the City of Fort Lauderdale consist of $350,000 from the Qualified Target Industries Tax Refund Program, with the state providing eighty percent, or $280,000, and the City of Fort Lauderdale providing twenty percent or $70,000.

Anthem Education CEO David Knobel said, “Greater Fort Lauderdale provides us with an expansive area that welcomes growing businesses and a rich and diverse pool of talent for future growth. We appreciate the assistance provided by Governor Scott, Enterprise Florida, the City of Fort Lauderdale and the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance CEO Council in our selection process.”

Governor Rick Scott said, “Florida is known for educational excellence and job creation – and Anthem Education’s expansion in Ft. Lauderdale is more proof of our success. With more than 320,000 jobs created in the last two years, our strategies of cutting taxes, paying down debt, and investing in K-12 education are paving the way for more opportunities for Florida families.”

Fort Lauderdale Mayor Jack Seiler said “We are very happy to welcome Anthem Education to our city for their new and expanded North American headquarters location, and we look forward to seeing them continue to grow their base of operations here. We wish them all future success.”

Florida Secretary of Commerce Gray Swoope, who serves as President & CEO of Enterprise Florida, the state’s lead economic development organization, also acknowledged the partnerships that helped move Anthem Education’s expansion forward.  “I thank the local, regional, corporate and government partners who share our vision to heighten Florida’s stature as a business state.  By bringing this project to fruition, we are maintaining a business climate that favors and supports the establishment of headquarters operations,” said Swoope.  “Even more, companies like Anthem Education are developing the talent and skill base needed for tomorrow’s economy.”

According to Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance CEO Council Chairman Ray Ferrero, Jr., “We are delighted that Anthem Education has chosen to locate their consolidated North American headquarters in Greater Fort Lauderdale. Their decision ratifies the CEO Council’s mission to market Greater Fort Lauderdale as a premier location for corporate and international headquarters, and we look forward to celebrating their growth and success in the years to come.”

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.

]]> http://www.fedc.net/newsroom/education-training-corporation-expands-headquarters-in-fort-lauderdale-adding-new-jobs-and-capital-investment/feed/ 0 http://www.fedc.net/newsroom/weekly-message-from-amy-evancho-april-26-2013/ http://www.fedc.net/newsroom/weekly-message-from-amy-evancho-april-26-2013/#comments Fri, 26 Apr 2013 21:01:33 +0000 Brittany http://www.fedc.net/?p=4901

Good Afternoon,

Final Week of Session

One week to go and counting and it is all hands on deck.Now more than ever, we need all of you to reach out to both the House and Senate to ask them to show their support for economic development. While you may think that having sent a note or made a phone call in the past few weeks is enough, I ask you to please spend a few moments more to send a message to legislators on behalf of the economic development community throughout Florida.

FEDC has been working hard to ensure our message is powerful and that legislators understand we need their support of the economic development funding for our partners and the toolkit. All of the members of both the House and Senate are listed on the FEDC website. Simply click on the links to download the legislator contact information and send them a message.

Thank you to all of you who have been working hard and diligently to show how powerful the ED community is in Florida!

Thanking Volunteers

This week is National Volunteer Week, a time to celebrate people doing extraordinary things through service. I would like to thank the FEDC Board Members, Regional Directors and Committee Members who so freely give of their time and resources to advance the mission of the FEDC. Their tremendous dedication allows us to continue to grow resources and advocate for economic development at a local and state level.

Recognizing Success

Congratulations to Kelly Smallridge, President and CEO of BDB of Palm Beach County. Smallridge was recognized by Sun Sentinel and received the Excalibur award for small business leadership. More details are provided at sun-sentinel.com.

Congratulations to the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance team. The Greater for Lauderdale Alliance was recognized by Business Facilities Magazine receiving the 2013 Economic Development Award for a population greater than 500k. More details are provided at businessfacilities.com.

FEDC leadership would like the opportunity to honor your achievements at the 2013 Florida Economic Development Conference. Nominations will be accepted until May 17th, 2013 for the 2013 FEDC Awards including Marketing and Promotional Awards, Eunice Sullivan Economic Development Professional, Toni Jennings Workforce Development Professional, Young Professional of the Year, Richard McLaughlin Economic Development Volunteer of the Year, Excellence in International Business and Deal of the Year. You can submit all nominations online on the conference website.

Thank you for all you do,
Amy Evancho
President and CEO
Florida Economic Development Council