Boca Raton, FL – In partnership with Palm Beach County and the City of Boca Raton, The Business Development Board of Palm Beach County (BDB) today announced that Modernizing Medicine, Inc. (www.modernizingmedicine.com), a software company that delivers IT solutions for small and medium-sized specialty medical practices, will more than double its space when it moves to a new 15,000 sq. ft. facility at the Research Park at Florida Atlantic University. The company currently has 60 employees and expects to add another 40 in the next twelve months.

“A strong reason for our selection of the Research Park is its relationship with FAU,” said Dan Cane, CEO of Modernizing Medicine. “Our product is computer software for medical practitioners and having access to both the FAU Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine and the FAU College of Engineering and Computer Science offers potential for joint development of interdisciplinary projects with FAU.”

The Business Development Board assisted the company with information on available grant and incentive programs and introduced the company to Workforce Alliance for assistance with recruitment and training programs. Through its introduction to the economic development programs of the City of Boca Raton, the company received a lease subsidy of $65,000.

“Modernizing Medicine is a great company and we’re delighted it will expand its operations in Palm Beach County,” stated Kelly Smallridge, President and CEO of the Business Development Board. “The BDB has recently assisted several local companies to expand here and that’s good news for the County.”

“Modernizing Medicine is a perfect fit with the growing number of technology businesses that now call the Research Park home,” stated Andrew Duffell, president and CEO of the Research Park at Florida Atlantic University. “The opportunities for collaboration with other tenants and FAU are plentiful.”

Modernizing Medicine is relocating for the second time in a two year span. “At the rate we’re growing, we’ll need additional space before long,” commented Cane. “The availability of expansion space in the Research Park will easily facilitate our future growth.”

Leasing for the Research Park at Florida Atlantic University is provided by Keith O’Donnell, Senior Managing Director. Flagler Real Estate Services, LLC (www.Flaglerdev.com).

About Modernizing Medicine 

Modernizing Medicine, Inc. (www.modernizingmedicine.com),was founded by Daniel Cane and Dr. Michael Sherling, and is privately held. Mr. Cane was one of the co-founders of Blackboard, Inc. (NASDAQ: BBBB) and was the founder of Kadoo Inc.  Dr. Sherling, a Yale and Harvard trained dermatologist, is in private practice in Palm Beach County, FL.

Modernizing Medicine’s offering, Electronic Medical Assistant or EMA, was announced at the meeting of the American Association of Dermatologists in Chicago, August, 2010, and has since gained significant acceptance in the dermatology community. Designed by practicing dermatologists, EMA enables physicians to truly save time and money in their day-to-day operations. The offering takes a completely new approach to patient information capture and processing, using the latest in Internet and touch screen technologies for ease of installation and use. As a Software-as-a-Service offering, it only requires a web-browser equipped PC or Mac, with no other hardware or software on-site at the medical practice.

About the BDB

The Business Development Board of Palm Beach County is the official public/private economic development organization for Palm Beach County and Enterprise Florida.  Founded in 1982 as a not-for-profit corporation, our primary purpose is to attract and retain new industry, business investment, high quality jobs and workforce development through corporate relocations, expansions and international trade.  During the past five years, the BDB has assisted companies that have created more than 7,700 direct jobs with average salaries greater than $55,400, resulting in more than $355 million in capital investment to Palm Beach County and an economic impact that exceeds $1.8 billion. Additional information can be found at the BDB’s Web site, BDB.org.

About the Research Park at Florida Atlantic University

Established in 1985, the 94-acre Research Park at Florida Atlantic University (www.research-park.org) is home to 22 technology companies working in conjunction with the FAU College of Engineering and Computer Science, the FAU Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine and the FAU College of Business. The Research Park also hosts the Technology Business Incubator with 22 startup technology companies, each of which receives business and consulting services, with the goal of becoming established businesses and permanent residents of the Research Park. HDG Mansur (hdgmansur.com) is the development partner for the Research Park.

Throughout the nation, the tumultuous economy has driven unparalleled changes in both the public and private sectors. Infinity Global Solutions, a diversified economic-development and government-relations firm, is responding to the shifting marketplace. We have set a course for the evolution of our organization to ensure we are well positioned to meet the ever-expanding needs of our growing client base.

We are happy to report that 2011 was a year of significant growth for IGS. To respond to the market’s demand for our expertise, innovation and resources to help clients succeed in today’s competitive environment, we took steps to expand our company. The most significant part of that was the addition of two seasoned professionals with broad expertise and demonstrated records of success to lead us into the next phase of our organization’s development.

With the addition of practice leaders, Lindsey Ballas Kimball and Kerri Stewart, IGS offers expanded expertise in areas ranging from strategic economic development planning, to incentive negotiation, to comprehensive government affairs consultation, to operational planning and consultation. Whether a community is seeking to attract new jobs, or a private company is interested in making new investments and expanding market share, IGS has the innovation and experience to help our clients succeed.

Some of our areas of focus include:

Public-Private Partnerships
IGS serve as the bridge between governments and private corporations, overseeing projects to completion regardless of where the financing originates. We have developed strong relationships with federal, state and local governments, giving us the ability to create everything from parking garages and courthouses to healthcare centers and educational facilities.

Economic Development Consulting
Whether you’re looking to expand your company or just fine-tune your strategies, IGS can help. Our services include incentive negotiation, expansion and relocation assistance and site selection, communication strategies, industry cluster analysis and so much more.

Government Affairs
IGS provides an array of government-affairs services to help you thrive and survive in the ever-changing political arena. In fact, we see our job as educating government officials about your issues and concerns. Our team understands your needs and has the power to deliver positive results on a continual basis.

To learn more about our leadership team, services, experience, and how IGS can help your organization, we invite you to visit our website at www.igs-us.com or contact us at904-396-9963.

Link out: Click here
Description: The 2012 Rural Economic Development and Tourism Summit will focus on several issues facing rural areas. These include changes in the way the state of Florida is focusing on these issues and partnerships with such entities as education and the military. Agenda items will include a legislative update, self-sustainability by economic development organizations, tourism and funding sources.

CONFERENCE LOCATION:
Florida Public Safety Institute (FPSI)
Academy Drive, Havana, Florida
The FPSI is located on US 90, 7.8 miles north of Interstate-10
at Exit 192

https://fpsi.tcc.fl.edu/Pages/layout_Welcome.aspx

Attire: Business casual throughout the conference

Door Prize/Conference Bag Donations:
One promotional item may be included in the conference bags if delivered to Opportunity Florida or the Gadsden County Chamber before March 1, 2012, subject to space limitations.

Off-Site Reception:
Wednesday, March 14, 2012, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.,
Reception at Tri-Eagle Sales in Midway.
Transportation will be provided from the hotels.

Start Date: 2012-03-14
End Date: 2012-03-16

Representatives from a newly formed Broward County, FL, business consortium is actively spreading the message to Florida’s leaders that Port Everglades is preparing for future growth and needs their support.

Recently, a delegation from the Port Everglades Action Team, made up of a number of community and business leaders, met with key legislators and decision makers in Tallahassee regarding the importance of expanding Port Everglades to create new jobs and grow Florida’s economy.  The team’s goal was to demonstrate the business community’s support for Port Everglades to help ensure the Port remains competitive with the expansion of the Panama Canal and resulting increases in cargo shipping.

As a result, the Team was able to further emphasize the importance of the Port’s three priority projects which will allow for five additional cargo berths, deepening and widening the main navigation channels and adding a freight rail facility on to port property.  While in Tallahassee, among the legislators and decision makers the team met with were Lt. Governor Jennifer Carroll; Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater; Senate President Mike Haridopolos [R] Melbourne; Senator Lizbeth Benacquisto [R] Wellington, Deputy Majority Leader; Senator Ellyn Setnor Bogdanoff [R] Fort Lauderdale; Representative Mike Horner [R] Kissimmee, Vice Chair of Transportation & Economic Development Appropriations Committee; Representative Evan Jenne [D] Hollywood, Chair of the Broward Delegation; Senator Jack Latvala [R] St. Petersburg, Chair of the Committee on Transportation; Senator Gwen Margolis  [D] Miami; Representative George Moraitis [R] Fort Lauderdale; Representative Lake Ray [R] Jacksonville, sponsor of HB 679 – Freight Mobility Development;  Senator Nan Rich  [D] Sunrise; Senator Jeremy Ring [D] Margate, sponsor of SB 1168 – Freight Mobility Development; and Department of Transportation Secretary Ananth Prasad.

“We were pleased that a number of local business and community leaders representing the Action Team, including Margaret Kempel and Raymond Jones from the Port Everglades Association; Phil Allen, Port Director; and Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance Chairman David Armstrong made the visits along with Broward County Commissioner Chip LaMarca,” said Terry Stiles, who is chairman and CEO of Stiles Corporation, chair of the Broward Workshop Port Everglades Committee and chair of the newly formed Port Everglades Action Team.

“We are very pleased to be working closely with the Alliance, the Broward Workshop and other business groups,” said Raymond Jones, president of the Port Everglades Association.   “The Association has long touted the economic benefits of our Port and the companies associated with the Port, and the partnership with the broader business community only strengthens our message.”

“The expansion projects at Port Everglades are expected to create 7,000 new jobs in South Florida and support 135,000 new jobs statewide,” said Broward County Commissioner Chip LaMarca.   “It truly is an economic engine for our county, region and state and we must all support its success.”

The Port Everglades Action Team is comprised of representatives of Broward College, the Broward Workshop, Greater Dania Beach Chamber of Commerce, Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance, Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce, Greater Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, Port Everglades Association, WorkForce One and other community groups.

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Ron Drew
Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance for the Port Everglades Action Team
954-627-0130

Title: “The State of the Space Industry in Florida”
Location: Tallahassee, Florida
Link out: Click here
Description: Presenter: Frank DiBello, President, Space Florida
Now that NASA’s space shuttle program has ended, what’s ahead for Florida’s aerospace industry that in 2010 generated almost $10 billion and employed nearly 75,000 workers statewide? Come hear the latest news and strategies for keeping Florida’s aerospace infrastructure alive and healthy as NASA prepares for its next exciting program, the Space Launch System, set to debut in 2017. Since 2009, Frank DiBello has headed Space Florida, the state’s aerospace economic development agency. An executive with more than 40 years of hands-on experience in aerospace and defense industry-related industries, DiBello has been a prominent innovator in helping businesses exploit advanced technologies in space and telecommunications

Date: 2012-02-23

Tourism-Related Employment Shows Growth for 19^th Straight Month 

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (February 16, 2012) – According to preliminary estimates* released today by VISIT FLORIDA – the state’s official tourism marketing corporation –  an estimated 85.9 million visitors came to Florida in 2011, an increase of 4.4 percent over 2010.  This represents a record year for visitation to Florida, exceeding the previous high of 84.5 million in 2007.  Direct travel-related employment in Florida also rose to a near record high of 1,013,100, adding more than 38,000 jobs and representing a 3.9 percent increase over 2010.

“With such significant increases in jobs and visitors to the Sunshine State in 2011, tourism remains the state’s No. 1 industry and the leading driver of Florida’s rebounding economy,” said Governor Rick Scott. “VISIT FLORIDA and the entire Florida tourism industry are leading the way to ensuring that we become the No. 1 travel destination in the world.”

Estimates for 2011 show a 3.0 percent increase in domestic visitors to Florida, a 5.7 percent increase in Canadian visitors and a 16.1 percent increase in overseas visitors.  For 2011, 21.5 million Floridians took an in-state pleasure trip, an increase of 12.5 percentage points.  These increases represent record highs for overseas, Canadian and in-state visitation to Florida.

“Since Florida relies on tourism to generate nearly a quarter of the state’s sales tax revenue and to employ over one million Floridians, it’s very encouraging to see that the industry experienced a record year,” said Tony Lapi, Chairman of the VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors and President and CEO of ‘Tween Waters Inn Island Resort. “Every 85 visitors support one Florida job, so I’m incredibly proud of our industry’s continued growth as we work to strengthen the economy and provide much-needed employment.”

Primary data collected at Florida’s 14 major airports in 2011 reflects an 11.9 percent increase in total enplanements from 2010.  Tourism/recreation taxable sales for Florida increased every month year-over-year from January through November 2011 (last reported month), representing a 7.2 percent increase over the same period in 2010.

“Achieving record increases in 2011 is a testament to the strength of Florida’s tourism product, the commitment of our hospitality industry employees, and the creative and strategic marketing being implemented by VISIT FLORIDA and our partners statewide,” said Chris Thompson, President and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA.

Preliminary estimates of visitors to Florida for the fourth quarter of 2011 show an estimated 20.6 million people visited the Sunshine State. This reflects an increase of 0.3 percent from the same period in 2010.  VISIT FLORIDA also reports that an estimated 2.5 million overseas visitors traveled to Florida in the fourth quarter of 2011, an increase of 13.9 percent, and Canadian travel increased by 2.0 percent over the same period in 2010.

Florida tourism has been steadily regaining market share since January 2011, outpacing the rest of the U.S. by more than 2 percentage points.  According to Smith Travel Research, room revenue in Florida for 2011 was up 10.9 percent compared to 2010, while the U.S. is only up 8.8 percent.

“We’re excited to have welcomed a record number of visitors to the Sunshine State in 2011,” said Will Seccombe, Chief Marketing Officer for VISIT FLORIDA.  “And perhaps the best news is that, despite a very competitive environment, Florida was able to grow our market share of total U.S. visitors.”

*Preliminary estimates are issued 45 days after the end of each calendar quarter. Final estimates are released when final data are received for all estimates in the report.

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For additional information, contact Kathy Torian at kathyt@VISITFLORIDA.org or (850) 205-3865.

In January 2012, regional workforce boards assist nearly 33,000 people who found jobs, up from 25,000 in December 2011

TALLAHASSEE –  As evidence of their continued focus on helping unemployed Floridians get to work, the state’s 24 regional workforce boards reported nearly 33,000 job placements for the month of January 2012 — an increase of more than 30 percent from the previous month, when more than 25,000 people who received assistance found jobs.

“This is encouraging news for job seekers and their families, and a clear indication that Florida is headed in the right direction,” said Governor Rick Scott. “One of my top priorities during the 2012 legislative session is to transform Florida’s unemployment system into one that is focused on re-employment. I am confident that, working with the Legislature, we are going to get this accomplished and get even more Floridians back to work.”

The results from the Monthly Job Placement Report for January show consistent progress, with 32,965 individuals placed in jobs including 6,536 people who were receiving unemployment compensation. The new Monthly Job Placement Report was developed at the Governor’s direction by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity and Workforce Florida Inc.

“Florida’s nationally recognized workforce system is diligently working to connect job seekers and employers, as demonstrated by the efforts of every regional workforce board and the one-stop career centers they direct,” said Chris Hart IV, President/CEO of Workforce Florida, the state’s chief workforce policy organization. “As Governor Scott continues to emphasize, the collective work of our workforce and business partners is essential to our state’s economic recovery. I applaud January’s top-ranked regional workforce boards for excelling at linking Floridians with employment opportunities.”

The top 10 ranked regional workforce boards for reported job placements in January 2012 are:

South Florida Workforce – Miami-Dade and Monroe counties – Board Chair Alvin West and Executive Director Rick Beasley

1. Pasco Hernando Workforce Board – Pasco and Hernando counties – Board Chair Lex Smith and  President/CEO Jerome Salatino
2. Chipola Regional Workforce Development Board – Calhoun, Holmes, Jackson, Liberty and Washington counties – Board Chair Darrin Wall and Executive Director Richard Williams
3. WORKFORCE plus – Gadsden, Leon and Wakulla counties – Board Chair Barb Edwards and CEO Kimberly Moore
4. WorkNet Pinellas – Board Chair Dennis Meyers and President/CEO  Ed Peachey
5. Workforce One – Broward County – Board Chair Gary Arenson and President/CEO Mason Jackson
6. FloridaWorks – Alachua and Bradford counties – Board Chair Dr. Maggie Labarta and Executive Director Angela Pate
7. Gulf Coast Workforce Development Board – Bay, Franklin and Gulf counties – Board Chair Gary Ross and Executive Director Kimberly Bodine
8. Workforce Solutions – Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee and St. Lucie counties – Board Chair Soma Gail Melnick and President/CEO Richard Stetson
9. Florida Crown Workforce Board – Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist and Union counties – Board Chair Jennie Reed and Executive Director John Chastain

The Monthly Job Placement Report was developed in response to Governor Scott’s call for enhanced measurement of performance outcomes in workforce development that bolster the state’s economic recovery and growth.

The goal of the report is to highlight and share job-placement achievement so that regional workforce boards and other workforce system partners can identify and replicate best practices and strategies that connect job seekers with employment. The data provides further confirmation that the state’s economy is heading in the right direction, and reinforces the positive job growth shown in December when Florida added 7,300 jobs over the month and unemployment declined to 9.9 percent — the lowest rate since April 2009.

South Florida Workforce is ranked No. 1 for the first time since the inception of the 3-month-old Monthly Job Placement Report, up from its No. 2 ranking in December 2011.

Executive Director Rick Beasley says the board’s job-placement performance has been enhanced by improving the efficiency and effectiveness of its work through new, customized performance-based management tools. For example, by evaluating how timely workforce professionals, who staff the one-stop career centers, match qualified job candidates with businesses seeking to hire, management can quickly identify areas for improvement. Workforce professionals also are measured on engaging in consistent direct outreach to ensure job seekers are taking full advantage of the workforce services available to assist them, often at no charge.

“We have instituted a number of management tools and process improvements that allow us to raise the quality of our customer service and increase opportunities to help employers find the job candidate with the skills and experience they are looking for in a successful hire,” said Beasley. “I also cannot say enough about the strong collaboration that exists among our board and partners throughout the region, which helps to drive our innovative efforts and positive outcomes.”

Florida’s workforce system is made up of Workforce Florida,the statewide workforce investment board; the Department of Economic Opportunity, responsible for policy implementation, administrative and fiscal management; and the 24 regional workforce boards and nearly 100 one-stop career centers, charged with the design and delivery of local workforce services.

To view the monthly report and a list of Frequently Asked Questions, go to:

 www.floridajobs.org/workforce-board-resources/program-monitoring-and-reports/monthly-regional-workforce-board-job-placement-reports.

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About Workforce Florida

Workforce Florida is an equal opportunity employer. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. The voice telephone numbers in this document may be reached by persons using TTY/TDD equipment via the Florida Relay Service at 711.