This document provides an overview of opportunities in Polk County, Florida. It introduces the authors and their backgrounds. It then provides fast facts about Florida's economy, highlighting its size, exports, ports, airports, and tax incentives. For Polk County specifically, it notes the proximity to millions of people, labor force, and tourism opportunities. The document outlines several industries that show potential for growth and investment in Polk County, including manufacturing, financial services, travel/tourism, logistics, aviation, agriculture, and information technology. It concludes by opening the floor for discussion on other industries like retail, healthcare, and communications.
Florida offers several advantages that attract businesses to the state, including its role in technology and connectivity. It is one of the top states for attracting technology businesses and exporting high-tech goods. Florida has major airports and ports that provide global connectivity, helping businesses relocate and expand internationally. The state also supports entrepreneurs through university training programs and investment resources. A skilled workforce is developed through education and training programs from high school through university levels.
Robin Faetz has over 7 years of experience as an immigration paralegal. She received a Certificate in Paralegal Studies from Loyola University Chicago with honors and has worked at two large law firms, Quarles & Brady LLP and Sidley Austin LLP, independently managing the full range of visa and immigration processes. She has strong skills in analyzing documents, developing case strategy, managing green card processes, and communicating with clients.
This document introduces the Florida IT market sector and the South Florida Technology Alliance. It summarizes that Florida has a large and growing IT industry, ranking highly for business according to several surveys. The South Florida Technology Alliance promotes growth and awareness of the regional technology community through events, networking, programs and education. It partners with various organizations to create more resources and opportunities for collaboration in the region.
The Greater Orlando Economic Development Group presentation to Brazilian Investors. Outlines advantages and benefits to entrepreneurial investment within the Greater Orlando area.
Transforming the Philippine Talent Value Proposition into an Enduring Competi...Alejandro Melchor III
Transforming the Philippine Talent Value Proposition into an Enduring Competitive Advantage. Presentation for the 16th Philippine Society of IT Educators National Convention.
Transforming the Philippine Talent Value Proposition into a Competitive Advan...Alejandro Melchor III
The Philippines has one of the most attractive talent profiles in the world. One of Smarter Philippines' priorities is to translate that talent value proposition into an enduring competitive advantage.
Silicon Halton Meetup #14: Doing Business in the U.S.Silicon Halton
1. The document provides information about trade services available through the Canadian Consulate General in Buffalo to help Canadian companies succeed globally and lower costs. Key services include preparation for international markets, market assessments, and qualified contacts.
2. It highlights Canada's extensive network of international trade professionals and the various ways the Trade Commissioner Service can facilitate technology transfer, partnerships, investments, market access, and business contacts.
3. Various regions within Upstate New York, Western Pennsylvania, and West Virginia are profiled in terms of population, industries, exports to Canada, and strengths for potential business opportunities. Statistics on bilateral trade between Canada and these regions/states are also provided.
The document discusses opportunities for Latin American companies in the software industry in South Florida. It provides an overview of the large and growing technology industry in Florida, which ranks highly for business. The South Florida regional market of Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties is emphasized. Recent expansions by technology companies in the region are highlighted. Challenges for Latin American companies to succeed include strong local competition, cultural differences, and economic impacts. Strategies suggested include opening a local office, finding a U.S. partner, or acquisition.
Florida offers several advantages that attract businesses to the state, including its role in technology and connectivity. It is one of the top states for attracting technology businesses and exporting high-tech goods. Florida has major airports and ports that provide global connectivity, helping businesses relocate and expand internationally. The state also supports entrepreneurs through university training programs and investment resources. A skilled workforce is developed through education and training programs from high school through university levels.
Robin Faetz has over 7 years of experience as an immigration paralegal. She received a Certificate in Paralegal Studies from Loyola University Chicago with honors and has worked at two large law firms, Quarles & Brady LLP and Sidley Austin LLP, independently managing the full range of visa and immigration processes. She has strong skills in analyzing documents, developing case strategy, managing green card processes, and communicating with clients.
This document introduces the Florida IT market sector and the South Florida Technology Alliance. It summarizes that Florida has a large and growing IT industry, ranking highly for business according to several surveys. The South Florida Technology Alliance promotes growth and awareness of the regional technology community through events, networking, programs and education. It partners with various organizations to create more resources and opportunities for collaboration in the region.
The Greater Orlando Economic Development Group presentation to Brazilian Investors. Outlines advantages and benefits to entrepreneurial investment within the Greater Orlando area.
Transforming the Philippine Talent Value Proposition into an Enduring Competi...Alejandro Melchor III
Transforming the Philippine Talent Value Proposition into an Enduring Competitive Advantage. Presentation for the 16th Philippine Society of IT Educators National Convention.
Transforming the Philippine Talent Value Proposition into a Competitive Advan...Alejandro Melchor III
The Philippines has one of the most attractive talent profiles in the world. One of Smarter Philippines' priorities is to translate that talent value proposition into an enduring competitive advantage.
Silicon Halton Meetup #14: Doing Business in the U.S.Silicon Halton
1. The document provides information about trade services available through the Canadian Consulate General in Buffalo to help Canadian companies succeed globally and lower costs. Key services include preparation for international markets, market assessments, and qualified contacts.
2. It highlights Canada's extensive network of international trade professionals and the various ways the Trade Commissioner Service can facilitate technology transfer, partnerships, investments, market access, and business contacts.
3. Various regions within Upstate New York, Western Pennsylvania, and West Virginia are profiled in terms of population, industries, exports to Canada, and strengths for potential business opportunities. Statistics on bilateral trade between Canada and these regions/states are also provided.
The document discusses opportunities for Latin American companies in the software industry in South Florida. It provides an overview of the large and growing technology industry in Florida, which ranks highly for business. The South Florida regional market of Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties is emphasized. Recent expansions by technology companies in the region are highlighted. Challenges for Latin American companies to succeed include strong local competition, cultural differences, and economic impacts. Strategies suggested include opening a local office, finding a U.S. partner, or acquisition.
The document discusses opportunities for Latin American companies in the software industry in South Florida. It provides an overview of the large and growing technology industry in Florida, which ranks highly for business. The South Florida regional market of Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties is outlined. Recent expansions by technology companies in the area are mentioned. Challenges for Latin American companies to win business include competition from established US firms and cultural differences that must be considered in marketing strategies. Partnerships, acquisitions or opening local offices are suggested to help access the market.
Florida's Six Pillars Framework: Sharing a Unified Approach among State and R...nado-web
During the 2016 NADO Annual Training Conference, Patricia Steed, Executive Director of the Central Florida Regional Planning Council, discussed linking transportation plans and processes with economic development across the state and regional levels.
The document summarizes various accolades and strengths of Gainesville, Florida that position it for economic growth. It highlights Gainesville's ranking as a top city for young professionals, creativity, and research. Specific industry strengths are in life sciences such as pharmaceuticals and medical devices, agricultural sciences, and alternative energy like solar. The University of Florida and local companies contribute significantly to innovation in these fields.
The document summarizes various accolades and statistics about Gainesville, Florida that position it as an innovative city with a strong knowledge economy. It highlights Gainesville's rankings as a top city for young professionals, education, and job growth. The local universities and research institutions are noted as key drivers of the regional economy in fields like biotechnology, renewable energy, and agriculture.
This document discusses information literacy and its importance in the workplace and information society. It provides definitions for key terms like information overload, knowledge economy, and information literacy. It discusses information literacy standards and contexts. It then discusses how employees at the company PlantMiner seek and evaluate information from sources like Google, LinkedIn, suppliers, and newsletters to help their roles in sales, business development, marketing, finance, and development.
This document summarizes the work of Enterprise Florida Inc., a public-private partnership that promotes economic development across the state. It discusses EFI's mission to diversify and grow Florida's economy by supporting innovative, high-growth industries. The document also outlines EFI's strategies like developing Florida's talent, promoting business competitiveness, investing in innovation, and accelerating economic diversification through targeted industry clusters. Finally, it provides examples of promoting rural economic development through regional partnerships and identifying logistics and distribution as a target industry for North Central Florida.
This document provides an overview of Statista's products and services for academic institutions. Statista has extensive data on 170 industries and 150 countries. Their data comes from their own surveys and research (49%) as well as purchased exclusive sources (35%) and some free sources (16%). Their products include basic free statistics, premium paid statistics and reports, and paid outlook reports. Statista works with over 4,500 academic institutions and their data and platforms can benefit students, faculty, and staff across various departments from research to marketing.
This document provides information about The Canadian Institute's 13th Annual Privacy Law & Compliance Forum, which will take place on March 30-31, 2016 in Toronto. It outlines the agenda, speaker faculty, and topics to be covered at the conference. Some of the key sessions will address big data privacy concerns, managing risks associated with service providers, and updates from the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada on changes to privacy laws. The event brings together industry and legal professionals to discuss privacy issues and compliance.
The document discusses the future of the information professional field. It notes that the field is facing challenges from changing technologies and user needs but that the future remains exciting with endless possibilities. Information professionals must embrace change, continue learning and adapting, and avoid being trapped by past successes or focusing only on today's needs. CILIP is evolving to support the profession by advocating for skills and ethics, developing the workforce, and securing recognition and support for the field in policymaking. Information professionals should keep developing skills, networking, and championing new ways of working to ensure they remain indispensable in the future.
This document provides an overview of the socioeconomic factors of Miami, Florida. It discusses Miami's population growth, demographics, industries, infrastructure, and financial advantages. Some key points:
- Miami's population has grown rapidly for decades and is projected to reach over 3 million by 2025, driven largely by immigration.
- Major industries include tourism, international banking and finance, and trade. Over 190,000 people work in downtown Miami and Brickell.
- Miami has tax advantages like no state income tax and incentives to attract businesses in targeted industries.
- The document provides details on Miami's transportation infrastructure of airports, ports, roads, and public transit.
Learn how to research and utilize Big Data to tell the story of your community and ultimately attract companies, talent, and capital to your front door.
The document summarizes a regional economic strategy for the central Puget Sound region in Washington state. It outlines challenges facing the region's economy, including shortcomings in education, infrastructure, and business climate. A coalition called Prosperity Partnership was formed with over 150 organizations to develop a strategic response. The strategy involves focusing on strengthening key industry clusters through targeted actions and investments, while also improving shared foundational issues like education, transportation, and taxes that cut across all sectors of the economy. The goal is long-term economic prosperity for the entire region.
The document provides information about the University of the Fraser Valley's School of Professional Programs including admission requirements and programs offered. Applicants must be 19 or older and provide high school or equivalent transcripts along with a minimum IELTS score of 6.5. The university offers over 80 programs in various fields including accounting, engineering, health sciences, teaching, and trades. It also describes the benefits of joining Dhrron Consultancy which includes free IELTS coaching, career counseling, airport pickup, and accommodation assistance for students interested in the university's programs.
Finnzone is inviting Finnish companies to access the US markets in Upper Michigan. There is demand for Finnish wood expertise in the Upper Peninsula region of Michigan. Finnzone provides services to help technology companies accelerate their growth and commercialization in the US and North American markets. It is located in Houghton-Hancock in partnership with local universities and economic development organizations. Finnzone offers office space, access to interns and graduates, assistance with fundraising, and connections to help companies enter or expand in the US market.
A call to librarians to use their library powers in the community beyond the walls of their institutions as the open data folks need their knowledge!
Title:
Open Sesame: Open Data, Data Liberation and New Opportunities for Libraries
Abstract:
Cities and data producers are quickly embracing Open Data, albeit unevenly. The Data Liberation Initiative (DLI) has been a pioneer in broadening access to data for nearly two decades. This session will examine the relevance of Data Liberation in terms of Open Data and explore how librarians can step up to the plate to make Open Data/Open Government as successful as DLI.
Speakers:
- Wendy Watkins, Data Librarian, Carleton University
- Ernie Boyko, Adjunct Data Librarian, Carleton University
- Tracey P. Lauriault, Post Doctoral Fellow, Carleton University (tlauriau@gmail.com)
- Margaret Haines, University Librarian, Carleton University
The University of the Fraser Valley offers a variety of programs including accounting, administration, adult education, agriculture, anthropology, aviation, biology, business administration, communications, computer science, criminology, dental hygiene, drafting, early childhood education, engineering, film, health sciences, horticulture, indigenous studies, journalism, kinesiology, library and information technology, marketing, mathematics, media arts, nursing, philosophy, psychology, science, social work, teacher education, web design and more. Requirements for admission include being 19 years of age or older and submitting transcripts and proof of high school graduation or equivalent, as well as minimum IELTS scores. Dhrron Consultancy offers benefits such as free IELTS
Student Data and Its Discontents: How FUD undermined an education reform agendaPatrick McCormick
The document summarizes opposition to the New York Education Data Portal project, which aimed to collect and share student data. It faced criticism over privacy concerns, an uncertain business model, and doubts about improving learning. While proponents argued data could guide instruction, critics saw it as prioritizing corporate interests over teachers and increasing testing burdens. The project ultimately failed due to growing public distrust around how student data was being collected and used.
The document discusses opportunities for Latin American companies in the software industry in South Florida. It provides an overview of the large and growing technology industry in Florida, which ranks highly for business. The South Florida regional market of Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties is outlined. Recent expansions by technology companies in the area are mentioned. Challenges for Latin American companies to win business include competition from established US firms and cultural differences that must be considered in marketing strategies. Partnerships, acquisitions or opening local offices are suggested to help access the market.
Florida's Six Pillars Framework: Sharing a Unified Approach among State and R...nado-web
During the 2016 NADO Annual Training Conference, Patricia Steed, Executive Director of the Central Florida Regional Planning Council, discussed linking transportation plans and processes with economic development across the state and regional levels.
The document summarizes various accolades and strengths of Gainesville, Florida that position it for economic growth. It highlights Gainesville's ranking as a top city for young professionals, creativity, and research. Specific industry strengths are in life sciences such as pharmaceuticals and medical devices, agricultural sciences, and alternative energy like solar. The University of Florida and local companies contribute significantly to innovation in these fields.
The document summarizes various accolades and statistics about Gainesville, Florida that position it as an innovative city with a strong knowledge economy. It highlights Gainesville's rankings as a top city for young professionals, education, and job growth. The local universities and research institutions are noted as key drivers of the regional economy in fields like biotechnology, renewable energy, and agriculture.
This document discusses information literacy and its importance in the workplace and information society. It provides definitions for key terms like information overload, knowledge economy, and information literacy. It discusses information literacy standards and contexts. It then discusses how employees at the company PlantMiner seek and evaluate information from sources like Google, LinkedIn, suppliers, and newsletters to help their roles in sales, business development, marketing, finance, and development.
This document summarizes the work of Enterprise Florida Inc., a public-private partnership that promotes economic development across the state. It discusses EFI's mission to diversify and grow Florida's economy by supporting innovative, high-growth industries. The document also outlines EFI's strategies like developing Florida's talent, promoting business competitiveness, investing in innovation, and accelerating economic diversification through targeted industry clusters. Finally, it provides examples of promoting rural economic development through regional partnerships and identifying logistics and distribution as a target industry for North Central Florida.
This document provides an overview of Statista's products and services for academic institutions. Statista has extensive data on 170 industries and 150 countries. Their data comes from their own surveys and research (49%) as well as purchased exclusive sources (35%) and some free sources (16%). Their products include basic free statistics, premium paid statistics and reports, and paid outlook reports. Statista works with over 4,500 academic institutions and their data and platforms can benefit students, faculty, and staff across various departments from research to marketing.
This document provides information about The Canadian Institute's 13th Annual Privacy Law & Compliance Forum, which will take place on March 30-31, 2016 in Toronto. It outlines the agenda, speaker faculty, and topics to be covered at the conference. Some of the key sessions will address big data privacy concerns, managing risks associated with service providers, and updates from the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada on changes to privacy laws. The event brings together industry and legal professionals to discuss privacy issues and compliance.
The document discusses the future of the information professional field. It notes that the field is facing challenges from changing technologies and user needs but that the future remains exciting with endless possibilities. Information professionals must embrace change, continue learning and adapting, and avoid being trapped by past successes or focusing only on today's needs. CILIP is evolving to support the profession by advocating for skills and ethics, developing the workforce, and securing recognition and support for the field in policymaking. Information professionals should keep developing skills, networking, and championing new ways of working to ensure they remain indispensable in the future.
This document provides an overview of the socioeconomic factors of Miami, Florida. It discusses Miami's population growth, demographics, industries, infrastructure, and financial advantages. Some key points:
- Miami's population has grown rapidly for decades and is projected to reach over 3 million by 2025, driven largely by immigration.
- Major industries include tourism, international banking and finance, and trade. Over 190,000 people work in downtown Miami and Brickell.
- Miami has tax advantages like no state income tax and incentives to attract businesses in targeted industries.
- The document provides details on Miami's transportation infrastructure of airports, ports, roads, and public transit.
Learn how to research and utilize Big Data to tell the story of your community and ultimately attract companies, talent, and capital to your front door.
The document summarizes a regional economic strategy for the central Puget Sound region in Washington state. It outlines challenges facing the region's economy, including shortcomings in education, infrastructure, and business climate. A coalition called Prosperity Partnership was formed with over 150 organizations to develop a strategic response. The strategy involves focusing on strengthening key industry clusters through targeted actions and investments, while also improving shared foundational issues like education, transportation, and taxes that cut across all sectors of the economy. The goal is long-term economic prosperity for the entire region.
The document provides information about the University of the Fraser Valley's School of Professional Programs including admission requirements and programs offered. Applicants must be 19 or older and provide high school or equivalent transcripts along with a minimum IELTS score of 6.5. The university offers over 80 programs in various fields including accounting, engineering, health sciences, teaching, and trades. It also describes the benefits of joining Dhrron Consultancy which includes free IELTS coaching, career counseling, airport pickup, and accommodation assistance for students interested in the university's programs.
Finnzone is inviting Finnish companies to access the US markets in Upper Michigan. There is demand for Finnish wood expertise in the Upper Peninsula region of Michigan. Finnzone provides services to help technology companies accelerate their growth and commercialization in the US and North American markets. It is located in Houghton-Hancock in partnership with local universities and economic development organizations. Finnzone offers office space, access to interns and graduates, assistance with fundraising, and connections to help companies enter or expand in the US market.
A call to librarians to use their library powers in the community beyond the walls of their institutions as the open data folks need their knowledge!
Title:
Open Sesame: Open Data, Data Liberation and New Opportunities for Libraries
Abstract:
Cities and data producers are quickly embracing Open Data, albeit unevenly. The Data Liberation Initiative (DLI) has been a pioneer in broadening access to data for nearly two decades. This session will examine the relevance of Data Liberation in terms of Open Data and explore how librarians can step up to the plate to make Open Data/Open Government as successful as DLI.
Speakers:
- Wendy Watkins, Data Librarian, Carleton University
- Ernie Boyko, Adjunct Data Librarian, Carleton University
- Tracey P. Lauriault, Post Doctoral Fellow, Carleton University (tlauriau@gmail.com)
- Margaret Haines, University Librarian, Carleton University
The University of the Fraser Valley offers a variety of programs including accounting, administration, adult education, agriculture, anthropology, aviation, biology, business administration, communications, computer science, criminology, dental hygiene, drafting, early childhood education, engineering, film, health sciences, horticulture, indigenous studies, journalism, kinesiology, library and information technology, marketing, mathematics, media arts, nursing, philosophy, psychology, science, social work, teacher education, web design and more. Requirements for admission include being 19 years of age or older and submitting transcripts and proof of high school graduation or equivalent, as well as minimum IELTS scores. Dhrron Consultancy offers benefits such as free IELTS
Student Data and Its Discontents: How FUD undermined an education reform agendaPatrick McCormick
The document summarizes opposition to the New York Education Data Portal project, which aimed to collect and share student data. It faced criticism over privacy concerns, an uncertain business model, and doubts about improving learning. While proponents argued data could guide instruction, critics saw it as prioritizing corporate interests over teachers and increasing testing burdens. The project ultimately failed due to growing public distrust around how student data was being collected and used.
2. WHO WE ARE:
Dr. Herbert Nold – Professor of Business Administration with a doctorate in Organizational Leadership
Lisa A. Jones – Prevention Program Manager at Central Florida Behavioral Health Network responsible for federal
funding of over $8 million for substance abuse prevention
Cindy Lambeth – Global Logistics Specialist & Export Compliance Specialist at Ferguson Enterprises
Rosemary Cottrell – 2014 graduate of Business Information Technology & Oxford University Graduate Scholar
3. Fast facts about Florida
• 4th largest state in the U.S., 3rd largest in population
• 2nd largest foreign trade zone
• 1 of 5 exporting companies is located in Florida
• 15 deep water ports and 19 commercial airports
• Multiple tax incentives for capital investment, research and
development, job creation
• No personal income tax or sales tax on manufacturing equipment
• 12 state universities, 28 state colleges, and 33 private colleges
5. Fast facts about Polk County
• 100 miles away from 9 million people
• Similar agricultural climate to Brazil
• Strong, affordable labor force
• Many opportunities for investment connected to the
tourism industry
• Active and robust business development councils
7. Manufacturing and Construction
400 manufacturing companies of all sizes in Polk (food, chemicals,
paper, building materials, technologies)
Manufacturing and Supply Chain Alliance of Mid-Florida
Polk State College & Florida Polytechnic University manufacturing
programs
Opportunity for potential business relationships with local
corporations
8. Financial Services and Investing
• Florida High Tech Corridor Council
• Targeted Industries:
• Aviation & Aerospace
• Digital Media/Interactive Entertainment
• Financial Services
• Information Technologies
• Microelectronics/Nanotechnology
• Modeling, Simulation, & Training
• Optics and Photonics
• Sustainable Energy
9. Travel, Culture, and Tourism
• Opportunities for growth in tourism,
resort, and travel industries
• Custom’s office will be opening in
December 2016
• Professional baseball teams Spring
Training
10. Logistics and Supply Chain Management
• Assistance to match needs with market supply
• Possible business relationships
• CSX
11. Aviation
• Opportunity for recruiting and training
• Efficient and cost effective
• Flight School USA and Aerospace degree at Polk State College
12. Agricultural
• Abundance of affordable land
• Area for potential growth-replacing citrus
• Possible area to grow eucalyptus
• Green zone
• More sustainable than citrus
Dr. Nold to do the introductions and the purpose of the program and presentation/research
*We would like to take a moment to thank Marco and Grace along with the all the members of the G100 for providing the opportunity to not only Cindy and myself, but to Central Florida and Polk County to research the potential for many opportunities with Brazil.
We started this research project last fall and have been able to talk with quite a few partners in our community from the business aspect as well as some Brazilian entrepreneurs in Polk County. It has been a great learning experience and process we hope you find valuable.
We did not receive the “Strategy for Polk County’s Economic Future” report from SRI International until recently, but as you read through it you will realize there are many similarities to our research.
As the recent report from SRI starts off, Polk County and the Central Florida region are poised for significant economic growth, and transformation in the coming years.
This is supported by strong locational assets, a business-friendly economic climate; and a community-focused, family-friendly quality of life.
We are here to introduce you to the advantages of doing business in Central Florida, specifically Polk County.
Along with having a Pro Business Governor, as the slide points out Florida is the 4th largest state in the US
3rd largest in population and the 2nd largest foreign trade zone.
Cindy, will you tell us more about the trade incentives?
Refer to Aviation article in The Ledger, SRI
One of the most connected locations in the Southeast, (colleges, highways, railways) (benefit: logistics infrastructure has already been established).
This map shows an overview of Central Florida, highlighting Polk County. As you can tell, we are very connected within the state of Florida and beyond!
Logistics:
4 seaports within an hour’s drive. Two major seaports are Port Canaveral and Port of Tampa and two smaller
4 local airports and 2 major international airports-Tampa and Orlando
Lakeland Linder Airport-will have custom’s office in late 2016
More rail miles than any other community in Florida, major CXS terminal recently opened in Winter Haven
Access to 4 major roadways-I75 & I 95 run north and south and I-4 and Hwy 60 run east and west connecting them ? Provide access to the entire Eastern United States up through Canada
4th largest land mass in Florida, Larger than the state of Rhode Island
7 colleges and universities and 6 technical schools: trained workforce ready to go to work
Polk County is nestled in the heartland region of central Florida, as noted by Cindy, being connected to both coast by the Interstate 4, we are within 100 miles of 9 million people. –shows there is a market
Our agricultural climate is very similar to Brazil. –mention eucalyptus?
There is a diverse workforce (highly trained, diverse in age & culture, offering a robust range of talent)
Tourism investment (Disney, Universal, LEGOLAND) and events; one being vacation housing opportunities abound with the central location between Tampa and Orlando
Business development councils offer a wealth of opportunities for assistance to bring in new businesses. Some of these include Central Florida Development Council, Lakeland, Winter Haven, Haines City, Brazil-Florida Business Council, and Enterprise Florida
The biggest part of our research was seeking opportunities where you could grow your business, connect with others to do a joint venture or enhance your workforce.
We will briefly discuss 7 various sectors.
Within the research paper and the SRI report, each of these have been expounded on in greater detail. As you will notice during this presentation and within the research paper and the SRI report, some of these sectors crossover into other sectors.
Manufacturing and Supply Chain Alliance-promotes and supports growth of manufacturers and their suppliers, partnering with workforce training organizations to obtain funding for their training programs for manufacturer and their suppliers
Polk State College at Clear Springs and Florida Poly- Technic have Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering Technology degrees as well as supply chain management.
An example of development would be construction of vacation homes for those coming from other countries to visit the theme parks.
Our region has established several business incubators and accelerators to promote the emergence of new enterprises which offer investing opportunities.
Florida Polytechnic University has recently established an office to facilitate the process of developing practical applications for technological innovations emerging from university research.
Some of the development involves matching funds research, workforce development, supported by a regional marketing program.
There are many who come to Florida to enjoy the warmer weather in the winter with an increase during spring break also during the spring training for baseball. Detroit Tigers (training in Lakeland with AAA minor team), New York Yankees, Atlanta Braves, Houston Astros all have training camps within Florida. The Tampa Bay Rays are based in St. Petersburgh.
With the opening of LEGOLAND, there has been an increase with families coming into Polk County with younger children along with International travelers. Since LEGOLAND opened their hotel, more families are staying for more than a day at the park.
There is a wealth of Arts and Culture within Polk County with various events throughout the year to capitalize on.
With close proximity to both Orlando and Tampa, tourism is an increase niche sector for Polk County.
Orlando is home to the Orlando Magic basketball, Orlando City Soccer, and 2 major theme parks (Universal Studios and of course, Disney World.
The Tampa area is has Tampa Buccaneers football and Busch Gardens theme park. Close by in St. Petersburgh is the Tampa Bay Rays baseball team and #1 beach in the United States
As we stated earlier, the custom’s office will be opening in December 2016 at the Lakeland Linder Airport, this will add more opportunities for foreign travelers to come straight into Polk County.
This industry is growing and this is prime opportunity to help shape the tourism market and develop partnerships for new hotels, restaurants, or shopping locations. There are Brazilian communities within Polk County in Davenport.
Pictured on the slide is the new CSX terminal opened to distribute goods to the Eastern US
Show CSX article from the Ledger
We have a well-established strength in transportation and distribution towards higher-tech and higher-value activities within Polk County.
There are 1,119 transportation/distribution companies and 534 manufacturing firms
According to the SRI report, the Lakeland-Winter Haven MSA (metropolitan statistic area) ranked 4th out of the nations top 100 metro areas for manufacturing jobs as a share of all jobs in 2010. This industry also provides the connection to the international markets and export revenues.
Ferguson Enterprises picked this location because of the many tax incentives it was offered, the cheap land, affordable labor, and most importantly the central location. Polk County is in the center of the state, giving equal access to not only Tampa and Orlando but also Miami and Jacksonville, where there are even larger ports to import and export goods
With the climate being very conducive to training for aviation, Polk County is positioned to help develop the next generation of pilots.
We have the Aerospace degree at Polk State College as one of approximately 50 colleges and universities in the nation participating in the ExpressJet Airline Pilot Pathway Program.
Recently, the city and council have voted to provide incentives to and unnamed aircraft maintenance company to open within Polk County; presumably at the Lakeland Linder Airport.
** See Ledger Article (250 jobs…)
Polk County has established strengths with in the agribusiness, but with the greening occurring with in the citrus plants, there is a need to focus on diversifying into future-oriented and higher-value crops. This also leads into expanding research and advancing capabilities in the food and agri-sciences and technologies.
The Florida Citrus Commission is cutting back by 1/3 due to the loss of the crops. This is prime sector for research and development.
With the abundance of land, this could be an area of opportunity. One idea we have researched was the growing of eucalyptus trees. The weather is similar to Brazil and could replace some of the citrus crops.
Polk County has strong colleges to help educate and train those wanting to enter into the field of information technology. But this also melds into software development, media & design services, consulting & research, marketing, advertising, & branding services, data centers, call services, & customer services, and IT services & consulting.
Bill Gates invested $1 billion in the “high-tech corridor”-describe this
Polk State offers a bachelor of applied science with a concentration in Business Information Technology and Florida Polytechnic University is located in Lakeland and is entirely focused on STEM programs (science, technology, engineering, and math)
Several companies such as Sprint have located their call centers in Lakeland because of the opportunity for skilled, low-cast labor and shared business service operations
There is a great deal more information on the attachments and the research paper.
We have only touched on some to help stimulate your imaginations.
Should you desire to have some local research or groundwork completed and help facilitating connections to the appropriate groups, please contact Dr. Nold with Agility Insights.
We appreciate your time and hope this presentation spurs further discussions.
Now let’s take a few moments open up for questions.