EDC staff were busy promoting our region from coast to coast this week. Their goal: to highlight Central Florida's advantages for business, especially in the film and technology industries.

Sheena Fowler, EDC associate director of film & television, was in Miami for the National Association of Television Program Executives (NATPE) conference. She presented the region as a location for television production and met with several producers and studio heads. The EDC also partnered with Film Florida on a panel session on "TV Set in Florida" designed to showcase the advantages of production in the sunshine state. Next week, Sheena will travel to Washington, D.C. for the RealScreen Summit, the premier non-fiction film and television event to promote Central Florida as a filming location for non-fiction.

Shelly Weidenhamer, EDC director of business development, was in San Francisco for SPIE Photonics West, an annual gathering of lasers, optics and photonics company executives. This specialized industry has a strong base in Central Florida. The EDC also partnered with Enterprise Florida, the University of Central Florida and the Florida Photonics Cluster in representing this important cluster.

This EDC has become recognized as an industry leader in the use of social media efforts to maximize impact before, during and after conference participation and sales missions. This week's activities reflected that. In order to stand out in the crowd, the EDC scheduled tweets designed to attract the attention of festival-goers. Here are a few samples:

• At #NATPE? Today @ 1:30 in the Flash Ballroom of the Versailles Tower, attend the "TV Set in Florida" panel by Film Florida

• Did you know Orlando based @UCF #CREOL is one of only three Centers of Excellence in optics + photonics? http://ow.ly/8DsJ9 #PhotonicsWest

To follow the Metro Orlando Film Commission on Twitter, click here. To follow the EDC, click here.

The Metro Orlando community hosted the first-ever Site Selectors Guild Conference this week at the Hilton Orlando. A new professional association comprised of the world's most respected site selection consultants as voted by their peers, the Site Selectors Guild members represent an estimated 60 percent of corporate site selection projects ranging from international supply chain analysis to local business relocations - from globally-known corporations to new business startups. This was the first conference of its kind, providing a platform for networking, training and information sharing for economic development agencies across the U.S. and site selection consultants to exchange information and build business relationships.

The Metro Orlando EDC and partners - Enterprise Florida, JAXUSA Partnership, Greater Ft. Lauderdale Alliance and FPL - hosted a private dinner for the Guild members at Walt Disney World Resort's Epcot as part of the conference. Understanding the importance of this group, Florida Governor Rick Scott was in attendance to express his commitment to helping site selectors and their clients do business in Florida.

Rick Weddle, EDC president and CEO, provided the opening remarks for the conference and introduced Dr. Sean Snaith, UCF's director of the Institute for Economic Competitiveness, who served as the keynote speaker. Rick also participated in a panel discussion that featured economic development professionals speaking directly to the site selector guild members. Throughout the week, members of the EDC's business development team participated in conference activities and fostered relationships with this important group.

The Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission (EDC) is pleased to announce that Pat Engfer, general manager of the Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport, will receive the 2012 James B. Greene Economic Development Award, the highest honor bestowed by the EDC. The award recognizes an individual whose work has contributed substantially to the economic prosperity of the region.

First presented in 1990, the James B. Greene Economic Development Award is named in memory of the long-time Orlando business leader who was very active in the region's economic, transportation, and civic development. The Central Florida Greeneway, State Road 417, is named after him as well.

Pat Engfer's involvement in the Central Florida community is unprecedented. She has not only served as the Chair of the EDC, but she's also served as Chair of Visit Orlando, Central Florida Partnership and the Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association. In addition, she also serves as a board member of the University of Central Florida Rosen School of Hospitality Management and as the chair of American Heart Association's Go Red for Women.

Prior to becoming the general manager of the Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport in 1992, in her 35 year career with Hyatt, she worked at the Hyatt on Hilton Head Island, Hyatt Pittsburgh, Hyatt Regency Atlanta, the Watertower Hyatt and various general manager positions in Southern California.

Past honors have included being named the Hyatt Hotels General Manager of the Year, induction into the UCF Hospitality Hall of Fame and as the CFHLA Hotelier of the Year.
She holds a bachelor's degree from East Carolina University in Parks, Recreation and Conversation.

Engfer will be honored with the award during the annual EDC Awards Dinner on Tuesday, March 6 from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. at the Amway Center in downtown Orlando.

On Thursday, December 8, the EDC will officially re-launch bioOrlando as a strategic advisory committee to the EDC. Operating autonomously for the last four years, bioOrlando will become the "Central Chapter" of BioFlorida, the statewide trade association for the bioscience industry.

While the two organizations have frequently partnered together over the years for events or to push support on legislative items, membership in one did not equate to membership in the other. This new structure works to connect the dots so that members of bioOrlando experience a broader statewide impact as members of BioFlorida.

Join us this Thursday, December 8, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., in the auditorium at the Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute at Lake Nona for an evening of networking and learning as we reconnect. You will hear from Orlando's life sciences leaders, including Leslie Molony, Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute; William Warren, Ph.D., Sanofi-Pasteur VaxDesign Campus; Dom Meffe, Triad Isotopes; and Philip Arlen, Ph.D, Pandora Genomics.

The cost for EDC investors and bioOrlando members is $15 and $40 for non-members. Click here to register today.

Each year during this time, the eyes of the world's simulation and training industry turn to Metro Orlando for the annual Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation and Education Conference (I/ITSEC), the world's largest modeling, simulation and training conference. Nearly 20,000 attendees from over 57 countries come to Orlando to see and learn about the most recent advances in this important industry sector.

Orlando is widely known as the "national center for simulation" for several reasons:

- home to the nation's military procurement simulation commands;
- over 150 simulation companies;
- employing more than 12,500 Central Floridians; and
- a Gross Regional Product of $3 billion.

The significance of this industry to our local economy cannot be overstated, and the EDC works closely with community partners to ensure a strong presence at the annual I/ITSEC trade show, which is held at the Orange County Convention Center.

Once again, the EDC partnered with the Orlando-headquartered National Center for Simulation, The University of Central Florida's Institute for Simulation & Training (IST), Florida High Tech Corridor Council and others to feature Metro Orlando's assets through a booth on the trade show floor. Demonstrations included hands-on experiences from Florida Hospital's DaVinci Robot and the latest research from IST featuring distracted driving simulators and new uses for mobile apps.

In addition, the EDC's business development team conducted several meetings each day with companies considering expansion opportunities.

Lake County's Office of Economic Development and Tourism hosted their first-ever Economic Development Summit at the Mission Inn Resort & Club located in Howey-in-the-Hills on Monday, November 14. Attended by over 250 business and community leaders, the day-long event featured nationally renowned speakers who presented best practices in workforce development, economic development, site selection and strategic planning.

While much of the day focused on the economic realities facing the region, nation and world right now, Scott Blakenship, director of Lake County's Office of Economic Development, emphasized that increased collaboration and partnership is the key to successful economic recovery.

Dr. Charles Mojock, president of Lake-Sumter Community College and EDC board member, served as the master of ceremonies for the event designed to lead Lake County into a successful 2012. Speakers included: EDC President and CEO Rick Weddle; Jay A. Garner, Garner Economics, LLC; Debra Lyons, ACT; Sean Snaith, Ph.D., University of Central Florida; Ed Morrison, Center for Regional Development at Purdue University; and B. Thomas Mancuso, SIOR, Batavia Industrial Center and real estate professional.

As the world's leading real estate executives and professional site consultants gathered in Atlanta last week for the annual CoreNet Global Summit, the EDC's Declan Reiley, vice president of business development, was there to build connections and identify project prospects. In addition to the conference, the EDC - along with counterparts at Enterprise Florida, the state's economic development agency, and other EDC's from around the state - hosted a private gathering of key corporate advisors for networking and an "Iron Chef" cooking competition and dinner.

And Gloria LeQuang, director of business development for the EDC, was recently in Canada for the Montreal International Game Summit. Home to one of the world's largest clusters of digital media companies, Montreal and Orlando have an existing relationship thanks to past EDC missions that helped to open doors for business between the regions. In addition to working the tradeshow floor, the EDC also met with several companies in collaboration with Enterprise Florida's Canadian office and presented at the Quebec-Florida Chamber of Commerce reception dedicated to "Doing Business in Florida and Orlando."

These are important efforts on behalf of our region. Site selection advisors are primary project generators for the economic development industry and CoreNet Global's more than 7,000 members manage over $1.2-trillion in real estate and workplace assets. The Montreal International Game Summit provided a good opportunity for the EDC to follow up on an agreement to do more business together with Canada that stemmed from the July visit from Canada's Minister of State, Science and Technology Gary Goodyear where he met with Florida Lieutenant Governor Jennifer Carroll.

The Metro Orlando EDC's annual celebration of innovation took place last week at the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel. The William C. Schwartz Industry Innovation Awards honor companies from throughout the region for unique practices, products or ideas; and for the impact these dynamic companies have on our local economy.

The event is named for Bill Schwartz, an iconic tech industry leader whose innovative ideas pioneered change in the economic landscape of Central Florida. In his spirit, tabletop exhibits sponsored by members of the Manufacturers Association of Central Florida, a close-working EDC partner, showcased "made in Central Florida" products and technology that are helping to drive our economy today.

This year's program was headlined by a world-class creative talent, who happens to make his home in Central Florida: Mark Woodbury, president of Universal Creative for Universal Parks & Resorts. In his 23 years with Universal, Woodbury and his team have created some of the most highly-acclaimed entertainment experiences known to the world today, including: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, King Kong 360 3-D, The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, Shrek 4-D, The Incredible Hulk...and that is just the tip of the iceberg!

As keynote speaker, Woodbury discussed the magic behind the making of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, shared his own perspective on innovation, and provided a preview of coming attractions at Universal Orlando.

David Pace, EDC Chairman of the Board, and Rick Weddle, president and CEO, then introduced our award winners, who represented companies of all shapes and sizes and from throughout the Orlando region. "These are," said Weddle, "...companies who have defied the odds, excelled in their fields, and taken advantage of the spirit of creativity that makes this a great place to do business."

Following presentation of nine EDC awards, the Florida High Tech Corridor Council presented their own Award for Innovation. Randy Berridge, president of FHTCC, introduced his organization's fifth annual award winner: sanofi pasteur - VaxDesign campus.

And the winners are...

SPIRIT OF INNOVATION:
Not only did the highly-anticipated opening of Universal Orlando's The Wizarding World of Harry Potter drive strong attendance gains and worldwide news about the Central Florida attraction, it led to the creation of 783 new jobs in our community and is credited with helping to lead our region's number one industry out of recession.

CITY OF ORLANDO:
Based in one of Orlando's Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Zones, E.R. Precision Optical recently invested over $2 million to create an in-house system that allows them to grow germanium and silicon crystals - critical materials used for night vision in targeting and surveillance applications by the U.S. Military and Department of Homeland Security. This company is the only U.S. based manufacturing company to supply these critical materials, keeping important manufacturing jobs right here in the U.S.

Nemours has taken an innovative approach to ensuring that their Orlando hospital is built and staffed with its patients and their families in mind through the creation of the "Family Advisory Council" - made up of local parents, family members of patients, and community partners with experience in pediatric healthcare. Through this strategy, which is believed to be a first-ever approach, Nemours is confident that they have taken every step to ensure that the facility they build and the people they hire reflect and share the values most important to the people it serves.

LAKE COUNTY:
WattNext, Inc. is helping revolutionize solar power with the development of a revolutionary solar array shade structure called "Watt Tree", which conveniently connects solar power to electric vehicles and the smart grid. The long term goal of this "green" company is to help Florida reduce its $100 million a day reliance on suppliers of energy from outside the state and to help find practical alternative energy solutions.

In 2007, the Tavares City Council approved the design and construction of an $8 million marina project along the waterfront in downtown Tavares as part of its comprehensive master plan to designate the city as "America's Seaplane City". This investment has subsequently led to the opening of 26 new businesses in downtown Tavares ... including Progressive Aerodyne, the manufacturer of SeaRey light-sport seaplane aircraft on the city's Lake Idamere.

ORANGE COUNTY:
For over 50 years, Lockheed Martin has designed, developed and created combat systems here in Central Florida at their Missiles and Fire Control and Global Training and Logistics divisions. While this leading company is responsible for thousands of innovations in the course of their history, two of their most recent developments, are the catalyst for this year's award - the Prepar3D system and the Human Universal Load Carrier. Both directly benefit our nation's warfighters.

n-Space, Inc. is an independent, high-quality game developer that creates original games for some of the world's biggest publishers, including - Activision, Disney Interactive and Nintendo. This local company has produced some of the biggest brands - Call of Duty, TRON, Star Wars, Hannah Montana, and others - for game platforms including Nintendo DS, Wii, Playstation 3, Xbox360 and PSP.

SEMINOLE COUNTY:
Named after the x's and o's in a playbook, Lake Mary-based XOS Digital provides digital coaching strategies for professional sports teams from the NFL, NBA and NCAA. In addition, XOS Digital has become a nationwide sports digital media company that allows 480 sports partners, representing more than 900 teams, conferences and leagues, to directly connect with their fans through mobile apps, tablet apps, internet-enabled TV, games-on-demand, and more.

With emphasis on the three T's - critical Thinking, Teamwork and Technology - SCPS has developed programs designed to prepare graduates for careers in industries targeted by the Metro Orlando EDC - such as modeling & simulation, optics & photonics, digital media, life science and clean tech. This focus has led to partnerships with regional giants such as Symantec, Lockheed Martin and Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, who rely on the talent being nurtured by those programs to fuel their own workforce.

FLORIDA HIGH TECH CORRIDOR COUNCIL:
Orlando-based sanofi pasteur VaxDesign developed a "clinical trial in a test tube" that is able to predict human responses to pharmaceuticals and vaccines much better than existing approaches. This artificial immune system - called MIMIC - was part of a Rapid Vaccine Assessment Program with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency that led to VaxDesign being acquired by global vaccine leader Sanofi Pasteur in 2010.

Many thanks to our sponsors for their support, which made this event possible: Airtran, Akerman PA, Baker Hostetler, Bank of America, BBT - J. Rolfe Davis, BlueCross BlueShield, Bright House, Chase, Electronic Arts, Fairwinds Credit Union, Fifth Third Bank, Florida's Blood Centers, Gray Robinson, Greenberg Traurig, Lowndes Drosdick Doster Kantor & Reed PA, New Broad Street, NIIT Technologies, Orlando Business Journal, Orlando Sentinel, OUC, Progress Energy, Wells Fargo and WFTV.

Over 600 small business leaders gathered at Rosen Shingle Creek on Monday for the Small Business Defense Procurement Summit. This Department of Defense event, hosted in partnership with the City of Orlando and the Office of U.S. Senator Bill Nelson, was designed to help small businesses learn how to do engage with the U.S. Department of Defense and other federal contracting agencies.

The Federal government procures over $530 billion in goods and services on an annual basis. This event, which was only the second held nationwide, stemmed from a White House initiative directing federal agencies, such as the Department of Defense, to communicate contract procurement opportunities to small businesspeople throughout the U.S. In addition to Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Senator Bill Nelson, other speakers included: Cecilia Muñoz, Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of White House Intergovernmental Affairs; and Dr. Ashton B. Carter, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology & Logistics.

The afternoon agenda featured business matchmaking sessions between small businesses and major government contractors and officials.

Connections with the nation of Colombia grew stronger last week with two milestone events taking place. Avianca, the world's second oldest airline, initiated its inaugural service into Orlando International Airport from Bogatá, Colombia. This additional service brings to 5900 the total number of new weekly international seats into our market for the summer of 2011.

On the heels of Avianca's arrival, former Colombian President Alvaro Uribe Vélez travelled to Orlando to encourage increased trade between our markets. Following an official welcome to the community by EDC President and CEO Rick Weddle, the hugely popular former President, who was the first in his country's history to serve two terms, spoke at length to a group of over 100 local businesspeople about the economic development benefits of the pending free trade agreement between Colombia and the United States. The President was followed by Orlando Commissioner Tony Ortiz, who provided an overview of our market to the 45-plus Colombian businesspeople travelling with the president.

The EDC worked closely with event organizers - which included KEP Brokers, ESSE Consultores, MPC Financial Strategies, the Law Firm of Colombo, Hurd & Brandt, and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando - in the planning of this event. The opening of direct flights on Avianca between Bogatá and Orlando, along with high level government and business interest in trade and joint ventures, bodes well for increased business ties between our markets.

Florida Lieutenant Governor Jennifer Carroll and Minister Gary Goodyear, Canada's Minister of State, Science and Technology, visited Central Florida last week as part of their ongoing exploration of how Florida and Canada can collaborate in the realms of science and technology. The Metro Orlando EDC partnered with the University of Central Florida to help answer that question.

The dignitaries were hosted for a tour of the Central Florida Research Park and introduced to a variety of military and economic development leaders who described the depth, strength and potential of this region's technology industry. Following the tour, Minister of State Goodyear indicated that he understood the potential of cross-border partnerships, noting, "Canada and Florida can create jobs and growth by working together to help researchers get their ideas out of the labs and into the marketplace."

Lieutenant Governor Carroll was also impressed. In her remarks she commented on Florida's future in these realms, saying: "Science and technology will be part of the new frontier of Florida's economy and the future of the Florida-Canada business partnership."

During her visit here, the Lieutenant Governor also met with members of Team Orlando and with leaders from private businesses in the defense industry.

EDC representatives have been on-the-road this month, spreading the word about Metro Orlando as a prime business destination.

Cologne, Germany - The EDC's Gloria LeQuang attended the ITEC Conference, a major defense industry gathering, along with Team Orlando representatives from the Army, Navy, National Center for Simulation and others of our leading community partners. She spoke to companies from across the globe about the benefits of doing business in Metro Orlando, the nation's leading hub for simulation and related industries.

Los Angeles, California - The EDC's Jennifer Pennypacker was in LA for the Produced By Conference in association with AFCI Locations. While there, she met with producers, directors and other film industry leaders to tout the newly revamped film legislation recently signed into law by Governor Rick Scott. The revised incentive - effective July 1 - sends a signal that the State of Florida is making a long term investment in infrastructure necessary to support the film industry.

Montreal and Toronto, Canada - The EDC's Brian Walters traveled with Florida Governor Rick Scott last week on an Enterprise Florida business development trip to Canada. Brian presented to over 20 companies, representing industries including Digital Media, IT/Software Development and Clean Technology, in a "speed dating" format.

Two richly deserving individuals were honored Thursday evening during the EDC's Annual Awards Celebration. Rich Crotty, recently retired Mayor of Orange County, received the prestigious James B. Greene Economic Development Award. Rich Fulton, legal service partner with the Law Firm of Baker & Hostetler, was presented with the EDC Chairman's Award. The celebration took place at The Peabody Orlando.

David Pace, President/CEO of New Broad Street Companies, who currently serves as both EDC Chairman of the Board and interim CEO, set the tone for the evening. He emphasized the potential of the Metro Orlando region in leading the state out of recession and into international economic prominence. But, he remonstrated, this will only be achieved through cooperation and true partnership. "To me," said Pace, "becoming maniacal about economic regionalism is the key to our transition to excellence."

Pace's first major introduction of the evening was the individual recently hired to lead our region's economic development program of work: Rick Weddle, who takes the helm as new EDC CEO on Monday, March 14. Weddle received a warm welcome. In brief comments he said, "I truly believe this region has all the ingredients to be a winner; that is what brought me here."

Focus then turned to our award winners.

Since 1990, the James B. Greene Award has been given by the EDC to recognize an individual for significant contributions to Central Florida's growth and quality of life. This year's recipient, former Orange County Mayor Richard T. Crotty, well reflects the rich legacy of that award. He is a true community champion who has served Central Florida in the Florida Legislature, as both a state representative and senator; as Orange County Property Appraiser; and, for the past decade, as Mayor of Orange County. In that time, his fingerprints have been left on many of the most critical community achievements of three decades: from establishment of the Central Florida Research Park and the UCF College of Medicine, to recruitment of Sanford-Burnham and expansion of Darden Restaurant's corporate headquarters, to advancement of 'century decisions' ranging from community venues to commuter rail. "Those who have watched Mayor Crotty's long career selflessly serving the people of Orange County and all of Central Florida use one to describe him: tireless," said Pace.

The EDC Chairman's Award, which was first presented in 2007, recognizes an individual who has contributed selflessly to the work of the Economic Development Commission. Another Rich, attorney Richard T. Fulton, was this year's much-deserving recipient. In addition to a key lead partner role in his national law firm, Baker & Hostetler, Fulton is a long-time and invaluable contributor to the EDC. He served as Chairman of the Board in 2004, and has been an active participant on that board for over 15 years. He is the catalyst behind the EDC's Government Liaison Team initiative, a program which he still chairs; and he most recently chaired the organization's Governance Task Force, which was one of five working groups resulting from the Board-led Leadership Charter Initiative. In the words of David Pace: "What sets Rich apart for myself and so many others connected to the EDC is that he has an extraordinary inability to say 'No'. This is the guy who will take on any task, from big to small, and do it flawlessly."

One interesting outcome of the evening was the discovery that these award winners share more than an event in their honor. They not only have the same first name, Richard, and the same nickname, Rich. They also have the same middle name, Thomas. Even more uncanny, they discovered that they were born on the same day, August 30, in the very same year. A RICH coincidence!

Congratulations to our 2011 award winners and sincere thanks to all who attended. Special thanks to the EDC Governors Council members who sponsored this memorable event: CNL, Darden, Florida Hospital, Harvard Development Co., Lockheed Martin, Orlando Health, Orlando Magic, Orlando Regional Realtor Association, Siemens, SunTrust, Tavistock Group, Tupperware Brands, University of Central Florida, and Walt Disney World. Thanks also to our event partners: WKMG-TV 6, The Peabody Orlando, and AVI-SPL.

The Metro Orlando EDC's prestigious James B. Greene and Chairman's Awards will be presented at our annual Award Celebration, to be held Thursday, March 10th at The Peabody Orlando. Today we are pleased to announce our 2011 honorees.

The James B. Greene Award, first given in 1990, recognizes an individual who has contributed substantially to the economic development of the region. There are few Central Floridians who have contributed more than this year's honoree: former Orange County Mayor Richard T. Crotty. From his work as a state legislator (1978 - 1992) in advancing the legislation that created the Central Florida Research Park adjacent to UCF; to his distinguished service as Orange County Property Appraiser (1992 - 2001); to his legacy as Mayor of Orange County (2001 - 2011) in helping to bring the dream of a UCF College of Medicine and the Sanford-Burnham Institute to our region's emerging "medical city", Rich Crotty has left an indelible mark on the economic development of Central Florida.

The EDC Chairman's Award, established in 2007, recognizes an individual who has contributed substantially to the work of the EDC. This year's award will go to Richard T. Fulton, legal services partner with the law firm of Baker Hostetler. A longtime member of the EDC Board of Directors who served as Chairman of the Board in 2004, Fulton's commitment to the EDC spans many years and many aspects. As described by current EDC Board Chair David Pace, who will present the award, "No task is too big or too small for Rich." He has negotiated leases and revised bylaws. He has long contributed to the organization's fundraising and friend-raising. And he is the architect of the EDC's Government Liaison Teams, a program that he continues to lead today.

There is much more to learn about these two deserving award winners. We hope you will make plans to join us on March 10th. For registration and event details, click here.

EDC staff were busy promoting our region from coast to coast last week. Their goal: to highlight Central Florida's advantages for business, especially in the film and technology industries.

Suzy Spang, vice president of film & entertainment technology, was in Park City, Utah for the internationally-renowned Sundance Film Festival, which focuses on independent films. She met with directors and producers from across the globe, promoting Orlando as the ideal location for filming.

Jennifer Pennypacker, director of film & entertainment technology, was in Miami for the National Association of Television Program Executives conference. She represented our region as a location for television production.

Gloria LeQuang, director of business development, was in San Francisco for SPIE Photonics West, an annual gathering of lasers, optics and photonics company executives. This specialized industry has a strong base in Central Florida.

This EDC has become recognized as an industry leader in the use of social media efforts to maximize impact before, during and after conference participation and sales missions. This week's activities reflected that. In order to stand out in the crowd, the EDC scheduled tweets designed to attract the attention of festival-goers. Here are a few samples:

• @filmorlando represents 4,012 square miles and 25 jurisdictions for film permitting in the nation. #Sundance
• Well known as the world's premier tourist destination, Orlando is a leading destination for film, TV and commercial production. #NATPE


• Did you know? The optics and photonics industry in Metro Orlando has been around since the 1960s. #SPIE #PW11

Follow the EDC on Twitter.

Today is "Official World Smile Day", and there's a lot to smile about here in Central Florida. Early this morning the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) set out to break the record for the World's Largest Smiley Face - and they succeeded! Over 500 people helped smash the previous record when they gathered on the rooftop of the new Amway Center parking garage to don colorful rain ponchos and their brightest smiles. The promotion is part of the CVB's global marketing campaign, "Orlando Makes Me Smile," and is the culmination of their World Smile Search program that began in April of this year.

The smiles got even broader later in the morning, as an estimated 3,000 people turned out for the grand opening of the new Amway Center in downtown Orlando, complete with fireworks. As well as serving as home to our Orlando Magic, new venue is notable for its environmental friendliness and its technological advances. At 875,000 square feet, the new arena is almost triple the size of the old Amway Arena. It features 1,100 digital monitors and the largest high-definition scoreboard in an NBA venue, as well as multiple premium amenities that will be available to all patrons in the building.

Welcoming remarks were provided by Orlando Magic CEO and Vice Chairman Bob Vander Weide, Orlando Magic President (and EDC Vice Chair) Alex Martins, Orange County Mayor Richard T. Crotty and Candace Matthews of Amway. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer also delivered his "State of Downtown" address, focusing on the vision for all three community venues. Click here to see the intro to his State of Downtown address. With this advanced facility now open, Orlando is poised to compete for premier sport, concert and other entertainment events that will attract new spending into our community, as well as serve as a enhancement to business attraction and retention. Mayor Dyer reminded us of the economic development value of such venues, quoting Dr. John Reed, CEO of Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, who cited the community venues as one reason Burnham chose Orlando.

That's the kind of economic engine that makes us smile!

Walt Disney had a piece of advice that he often shared with his staff: "Get a good idea and stay with it. Dog it, and work at it until it's done, and done right."

Good ideas brought to life through hard work ... that same prescription for innovation is alive and well in companies throughout Central Florida, several of whom were recently recognized as winners in the EDC's Annual William C. Schwartz Industry Awards program.

Named in honor of the late William C. Schwartz - an avid community leader, business pioneer and innovator within the field of optics and photonics - this EDC awards program recognizes local companies for innovative practices, products and ideas. This year's luncheon was held at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in Lake Buena Vista.

Meg Crofton, president of Walt Disney World Resort and EDC Board Chair, started the program off by sharing her perspective on the role of innovation in economic development. In her remarks, Crofton provided several examples of innovators who have fueled Central Florida's economic growth, noting: "They build economic ladders that others can climb."

David Pace, EDC Vice Chair and president of New Broad Street Companies, then introduced award winners from each of the four counties served by the EDC - Orange, Seminole, Lake and Osceola - and from the City of Orlando. Companies who have, "... defied the odds, excelled in their fields, and taken advantage of the spirit of creativity that makes this a great place to do business."

For the fourth year in a row, the Florida High Tech Corridor Council joined with us to present their own Award for Innovation. Randy Berridge, president of FHTCC, presented this year's award to Engineering & Computer Simulations (ECS), which he announced was just named among Inc. magazine's "Top 5000", a list recognizing companies with exceptional three-year growth rates.

And the winners are...

LAKE COUNTY: Visions@work is helping revolutionize the way healthcare providers interact and collaborate with each other. This company's online patient referral and information management system - known as Preferr - helps to cut costs and improve efficiencies for health care providers. Preferr also helps improve patient satisfaction by taking the burden of arranging care off of the patient. This is especially helpful to elderly patients with chronic conditions who are referred to multiple providers.

ORANGE COUNTY: Helios Interactive is one of two companies in the world with the ability to stream 3D games and content through a Web browser. The company developed GameCore, a 3D game engine software that allows artists, students and professionals to build 3D games or other interactive 3D content quickly and inexpensively. This innovation is helping pioneer the future of 3D online.

CITY OF ORLANDO: Using IDEAS proprietary technology, "TeacherStudio" was created to help reduce the isolation often felt by classroom teachers. TeacherStudio uses social network technology and rich media content to create the world's first "Professional Collaborative Network". This tool allows users to create and share professional development programs and feed the results back as best-practices and lessons learned, inspiring a vital, worldwide community of learning for educators.

OSCEOLA COUNTY: In partnership with many leading pharmaceutical companies, FPA Clinical Research investigates compounds being developed to treat, control or cure a variety of diseases. This year the Kissimmee-based company added a Phase I Research unit, which involves company researchers in the beginning stage of human testing for new drugs.

SEMINOLE COUNTY: Analog Modules Inc. designs and manufactures a wide range of laser and electro-optics products for use in medical, military, scientific and industrial markets. Most recently, the company has developed SPOTTR, a laser spot trackers that uses a mixture of analog and digital technology to more accurately identify targets from greater distances. Their products are currently being deployed in Afghanistan and Iraq.

FHTCC: Engineering & Computer Simulations (ECS) is a leading provider of educational games and simulation, interactive performance assessment tools, mobile learning environments and enterprise-wide information management systems. The company launched in 1997 as a client of the UCF Business Incubation Program and has grown tremendously since then. Earlier this year, ECS president Waymon Armstrong was named the U.S. Small Business Administration's National Small Business Person of the Year.

Sincere thanks to event sponsors: Airtran, Akerman PA, AT&T, Baker Hostetler, Bank of America, BBT - J. Rolfe Davis, BlueCross BlueShield, Bright House, Century Link, Fairwinds Credit Union, Florida's Blood Centers, Gray Robinson, HD Supply, Lockheed Martin, Lowndes Drosdick Doster Kantor & Reed PA, Orlando Business Journal, Orlando Sentinel, OUC, Progress Energy, Siemens, Tupperware Brands, Wachovia, and WFTV.

Successful innovation is a driving force behind expanding and diversifying our economy. That's why every year, the Metro Orlando EDC honors innovative companies.

And now, we're currently taking nominations for the 2010 William C. Schwartz Industry Innovation Awards.

Do you know of a company that is doing something innovative? Please pass this along and ask them to apply!

Remember . . . Innovation doesn't have to be a technology. It could be anything from an innovative way to increase revenues to an innovative way to motivate staff.

Nominations are due by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, July 30.

Winners will be announced at an awards luncheon on Wednesday, September 8.

Click here to nominate your company.

This week, Winter Park-based Full Sail University opened its much anticipated Full Sail Studios Gateway Project, a 2.2 acre landmark project.

The project includes:

• Full Sail Live Venue - a 22,000 square foot multi-purpose facility

• new complex with state-of-the-art game production studio and recording studio

• outdoor plaza courtyard

• expansion to the on-campus professional film studio backlot

The Live venue will offer students the chance to work behind-the-scenes on a variety of on-campus events to be held, including live productions, panels, guest lectures and more.

The film studio backlot is the final phase to the existing backlot that will now offer 19 different outdoor scenic environments.

Internationally renowned Full Sail University has 28 entertainment degree programs with more than 8,800 students.

Last week, the EDC was hard at work promoting Metro Orlando as a life science and medical destination at two conferences - the BIO International Convention in Chicago, Illinois and the Medical Technology, Training and Treatment (MT3) Conference here in Orlando.

In Chicago, EDC bioOrlando representatives, Eric Ushkowitz and Suzy Spang, worked the exhibit hall, sharing space in the Florida Pavillion with the Florida High Tech Corridor Council, Sanford-Burnham Institute and Lake Nona 'Medical City'. Meetings with biotech and life science companies from around the world provided an opportunity to promote our region as a location for future expansion or relocation.

Here in Orlando, the EDC also represented our region at the MT3 Conference, which focuses on the convergence of medical training and simulation. Companies from Metro Orlando were well represented as exhibitors and speakers, including CAE, Engineering and Computer Simulations (ECS), Florida Hospital - Sanford-Burnham Translational Research Institute for Metabolism and Diabetes (TRI), Global Robotics Institute at Florida Hospital, Lockheed Martin, NeoMetrix Technologies, Inc., SAIC, and the University of Central Florida's College of Medicine.

CEO's of small but growing Central Florida companies could have been singing the memorable Fiddler on the Roof tune this week during the Grow FL Second-Stage CEO Summit. This first-ever event, designed specifically to address the needs of companies with 10 to 50 employees and looking to grow, was held at the Embassy Suites in downtown Orlando on Wednesday. Over 240 attendees made this fast-paced and interactive event standing-room-only.

Making the right connections can be a critical success factor in the evolution of smaller companies. This event -- presented by the University of Central Florida's Florida Economic Gardening Institute in partnership with the EDC and other community partners including CEO Nexus, Disney Entrepreneur Center, Florida High Tech Corridor Council, Manufacturers Association of Central Florida, Orlando Inc. and Rollins College Center for Advanced Entrepreneurship - was designed to encourage just that. Volunteers from established local companies, many of them EDC investors and board members, served as "concierges" or "ambassadors" who worked to ensure the second-stage company CEOs met with representatives of companies they were looking to connect with through one-on-one matchmaking sessions. Second-stagers were also given one-minute of time behind the microphone to share their company's story in a series of "rapid fire" pitches.

If you are a company in the second-stage of development - 10 to 50 employees; generating at least $1 million but not more than $25 million in annual revenue; and looking to grow - the EDC can help connect you to GrowFL. For more information, contact Kerry Symolon.

The 19th Annual Florida Film Festival - a 10 day celebration of the best in independent films - wraps up this weekend in Orlando. In its history, this "home grown" festival has become a marquee international event. On average, more than 23,000 people attend each year, where they experience premieres of the best in cutting-edge cinema; a star-packed attendee list; and a mix of industry parties and special events. The eyes of the world's film industry are upon us, and the EDC's Metro Orlando Film & Entertainment Commission has learned to take full advantage of the spotlight.

Again this year, our Film Commission participated in and sponsored two events: a panel discussion on "The Art of the Producer" with veteran film producers and a VIP party for filmmakers whose work is showcased during the festival. Past participation has paid dividends leading to additional filming in the region.

The Florida Film Festival is a program of the Enzian, a Maitland-based nonprofit organization which exists to entertain, educate, inspire and connect the community through film.

LUNAFEST kicks off tonight at the Enzian Theater in Maitland. The fundraising film festival features films by, for and about women each year on International Women's Day.

The festival is hosted by Women in Film & Television Florida and sponsored in part by Florida Hospital and will highlight women as leaders in society, illustrated through nine films by women filmmakers. Screening begins at 6:30 and showtime is 90 minutes. For more, visit www.enzian.org.

The Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission (EDC) will host the 2010 EDC Award Dinner from 6:00 - 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 10th at Walt Disney World's Contemporary Resort. At the annual award dinner, the Honorable Toni Jennings will receive the James B. Greene Economic Development Award and Walt Johnson will be honored with the EDC Chairman's Award.

The James B. Greene Economic Development Award, first presented in 1990, is the highest honor bestowed by the EDC. The award recognizes an individual whose work has contributed substantially to the economic prosperity of the region. The EDC Chairman's Award, first presented in 2007, recognizes a long-term contributor to the work of the Metro Orlando EDC.

Toni Jennings is the former Lieutenant Governor of Florida and the chairman of Jack Jennings & Sons, her family construction business. She is widely known for her legacy of community service. This one time public school teacher served in the Florida Legislature for 24 years, served as Senate President for four years (the only person to have held that position for two consecutive terms), and served as Florida's first (and so far only) female Lieutenant Governor. Her contributions to workforce development and Florida's education system are especially notable among the many underpinnings she helped put in place to support economic development in our region and state.

Walt Johnson is the chairman and CEO of Johnson Bros. Construction. Walt has served in a variety of volunteer leadership positions since becoming an investor with the EDC in 2004, including serving on the board of directors and executive committee, as the current chair of the 2010 Leadership Mission, as a member of the leadership cabinet of the EDC's hdED fundraising campaign, the EDC's CEO Roundtable, trade missions...and the list goes on and on.

The price for an individual EDC investor is $175, non-investors is $215 or $1,750 for a corporate table of 10. Click here for more information. For questions or to RSVP, send an e-mail to Events@OrlandoEDC.com or call 407.422.7159 ext. 230.

Today kicks off the fifth annual OTRONICON - (O)rlando Elec(tron)ic (I)nteractive Entertainment (Con)vention - event at the Orlando Science Center.

A four day event, Otronicon is a celebration of interactive technology using video games to demonstrate the future of how we live, learn, work and play.

Otronicon spotlights Metro Orlando's growing digital media and simulation industries and helps introduce those industries to students throughout the region through several game design workshops taught by Full Sail University.

Eight companies in Metro Orlando were honored by the Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission (EDC) with the 2009 William C. Schwartz Industry Innovation Award on September 17, 2009.

The annual award program recognizes innovative companies who have had a significant impact on the region and in their respective fields for innovative practices, products and/or ideas.

The program is named in honor of the late William C. Schwartz, an avid community leader, business pioneer and innovator within the field of optics and photonics.

"Cultivating innovative thinking helps drive the economy and is critical to the long term economic growth of the region," said Ray Gilley, president and CEO of the EDC. "We are proud to remember [William C. Schwartz] and his great spirit though this awards program."

Recipients come from each of the four counties served by the EDC - Orange, Seminole, Lake and Osceola counties - and from the City of Orlando. In addition, awards were also presented to judges award winners and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council's Award for Innovation.

One of the top passenger airports in the world noticed a security issue when bags that had been on the claim device began making their way back into the "secure" area of the airport. Lake County based G & T Conveyor surveyed the situation and created a solution called the "secure claim device". It utilizes a merging system designed to eliminate the security issue, plus adds energy conservation and quicker customer turnaround.

A prime example of the type of company included in City of Orlando's vision of a Creative Village is 360Ed, an educational software development company that has leveraged Orlando's unique position in digital media, training, simulation and virtual education through developing a high school level full-credit videogame course in American History.

Orange County based Smart City Telecom partnered with Florida Hospital to provide hospital specific content on televisions in patient rooms, the first of its kind. This customization of television is believed to be a competitive advantage to better educate patients and help improve patient satisfaction.

In Seminole County, the City of Oviedo implemented a water conservation effort known as the H2Oviedo Water Conservation Incentive. The program is the first of its kind in Central Florida and it offers incentives in the form of rebates to residents for retrofitting existing landscaping, wasteful water-use devices and high water-use irrigation systems with more efficient ones. It is a win-win environmental initiative for the community where residents learn new ways to save water and money while becoming stewards for their community.

Over ten years ago, INViSiON Industries created the world's first overhead video system with a built-in monitor for vehicle entertainment and set the standard for all others who are now involved with rear seat entertainment. As the demand for these entertainment systems increases, it should come as no surprise that INViSiON recently announced they plan to expand their corporate headquarters by adding 100 employees in Osceola County.

Judges' awards

Children's Home Society of Florida received an award for their annual Florida Innovation Symposium. This one day conference made possible through the donation of Siemens' Spaceship Earth Conference Center at Walt Disney World's EPCOT. Several partnerships between organizations have been the result of the annual gathering, including collaborations between Children's Home Society, Orange County Domestic Violence Program and Harbor House that lead to a more coordinated focus on child and family advocacy programs.

AT & T was recognized for their generous donation to the Parramore Kidz Zone project. With their donation, the Parramore Kidz Zone was able to enhance computer accessibility for schoolchildren at "homework rooms" throughout the community. In addition, the program was able to expand the access of children to attend the University of Central Florida "CREATE U" program, giving students access to learn how to create digital videos about their lives.

Florida High Tech Corridor Council Award for Innovation

Lockheed Martin was recognized for serving as an innovation leader with a history of stimulating technology growth in our region. Lockheed Martin is one of the largest partners in the Council's Matching Grants Research Program. Over the program's 13-year history, Lockheed Martin has funded more than $5 million in matched research dollars, on 73 projects with 37 faculty members at two of our three Corridor universities, UCF and UF.

Medical Markers

This year, as part of the EDC's award ceremony, bioOrlando - an EDC led initiative aimed at stimulating the life science and biotechnology industry in Metro Orlando - announced the inaugural class of 'medical marker' recipients. This program is designed to build awareness of the growing presence of biotech and life science companies in Metro Orlando with a physical marker designation.

The inaugural recipients include:

Florida Hospital, Orlando Health, The Tavistock Group, Florida Blood Centers, VaxDesign, Curascript, Triad Isotopes, Virtual Reality Medical Center, Emergency Medicine & Learning Resource Center, Cord:Use, National Training Center, Health Central, .decimal and South Lake Hospital.