Things at Orlando Sanford International Airport are taking off, in more ways than one.

The Father's Table, a dessert manufacturer based in Sanford, announced that it will expand into an 118,000-square-foot facility near the airport. The growing company will make apple dumplings and swiss cake rolls at this location, while maintaining their cheesecake business in their original location. The expansion will create 30 new full-time and 20 seasonal jobs and is expected to generate over $2.5 million in capital investment. Success for this company is particularly sweet, as they donate a percentage of profits to The Father's Table Foundation, which helps to fund women's & children's charities worldwide.

Miami-based Avocet and sister company Aircraft Parts Sales, Inc. also recently announced that they will relocate their headquarters to OSIA. The company - which provides aviation repair and maintenance, tear down services and sales of aircraft parts - will occupy temporary space on airport property while a new 44,000-square-foot hanger is being built. Avocet's anticipated capital investment is more than $5 million. The EDC and Seminole Community College are currently working to help the company secure a Quick Response Training Grant, which will help them hire and train 150 new employees, primarily mechanics who will earn an average of over $45,000 annually.

Seminole's Board of County Commissioners has focused on the airport as a top economic development priority. That focus appears to be paying dividends. According to Maria Arellano, Avocet general manager: "We were being recruited by other locations in and outside of Florida. Orlando Sanford Airport was extremely accommodating in meeting the needs of our company and this played a big part in why we choose Metro Orlando for our new home."

Feedback from this event will enhance the state's economic development roadmap

The Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission (EDC) and Enterprise Florida Inc. are calling on Metro Orlando's business, education, government and economic development leaders to help update the plan for the state's economic future by participating in a strategic planning workshop. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 23 at 1:00 p.m. at the University of Central Florida (UCF) Fairwinds Alumni Center on campus.

Ideas and recommendations from the meeting will be used to enhance the state's blueprint for economic development -- the Roadmap to Florida's Future: The 2007-2012 Strategic Plan for Economic Development. The Roadmap details Florida's priorities for furthering economic expansion and diversification.

"As we continue our progress in strengthening Metro Orlando's economic outlook and business opportunities, we call on our local leadership to participate in this critical strategic planning process," said Ray Gilley, president and CEO, Metro Orlando EDC. "This is an opportunity to express ideas and share concerns and suggestions that will help shape Florida's long-term economic development strategy."

The half-day workshop will provide a forum for high-level Florida officials to work with Metro Orlando's business and community leaders in identifying key economic priorities. Topics will include creating, retaining and attracting high-value jobs; building a world-class workforce; enhancing infrastructure; and protecting Floridians' quality of life.

"Perspectives from a wide range of industries and service areas can be fuel for sparking further growth and diversification of our economy," explained former Florida House Speaker Allan Bense, who serves as vice chairman of Enterprise Florida's board of directors. "This valuable feedback will help us focus on the most important needs and set the right goals for making Florida more competitive and economically, much healthier."

In partnership with regional and local economic development organizations, seven other workshops will be held throughout the state to encourage participation and involvement from all communities.

"It's important that we have input from as many business and community sectors as possible," said John Adams Jr., Enterprise Florida's president & CEO. "This is a grassroots effort, so, we want to hear the voices and opinions of everyone, whether they're leaders in the arts, transportation officials or workforce providers, as well as from those who work in economic development."

Other opportunities also are available for public contributions to the Roadmap's development. An Enterprise Florida microsite -- www.eflorida.com/roadmap - will allow for feedback through several interactive features including a Roadmap survey and discussion board.

Interested in learning more about the impact of green initiatives on our lives and our economy?

The Magic of Landscapes conference, to be held on Friday, June 26th in South Lake County, will focus on how quality landscapes and other quality of life factors help our region differentiate itself as we compete worldwide for business investment and corporate locations.

For example, did you know:

• Trees and grass maintenance can increase the sense of safety in neighborhoods.
• Quality landscapes can reduce temperatures, remove air pollutants and improve water quality.
• Green space has proven to promote emotional and physical healing and to have a positive impact on children with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD).
• A federal congressional committee recommended environmental immersion as the number one strategy for improving U.S. schools.
• Students taking standardize tests score higher when they have a view of green space.

To learn more or to register, click here.

The Orlando Magic's run to the NBA Finals has generated a palpable sense of pride in our team and our community. And, while the eyes of the world's basketball faithful are upon us, it also presents a unique opportunity to spotlight what makes this a champion place to live, work, play and build a business. Here's how you can help.

Tell us why ORLANDO WORKS for you in your own 140 characters on Twitter. Is it the quality of life, sense of community, diverse business climate or all of the above? Spread the word while you are glued to the NBA series - from your living room, neighborhood sports pub or from the rocking Amway Arena. Make sure you use #orlandoworks along with #magic or #beatla in your tweets during the upcoming Magic vs. Lakers games. And be sure to follow us @OrlandoWorks. Our goal is to see Orlando as a "trending topic" on Twitter in the days ahead.

We also want you to tell us how ORLANDO WORKS in video. Upload your video to YouTube, click "send message" and send us a link with your video in it. If we like it, we'll add it to our favorites! Our first YouTube star is none other than "the fat guy" - Orlando Magic fan Dennis Salvagio.

Got great photos that reflect the dynamic nature of our region? Shots that show the rest of the world all that metro Orlando has to offer? Post those pictures to our ORLANDO WORKS group on Flickr.

You can also join in the conversation via the Metro Orlando EDC fan page on Facebook. If you are not a fan yet, click here to join us.

Our hometown team has provided an unprecedented opportunity to tell the world about this region, which is as magic for business as it is for basketball. Thanks for your help in spreading the word!

Today's economic landscape may look barren, but new strategies of "economic gardening" are being planted that, with the right nurturing, will help sprout new jobs and seed renewed prosperity. Designed to harvest the potential of existing local companies and entrepreneurs, economic gardening is quickly taking root here in Metro Orlando, which has a rich history of supporting business growth.

On Thursday, June 25 from 8:00 - 11:00 a.m., join the Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission (EDC) for the 2009 Economic Outlook event at the Embassy Suites in downtown Orlando to learn more about Central Florida's leadership as economic gardeners. Meet the national and homegrown experts who are leading the worldwide dialogue on this subject and discover how local businesses can benefit.

To RSVP or for more information, click here.

When the Burnham Institute for Medical Research unveiled its dream to establish a research facility in Metro Orlando, that plan was helped along by Florida's Blood Centers, who offered 14,000 square feet of existing wet lab space in FBC's headquarters in Orlando's SouthPark to serve as temporary office and research space for Burnham scientists. With those scientists now moved into Burnham's permanent east coast facility in Lake Nona, Florida's Blood Centers has offered use of that same space for another significant community purpose: to establish and house a specialized biotech incubator, which will serve as a catalyst for the region's growing life science industry.

Recognizing that the fulfillment of Orlando's quest to become a significant life science hub will take many years and rely on the creation, as well as the attraction, of related companies, the EDC has been in talks with Florida's Blood Centers to create an incubator to help grow new companies specific to the biotech and life science industry. The University of Central Florida, whose tech incubator network has been recognized among the best in the world, is also involved in ongoing discussions. While details are still being finalized, the 14,000 square feet of biology and chemistry labs could eventually house six or more start-up companies in various stages of growth.

News of the proposed bio incubator spread quickly at the international BIO Conference, which members of the EDC team attended on behalf of our region. During meetings with companies there, it was clear that having a biotech-specific incubator would provide Metro Orlando with a competitive edge; and several companies have already expressed interest in taking space in the facility.

This week, Florida Governor Charlie Crist signed the 2009-10 budget preserving economic development items. Among those items, the Film and Entertainment Incentive received $10.8 million - more than double the $5 million that was allocated last year. Thanks to State Legislators and the Governor for recognizing the importance of the film, digital media and entertainment industry to the state of Florida, especially during these tough, economic times.

Starting June 1, filmmakers and others can visit www.filminflorida.com for an incentive application for projects beginning on or after July 1, 2009. Applications are accepted starting June 15.

This week, Florida Governor Charlie Crist signed the $66.5 billion 2009-10 budget, preserving Florida's investment in economic development, education and public safety. This budget included many items important to the future of economic development in both Metro Orlando and the State of Florida, including:

• UCF & FIU Colleges of Medicine: Fully funded.
• Economic Development Tool Kit: $21.6 million. This includes funding for incentives such as Qualified Targeted Industries (QTI), Qualified Defense Contractors, and High Impact Performance Incentives. This also includes $500,000 for the Florida Manufacturing Extension Partnership.
• Quick Action Closing (QAC) Fund: $13.46 million.
• Road Fund: $20 million.
• Quick Response Training (QRT) Grants: $3.3 million. This is for new and expanding businesses to offset expenses for customized skills training for newly created jobs.
• Incumbent Worker Training (IWT) Grants: $4 million. Funds for this program are from the Employment Security Administration Trust Fund ($2 million) and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 ($2 million). This is double the amount allocated last year.
• Film & Entertainment Incentive: $10.8 million. This is more than double the $5 million that was allocated last year.
• Enterprise Florida Funding: $11.4 million.
• Space Florida Funding: $3.84 million.

For more information about the 2009-10 budget, please visit www.FLGov.com/budget.

Last week, i.d.e.a.s. opened its new headquarters in downtown Orlando. This creative production and digital media studio, one of Central Florida's largest, becomes a new "anchor tenant" of the Creative Village evolving in downtown Orlando.

As part of the opening ceremony, City of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer helped company founder Bob Allen unveil a new "Creative Village" logo. The logo will be used to help identify the growing number of companies that comprise this sector of our economy.

i.d.e.a.s. moved to downtown from their longtime location on the backlot of Disney MGM Studios.

During the opening session of the Green Cities Florida conference this week, Orange County Mayor Richard Crotty, together with county commissioners, Senator Lee Constantine, representatives from OUC-The Reliable One and EDC president Ray Gilley, "flipped the switch" on the solar panel system at the Orange County Convention Center. This one-megawatt rooftop PV system, the largest of its kind in the southeastern U.S., will generate 1,300-megawatt hours of electricity per year, equivalent to the power used by 100 typical houses. And, it will do so without producing any greenhouse gas emissions.

In addition, community leaders officially opened Orange County's new Climate Change Education Center (CCEC), located in the South Concourse of the Convention Center. The CCEC, which will be permanently housed there, will offer visitors a unique look at some of the latest energy efficiency and alternative energy technologies.

The Florida Economic Development Council (FEDC) held its annual convention at Orlando's Rosen Shingle Creek Resort this week. Themed "To Innovation and Beyond", the conference drew over 200 economic development professionals from throughout the state to discuss the latest trends, challenges and best practices in our industry. Central Florida was prominent throughout the dialogue, as representatives from the EDC, UCF, Florida High Tech Corridor Council and our development community led a variety of panel discussions and break out sessions.

A highlight of the annual conference is presentation of the Eunice Sullivan Professional of the Year Award, which recognizes the achievements of an outstanding economic developer within the state of Florida. This year that award went to Ray Gilley, president and CEO of the Metro Orlando EDC. In presenting the award, Mary Jane Stanley, CEO of the Pasco County EDC and last year's Sullivan Award winner, recalled that Ray recently told her, "You can't be effective if you don't have passion." She then highlighted the passion he has brought to his 25+ years in economic development, citing such achievements as answering the Governor's call to chair Workforce Florida; establishing the FEDC PAC to help align efforts of economic developers from around the state; leading Metro Orlando EDC initiatives, which have resulted in the creation of 32,000 jobs in our region since he took the helm in 2001; and serving as an active member, including chairing, the FEDC Board of Directors. Ray's peers from around the state admire him as an effective consensus builder and the consummate team player.

And awards for Central Florida didn't end there. Harvey Massey, recipient of the EDC's 2009 James B. Greene Award, was also honored as FEDC Volunteer of the Year for Florida's East Central Region; and Tracy Turk, EDC Senior Director in Seminole County, was named FEDC Regional Director of the Year.

The Metro Orlando EDC is widely considered the state's leader in web-based marketing. Two awards in the FEDC Marketing Materials Competition reflected this. The EDC's Marketing and PR team took top honors for the re-vamped website, OrlandoEDC.com, and for the EDC's comprehensive social media initiative, which includes Facebook, MySpace, YouTube, and Twitter components. Congrats also to the EDC's marketing partners in Tavares, Florida, who won an award for their Event Video, which chronicled the City's efforts to support the relocation of the Sunnyland Antique Boat Festival to Wooton Park and demonstrates how City events support downtown revitalization efforts. The video can be seen at tavares.org.

Looking for facts and rankings on Orlando and aren't sure where to find them? Check out Orlando Rocks - the Metro Orlando EDC's newest compilation of reasons why Orlando rocks...for innovation and entrepreneurs, for global business connections, for technology companies, for education and access, for business growth and as a place to call home.

The newest edition of the EDC's award-winning Texture magazine is here. In this edition, you'll meet some of the rock stars of Metro Orlando. Rather than topping the Billboard charts, this talented group is making their mark as leaders in the new health and bio-tech cluster that is reverberating throughout Metro Orlando's economy. From research in cancer and diabetes, to advances in robotic surgery and mental health therapies, these "top docs" are break out artists in the world of science.

You'll get the dirt on the "economic gardening" trend that is becoming an important component of state and federal economic recovery plans. Much of the national dialogue about the importance of second-stage growth companies to job creation and renewed prosperity is being led by Orlando's Steve Quello, who has advised presidents, governors and legislators and whose theories are being advanced at the University of Central Florida.

This issue also sheds light on Central Florida's position in the growing solar power industry; takes a look at the future of commercial space launches; introduces you to the Creation Health theory of holistic healthcare; and much more. All of this is happening in Metro Orlando!

Published twice annually, the EDC's Texture magazine tells the stories of innovators and innovations from throughout our region. Click here to view Texture online!

Accelerating growth of Orlando's life science industry. Global domination of the nation's digital media industry. Two bold goals of the Metro Orlando EDC. Real strides were made toward realizing those goals recently with groundbreakings on both fronts.



Nemours Children's Hospital broke ground on its Lake Nona "medical city" campus. The 620,000-square-foot facility will include 95 beds, an 18-bay emergency department, a neonatal intensive care unit and departments specializing in complex childhood diseases. The hospital, scheduled to open in 2012, will be the central hub of a 60-acre pediatric health campus featuring a children's clinic, emergency department, diagnostic and ambulatory programs, education centers and research programs. The Nemours Children's Hospital investment is expected to pump $400 million into the Central Florida economy and eventually create 2,600 new jobs.



In addition, Full Sail University, a Winter Park-based education program that focuses on entertainment-related industries, broke ground on its new Full Sail Studios Gateway project. The 32,000-square-foot, 2.2-acre project will be equipped with a live performance venue, a two-story complex for game production and recording studios, and an expansion to the on-campus professional film studio backlot. The Hollywood-style backlot will complete the existing backlot and will offer 19 different outdoor filming locations.

Economic development that results in new job creation is the key to economic recovery. Thus, now more than ever, the EDC is pleased to share two of our most recent economic development success stories resulting in new jobs:

124 New Jobs: Seminole County-headquartered Nomad Aviation Inc., one of the world's best-known avionics specialists for commercial, military and civilian aircraft, has announced that they will double their workforce here, adding 124 new positions over the next 2 years. To accommodate this expanded workforce, the company will add 33,000-square-feet to its existing facility, which is based at Orlando Sanford International Airport. They also anticipate capital investment of $300,000.

The EDC and Seminole Community College assisted Nomad in acquiring a Quick Response Training grant in the amount of $180,579, which will be used to train their new hires. The average salary of these new jobs is in excess of $65,000.

75 New Jobs: FedEx Ground's recent opening of a new 112,734-square-foot operations facility on Monroe Road in Sanford has created 75 new jobs here in Metro Orlando. The Sanford terminal -- one of 500 in the company's nationwide network -- houses operations for FedEx Ground and FedEx Home Delivery. This Central Florida expansion is part of the company's national expansion strategy designed to increase package processing capacity to meet customer demand.

The EDC's business development team assisted FedEx in identifying potential sites in accordance with the company's specified parameters.

For more recent EDC announcements, click on the category - Economic Development Projects.

In a new study by the Pew Research Center, Orlando ranks as the 4th most popular city where people want to live.

Nearly 700 venture capital deals have closed in the State of Florida since 2000, resulting in more than $6.4 billion in total venture capital spending. A new state program hopes to accomplish more of the same. To help lure tech investment to Florida, the State of Florida has created the Florida Opportunity Fund, a multimillion-dollar program that directs investments to high-performing funds committed to seed and early stage businesses. This program seeks to realize significant long-term returns from funds making investments in early stage Florida opportunities.

The Florida Opportunity Fund is a fund of funds established by Enterprise Florida, the state's economic development arm, and managed by Florida First Partners (FFP). The program is designed to build upon investment activities of leading national venture capital investors, such as Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, Benchmark Capital and Sycamore Ventures. These firms provide capital to companies focused on developing advanced technologies like surgical robotics design, business intelligence software, defense and aerospace applications, and green methods to create new products out of recyclables.

The first series of applications from state, regional and national venture capital firms to be considered for funds from the program will be accepted through January 30, 2009. Interested participants from the venture capital community should visit www.floridaopportunityfund.com.

Flying Delta in January? Be sure to pick up a copy of Delta-Sky magazine, which includes an 18-page section - titled "Portrait: Orlando" - that calls the region "A Can-Do Kind of Place" and features Metro Orlando's diverse industries, neighborhoods and people. In February, Delta passengers will get yet another perspective on our community, as that issue will include a second Orlando profile, this time focused on our world famous tourist attractions and eclectic arts offerings.

The two part feature, the first in Sky's publishing history, is the result of a partnership between the Metro Orlando EDC, Orlando Regional Realtor Association and Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Sky reaches an estimated 9 million passengers each month on flights worldwide. Notably, the January issue will be on-board as fans travel to Tampa for the Super Bowl at the end of this month, and the February issue will be found as they depart after the game.

Focus on Future, But Don't Overlook Achievements of 2008
By Ray Gilley, President & CEO, Metro Orlando EDC

As we begin a new year in the midst of economic uncertainty, it is important to recall the mission of the Metro Orlando EDC: In concert with our investors and partners, to build a diverse economy capable of withstanding dramatic shifts in the global marketplace and to position Metro Orlando as the world's premier business location. Never has that charge seemed quite so vital, and never has your continued support for this important effort been as essential as it is today.

However, before we turn our attention to the year ahead, let's take a look back at the year just past. While the slumping national economy has received most of the headlines, it is important to recall the many significant achievements from which our regional economy benefited in 2008. The magnitude of this list may take you by surprise. Here's a re-cap of the year:

Locations and Expansions

House of Moves - a nationally recognized motion capture studio that has worked on projects including Titanic and Beowulf - opened the doors of its East Coast studio, co-locating with UCF's Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy (FIEA) in downtown Orlando.

France's Aromatech Flavoring's Inc., which develops flavors for food products, and Canada's Trihedral Engineering, a computer software developer serving utilities and manufacturers, were two international companies that chose our region for location of their U.S. operations.

Virtual Reality Medical Center (VRMC) and TeKONTROL, Inc. cut the ribbon on a unique R&D facility located in Orlando's Parramore area. The partners will design and produce specialized devices to provide emergency medical training for military and civilian healthcare workers utilizing simulation technology.

The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) announced that it will build an 85,000-square-foot Class A office building in Lake Mary, creating 141 new jobs with average salaries of over $60,000; Oviedo-based I-Con Systems purchased a 55,000-square-foot facility with plans to expand its manufacturing capacity and jobs; Sanford-based Roses Southeast Papers, LLC announced plans to add 20,000-square-feet to their existing facility, new equipment and up to 20 new jobs; and Lake Mary-based Market Traders Institute, recognized worldwide as the leader in Forex (foreign exchange) education and training, was approved for a state grant to train 116 new employees.

Blue Earth Solutions considered other locations in Florida, Kansas and California before selecting Clermont for the start up of its new tech business with plans to innovate the plastics manufacturing and recycling industries. The company expects to create 150 jobs and initially invest $10 million.

Channel Intelligence, Inc. announced that the software solution company will expand operations in downtown Celebration and create 420 new jobs.

Kaplan University, a leading provider of online higher education, will open a new online student support center in the Central Florida Research Park and expects to employ as many as 750 people over the next four years.

Southern Technical College will renovate and occupy the former SunTrust building along the 17-92 corridor in Sanford, creating 26 new jobs.

Florida Hospital and the Walt Disney Company unveiled plans for Disney Children's Hospital at Florida Hospital. This facility will be one of three hospitals in Metro Orlando focused on children - the others being Orlando Health's Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and Nemours Children's Hospital.

Mitsubishi opened the doors to its most recent U.S. (and Metro Orlando) expansion - its $64.5 million new Blade & Vane Manufacturing Facility located in Orlando Central Park. With this third division establishment in our region, Mitsubishi expects to add approximately 225 new jobs.

Restor Telecom announced plans to add a 10,500 square-foot production facility adjoining their current Leesburg location, allowing them to add 26 employees.

EZYield.com's relocation of their corporate offices to Winter Springs allows them to double the company's space and add 51 new jobs, which will triple their employment.

UCF and Siemens expanded their partnership, opening the new Siemens Energy Center at UCF where engineer training and advanced turbine research will be conducted.

SEOS completed its new 34,000-square foot facility in Oviedo, which now serves as the simulation company's U.S. manufacturing and headquarters location.

Metavante Corp, a world leader in the development of software technology for the banking and financial industries, agreed to remain and expand in Central Florida, leasing half the space in the Maitland Summit Park III building scheduled for completion in late 2009.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) completed acquisition of 65 acres of land at Lake Nona, allowing construction to begin on the highly-anticipated $656 million VA Hospital medical complex, which will soon become the most state-of-the-art Veteran's Hospital in the world and could employ up to 2,500.

The Burnham Institute announced that its facility at Lake Nona is slated to receive $40 million in research funding from a National Institute of Health (NIH) grant, which will be used to equip and manage small-molecule screening and discovery centers.

Also at Orlando's new "Medical City" at Lake Nona: Tavistock Group announced plans to build a wet lab; Nemours received approval to build a pediatric healthcare system, anchored by the Nemour's Children's Hospital; M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Orlando's Cancer Research Institute (CRI) announced that they will locate in the new UCF Burnett Biomedical Sciences Building, which is under construction adjacent to the coming UCF College of Medicine; and Osceola County Commissioners and officials from the FDOT and Metroplan broke ground on the Narcoossee Road expansion, which will serve this fast-growing business hub from the south.

On the film front, feature films Bait Shop and Beethoven: The Reel Story, and reality TV show Bridal Boot Camp, were among the dozens of film and commercial projects produced here.

"My Hometown"... a place where people come to visit, scientists make discoveries, doctors cure diseases, animators bring monsters to life, and much more. Sound familiar? That's Orlando, as it will be promoted through a commercial scheduled to premiere nationally on ABC-TV during halftime of Orlando's Champs Sports Bowl on December 27th and again (twice) during halftime of the Capital One Bowl on New Year's Day.

The one-minute community promo is the work of O2 Pictures, a film and video production company based in Orlando. This is the third year that this memorable spot has appeared during the Bowl games. This year, it will be aired through a partnership that includes the Metro Orlando EDC, Orange County, City of Orlando, Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Florida Hospital and Florida Citrus Sports.

To get a sneak peek, click the picture above. To see it again, or share it with others, go to www.OrlandoWorks.com.

Commuter rail. UCF College of Medicine funding. Film production incentives. Support for these, and many other issues vital to Metro Orlando's economic development success, are included among the EDC's list of 2009 Legislative Priorities, which was recently approved by the EDC Board of Directors. Click here for a summary of the EDC legislative priorities.

Throughout the coming months, the EDC's Legislative Committee will work closely with university, local government and industry trade association partners to help ensure that our delegations understand the importance of their support for priorities that help build and diversify our economy.