From exploring alternative energy solutions, to providing the most advanced simulation training tools to our nation's warfighters, to raising the bar in our childrens' math and science career pursuit, to leading advancements in the biotech arena, Metro Orlando is a region on the move ... a place where critical issues and priorities of our nation are being addressed. In recent years, the eyes of our nation have been increasingly focused on what is happening in Orlando, Florida. Here are a few reasons why:

• The President and Congress’ focus on alternative energy solutions. Metro Orlando is home to major initiatives in alternative energy and biofuel use. The region is home to the renowned University of Central Florida ‘Florida Solar Energy Center’ (FSEC), one of the most energy efficient buildings in the world and where millions of dollars of federal grants fund research on the production and storage of alternative fuels that can power vehicles, homes and businesses. The Center focuses on three technologies: solar-thermal (sun power to produce hot water); photovoltaic (PV) cells (solar energy is converted into electricity via silicon panels); and hydrogen fuel cells (hydrogen is split into protons and electrons to form an electrical current). Experts say PV technology is the wave of the future and, in fact, this concept is already being put into action as nearly 30 Florida public schools have been fitted with PV cells, transforming them in “SunSmart Schools” that use Florida sunshine to light their classrooms.

  Metro Orlando is also the site of significant hydrogen-based initiatives. As part of a partnership between the U.S. Department of Energy, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Progress Energy, Ford Motor Co. and BP, our region has been selected as one of three sites in the country for testing hydrogen-powered vehicles and as the site of the state’s first hydrogen energy station, which is now being built adjacent to the Orlando International Airport. Through this collaboration, the station will provide a test platform for the safe and cost-effective production, storage and dispensing of hydrogen as a transportation fuel; and it will fuel buses that transport travelers from the airport to local hotels and attractions. Because hydrogen fuel cells emit only water, this technology will help dramatically reduce air pollution while providing sustainable, renewable energy to increase fuel independence.

Ethanol production is also on our radar screen. As part of the state of Florida’s Renewable Energy Technologies and Energy Efficiency Act – a four-year, $100 million plan to diversify the state’s fuel supply and promote energy conservation – Enterprise Florida unveiled a study last year which included a plan for the development of the ethanol biorefinery industry in the state. And, a “Farm to Fuel” conference hosted in Orlando last year included discussion of how agricultural products, such as orange peels, sugar cane and wood scraps, can be transformed into ethanol.

• The United States, Bill Gates, the Council on Competitiveness … all are pushing for renewed efforts to beef up math and science education and related career pursuit. Recognizing the importance of this priority to our own economy, efforts are already underway here in Metro Orlando, starting with the work of O-Force, a regional workforce development organization spearheading an initiative called PRISM. Led by former Orange County Superintendent Jim Schott, PRISM, which stands for Promoting Regional Improvement in Science and Math, is working to increase the level of involvement from businesses and the community to nurture math and science interest and success in students; focusing on the recruitment/development of qualified math and science faculty; and seeking to secure more funding for student participation in math and science competitions worldwide.

  Another regional initiative, called techPath, provides workshops for middle and high school educators on how to nurture students in the pursuit of high tech careers. In response to efforts such as these, companies like Lockheed Martin and Progress Energy are ramping up their contributions—both monetary and via volunteerism—to help increase schoolchildren’s interest in high tech careers.

  There are a growing number of examples of how this national priority is making its way into Central Florida schools. Orange County is home to a renowned science and technology magnet program at Edgewater High School, as well as a one-of-a-kind global technologies magnet program at University High School, which offers the first step in a career path towards simulation and other science-related fields. In Seminole County, the Crooms Academy of Information Technology is a county magnet school that integrates access to technology in all classes; students graduate with technology certifications unduplicated in other high school environments. And programs such as these are touching even the youngest students. Examples of school emphasizing math and the sciences reach as far as elementary and middle school magnet programs.

• The economy. In the past year alone, Orlando (which is a top location for population and employment growth) has been recognized as a leading tech town, a top globally competitive region, a best place for business and careers, and a top 10 office market—among others. Leading and emerging industry sectors are clustering here, including simulation, digital media, financial services and biotech (the latter being fueled by two announcements made last year—the Burnham Institute’s new Orlando location and the University of Central Florida’s new medical school).

• The war. As the controversy about additional troops being sent into war zones rages, there is one point on which there is no argument: keeping our war fighters safe is paramount. That overarching concern is the driving force behind Department of Defense work being done here in Metro Orlando, which is home to the simulation training commands of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard.

  Driven largely by our nation’s defense and homeland security, the simulation industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the high tech arena. And our region is recognized as a hub for this industry, with more than 100 companies employing nearly 17,000 of our friends and neighbors. Nearly every soldier in Iraq and Afghanistan has trained on simulation technologies and systems developed in Orlando. In addition to the nation’s military simulation training commands, the National Center for Simulation and the headquarters for Lockheed Martin and SAIC’s simulation operations are also based here.

  The presence of so many lead contractors has resulted in major defense contracts being awarded to local companies. As a result, Central Florida has become one of the most fertile grounds in the U.S. for small business defense contracts. In addition to developing trainers for battlefield equipment, work being done by the region’s simulation industry has broad applications, ranging from emergency medical training to addressing post traumatic stress syndrome.

  Believe it or not, our world prominence as an entertainment leader is also contributing to the war effort. Recognizing the value of “convergence” between the storytelling ability of our tourism industry and the technology prowess of our simulation industry has led to collaborations resulting in training models most effective for a generation raised on high impact video games. One example of a successful collaborative is the Navy’s new immersive training center in Great Lakes, Michigan—a simulated battleship, housed within an 80,000 square-foot facility for recruits, that was designed by i.d.e.a.s., an Orlando entertainment/
  media content company headquartered at Disney’s MGM Studios with a background in theme park ride and show development.

• Stem cell research. On the stem cell research front, Florida Governor Charlie Crist is backing proposed legislation to fund grants to researchers doing stem cell studies. This could have significant meaning for Orlando’s newcomer – The Burnham Institute, which conducts biomed research to find cures for human diseases and which chose the region for its East Coast operation.

• Looking ahead to the 2008 presidential election. Orlando and Florida will again be a key region – considering factors such as the population growth here, rise in Hispanics and African Americans living here, our strong economy and political representation, etc.