Gov. Scott Announces Economic Development Results on Rise for 2012
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GOV. SCOTT ANNOUNCES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT RESULTS ON RISE FOR 2012
Job Creation from Competitive Projects Total 25,144, a 30.4 percent jump over 2011
TALLAHASSEE – Today, Governor Rick Scott received a presentation at the cabinet meeting by Secretary of Commerce and President and CEO of Enterprise Florida (EFI) Gray Swoope on Enterprise Florida’s achievements over the year in creating job opportunities for Florida’s families.
Governor Scott said, “During the past year, Enterprise Florida and its economic development partners excelled in creating and retaining jobs for Florida families. Florida has had the largest drop in unemployment in the country since December 2010 and has created nearly 175,000 private-sector jobs – and EFI has played a tremendous role in that achievement.”
Through improved products and services, proactive outreach to key audiences and effective partnering with Florida communities, Enterprise Florida has made notable business development accomplishments in 2012. Compared to 2011, the number of competitive economic development projects increased by 23 percent (130 to 160), with new jobs from competitive projects totaling 25,144- 30.4 percent higher than last year’s total. In addition, companies committed to more than $1.7 billion in capital expenditures this year, a 32 percent increase over 2011.
The companies Enterprise Florida worked with to garner these jobs and high level of investment reflect the growth industries specifically targeted for the state’s economic development: aviation & aerospace, cleantech, financial & professional services, homeland security/defense, information technology, life sciences and logistics & distribution.
Key jobs announcements in 2012 include:
Digital Risk – Orlando/Statewide
1,000 new jobs; $3 million in capital investment.
Navy Federal Credit Union – Pensacola
700 new jobs; $6 million in capital investment.
Bi-Lo/Winn Dixie – Jacksonville
100 new jobs, 891 retained; $81 million in capital investment.
Univision Networks – Miami
346 new jobs; $274 million in capital investment.
Cheney Brothers, Inc. – Punta Gorda
380 new jobs, $21 million in capital investment.
Accuform Signs – Brooksville
271 new jobs; $15 million in capital investment.
“These outcomes are crucial to helping us recruit more businesses to the state and higher-wage jobs for Floridians,” said Secretary Swoope. “We will continue with creating the most business friendly environment possible while keeping Florida competitive on a national and global scale.”
These year-end results include successes on the international business front as well. The mission to Colombia last week is a prime example, with business participants collectively reporting their projected sales totals to be $38,340,000. Among outcomes from helping small and medium-sized enterprises enter into and engage in international markets through expanded services were:
• Assisting Florida companies in generating export sales totaling $585.8 million.
• 1,376 new-to-program companies working with Enterprise Florida in the area of international trade.
• 45 events conducted to date this fiscal year (July 1 –June 30).
• 728 business participants in Enterprise Florida international events.
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