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Registration open for Enterprise Florida-led Export Sales Mission to Hong Kong and Guangzhou, China

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Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI) will lead a delegation of small and mid-sized Florida businesses on an export sales mission to Hong Kong and Guangzhou, China from June 1 to June 9. Registration to attend is open.

“Hong Kong and Guangzhou are two strong and vibrant export markets for U.S. companies,” said Manny Mencia, senior vice president of International Trade and Development for Enterprise Florida. “As a result of China’s increasing domestic consumption and growing middle class, significant market potential exists for companies focused on collaboration and mutual benefit. Florida companies are well-positioned to take advantage of these opportunities, and this mission will provide an excellent vehicle to expand trade opportunities.”

According to the US-China Business Council, China ranked as the #5 global export market for the State of Florida and third largest export market for services in 2016. Florida exports to China supported 34,900 American jobs in 2015. U.S. goods exported to China in 2015 were $116.2 billion, and U.S. exports of services to China were an estimated $42.5 billion in 2014 (latest data available).

The industry sectors listed below provide some of the best opportunities for exports for Florida companies. If your industry is not mentioned below, please contact us for a no-obligation assessment.

  • Agricultural Services
  • Automotive Parts and Accessories
  • Aviation/Aerospace
  • Computer and Information Technology Equipment
  • Cosmetics and Skin care
  • Education and Training Services
  • Environmental Technologies
  • Film
  • Financial Services
  • Marine Industries
  • Medical Equipment and Devices
  • Safety and Security Services/Products

As part of Enterprise Florida’s Gold Key Package, participants will have the opportunity to take advantage of the unparalleled trade facilitation services provided by the U.S. Commercial Service (USCS) in Hong Kong and Guangzhou. The USCS will coordinate all one-on-one Gold Key appointments. The USCS offers a variety of products and services designed to facilitate U.S. exports and foreign direct investment opportunities.

Participation Options:

Option 1: Gold Key Package (Two Full Days)

The U.S. Commercial Service will schedule one-on-one appointments with pre-screened Chinese companies. The price of this service is $1,800 for the first company representative. Gold Key participation will be limited to Florida manufacturers, distributors, and service companies that best meet the participation criteria. Participants will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis. This option is limited to twelve (12) Florida companies.

Small and mid-sized Florida manufacturers, eligible high tech companies, and professional service providers may qualify for a Reimbursable Gold Key Grant, which will offset 100% of the Matchmaking Registration fee for the first company representative. A separate application process will be required for this grant.

Option 2: Delegate Package

The delegate option is for individuals interested in participating in mission activities. The price of this option is $800 per person. Delegates will have the opportunity to attend all mission events, have access to airport transfers in country when traveling on official mission flights and ground transportation to all mission events.

The Gold Key registration deadline is April 10 and the delegate registration deadline is April 16.

For questions about itinerary & visa requirements, please contact John Diep at [email protected] or (561) 832-8339.

For questions regarding registration, please contact Andrea Moore at [email protected] or (850) 469-8989.

EFI maintains an extensive schedule of overseas trade missions and exhibitions worldwide. In fiscal year 2016-17, more than 500 small and mid-sized Florida businesses reported $738 million in total export sales following international events.

Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI) is a partnership between Florida’s businesses and government leaders and is the principal economic development organization for Florida. EFI facilitates job growth through recruitment and retention, international trade and exporting, promotion of sporting events, and capital funding programs to assist small and minority businesses. EFI launched “Florida – The Future is Here” to promote the state as the nation’s premier business destination.

Record Number of Companies Report More than $69 Million in Export Sales Following Arab Health

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A record 23 Florida small and mid-sized businesses exhibited in the Florida Pavilion at the Arab Health Trade Fair this year. Those companies reported a total of $69,432,000 in export sales, including more than $6 million in actual sales at the show. The event was held from January 29 to February 1 in Dubai. Enterprise Florida has led Florida companies to this event for more than a decade.

“EFI had a record-setting turnout this year and we congratulate all of the companies that attended Arab Health with us this,” said Manny Mencia, Senior Vice President of International Trade & Development for Enterprise Florida. “Florida continues to be the dominant state at Arab Health, and that is a direct result of the innovative companies that exhibit with us and the state’s long history of being a healthcare industry leader.”

Now in its 43rd year, Arab Health is the main event for the Middle East healthcare products and services market and takes place annually at the Dubai International Exhibition Center. The show hosts nearly 4,000 exhibitors from 64 countries with 39 dedicated country pavilions. The visitor numbers have reached 90,000 attendees.

Florida was the first state to organize a pavilion at Arab Health and continues to have the largest presence of any state at the event. Companies that exhibited in the Florida Pavilion this year:

“Arab Health has been a great experience for our company,” said Segundo Jimenez, Sales Manager for Advanced Instrumentations in Miami. “This is our second year at Arab Health and Enterprise Florida’s support and collaboration has been a key factor to develop the Middle East & North African markets for us. I personally want to thank the EFI team for their help and support all these days. They have been incredible. We will definitely be coming back next year.”

“Arab Health was a very successful show,” said Guilherme Oliviera, Sales Manager with US DEFIB Medical Technologies in Medley. “The event helps us to generate new sales, meet new customers and keep relationships with current distributors. It’s always a great opportunity for us to participate at Arab Health. We are expecting to grow our company in the next months and Arab Health has definitely contributed to that.”

“The Enterprise Florida team has been essential to my company’s expansion in foreign markets,” said Saleem Musallam, President of Excite Medical in Tampa. “Not enough can be said for the amount of support EFI provides.”

Florida is home to the nation’s #2 largest medical device manufacturing industry, #3 largest pharmaceuticals manufacturing industry, and #7 largest biotech R&D industry. More than 27,000 Floridians work in Florida’s biotechnology, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and medical device manufacturing industries, and its universities are among the nation’s top producers of STEM graduates.

EFI maintains an extensive schedule of overseas trade missions and exhibitions worldwide. In fiscal year 2016-17, more than 500 small and mid-sized Florida businesses reported $738 million in total export sales following international events.

Enterprise Florida Board of Directors Meeting in West Palm Beach

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MEDIA ADVISORY

Wednesday and Thursday, March 14-15, the Enterprise Florida Board of Directors will hold its first board meeting of 2018 in West Palm Beach at the Embassy Suites Hotel.

What: Board Committee Meetings and Full Board of Directors Meeting

When: Wednesday, March 14, 2018 @ 1:45 PM – Thursday, March 15, 2018 @ 9:00 AM

Where: Embassy Suites
1601 Belvedere Road
West Palm Beach, FL, 33406

TWO DAY AGENDA

Florida Companies Record $122 Million in Sales at MEDICA Trade Fair

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The 23 small and mid-sized businesses that exhibited in last year’s MEDICA Trade Fair reported more than $122 million in total projected export sales. Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI) hosted the Florida Pavilion, the largest of any state in attendance. MEDICA was held November 13-16 in Düsseldorf, Germany and is the world’s largest trade event for the medical/health industry.

“MEDICA was once again a highly successful show for Florida and the companies that exhibited in Florida’s pavilion,” said Manny Mencia, EFI’s senior vice president of international trade & development. “I congratulate those companies and thank them for helping us tell the Florida business story. Because of the success Florida companies consistently have at MEDICA, the state is recognized around the world as a leader in the medical/health care industry.”

2017 marked MEDICA’s 34th year. Over the four days of the trade fair, approximately 130,000 trade visitors from 70 countries attended, and more than 5,000 exhibitors displayed a broad spectrum of innovations and products.

In addition to the 23 companies that exhibited in the two-story Florida Pavilion, 25 other Florida businesses attended the show. Florida Pavilion exhibitors were:

David Kerr, Orthomerica chairman and CEO, said, “We were first introduced to MEDICA years ago by EFI. We continue to attend and certainly have added scores of jobs as a result. Attending MEDICA enables me to meet with many existing distributors, saving me a considerable number of visits to their cities. We make good use of the Florida Pavilion and the Enterprise Florida staff serves us well logistically. I say every year that Enterprise Florida is a great use of my tax dollars!”

“MEDICA 2017 exceeded our expectations with the help of Enterprise Florida’s team both on and off-site,” said Oz Ozkaya, president of Infinium Medical in Largo. “This exhibition has been a huge success.  We displayed our products in more a professionally designed, larger booth space and therefore allowed more customers to visit our company. Due to expected sales increases and other strategic connections that were made during the exhibition, we anticipate growth and the addition of more Florida jobs in 2018. Thank you Enterprise Florida! We will be back next year!”

Enterprise Florida conducted nearly 60 meetings with global leaders in the medical device manufacturing industry during the show. EFI co-sponsored the U.S. Pavilion reception, giving Florida companies an informal opportunity to meet with U.S. and international companies attending the trade event.

EFI maintains an extensive schedule of overseas trade missions and exhibitions worldwide. In fiscal year 2016-17, more than 500 small and mid-sized Florida businesses reported $738 million in total export sales following international events.

Dubai Airshow Produces More Than $17 million in Export Sales for Florida

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Enterprise Florida’s (EFI) staff-led trade mission to the Dubai Airshow last year produced more than $17 million in export commitments for the seven small and mid-sized companies in attendance. The show, held November 12-16 in Dubai, is the leading aerospace event in the Middle East.

“Florida’s strong foundation of aviation and aerospace companies continues to make the state a world leader,” said Manny Mencia, EFI’s VP for International Trade. “The state is home to nearly 2,200 companies in this sector; most are small and medium-sized businesses. Trade shows like the Dubai event allow those companies to exhibit their products and services to a global audience and, ultimately, grow through export sales.”

Florida has long been the world’s premier gateway to space; a hub for flight training; the global leader in maintenance, repair and overhaul; and home to leading manufacturers of all types of aircraft and aircraft components. The state has a robust supply chain and talent pool benefiting industry leaders like Boeing, Embraer, Harris Corporation, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, SpaceX, United Launch Alliance and many more that have major operations here.

Seven aerospace and aviation companies exhibited their products and services at EFI’s Florida Pavilion including:

Phil Cox, sales director for Loos & Co., Inc. said, “This was the first time Loos & Co could exhibit in Dubai. We are a relatively small company and, without the trade grant, we would not have been able to exhibit. Thanks to our excellent location provided by Enterprise Florida, we were able to contact new customers and new markets previously unavailable to us. We have several promising new prospects who are very interested in distributing our products in the Middle East.” 

“Participating in events such as the Dubai Airshow gives us an opportunity to meet with both current customers as well as potential new customers in a controlled business environment,” said Dennis Zalupski, CEO of Associated Aircraft Manufacturing & Sales, Inc. in Ft. Lauderdale. “Rather than having to travel to each and every country, this gives us a cost-effective way to meet with a large number of potential clients in a short period of time. If it weren’t for Enterprise Florida and the support we get from them, I doubt we could afford to participate in most of the big aviation shows.”

EFI maintains an extensive schedule of overseas trade missions and exhibitions worldwide. In fiscal year 2016-17, more than 500 small and mid-sized Florida businesses reported $738 million in total export sales following international events. 

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Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI) is a partnership between Florida’s businesses and government leaders and is the principal economic development organization for Florida. EFI facilitates job growth through recruitment and retention, international trade and exporting, promotion of sporting events, and capital funding programs to assist small and minority businesses. EFI launched “Florida – The Future is Here” to promote the state as the nation’s premier business destination.

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U.S. Consul General Paul R. Malik Opens Florida Pavilion at Arab Health 2018

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Florida recognized as first U.S. state to participate at Arab Health

U.S. Consul General Paul R. Malik participated in the Florida Pavilion opening ceremony this week at Arab Health. Florida was recognized as the first U.S. state to participate at the show 12 years ago, and this year is again the state with the largest presence. There are 19 exhibitors in the Florida Pavilion and 11 others outside of the pavilion.
Manny Mencia, senior vice president of international trade & development for EFI said, “We have been attending this show for more than a decade and our presence gets stronger every year. This year there are 30 Florida companies in total at the show. That makes a big impression on everyone who attends Arab Health and healthcare leaders from around the world take notice. That kind of perception translates to success for the state and the companies in attendance.”
Following the 2017 Arab Health event, small businesses that exhibited in the Florida Pavilion reported $148.7 million in total projected export sales, including nearly $17.8 million in actual sales. The 2017 show attracted nearly 103,000 participants from 68 countries with 40 country pavilions, including medical staff, hospital management and dealer distributors.
Arab Health attracts decision-makers from the region’s healthcare sector and is the largest healthcare event in the Middle East. The 2018 edition of the event is expected to welcome more than 4,200 exhibiting companies and more than 100,000 attendees from 150 countries.
Enterprise Florida is hosting the Florida Pavilion at Arab Health. Companies exhibiting in the Pavilion include:

Gov. Scott: Wayfair to Create 100 New Jobs at Three New Distributions Centers Across the State

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Governor Scott announced that Wayfair Inc., one of the world’s largest online retailers for home goods, is opening three new distribution centers in Tampa, Orlando and Miami. This expansion will create 100 new jobs and allow Wayfair to continue to expand delivery to millions of consumers from these Florida locations.
Governor Scott said, “I am proud to announce that Wayfair has chosen to expand in Florida with three new locations in Tampa, Orlando and Miami. This expansion will also create 100 new jobs across our state, which is further proof that our work to make Florida the most business-friendly location is helping encourage global companies to invest in our state. I look forward to seeing Wayfair’s continued success in Florida.”
James Savarese, Chief Operating Officer of Wayfair, said, “We are excited to expand our presence in Florida, where we will benefit from the region’s strong talent pool as we expand our logistics network to support the incredible growth of our business. The expansion of our operations in Tampa, Orlando and Miami will ensure that we continue to provide exceptional service every step of the way as we transform the shopping experience for home all the way through to delivery. We are pleased to open three new state-of-the-art facilities in Florida and contribute to the creation of new job opportunities across the state. We have worked very closely with Enterprise Florida, the state’s principal economic development organization, Governor Rick Scott’s Office, the City of Pompano Beach, as well as the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance, all of which have been great partners throughout the entire process.”
To accommodate its expanding logistics operations, Wayfair has opened a 45,004-square-foot facility in Tampa, a 43,120-square-foot facility in Orlando and a 47,320 square-foot facility in Miami’s Pompano Beach. Wayfair is continuing to search for new talent across the state, and the new jobs include positions in management, warehouse, concierge and customer service functions.
Harry Sideris, Enterprise Florida board member and Duke Energy’s state president in Florida, said, “We are excited that Wayfair has selected Florida for its three, new warehouse locations as it expands its distribution network. This expansion showcases that our state has the diverse workforce and business friendly climate needed for any company wishing to expand its operations. Economic development is integral to building stronger communities and, ultimately, a stronger Florida and we look forward to assisting more companies like Wayfair in the future. We appreciate the dedication of Governor Scott to make Florida the best place to work and raise a family.”
For more information on hiring and career opportunities in Florida, visit wayfair.com/careers.
Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI) is a partnership between Florida’s businesses and government leaders and is the principal economic development organization for Florida. EFI facilitates job growth through recruitment and retention, international trade and exporting, promotion of sporting events, and capital funding programs to assist small and minority businesses. EFI launched “Florida – The Future is Here” to promote the state as the nation’s premier business destination.

Enterprise Florida Board of Directors Meeting in Jacksonville

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MEDIA ADVISORY

Wednesday and Thursday, November 29-30, the Enterprise Florida Board of Directors will hold its fourth board meeting of 2017 in Jacksonville at the Omni Jacksonville Hotel.
What: Board Committee Meetings and Full Board of Directors Meeting
When: Wednesday, November 29, 2017 @ 11:00 AM – Thursday, November 30, 2017 @ 8:30 AM
Where: Omni Jacksonville Hotel
245 Water Street
Jacksonville, FL 32202
Two Day Board Agenda

Enterprise Florida and 30 Small Businesses Exhibit at Global Tradeshows

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Florida Pavilions opened at MEDICA and the Dubai Airshow this week

This week, Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI) and 30 small and medium-sized businesses are exhibiting at two of the largest tradeshows in the world. MEDICA, the world’s largest medical technology tradeshow, and the Dubai Airshow both started this week, and EFI is hosting Florida Pavilions at each show.
“Florida’s aerospace and life sciences small businesses are some of the most innovative and ambitious in the country, and these shows give them the opportunity to reach new global customers,” said Stan Connally, Chairman, President and CEO of Gulf Power Company and Vice-Chair of EFI. “These two industries represent thousands of companies in Florida, most of which are small and medium-sized businesses. Part of our mission is to help those businesses grow and shows like these help them find new opportunities in international markets.”
MEDICA 2017, the largest medical technology trade show worldwide is held annually in Düsseldorf, Germany. This is the 30th consecutive year Florida is attending the show. Twenty-three companies are exhibiting at the Enterprise Florida Pavilion this year, the largest presence of any U.S. state. The pavilion will allow companies to market their medical and healthcare products to an international audience, and demonstrates the innovation and expertise that makes Florida a leader in this sector.
The 2017 Dubai Airshow is one of the largest and most important aerospace events in the world. This year, seven Florida businesses are exhibiting in the Enterprise Florida Pavilion. The show is held every two years and attracts more than 65,000 visitors and 1,100 exhibitors worldwide.
EFI maintains an extensive schedule of overseas trade missions and exhibitions worldwide. In fiscal year 2016-17, more than 500 small and mid-sized businesses reported nearly $740 million in total actual and projected export sales following EFI sponsored international missions and trade shows.

Enterprise Florida to Lead Export Trade Mission to Costa Rica

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Registration is open for EFI-led mission to San Jose, Costa Rica in February 2018

Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI) will lead a delegation of small and mid-sized businesses on an export sales mission to San Jose, Costa Rica from February 26-March 1, 2018. Registration to attend is now open.
“Costa Rica’s market represents vast opportunity for Florida companies interested in increasing their footprint in the Central American market,” said Stan Connally, Chairman, President and CEO of Gulf Power and Vice Chairman of Enterprise Florida. “Facilitated by the U.S.-Central America Free Trade Agreement, the U.S. has become the chief trading partner for Costa Rica and exporters benefit from reduced tariffs and barriers. Florida is the hub of this vigorous bilateral trade.”
Trade between the U.S. and Costa Rica totaled $10.2 billion in 2016, where Florida was the leading state in two-way trade. Costa Rica ranks as Florida’s 12th largest merchandise trading partner with nearly $3.6 billion in total trade and nearly $2.5 billion in exports alone in 2016.
Florida companies are well-positioned to benefit from these opportunities. The Enterprise Florida export sales mission will provide an excellent vehicle to initiate or expand trade opportunities in Costa Rica.
The industry sectors listed below provide the best opportunities for exports from the U.S. to Costa Rica. Given the recent easing of import restrictions, there are many promising prospects and the list below is not exclusive. If your industry is not mentioned below, please contact us for a no-obligation assessment. Leading sectors for Florida exports to Costa Rica include:

  • Medical Device Manufacturers
  • Civilian Aircraft, Engines, and Parts
  • Building and Construction Equipment
  • Automotive Parts/Service Equipment
  • Renewable Energy
  • Food Packaging
  • Hotel and Restaurant Equipment
  • Beauty Products Manufacturer

The U.S. Commercial Service (USCS) will schedule one-on-one Gold Key appointments with pre-screened Costa Rican companies that have expressed an interest in the products or services of Florida companies attending.
The USCS Gold Key program allows small and midsized enterprise (SME) manufacturers, high tech companies and service providers to reduce the time and money they invest in locating and screening prospective trade partners by finding potential overseas agents, distributors, sales representatives and business partners. The USCS arranges business meetings with pre-screened representatives, distributors, professional associations, government contacts, and/or licensing or joint venture partners.
Gold Key participation will be limited to Florida manufacturers, distributors and service companies that best meet the participation criteria. Selection of these firms will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Final selection will be determined by the U.S. Commercial Officer to ensure market suitability.
The price of this service is $1,250. Small and mid-sized Florida manufacturers, eligible high tech companies and professional service providers may qualify for a Gold Key Grant, which will offset the matchmaking registration fee for the first company representative. A separate application process will be required for this grant. Additional company representatives will be charged a $500 delegate fee.
The Gold Key registration deadline is December 15, 2017 and the delegate registration deadline is January 26, 2018.
To register or apply for a Gold Key grant, please contact Enterprise Florida representative, Jorge Riano at [email protected].