Governor Rick Scott today announced that Siemens and Chromalloy Gas Turbine Corporation have chosen Hillsborough County as the headquarters location for their new joint venture, Advanced Airfoil Components. The Advanced Airfoil Components manufacturing facility will lead to the creation of 350 new jobs with a capital investment of approximately $139 million. Siemens and Chromalloy evaluated multiple states before ultimately choosing Florida as the best destination for this new headquarters.
Governor Scott said, “I’m proud to announce that Siemens and Chromalloy chose Florida as the best place to start their new joint venture that will create 350 new jobs for families in the Tampa area. We have fought to make Florida more business-friendly by permanently eliminating the sales tax on manufacturing machinery and equipment, so Florida manufacturers like Siemens and Chromalloy can invest more in our state. With the $85 million Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, we can ensure our economy will continue to grow so families can succeed in Florida.”
Siemens, a global engineering and technology leader, and Chromalloy Gas Turbine Corporation, a global engine manufacturer, have formed Advanced Airfoil Components to support manufacturing and producing components that will maximize gas turbine performance. Advanced Airfoil Components will hire workers for a range of skilled positions, including technical engineers, manufacturing technicians and production workers. This facility will be leasing 210,000 square feet at Tampa Regional Industrial Park and is scheduled to open in late 2018. Siemens already has approximately 5,200 employees in Florida.
Siemens USA CEO Judy Marks said, “Siemens is very pleased to make additional investments in the I-4 corridor, where we already have more than 5,000 employees. We’re a global company that is proud to be ‘U.S. local,’ with over 60 manufacturing sites across the country. This joint venture with Chromalloy streamlines our supply chain and ensures we have the most advanced technologies as we pursue performance gains for our gas turbines.”
Chromalloy President Carlo Luzzatto said, “With two existing manufacturing facilities in the Tampa area, Chromalloy is excited to continue our investment in the community and to support technical and professional job growth in Florida. This is a strong market for technical candidates, and we are looking forward to identifying highly skilled individuals to support this new, innovative energy business.”
Florida is one of the nation’s top 10 states for manufacturing. Home to over 19,000 companies that employ more than 331,000 people, Florida’s diverse manufacturing industry produces everything from aerospace products, batteries, food and beverages, communications equipment, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, boats, and more. In 2016, Governor Scott championed the permanent elimination of the sales tax on manufacturing machinery and equipment so Florida manufactures can invest more money in growing their businesses and creating new jobs.
The project was made possible through strong partnerships between Enterprise Florida, the Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation, Hillsborough County, and the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity.
Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Executive Director Cissy Proctor said, “This announcement is exciting news for Tampa-area families. We are proud that Advanced Airfoil chose Florida and is planning to create hundreds of high-wage, high-tech manufacturing jobs in Florida’s I-4 Tech Corridor.”
Chairman of the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners Stacy White, said, “We are excited to welcome Advanced Airfoil Components to Hillsborough County and thank them for their investment in our community. The addition of hundreds of skilled manufacturing jobs is great news for local families. We are confident that the quality of our workforce and the responsiveness of our colleges and universities to the industry’s evolving training needs will help Advanced Airfoil Components thrive here for decades to come.”
Chairman of the Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation and President of Hillsborough Community College Dr. Ken Atwater said, “The strength and diversity of our manufacturing sector is encouraging more globally renowned corporations like Siemens and Chromalloy to choose Tampa and Hillsborough County. Advanced Airfoil Components’ success in our market will have a positive impact on our region and help shape our economic future. We look forward to assisting them as they establish roots in our community.”
Enterprise Florida board member and President and CEO and Voltair Consulting Engineers Julius Davis said, “Florida attracts high-tech companies from around the world, and with a qualified workforce and robust infrastructure, it is clear why Siemens and Chromalloy chose Hillsborough County as the location for Advanced Airfoil Components. The 350 new jobs and investment into our community are a direct result of business-friendly policies championed by Governor Rick Scott.”
Siemens Corporation is a U.S. subsidiary of Siemens AG, a global powerhouse focusing on the areas of electrification, automation and digitalization. One of the world’s largest producers of energy-efficient, resource-saving technologies, Siemens is a leading supplier of systems for power generation and transmission as well as medical diagnosis. With approximately 351,000 employees in 190 countries, Siemens reported worldwide revenue of $88.1 billion in fiscal 2016. Siemens in the USA reported revenue of $23.7 billion, including $5.4 billion in exports, and employs approximately 50,000 people throughout all 50 states and Puerto Rico.
Chromalloy has expanded from a gas turbine parts repair business into an OEM supplier of production parts and advanced repairs and services for gas turbines used in aviation and land-based applications. Chromalloy serves the airline, military, marine and energy segments with a broad range of services at locations around the globe. Chromalloy is authorized by the FAA and EASA and many other NAAs, and is qualified under ISO and NADCAP. Chromalloy is a subsidiary of Sequa Corporation.
Sequa Corporation is a diversified industrial company with operations in the aerospace, energy and metal coatings industries. Sequa is a Carlyle Group company. For additional information, visit www.sequa.com
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.
Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation is the lead designated economic development agency for Hillsborough County and the cities of Tampa, Plant City, and Temple Terrace. Established in 2009 as a partnership between the public sector and private corporate investors, the EDC works to develop and sustain a thriving local economy through the attraction, retention and expansion of high wage jobs and capital investment within targeted industry sectors. The EDC exists because of the generous support of more than 100 corporations, the Board of County Commissioners of Hillsborough County, and the cities of Tampa, Plant City and Temple Terrace.
Hillsborough County, Florida is the commercial and industrial heart of Tampa Bay. The fourth largest county in the state of Florida, Hillsborough is home to nearly 1.3 million residents, with thousands more arriving each year. Its strength is drawn from being one of the most advanced economies and having one of the most educated workforces in the state. Hillsborough County and its three municipalities –Tampa, Plant City, and Temple Terrace – offer a competitive business environment and an abundance of regional assets including Port Tampa Bay, Tampa International Airport, and MacDill Air Force Base. County government is focused on creating economic prosperity for residents and businesses throughout the area.
Enterprise Florida
Gov. Scott: Pete Antonacci Will Help Florida Compete for New Opportunities as CEO of EFI
Governor Rick Scott today released the following statement on Peter Antonacci being named the new President and CEO of Enterprise Florida beginning August 2nd.
Governor Scott said, “I am proud that the entire EFI Board voted to select Pete Antonacci as their new President and CEO. Pete has a long record of success and has demonstrated an incredible commitment to helping make our state the best place for families and job creators. I am confident that his experience as the executive director at the South Florida Water Management District and as my office’s general counsel will make him a great leader for EFI as he fights to bring more jobs to Florida every day. I commend the Enterprise Florida Board of Directors for nominating such a great leader, and I know Pete will help utilize the new $85 million Florida Job Growth Grant Fund to compete for new job opportunities on behalf of Florida families.”
Enterprise Florida Board of Directors select Pete Antonacci as CEO
The Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI) Board of Directors today voted unanimously to approve Peter Antonacci as the new President & CEO of Enterprise Florida, Inc. Antonacci will also serve as Florida’s Secretary of Commerce. He will begin his new role with EFI on August 2.
Governor Scott said, “I am proud that the entire EFI Board voted to select Pete Antonacci as their new President and CEO. Pete has a long record of success and has demonstrated an incredible commitment to helping make our state the best place for families and job creators. I am confident that his experience as the executive director at the South Florida Water Management District and as my office’s general counsel will make him a great leader for EFI as he fights to bring more jobs to Florida every day. I commend the Enterprise Florida Board of Directors for nominating such a great leader, and I know Pete will help utilize the new $85 million Florida Job Growth Grant Fund to compete for new job opportunities on behalf of Florida families.”
Antonacci will be leaving his current role of Executive Director at the South Florida Water Management District where he spent the last two years leading the District in carrying out its mission to balance and improve flood control, water supply, water quality and natural systems across the region. The SFWMD is one of the largest water management systems in the world.
“I am privileged to lead Enterprise Florida forward in its mission of job creation,” said Pete Antonacci, President & CEO of Enterprise Florida, Inc. “As a 60-year Floridian and having served Florida for much of my professional career, I am enthusiastic to begin competing with other states and nations to ensure that when companies create jobs, they do so right here in Florida.”
In addition to serving as Executive Director of the South Florida Water Management District, Antonacci previously served as General Counsel to Governor Scott from 2013 to 2015 and in 2012 served as State Attorney in Palm Beach County. He also served as a Governing Board member at the Northwest Florida Water Management District, as Statewide Prosecutor of Florida and Deputy Attorney General. Raised in Hialeah, he attended Hialeah High School and Miami Dade College. He earned a Bachelor of Arts and Master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Florida State University as well as his Juris Doctorate from the Florida State University College of Law.
Stan Connally, EFI Board Vice-Chair said, “We are fortunate to have Pete leading the team at EFI. His reputation and track record speak for themselves, and I look forward to seeing the impact of his leadership as he works with the team to continue bringing good, high-paying jobs to Florida.”
SFWMD Governing Board Chairman Dan O’Keefe said, “Pete Antonacci has been a tremendous leader who worked tirelessly every day to advance our restoration goals and protect all 8.1 million South Florida residents. The Governing Board would like to thank him for all that was accomplished and we look forward to what he will be able to do for Florida in his new role.”
Cissy Proctor, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, said, “Pete Antonacci is a great leader and will bring the best of public service and private sector experience to Enterprise Florida. I am looking forward to continuing our partnership with Enterprise Florida under his leadership as we promote Florida’s incredible business climate, including the new Job Growth Grant Fund, to grow jobs and opportunities for Floridians.”
Gov. Scott: $85 Million Florida Job Growth Fund Will Invest in New Jobs and Competitive Communities
EFI and DEO Now Accepting Economic Development Project Proposals
Governor Rick Scott today announced Enterprise Florida and the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) are accepting economic development project proposals for the new $85 million Florida Job Growth Grant Fund. Economic development projects that enhance community infrastructure or develop workforce training programs are eligible to receive funding. To find out more information about the grant fund, or download project proposal templates, click HERE.
Governor Scott said, “With more than 1.37 million jobs created across our state since December 2010 and the lowest unemployment rate in nearly 10 years, it is clear that Florida’s economy has experienced incredible growth. However, we are competing against other states and countries for new jobs, and we must aggressively fight to make Florida the best destination for business. That is why I worked with the Legislature to establish the new $85 million Florida Job Growth Fund, which will invest in infrastructure and workforce training needs across the state- two major factors that job creators consider when choosing an ideal location. I am proud to announce that DEO and EFI are now accepting proposals for the fund and I encourage Florida communities to apply today.”
Governor Scott worked with the Legislature to establish the new $85 million Florida Job Growth Grant Fund during the recent special session. This flexible, transparent economic development program is the first of its kind and will be used to promote public infrastructure and individual job training, which will encourage more businesses to choose Florida as a destination for business. DEO will work with Enterprise Florida, the state’s premier economic development agency, and other state and local partners to identify projects that may be considered for funding.
Senate President Joe Negron said, “I am pleased to see the application process launch so quickly. Key investments in infrastructure and job training provided through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund will help keep Florida businesses and employees on the cutting edge of their industries. With new transparency measures, the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund strikes the right balance between accountability to the taxpayers who fund our government and the flexibility needed to remain nationally competitive in our economic development efforts. My colleagues and I appreciate Governor Scott’s leadership in this important endeavor.”
House Speaker Richard Corcoran said, “This fund will free up the Governor to cut through unnecessary bureaucracy, regulation, and red tape to improve infrastructure and education leading to greater job growth and opportunity for all Floridians.”
Cissy Proctor, Executive Director of DEO, said, “Communities across Florida have so many opportunities for economic development and job growth. The Florida Job Growth Fund allows DEO to provide needed flexible funding to enhance infrastructure and develop a strong workforce across the state.”
Mike Grissom, interim President & CEO of Enterprise Florida, said, “Florida is already a top business destination. The new Florida Job Growth Grant Fund provides another valuable tool to Florida communities as they compete on a global stage for economic development projects that transform communities and invest into our state.”
President Negron Appoints Ken Kahn to the Enterprise Florida Board of Directors
Florida Senate President Joe Negron (R-Stuart) today announced the appointment of Ken Kahn to the Enterprise Florida Board of Directors. Mr. Kahn’s appointment begins immediately and expires on July 5, 2021.
“Ken understands firsthand the opportunities available to businesses seeking to locate or expand here in Florida,” said President Negron. “He has a strong educational background and the diverse business and community service experiences needed to excel in this position. I am confident Ken will be a strong advocate for Florida businesses, and I am grateful that he has agreed to join the Enterprise Florida Team in this important capacity.”
Mr. Kahn is the President of LRP Publications, a legal and professional publishing company. An active member of his community, Mr. Kahn serves on the Palm Beach County Education Commission and the Alliance for Eating Disorder Awareness. He also serves on the executive committees of the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County, Economic Council of Palm Beach County, and Kravis Center Corporate Partners. He is an active member of the Florida Council of 100.
Mr. Kahn graduated from Cornell University and Harvard Law School. He has five children and currently resides in Palm Beach Gardens with his wife and two daughters.
Enterprise Florida Opens Florida Pavilion at the 2017 International Paris Air Show
This week, Enterprise Florida opened the Florida Pavilion at the 52nd International Paris Air Show. The Florida Pavilion is once again the largest exhibit of any U.S. state at the event, showcasing 16 Florida aviation, aerospace, defense and homeland security businesses and organizations. The International Paris Air Show is the world’s largest air show and will be open through June 23. Governor Rick Scott previously joined Florida business leaders at the International Paris Air Show, Farnborough International Airshow and other economic development missions, including Argentina earlier this year.
Governor Scott said, “The Florida Pavilion at the International Paris Air Show gives Florida business leaders the opportunity to meet with leading global aviation and aerospace companies so they know that Florida is serious about providing the best business climate in the nation. We have created more than 1.37 million private sector jobs since December 2010 and the state economy continues to strengthen. The aviation industry is key to Florida’s success and we are confident that the Florida Delegation’s time meeting face to face with aerospace business leaders will result in more jobs for Floridians.”
The International Paris Air Show provides Enterprise Florida and the businesses and organizations exhibiting in the Florida Pavilion with a unique opportunity to demonstrate their competitive advantages in the aviation and aerospace industry. EFI vice chairman Stan W. Connally, Jr., president & CEO of Gulf Power Company, and EFI leadership are hosting more than 50 business development meetings with industry leading companies to share Florida’s business story.
“Florida’s small businesses see a significant impact from shows like Paris,” said Connally. “They create some of the most innovative products and services in the industry, and the Paris Air Show allows them to exhibit to global aviation and aerospace companies much more cost-effectively than if they tried to reach these companies on their own. The opportunities they have here to grow their businesses and reach new markets in turn strengthen the state’s aviation and aerospace sector.”
Statewide partners like Space Florida help lead the state into the next stage of aerospace growth. The aerospace economic development agency will be at the show to discuss everything Florida has to offer industry leaders. “Space Florida is pleased to join Enterprise Florida in representing the State of Florida at what has become the single most important global aerospace gathering for this industry, the International Paris Air Show,” said Space Florida President Frank DiBello. “It is an opportunity-rich, deal-rich environment, and we look forward to the expertise and relationships that can be gained from our participation in Paris. Such opportunities will help Space Florida and Enterprise Florida continue our path to make Florida the leading state in the global aerospace industry.”
Florida is home to more than 2,100 aerospace and aviation companies employing more than 89,000 skilled workers. The state is a major hub for flight training, a leader in maintenance repair and overhaul (MRO) operations, and home to leading manufacturers of all types of aircraft and components. Florida’s overall manufacturing sector has more than 19,600 companies that employ more than 340,000 professionals.
In total, 16 Florida companies and organizations are participating in the Florida Pavilion, including:
- AeroStar Training Services, LLC – Kissimmee
- Airgroup Dynamics, Inc. – Orlando
- Aviation Inflatables Inc. – Sunrise
- Avionica Inc. – Miami
- Dayton-Granger, Inc. – Fort Lauderdale
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – Daytona Beach
- Future Metals LLC – Tamarac
- HEICO Space – VPT, Inc. – Hollywood
- HEICO Space – 3D Plus – Hollywood
- JBT Corporation – Orlando
- Parts Base Inc. – Boca Raton
- Uno Aviation LLC – Fort Lauderdale
- Florida Power & Light Co. – Juno Beach
- Team Volusia Economic Development Corporation – Daytona Beach
- Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast – Rockledge
- The Beacon Council – Miami
EFI maintains an extensive schedule of overseas trade missions and exhibitions worldwide. In fiscal year 2015-16, Florida small and mid-sized businesses reported more than $911 million in total projected export sales following international missions and trade shows. Last year, EFI provided 129 Target Sector Trade Grants totaling nearly $490,000 to qualified show exhibitors. Those small businesses reported more than $426 million in total expected export sales.
Gov. Scott Announces ATIO USA to Open Manufacturing Facility in Hendry County
Project Will Create 39 New Jobs in Clewiston
Governor Rick Scott today announced that ATIO USA, an aluminum recycling and manufacturing company, will open a new facility in Hendry County. Although Minnesota and Tennessee were both considered for the project, Hendry County was ultimately selected as the best location for ATIO USA’s new facility. The project will create 39 new jobs at an average of more than $42,000 a year and result in a $26 million investment in the local community.
Governor Scott said, “I am proud to announce that ATIO USA has selected Clewiston, Florida over Minnesota and Tennessee as the best location for their new manufacturing facility. Last year we permanently eliminated the sales tax on manufacturing machinery and equipment, and our commitment to making Florida more business friendly is helping our state outcompete other locations for these important jobs wins. Also, with the establishment of the new $85 million Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, we will be able to attract even more businesses to Florida. The creation of 39 new jobs is great news for the families of Hendry County, and I look forward to seeing ATIO USA’s continued success.”
Lucio Medolago, CEO of ATIO USA, LLC said, “We are really happy to make Hendry County the Home of ATIO USA, and look forward to actively supporting this community. The Aluminum recycling factory and refinery, along with a complete metallurgical laboratory, will be located in Clewiston. In addition to manufacturing ‘Green Billets’, we will be able to conduct metallurgical research to develop new materials and new alloys. We will be collaborating with local universities in our research department, and hiring and developing local talent as this plant comes to life. This is just the beginning of a successful operation that is the result of an excellent coordination between Enterprise Florida, the Hendry County EDC, county commission and partners in the community. I would like to thank the State of Florida and Hendry County for welcoming us and for their support in moving this project forward.”
The ATIO project has been a collaborative effort between Enterprise Florida, Hendry County, the Hendry County EDC, Glades County and local partners. ATIO has committed to hiring local talent by partnering with the Hendry County Economic Development Council, local vocational training partners, and CareerSource Southwest Florida.
Mike Grissom, Interim President & CEO, Enterprise Florida, Inc., said, “Florida’s rural communities are the backbone of our state and we are proud that ATIO USA has chosen Hendry County as a location for this facility. Our team has worked hard to ensure that high-tech manufacturers like ATIO USA come to Florida and this is huge win for our state.”
Cissy Proctor, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, said, “The announcement of ATIO USA’s decision to expand their company in Hendry County is great news to families in Southwest Florida’s rural communities. Florida’s manufacturing industry continues to grow, and we are proud to partner with ATIO USA to bring good jobs to Clewiston.”
Michael Swindle, Hendry County Board of County Commissioners chair, said, “Hendry County is excited to have ATIO USA as a business partner. Their specialized industry will bring greater diversification to Hendry County’s economy and workforce. We look forward to growing with ATIO USA to ensure a brighter future for Hendry County and our residents.”
Brent Kettler, Executive Director, Hendry County EDC, said “I’ve had the pleasure of working directly with the ATIO executive team, and cannot express how promising this project is. The commitment to operate in a rural area, provide living wages, and strong emphasis on infusing modern manufacturing technology that is both environmentally friendly and sustainable, in addition to committing to hire local talent, is a project any community would benefit from.”
ATIO was created to supply high quality aluminum in order to satisfy the increasing demand of manufacturers. ATIO’s Florida-based operation will manufacture parts and additional items for the global automobile industry and OEM suppliers. ATIO USA will use scrap and waste aluminum in addition to primary raw material to manufacture an aluminum alloy known as ‘Green Billets’ for the U.S. and international markets.
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.
Argentina Trade Mission Led by Governor Scott Yields $24 Million in Expected Sales
Governor Rick Scott today announced that the nearly 40 businesses that participated in the recent economic development mission to Argentina have reported more than $24 million in expected sales. Additionally, these businesses generated $1.85 million in actual sales during the mission. This was the first trade mission by any governor from the U.S. under Argentina’s new administration and Governor Scott was the first U.S. governor to meet with Argentine President Mauricio Macri.
Governor Scott said, “It was an honor to lead an economic development mission to Argentina last month to meet with Argentine business leaders and share why Florida is the best location for their companies to grow. It is exciting to see all of the opportunities that were created from our trip and I am proud to announce today that the many companies that participated in this mission have reported more than $24 million in expected sales. Enterprise Florida led this mission and they do important work to connect Florida small business with opportunities in international markets. We are competing in a global economy, and many of these businesses would not have the resources or opportunities to market themselves across the world if not for Enterprise Florida. It is disappointing that the Legislature chose to disregard the impact not fully funding EFI could have on our job creators and families.”
Argentina is Florida’s 10th largest trade partner with more than $4.2 billion in bilateral trade. Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI) partnered with the U.S. Commercial Service, the U.S. Embassy in Argentina, the American Chamber of Commerce in Argentina and the Florida Ports Council to ensure a successful mission for the companies in attendance. As a result of strong partnerships, the Florida Ports Council and the Argentine Coordination of Ports signed an MOU to develop direct sea routes between Argentina and Florida.
Manny Mencia, Senior Vice President of International Trade & Development, Enterprise Florida, Inc. said, “Argentina is a great trade partner for our state and thanks to Governor Scott our mission attracted a tremendous amount of media coverage and allowed us to access the highest levels of the Argentine business and government leadership, to effectively promote Florida as the ideal destination for Argentine companies seeking to do business with the U.S.”
Doug Wheeler, President & CEO, Florida Ports Council, said, “Waterborne trade with Argentina already totals more than $1 billion and we value our long-standing relationship. With the signing of the MOU we further strengthened and renewed efforts to explore mutually beneficial technical, cultural and social resources. We look forward to continuing to develop and grow our partnership to increase trade and economic impacts for both countries.”
While the mission was focused on promoting Florida exports to the Argentinean marketplace, EFI and the Argentine Chamber of Commerce and Services (CAC) also collaborated to organize a seminar on business and investment opportunities in Florida. Presenters at the seminar included Governor Scott, Bob Grammig of Holland and Knight, Doug Wheeler of the Florida Ports Council, and Manny Mencia of EFI. More than 120 Argentine business leaders attended.
Susan Amat, CEO/Founder of Venture Hive in Miami, said, “I know the impact that this mission has had on Venture Hive, and our businesses and partners will yield several direct and indirect jobs in the state in the next quarter and a huge return on my investment. I thank Governor Scott and the EFI team for the work they do for job creators every day.”
Alexander Azcurra of Critical Power Solutions in Miami, said, “We look forward to participating in more trade missions. This mission allowed us to connect with other Florida entrepreneurs which will possibly lead to business locally in Florida too. Special thanks to the staff at Enterprise Florida and everyone that put this trade mission together. It was great to meet and speak with Gov. Rick Scott at the U.S. Embassy. Thanks for all you do.”
Arley Bedillion, industrial sales manager, Mastry Engine Center in St. Petersburg, said, “This was a successful mission. I believe we will built some great business relationships here in Buenos Aires. We received a trade grant which lifted some of the financial requirements for joining the mission. Our success is a direct reflection of the efforts and hard work of Enterprise Florida.”
The Enterprise Florida Trade Mission to Argentina Included:
| America Energy, Inc. | Miami International Airport |
| American Traction Systems, Inc. | Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems |
| Argentine American Chamber of Commerce of Florida | Natural Vitamins Laboratory LLC |
| Aviation Registry Group, Ltd. | Octopi |
| Becker & Poliakoff, P.A. | Pasco Economic Development Council |
| Bermello, Ajamil and Partners, Inc. | Perry Baromedical Corporation |
| Broward County Office of Economic & Small Business Development | Pinellas County Economic Development |
| Cooltech Holding Corp. | Point Blank Enterprises, Inc. |
| Critical Power Solutions Group Inc. | Port Everglades |
| CZA Inc. | Port Tampa Bay |
| Duo Global Real Estate Group, LLC | PortMiami |
| Express Travel | Royal Consulting Services, Inc. |
| Florida Ports Council | Scientific Control Instruments Holdings, LLC |
| Florida Power & Light Co. | Tampa Hillsborough EDC |
| Florida Realtors | Team Volusia Economic Development Corporation |
| Geo Global Partners | Venture Hive |
| Holland & Knight | VISIT FLORIDA |
| Innova Eco Building System, LLC | XDS Marketing Corp. |
| Kravitz & Guerra | ZTZ Services |
| Mastry Engine Center |
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.
Governor Scott to Kick Off “Fighting For Florida’s Future” Tour
Governor Rick Scott today announced the “Fighting for Florida’s Future” tour where he will visit 10 cities to encourage Floridians to contact members of the Florida Legislature and urge them to invest in key priorities for Florida’s future. The Florida Legislature is in their final days of the 2017 legislative session, and at this time, budget proposals from the Legislature include:
- Kills funding for Enterprise Florida which helps to diversify the economy and create thousands of high wage jobs;
- Cuts funding for VISIT FLORIDA by 67%. VISIT FLORIDA is responsible for marketing the state and encourages people from across the world to visit the Sunshine State. Every 76 tourists to Florida equals one job and Florida’s tourism industry currently supports 1.4 million jobs; and
- Fails to include $200 million to help fix the Herbert Hoover Dike at Lake Okeechobee. Last summer, green algae plagued Florida’s waterways in South Florida and fixing the dike will help curb problems like this and protect Florida’s waterways and environment for Florida’s future generations. President Trump has committed funding to fix this federal project and the state funding Governor Scott is calling for will help jump start the process.
Governor Rick Scott said, “The 60 day legislative session is wrapping up this week and I have been fighting the politicians in Tallahassee for three things to help Florida families – funding for tourism marketing so we can continue to bring record visitors to Florida; funding for proven economic development programs so we can continue to diversify our economy and bring more jobs to Florida; and $200 million to help fix the Dike at Lake Okeechobee so we can protect our environment for future generations. All three of these issues are tied to jobs, but unfortunately the politicians in Tallahassee still haven’t committed to funding these important priorities.
“There are still a few days left of the regular session which means that there is still time for the politicians to do the right thing and fund priorities to protect our environment and keep our economy growing. Let’s remember, the total state budget is around $83 billion and all three of these priorities I am fighting for make up less than 1 percent. However, not funding these priorities will have severe repercussions across our state and Florida could lose hundreds of thousands of jobs. Our economy is on a roll and now is not the time to take our foot off the gas. I look forward to traveling the state this week to urge Floridians to contact their legislators and tell them to fund these priorities that are critical for the future of our great state.”
The Governor will make stops Wednesday, Thursday and Friday in the following cities. Details on times and locations will be announced later today.
- Tampa
- Orlando
- Palm Beach
- Miami
- Pensacola
- Panama City
- Naples
- Sarasota
- Jacksonville
- Space Coast
ICYMI: WJHG: Gov. Scott discusses local impact of VISIT FLORIDA and Enterprise Florida
“Gov. Scott Discusses Local Impact of VISIT FLORIDA and Enterprise Florida”
WJHG (NBC) – Panama City, FL
April 26, 2017
To view the clip, click HERE.
