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Gov. Scott: Pratt & Whitney to Create 215 New Jobs and Expand in Palm Beach County

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Governor Rick Scott today announced that Pratt & Whitney, a leading global manufacturer of aircraft engines and auxiliary power units, will be expanding its site in Palm Beach County and creating 215 new jobs. In addition to these new jobs, since 2012, Pratt & Whitney has created 300 jobs for Florida families and employs a total of more than 1,300 Floridians.

Governor Scott said, “Today, I am proud to announce 215 new jobs for families in Palm Beach County. As Governor, one of the best parts of my job is meeting families across our state and over the past seven years, I’ve heard firsthand from them just how important our focus on job growth is to their success. Today’s exciting announcement shows why Florida is leading the nation in job growth and why we will never stop fighting to make sure that hard-working companies, like Pratt & Whitney, can grow and create jobs.”

David Carter, Senior Vice President of Engineering for Pratt & Whitney, said, “Pratt & Whitney is committed to expanding operations at our West Palm Beach facility and creating highly-skilled and good-paying jobs. We are thankful for the support we receive from the State of Florida and Palm Beach County as we add 215 positions to our employee base of 1,300 and $100 million in capital investment in addition to over $88 million we’ve invested in manufacturing and technology improvements to this site since 2012.”

Peter Antonacci, CEO of Enterprise Florida Inc., said, “Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in aviation technology and manufacturing. This expansion of the Pratt & Whitney footprint is a big win for Palm Beach County families.”

Cissy Proctor, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, said, “Pratt & Whitney’s expansion is another sign that employers are benefiting from Florida’s pro-business policies and finding the talent they need to grow in the Sunshine State. The new jobs in manufacturing and engineering will provide opportunities for hardworking families in the area.”

Palm Beach County Commissioner Steve Abrams said, “These new jobs are incredibly important for families in our community. Not only is Pratt & Whitney creating high-paying jobs, but it’s also making investments in our community to benefit our residents for years to come.”

Kelly Smallridge, president and CEO of the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County, said, “With deep roots in our county for more than 60 years, Pratt and Whitney has served as the foundation of our robust Aviation/Aerospace/Engineering (AAE) cluster and significant contributor to our community. Palm Beach County is home to more than 1,300 AAE companies that employ approximately 17,000 residents. This expansion further signifies the competitiveness of our county and state in growing high quality, innovation based companies.”

The project was made possible through strong partnerships between Enterprise Florida, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity and Palm Beach County’s Business Development Board.

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.

Gov. Scott: Sixt to Create 300 New Jobs at New North American Headquarters in Fort Lauderdale

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Governor Rick Scott today announced that Sixt North America, a global auto rental company, has selected Fort Lauderdale as the location for their new, expanded North American headquarters. The expansion will create 300 new jobs and invest $10.4 million in the local community. The company chose Fort Lauderdale over other potential sites in Georgia, Texas and California. Sixt Rent-a-Car has more than 2,000 locations in over 100 countries.
Governor Scott said, “I am proud to announce that Sixt North America has selected Florida over Georgia, Texas and California for their new and expanded North American headquarters. This expansion will create 300 new jobs for families in South Florida and is a major win for our state. Over the past six and a half years, we have worked to cut taxes and make our state more business friendly so Florida can outcompete other locations for new opportunities. By using the newly establish Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, we will continue to encourage businesses to grow and create jobs in our state.”
Sebastian Birkel, Sixt North America Co-President, said, “We looked at a number of locations in carefully selecting our new U.S. headquarters, and, at the end of our search Florida clearly came out on top. The state went out of its way to work with us, encouraging Sixt to plant even deeper roots here. We were extremely pleased with the process, and are proud to be opening our national headquarters here in the near future. Back in 2011, Florida warmly welcomed our first U.S. location at Miami airport—now our flagship location in the U.S.—and we have been impressed with the resources available here. We are able to attract first-class talent, and enjoy the state’s competitive business environment. That’s why Florida is Sixt country.”
Daniel Florence, Sixt North America Co-President, said, “We want to thank Governor Scott for his leadership in this process, he deserves great credit for the numerous jobs that will be brought to this state as a result of our being here, and growing here. Sixt is expanding rapidly all over the U.S. in major markets as fast as we can to meet surging customer demand, and as we do so, what we are doing here in Florida will remain the foundation of how we approach our business around the country.”
Sixt cited the strength of Fort Lauderdale’s diverse, educated and multicultural workforce, vibrant tourism market, proximity to the Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport and Miami International Airport (Sixt’s largest rental locations), and a competitive business environment as strategic reasons for headquarters location.
Alan Becker, Enterprise Florida board member, said, “The expansion of Sixt North America in Fort Lauderdale highlights the strong and diverse workforce that Florida can offer thanks to the hard work of Governor Scott to make Florida the most business friendly state. We look forward to continuing to show companies looking to expand or relocate that Florida is able to meet and exceed their expectations as the best place to work and raise a family.”
Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Executive Director Cissy Proctor said, “Sixt North America chose Florida to expand its North American operations over several other states. Sixt recognizes our business-friendly environment and the talented workforce we have in the Fort Lauderdale area, and we are proud that it is bringing hundreds of jobs here to the Sunshine State.”
Mayor Jack Seiler of the City of Fort Lauderdale said, “We are proud that Sixt is dramatically expanding and investing in its North America headquarters. Fort Lauderdale’s strategic location, robust business climate, and outstanding quality of life all make our city the perfect place for Sixt to grow and prosper. We wish the company continued growth and success.”
Bob Swindell, President and CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance said, “Congratulations to Sixt North America, and thank you for choosing to expand in Greater Fort Lauderdale. We appreciate the significant investment the company is making in our community and the addition of 300 new high-wage jobs.”
Sixt has its registered international headquarters in Pullach, Germany, near Munich, and is a leading international provider of high-quality mobility services for business and corporate customers as well as private travelers. With representation in over 100 countries worldwide, Sixt is continually expanding its presence. The company’s strengths lie in the high proportion of premium cars in the vehicle fleet, its employees’ consistent service orientation and a good price-performance ratio. Taken together, these strengths have given Sixt an excellent market position. Sixt was founded in 1912 and maintains alliances with renowned brands in the hotel industry, well known airlines and numerous prominent service providers in the tourism sector. The Sixt Group generates revenues of EUR 2.4 billion/US 2.8 billion (2016).
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.
The Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance is Broward County’s official public/private partnership for economic development.  Its mission is to lead Broward County in building a stronger and more diverse economy by stimulating the creation of new jobs and capital investment while facilitating the growth and retention of businesses in Broward County. Services offered by the Alliance include assistance with business relocation or expansion and site selection; incentive programs and information; market research; and serving as a liaison for workforce development between CareerSource Broward, educational institutions and the business community.

Gov. Scott Announces Siemens and Chromalloy to Create 350 New Jobs in Tampa

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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.

Governor Scott Announces Belcan to Add 200 New Jobs in Palm Beach County

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Governor Rick Scott announced that Belcan, LLC, a global supplier of engineering, technical recruiting and IT services, will expand operations in Palm Beach County, creating 200 new jobs. The company currently employs approximately 600 Floridians throughout the state. This expansion will be an investment of over $3 million in the Palm Beach County community.
Governor Scott said, “It was great to join the team at Belcan to announce 200 new jobs for families in Palm Beach County. Companies like Belcan continue to grow and create jobs in our state thanks to our efforts to cut taxes and reduce burdensome regulations. By investing in public infrastructure projects and job training with the $85 million Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, we can ensure Florida remains competitive and create opportunities for generations to come.”
Belcan has over 8,000 employees in more than 55 locations around the world and provides engineering, technical recruiting, scientific and IT services to some of the world’s largest organizations in the aerospace, defense, industrial, and government sectors. Belcan’s office in Florida was launched in 2001 and has experienced 300 percent employment growth in the past 5 years.
Belcan Chief Executive Officer Lance Kwasniewski said, “Belcan is extremely pleased to be expanding our regional presence and extending our long-term commitment to the great state of Florida. The thriving business climate created by the state and local governments, along with the outstanding universities and excellent infrastructure, are among the key factors contributing to the success of this area. We look forward to continuing Belcan’s rapid growth while creating an enjoyable environment for our employees and further enhancing the region’s economic development.”
This expansion project was made possible by partnerships with Enterprise Florida, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity and the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County.
Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Executive Director Cissy Proctor said, “I am proud that Belcan is expanding in the Sunshine State. This international company could choose to grow jobs in any other state or country around the world. Florida’s competitive business environment and low tax structure help support expansions like Belcan’s, and this growth will help families across Palm Beach County continue to prosper.”
Business Development Board of Palm Beach County President and CEO Kelly Smallridge said, “Belcan’s expansion is proof that Palm Beach County is a great place to grow businesses and jobs. Our county is home to 1300 aviation/aerospace companies that employ 17,000 at an average salary of $90,000. We appreciate the support of Palm Beach County’s Board of County Commissioners and the City of West Palm Beach in bringing this project to fruition.”
Director of Economic Development for Florida Power & Light Company and Enterprise Florida board member Crystal Stiles said, “Belcan is a great example of job creation in Florida. Florida has one of the best economic development systems in the country comprised of dedicated individuals who work hard every day to make Florida one of the best places for business. The 200 new jobs being created by Belcan are another example of growth that is happening all around our state.”
City of West Palm Beach Mayor Jeri Muoio said, “The City of West Palm Beach is proud to welcome Belcan to our community. Job creation continues to be a priority for the City and we value the growth that Belcan will bring to our community. This is another example of our solid economic partnerships with the Business Development Board, Palm Beach County and State of Florida to bring opportunity to our residents.”
Palm Beach County Mayor Paulette Burdick said, “This was a very competitive project as the company was considering moving to another state. The State, County, City of West Palm Beach, and the BDB worked closely together to ensure that Belcan stayed in our area. With our combined efforts we hit a homerun.”
About Belcan
Belcan is a global supplier of engineering, technical recruiting, and IT services to customers in the aerospace, defense, industrial, and government sectors. Belcan engineers better outcomes through adaptive and integrated services. From jet engines, airframe, and avionics to heavy vehicles, chemical processing, and cybersecurity, Belcan takes a partnering approach to provide customer-driven solutions that are flexible, scalable, and cost-effective. Belcan’s unique capabilities have led to continuous growth and success for nearly 60 years. For more information, please visit www.belcan.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.

Gov. Rick Scott to Announce New Jobs at Belcan Corporation in West Palm Beach

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MEDIA ADVISORY

Tomorrow, August 29th, Governor Rick Scott will announce new jobs at Belcan Corporation in West Palm Beach. Recently, Governor Scott announced that Florida’s economy has created more than 1.4 million private sector jobs since December 2010.
WHAT: Jobs Announcement
WHEN: 3:00 PM
WHERE: Belcan, LLC
2410 Metrocentre Boulevard
West Palm Beach, FL 33407

Gov. Scott Highlights New Jobs at Think Anew in Tampa

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Information technology services firm to create 20 new jobs


Governor Rick Scott today announced the creation of 20 new jobs at Think Anew, an information technology managed services provider in Tampa. The new building is the company’s first Florida location. The small business considered other locations, including Mississippi, but ultimately chose Tampa as the best location for their new facility.
Governor Rick Scott said, “I’m proud to highlight small business Think Anew which chose Florida as the best place to expand and create 20 new jobs for families. Florida continues to outpace the nation for job growth and our unemployment rate is at a 10-year low which is great news. In order to attract more companies like Think Anew to Florida, we created the new $85 million Florida Job Growth Grant Fund. This transparent, flexible program will continue our push to make Florida the premiere destination for job creation.”
Think Anew CEO Don Glidewell said, “The excitement building around job creation and recruitment of top tier companies to the Tampa area, especially in the Health and Life Sciences sector, is undeniable. This is a reflection of not only the talent coming from the communities and universities, but also the hard work and determination of the staff at Tampa Hillsborough EDC, Enterprise Florida, and Governor Scott’s office. As a company that believes in the American Dream and supports the healthcare community by making their operations safer, compliant and more efficient, Think Anew will bring new advancements and higher paying jobs to Florida.”
The project was made possible through strong partnerships between Enterprise Florida, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, City of Tampa, Hillsborough County and the Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation.
Cissy Proctor, Executive Director of the Department of Economic Opportunity, said, “Think Anew, LLC is a great example of our pro-growth policies coming to fruition and helping Floridians find jobs. The company will find a talented workforce in Hillsborough to fill its high-skill, high-wage STEM job openings. I am proud that Florida has created an environment ideal for business expansion and job creation.”
Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners Chairman Stacy White said, “We’re pleased to welcome Think Anew to Hillsborough County and thank them for choosing our community. We recognize the tremendous value that the information technology sector contributes to our region’s economic future, and are committed to helping companies like Think Anew get the business assistance they need to thrive in our market.”
Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation Chair and President of Hillsborough Community College Dr. Ken Atwater said, “Tampa is an incubator for the information technology sector – particularly those providing business-to-business service. We are confident that Think Anew will enjoy the same level of prosperity here as others that have similarly chosen to expand in Hillsborough County, including Accusoft, BlueGrace Logistics, CareSync, DAS Health, Nitro, ReliaQuest, and SunView Software.”
About Think Anew
Think Anew, founded in 2007, provides information technology services that enable efficient interaction between hardware and software for the healthcare, education and government sectors. The company offers full technical support services, including help desk; wireless, cloud and connectivity solutions; mobile device management and encryption; onsite implementation; data migration; disaster recovery and business continuity, and more.  For more information visit ThinkAnew.com.

Gov. Scott: $85 Million Florida Job Growth Fund Will Invest in New Jobs and Competitive Communities

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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.”

Gov. Scott: More Than 237,000 New Jobs Created in 2016

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Governor Rick Scott announced today that Florida businesses created 237,300 new private-sector jobs in 2016, bringing the total number of jobs created since December 2010 to 1,262,100. For the 57th consecutive month, Florida’s annual job growth rate of 3.3 percent is exceeding the nation’s rate of 1.6 percent.
Governor Scott said, “I am proud to announce that Florida businesses continued to grow throughout the past year, adding more than 237,000 new jobs in 2016. Over the last six years, we’ve worked each day to make it easier for job creators to invest and create new opportunities in our state, and we will continue to do everything we can to help Florida outcompete other locations as the best place for jobs. Today, as we proudly welcome a new president who will make job creation a top priority across our nation, we stand ready to fight for another great year of economic growth in Florida.”
Florida’s labor force has grown by 223,000 over the year, increasing by 66,000 over the month in December alone and exceeding the national labor force growth rate. This shows that more Floridians are confident in their ability to find a new opportunity in the job market. The state’s unemployment rate remained low at 4.9 percent in December 2016.
Cissy Proctor, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, said, “With more than 250,000 job openings across the state and more than 1.25 million new private-sector jobs created in the last six years, it’s clear Florida is a great place to find a good job. Our low unemployment rate and strong record of job creation prove Florida is a great state to do business.”
Other positive economic indicators include:

  • Private-sector industries with the highest job growth over the year in December were:
    • Leisure and hospitality with 53,100 new jobs,
    • Education and health services with 46,800 new jobs,
    • Professional and business services with 46,200 new jobs, and
    • Trade, transportation and utilities with 35,600 new jobs.
  • Florida job postings showed 254,587 openings in December 2016, a 4.2 percent increase over the previous month.
  • In December, Florida’s 24 regional workforce boards reported more than 30,084 Floridians, including 1,444 veterans, were placed in jobs.

To view the December 2016 employment data visit www.floridajobs.org/labor-market-information/labor-market-information-press-releases/monthly-press-releases.