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PRESS RELEASES
October 27, 2014
GOVERNOR SCOTT ANNOUNCES $278,500 INVESTMENT FOR SPACE FLORIDA AND FLORIDA’S NATIONAL CENTER FOR SIMULATION
Communities receive 2014-15 Florida Defense Support Task Force Grant Awards
TALLAHASSEE, FL – Today, Governor Rick Scott announced that Space Florida and Florida’s National Center for Simulation will receive $278,500 from the Florida Defense Support Task Force Grant.
Governor Scott said, “The more than $270,000 in Defense Support Task Force Grants will help Naval Support Activity Orlando and Space Florida to continue their mission of helping support our military men and women. With these grants our military will be able to do more to provide safety and security to Florida families.”
The Florida Defense Support Task Force was created in 2011 with the mission to make recommendations to preserve and protect military installations, support the state’s position in research and development related to military missions and contracting, and improve the state’s military-friendly environment for service members, military families, military retirees and businesses that bring military and base-related jobs to the state.
Secretary of Commerce and President & CEO of Enterprise Florida, Gray Swoope said, “These grants are vital to our military and defense programs, and the local economies that rely on the operation of those facilities. Because of the grants, military communities around the state are able to improve working environments for Florida’s service men and women. Florida’s military and defense sector is one of the strongest in the country because of our commitment to preserve and protect our military installations. Enterprise Florida, through its work with the Florida Defense Task Force, is committed to supporting these critical assets.”
“The Florida Defense Support Task Force has again been able to provide local defense communities around the state the resources to keep vital missions at Florida’s military installations. These grants will help protect, preserve and enhance Florida’s military installations that generate billions of dollars for our economy as well as stable, high-paying jobs for Floridians. I applaud Governor Scott and the Florida Legislature for their support of the Task Force and commitment to keeping Florida as the most military-friendly state in the nation,” said Chairman and State Representative Jimmy Patronis from Panama City.
BREVARD COUNTY
Space Florida was awarded a $38,500 grant to design, plan, and execute an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) component to the annual emergency response exercise at Camp Blanding. This grant will enhance the installation’s capability, and provide research and development for emergency response; thereby providing a springboard for more UAS-related activity in the state.
Senate President-Designate Andy Gardiner said, “This grant will help provide Space Florida the opportunity to play an important role in Camp Blanding’s annual emergency response exercise. We need to make sure Florida is prepared to respond to critical threats to our security and it is great to see Space Florida play a role in that important mission.
Senator Thad Altman said, “The Legislature and Governor Scott recognize the economic importance that our military installations have on state’s economy. We are pleased to be able to make a positive impact and continue to enhance the value Florida’s military bases.”
House Speaker-Designate Steve Crisafulli said, “I appreciate the $38,500 that was awarded to Space Florida by the Florida Defense Support Task Force. This grant award is a great example of local and state partners making a positive impact on our military installations.”
Representative Ritch Workman said, “Governor Scott and the Florida Defense Support Task Force should be commended for awarding this $38,500 grant to Space Florida. These grants help preserve the economic impact our military bases and families have in the state of Florida.”
Representative Tom Goodson said, “I applaud the Legislature for awarding this grant to Space Florida. Brevard County is thankful for what it has received from the Florida Defense Support Task Force. This funding will help improve the emergency response capability of Camp Blanding.”
Representative John Tobia said, “Brevard County is grateful to receive this $38,500 grant award. I am thankful to Governor Scott and our Legislature for including Space Florida in their funding.”
Jim Kuzma, COO for Space Florida stated, “The introduction of UAS capability to the emergency response community should occur in a controlled environment, using accepted processes, in the appropriate venue, to ensure an acceptable level of risk.
Camp Blanding is the only State of Florida owned facility with protected airspace suitable for this type of collaborative training.
“Airspace accessibility has hindered few, if any efforts to integrate Florida’s civil emergency response organizations with the National Guard. We see an implementation gap that will not be addressed until a suitable airspace venue for civil UAS is created. As the State agency legislatively mandated to help bring UAS activities to Florida, Space Florida along with our partners, appreciate the Task Force recognizing this shared problem and providing funding to begin addressing this challenge.”
ORANGE COUNTY
Florida’s National Center for Simulation will receive $240,000 through the Florida Defense Support Task Force to continue to execute a comprehensive plan to mitigate potential threats to the base from future Department of Defense (DoD) Base Realignment and Closure processes, or other service initiated base realignment activities. This grant will protect Naval Support Activity Orlando by enhancing its military value and protecting it from realignment and closure.
Senate President-Designate Andy Gardiner said, “This funding will help strengthen Florida’s National Center for Simulation in preparation for future review by the federal government. Keeping these important defense functions in our state is critical to Florida’s economy, so this type of prudent investment in our existing facilities and programs leads to lasting results for the state.”
Senator Alan Hays said, “We are excited to continue our partnership between area military installations and their host communities, and we are extremely grateful to Governor Scott, our state legislators, and the Florida Defense Support Task Force for understanding and supporting the military presence Florida. These grants underscore the commitment Florida has made to be the most military-friendly state in the country.”
Senator Kelli Stargel said, “Orlando has a major military presence and I am happy for the community to receive this years’ grant. This grant will help meet the training needs for the military servicemen and women. Ultimately, it will also help the communities stay up-to-speed on the necessary resources needed for military growth in Orange County. As a military mom, I am proud of this community’s dedication to serve the military families in our state.”
Representative Bryan Nelson said, “The Governor and the Legislature recognize the strategic and economic importance of Team Orlando. I am grateful for the $240,000 that has been awarded to our county through the Florida Defense Grants programs that will be used to support the National Simulation Center and our community.”
Representative Tom Goodson said, “The Governor and the Legislature recognize the strategic and economic importance of the National Simulation Center. I am grateful for the $240,000 that has been awarded to our county through the Florida Defense Grants program that will be used to support the military and our community.”
Retired Lieutenant General Thomas L. Baptiste, President/CEO of the National Center for Simulation said, “The Metro Orlando Defense Task Force appreciates the continued support from Governor Scott and the Florida Defense Support Task Force to help us protect, grow and enhance NSA Orlando. A 40 acre non-traditional military base, it houses the acquisition commands of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps and nine other federal government organizations referred to as Team Orlando. On average these organizations release nearly $5 billion in contracts to industry annually and support a highly skilled workforce of over 27,000 statewide. This grant funding will match local contributions and allow us to mitigate the threat to NSA Orlando of realignment or closure driven by planned DoD budget cuts and the continuing impact of sequestration.”
The 2014-2015 Florida Defense Support Task Force grants, totaling $2.59 million, have been awarded to 13 worthy projects that serve to protect military installations across the state.
The Florida Defense Support Task Force grants are awarded to local community organizations which support Florida military installations. These grants will be utilized to protect, preserve and enhance Florida’s military missions and installations while maintaining Florida’s reputation as the most military friendly state in the nation. Additionally, these grants will strengthen Florida’s bases ahead of any potential Department of Defense realignment or closure actions, thereby protecting more than $73.4 billion in economic impact, and more than 758,100 jobs that the defense industry supports in the state.
This grant program is administered by Enterprise Florida, Inc. The grants are awarded annually, on a project priority basis, to organizations and communities working to protect, preserve and enhance Florida’s military installations and missions, as well as improving the state’s military-friendly environment for service members, families and veterans. For more information on the Florida Defense Support Task Force, visit their website at: http://www.enterpriseflorida.com/fdstf/
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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 the state of Florida. EFI facilitates job growth for Florida businesses through recruitment and retention, international trade and exporting, promotion of sporting events, and capital funding programs to assist small and minority businesses.
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October 14, 2014
ALTMAN’S BILL HELPING VETS RECEIVE COLLEGE CREDIT PASSES LEGISLATURE
SB 532 Provides Uniformity in Converting Service Skills & Education into Credits
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The Florida Senate today unanimously passed Senate Bill 532 / House Bill 347, providing statewide uniformity to the process enabling members of the U.S. Armed Forces to earn college-level credit for the training and education they acquired while in service. Sponsored by Senator Thad Altman, R-Rockledge, the bill has now passed the Florida Legislature and will be sent to Governor Rick Scott for the opportunity to be signed into law.
“National unemployment numbers for young veterans is currently at 30 percent and on the rise,” said Altman. “The job market is tough, but it is even more unwelcoming for many young veterans upon their return from service. Their relevant skills and experiences are not always treated with the educational value they should be given, and that can be a setback when preparing to enter a competitive workforce.”
Military service members and veterans make up a growing student population within Florida’s postsecondary institutions. With the educational benefits associated with the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the Sunshine State has seen a 40 percent influx of veterans on college campuses since 2009. Evaluating military training and experience for college credit is a common practice among Florida’s public higher education institutions, but there is no uniformity in the process, and credits vary greatly – neither the Florida Board of Governors nor the State Board of Education have standards in place.
Altman’s bill creates a statute requiring the Board of Governors to adopt regulations and the State Board of Education to adopt rules to provide guidance to their respective institutions regarding procedures for military credential evaluation and the award of college credit for military training and education. Procedures shall include but not be limited to equivalency and alignment of military coursework with appropriate college courses, course descriptions, type and amount of college credit that may be awarded and transfer of credit.
“The hardworking men and women who served our nation so bravely should have every opportunity to succeed upon their return home,” added Altman. “This bill will help ensure that their skills and education translate into credits that make them more competitive in the workforce.”
To learn more about SB 532 and other bills making their way through the legislative process, visit www.flsenate.gov.
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October 14, 2014
GOVERNOR SCOTT ANNOUNCES $225,270 INVESTMENT FOR BREVARD COUNTY
County receives Defense Reinvestment and Infrastructure grants
Today, Governor Rick Scott announced that the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast was awarded $225,270 through Florida’s Defense Infrastructure and Reinvestment Grant Programs. The funding will support sustainability initiatives at Patrick Air Force Base, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, and the Naval Ordnance Test Unit.
Governor Scott said, “These grants of $225,270 are critical to keeping our military families safe and secure, and we are proud to continue providing funding for these programs. Florida is the most military-friendly state in the nation and we will continue working to protect the military and defense jobs on the Space Coast, and the important work being done by our service men and women.”
For more than 15 years the defense grants have been successful tools in assisting local defense partners in supporting the State’s military installations. Florida’s military and defense sector is responsible for 9.4 percent – or $73.4 billion – of the Sunshine State’s economy. This translates to 758,112 statewide direct and indirect jobs.
Brevard County was one of twelve counties to receive a Defense Reinvestment Grant, which is designed to support relationships between military installations and their community. This $50,270 grant will help to protect Florida’s military installations, as well as promote economic diversification strategies in defense dependent communities.
The Defense Infrastructure Grant is awarded to local projects deemed to have a positive impact on the military value of the installation in addition to benefitting the community. Brevard County was awarded $175,000 for the purpose of improving base access.
Senator Andy Gardiner, (President-Designate) said, “I’m pleased to see Patrick Air Force Base, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, and the Naval Ordnance Test Unit receive important resources. Like the Florida GI Bill, sponsored by Brevard County’s own Senator Thad Altman, Florida’s Defense Infrastructure and Reinvestment Grants demonstrate the Legislature’s continued commitment to Florida’s active duty servicemen and women, retirees, and their families.”
Senator Thad Altman said, “We are very fortunate to have more than 750,000 military personnel living in Florida, providing a $73 billion impact into our economy. Grants like this $175,000 Defense Infrastructure Grant for our Naval Ordnance Test Unit and a $50,270 Defense Reinvestment Grant to assist a number of other military assets will help maintain a high quality of life for our military families.”
Representative Steve Crisafulli, (Speaker-Designate) said, “The Governor and the Legislature recognize the strategic and economic importance of Patrick Air Force Base and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Brevard County. I am grateful for the $225,270 that has been awarded to our county through two Florida Defense Grants programs that will be used to support these installations and our community.”
Representative Ritch Workman said, “The Governor and my colleagues in the Legislature should be commended for awarding these grants. This funding in Brevard County is critical to protecting our bases from possible sequestration and allows us to improve communications with the surrounding communities.”
Representative Tom Goodson said, “I am grateful to Governor Scott for awarding these defense grants here in Brevard County. These grants will support the local military installations with their projects such as the Naval Ordnance Test Unit (NOTU) Restore Poseidon Study with the amount of $175,000 and enhancing Brevard County’s Military Footprint in the amount of $50,270.”
Representative John Tobia said, “I want to thank Governor Scott and the Legislature for recognizing the importance of Florida’s military communities. This funding is vital to continuing our grant programs and supporting our soldiers.”
“The Florida Defense Grants Programs are vital for our military and defense industry, and strengthen Florida’s workforce through the highly skilled former military personnel who enter the employment market each year. I am proud to play a part in supporting our military installations and communities, and appreciate what our service men and women do to protect our state,” said Gray Swoope, Florida Secretary of Commerce and President & CEO of Enterprise Florida.
A combined $2,450,000 was awarded to 14 communities in the state, helping to protect and improve 19 installations, and furthering Florida’s reputation as the most military friendly state in the nation.
“The Defense Reinvestment Grant enhances the EDC’s reach and engagement with our military installations in an era of continued uncertainty in defense budget priorities and efficiency measures,” says Lynda Weatherman, President/CEO, of the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast.
“This grant will accelerate the restoration process”, continued Weatherman, “A fully functional Poseidon wharf infrastructure at Port Canaveral allows for the stability and potential growth of vital U.S. Navy missions.”
The 2014-15 Defense Grants were awarded to defense partners in the following counties: Polk, Brevard (2), Duval (2), Santa Rosa (2), Okaloosa (2), Clay (2), Pinellas, Escambia (2), Orange (2), Bay (2), Miami-Dade, Hillsborough, Walton and Highlands.
The Florida Defense Grants Programs are administered by Enterprise Florida, Inc. The grants are awarded annually through a competitive process to communities hosting military installations.
October 9, 2014
GOVERNOR RICK SCOTT ANNOUNCES EMBRAER’S EXPANSION TO CREATE 600 JOBS IN MELBOURNE
New manufacturing facility will be home of Legacy 450 and 500 planes
Today, Governor Rick Scott celebrated the groundbreaking of Embraer’s new assembly facility at Melbourne International Airport. The company’s Legacy 450 and 500 planes will be manufactured at the expanded site. Embraer will add 600 jobs and a capital investment of $15 million in the region.
Governor Scott said, “Embraer’s creation of 600 jobs is great news for Melbourne families and the surrounding community. With the creation of 643,100 jobs since December 2010, it’s important that we remain focused on continuing Florida’s economic momentum. By removing the sales tax on manufacturing equipment, Florida’s businesses, like Embraer, will have a more competitive advantage over other states and countries, which will help businesses create more jobs for families.”
The Legacy 500 is a best-in-class midsize executive jet with a six-foot flat-floor cabin. Eight club seats may be berthed into four beds for complete rest in a cabin altitude at 6,000 feet, with the latest in-flight entertainment, communications and connectivity systems. The Legacy 450 shares the same cabin cross-section as the Legacy 500, and allows four club seats to be berthed into two beds. Embraer’s presence in Florida has expanded greatly in the last two years. Last month, Embraer opened its Engineering and Technology Center in Melbourne.
“With the support of Governor Scott together with his team at Enterprise Florida, the Space Coast Economic Development Commission, Brevard County, the City of Melbourne, and the Melbourne Airport Authority, we are doubling the size of our Executive Jets campus in the US with the addition of these game changing aircraft assembly facilities to the already operational Phenom assembly line,” said Embraer President and Chief Executive Officer Frederico Fleury Curado. “Furthermore, our recently inaugurated Embraer Engineering and Technology Center, the first engineering center outside Brazil, shows the strong level of commitment to our customers as well as our faith in this remarkable community.”
“Surpassing all original expectations during certification tests, the clean sheet design Legacy 500 and Legacy 450 represent a new, game changing generation of business aircraft” said Marco Tulio Pellegrini, President & CEO, Embraer Executive Jets. “With this state-of-art facility at the heart of an important aeronautical center in the region and the engagement of all stakeholders, we are very confident in the future of these programs.”
Florida is home to more than 2,000 aerospace and aviation companies employing more than 87,000 workers statewide. Florida is the undisputed air traffic hub of the Western Hemisphere; 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 manufacturing sector has nearly 18,200 companies that employ more than 317,000 Floridians.
Secretary of Commerce and president & CEO of Enterprise Florida, Inc., Gray Swoope attended the event and spoke about Embraer’s impact on the state. “I want to thank Embraer for their continued investment in Florida. This expansion is a testament to the state’s business climate and location as a global leader in aviation. This highly sought expansion is especially important as it will create additional opportunities for suppliers in the aerospace and aviation industry. We look forward to Embraer’s continued growth.”
This project was made possible with the help of close partnerships between Enterprise Florida, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, the Economic Development Council of Florida’s Space Coast, Brevard County and the Melbourne International Airport.
“Brevard County has long had an environment conducive to business growth, and to bolster that, we have a workforce that consists of highly technical, skilled individuals.” said Senator Thad Altman, Florida State Senate District 16. “We have successfully been able to market our pro-business climate and talent as assets to not only attract a world-class company like Embraer, but to foster even more growth. This is a testament to the level of ingenuity that exists in our community.”
Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Director Jesse Panuccio said, “Today’s groundbreaking is part of Embraer’s growing footprint in Florida. This manufacturing facility will create good jobs for families in Brevard County. The project is another win for Florida’s economic development efforts and shows that our state offers the perfect business climate for the aerospace and manufacturing sectors.”
“The Legacy assembly facility is the kind of coveted project every city hopes to land. Embraer is the high caliber corporate partner every city hopes will call their city home,” said City of Melbourne mayor Kathy Meehan. “Our city is proud to be home to Embraer and we congratulate them on their continued growth here.”
“While it was a community team that helped bring Embraer to the Space Coast six years ago, it is our people who have helped keep them here,” said Mary Bolin Lewis, District 4 commissioner and chairman of the Brevard County Board of County Commissioners. ”How fitting that many years later, we are once again welcoming Embraer to the community. Instead of welcoming them for the first time, we are welcoming them back home. The third time is just as exciting as the first.”
“Today’s major milestone takes us full circle, back to 2008, when ground was broken on Embraer’s first facility in Brevard. In six short years, Embraer has developed a footprint in our community that has significantly strengthened our standing as an aviation hub,” said Lynda Weatherman, president and chief executive officer, Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast. “This is a true economic development success story, one that has paved the way for growth in one of our community’s most important sectors.”
GOVERNOR SCOTT ANNOUNCES $278,500 INVESTMENT FOR SPACE FLORIDA AND FLORIDA’S NATIONAL CENTER FOR SIMULATION
Communities receive 2014-15 Florida Defense Support Task Force Grant Awards
TALLAHASSEE, FL – Today, Governor Rick Scott announced that Space Florida and Florida’s National Center for Simulation will receive $278,500 from the Florida Defense Support Task Force Grant.
Governor Scott said, “The more than $270,000 in Defense Support Task Force Grants will help Naval Support Activity Orlando and Space Florida to continue their mission of helping support our military men and women. With these grants our military will be able to do more to provide safety and security to Florida families.”
The Florida Defense Support Task Force was created in 2011 with the mission to make recommendations to preserve and protect military installations, support the state’s position in research and development related to military missions and contracting, and improve the state’s military-friendly environment for service members, military families, military retirees and businesses that bring military and base-related jobs to the state.
Secretary of Commerce and President & CEO of Enterprise Florida, Gray Swoope said, “These grants are vital to our military and defense programs, and the local economies that rely on the operation of those facilities. Because of the grants, military communities around the state are able to improve working environments for Florida’s service men and women. Florida’s military and defense sector is one of the strongest in the country because of our commitment to preserve and protect our military installations. Enterprise Florida, through its work with the Florida Defense Task Force, is committed to supporting these critical assets.”
“The Florida Defense Support Task Force has again been able to provide local defense communities around the state the resources to keep vital missions at Florida’s military installations. These grants will help protect, preserve and enhance Florida’s military installations that generate billions of dollars for our economy as well as stable, high-paying jobs for Floridians. I applaud Governor Scott and the Florida Legislature for their support of the Task Force and commitment to keeping Florida as the most military-friendly state in the nation,” said Chairman and State Representative Jimmy Patronis from Panama City.
BREVARD COUNTY
Space Florida was awarded a $38,500 grant to design, plan, and execute an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) component to the annual emergency response exercise at Camp Blanding. This grant will enhance the installation’s capability, and provide research and development for emergency response; thereby providing a springboard for more UAS-related activity in the state.
Senate President-Designate Andy Gardiner said, “This grant will help provide Space Florida the opportunity to play an important role in Camp Blanding’s annual emergency response exercise. We need to make sure Florida is prepared to respond to critical threats to our security and it is great to see Space Florida play a role in that important mission.
Senator Thad Altman said, “The Legislature and Governor Scott recognize the economic importance that our military installations have on state’s economy. We are pleased to be able to make a positive impact and continue to enhance the value Florida’s military bases.”
House Speaker-Designate Steve Crisafulli said, “I appreciate the $38,500 that was awarded to Space Florida by the Florida Defense Support Task Force. This grant award is a great example of local and state partners making a positive impact on our military installations.”
Representative Ritch Workman said, “Governor Scott and the Florida Defense Support Task Force should be commended for awarding this $38,500 grant to Space Florida. These grants help preserve the economic impact our military bases and families have in the state of Florida.”
Representative Tom Goodson said, “I applaud the Legislature for awarding this grant to Space Florida. Brevard County is thankful for what it has received from the Florida Defense Support Task Force. This funding will help improve the emergency response capability of Camp Blanding.”
Representative John Tobia said, “Brevard County is grateful to receive this $38,500 grant award. I am thankful to Governor Scott and our Legislature for including Space Florida in their funding.”
Jim Kuzma, COO for Space Florida stated, “The introduction of UAS capability to the emergency response community should occur in a controlled environment, using accepted processes, in the appropriate venue, to ensure an acceptable level of risk.
Camp Blanding is the only State of Florida owned facility with protected airspace suitable for this type of collaborative training.
“Airspace accessibility has hindered few, if any efforts to integrate Florida’s civil emergency response organizations with the National Guard. We see an implementation gap that will not be addressed until a suitable airspace venue for civil UAS is created. As the State agency legislatively mandated to help bring UAS activities to Florida, Space Florida along with our partners, appreciate the Task Force recognizing this shared problem and providing funding to begin addressing this challenge.”
ORANGE COUNTY
Florida’s National Center for Simulation will receive $240,000 through the Florida Defense Support Task Force to continue to execute a comprehensive plan to mitigate potential threats to the base from future Department of Defense (DoD) Base Realignment and Closure processes, or other service initiated base realignment activities. This grant will protect Naval Support Activity Orlando by enhancing its military value and protecting it from realignment and closure.
Senate President-Designate Andy Gardiner said, “This funding will help strengthen Florida’s National Center for Simulation in preparation for future review by the federal government. Keeping these important defense functions in our state is critical to Florida’s economy, so this type of prudent investment in our existing facilities and programs leads to lasting results for the state.”
Senator Alan Hays said, “We are excited to continue our partnership between area military installations and their host communities, and we are extremely grateful to Governor Scott, our state legislators, and the Florida Defense Support Task Force for understanding and supporting the military presence Florida. These grants underscore the commitment Florida has made to be the most military-friendly state in the country.”
Senator Kelli Stargel said, “Orlando has a major military presence and I am happy for the community to receive this years’ grant. This grant will help meet the training needs for the military servicemen and women. Ultimately, it will also help the communities stay up-to-speed on the necessary resources needed for military growth in Orange County. As a military mom, I am proud of this community’s dedication to serve the military families in our state.”
Representative Bryan Nelson said, “The Governor and the Legislature recognize the strategic and economic importance of Team Orlando. I am grateful for the $240,000 that has been awarded to our county through the Florida Defense Grants programs that will be used to support the National Simulation Center and our community.”
Representative Tom Goodson said, “The Governor and the Legislature recognize the strategic and economic importance of the National Simulation Center. I am grateful for the $240,000 that has been awarded to our county through the Florida Defense Grants program that will be used to support the military and our community.”
Retired Lieutenant General Thomas L. Baptiste, President/CEO of the National Center for Simulation said, “The Metro Orlando Defense Task Force appreciates the continued support from Governor Scott and the Florida Defense Support Task Force to help us protect, grow and enhance NSA Orlando. A 40 acre non-traditional military base, it houses the acquisition commands of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps and nine other federal government organizations referred to as Team Orlando. On average these organizations release nearly $5 billion in contracts to industry annually and support a highly skilled workforce of over 27,000 statewide. This grant funding will match local contributions and allow us to mitigate the threat to NSA Orlando of realignment or closure driven by planned DoD budget cuts and the continuing impact of sequestration.”
The 2014-2015 Florida Defense Support Task Force grants, totaling $2.59 million, have been awarded to 13 worthy projects that serve to protect military installations across the state.
The Florida Defense Support Task Force grants are awarded to local community organizations which support Florida military installations. These grants will be utilized to protect, preserve and enhance Florida’s military missions and installations while maintaining Florida’s reputation as the most military friendly state in the nation. Additionally, these grants will strengthen Florida’s bases ahead of any potential Department of Defense realignment or closure actions, thereby protecting more than $73.4 billion in economic impact, and more than 758,100 jobs that the defense industry supports in the state.
This grant program is administered by Enterprise Florida, Inc. The grants are awarded annually, on a project priority basis, to organizations and communities working to protect, preserve and enhance Florida’s military installations and missions, as well as improving the state’s military-friendly environment for service members, families and veterans. For more information on the Florida Defense Support Task Force, visit their website at: http://www.enterpriseflorida.com/fdstf/
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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 the state of Florida. EFI facilitates job growth for Florida businesses through recruitment and retention, international trade and exporting, promotion of sporting events, and capital funding programs to assist small and minority businesses.
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October 14, 2014
ALTMAN’S BILL HELPING VETS RECEIVE COLLEGE CREDIT PASSES LEGISLATURE
SB 532 Provides Uniformity in Converting Service Skills & Education into Credits
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The Florida Senate today unanimously passed Senate Bill 532 / House Bill 347, providing statewide uniformity to the process enabling members of the U.S. Armed Forces to earn college-level credit for the training and education they acquired while in service. Sponsored by Senator Thad Altman, R-Rockledge, the bill has now passed the Florida Legislature and will be sent to Governor Rick Scott for the opportunity to be signed into law.
“National unemployment numbers for young veterans is currently at 30 percent and on the rise,” said Altman. “The job market is tough, but it is even more unwelcoming for many young veterans upon their return from service. Their relevant skills and experiences are not always treated with the educational value they should be given, and that can be a setback when preparing to enter a competitive workforce.”
Military service members and veterans make up a growing student population within Florida’s postsecondary institutions. With the educational benefits associated with the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the Sunshine State has seen a 40 percent influx of veterans on college campuses since 2009. Evaluating military training and experience for college credit is a common practice among Florida’s public higher education institutions, but there is no uniformity in the process, and credits vary greatly – neither the Florida Board of Governors nor the State Board of Education have standards in place.
Altman’s bill creates a statute requiring the Board of Governors to adopt regulations and the State Board of Education to adopt rules to provide guidance to their respective institutions regarding procedures for military credential evaluation and the award of college credit for military training and education. Procedures shall include but not be limited to equivalency and alignment of military coursework with appropriate college courses, course descriptions, type and amount of college credit that may be awarded and transfer of credit.
“The hardworking men and women who served our nation so bravely should have every opportunity to succeed upon their return home,” added Altman. “This bill will help ensure that their skills and education translate into credits that make them more competitive in the workforce.”
To learn more about SB 532 and other bills making their way through the legislative process, visit www.flsenate.gov.
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October 14, 2014
GOVERNOR SCOTT ANNOUNCES $225,270 INVESTMENT FOR BREVARD COUNTY
County receives Defense Reinvestment and Infrastructure grants
Today, Governor Rick Scott announced that the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast was awarded $225,270 through Florida’s Defense Infrastructure and Reinvestment Grant Programs. The funding will support sustainability initiatives at Patrick Air Force Base, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, and the Naval Ordnance Test Unit.
Governor Scott said, “These grants of $225,270 are critical to keeping our military families safe and secure, and we are proud to continue providing funding for these programs. Florida is the most military-friendly state in the nation and we will continue working to protect the military and defense jobs on the Space Coast, and the important work being done by our service men and women.”
For more than 15 years the defense grants have been successful tools in assisting local defense partners in supporting the State’s military installations. Florida’s military and defense sector is responsible for 9.4 percent – or $73.4 billion – of the Sunshine State’s economy. This translates to 758,112 statewide direct and indirect jobs.
Brevard County was one of twelve counties to receive a Defense Reinvestment Grant, which is designed to support relationships between military installations and their community. This $50,270 grant will help to protect Florida’s military installations, as well as promote economic diversification strategies in defense dependent communities.
The Defense Infrastructure Grant is awarded to local projects deemed to have a positive impact on the military value of the installation in addition to benefitting the community. Brevard County was awarded $175,000 for the purpose of improving base access.
Senator Andy Gardiner, (President-Designate) said, “I’m pleased to see Patrick Air Force Base, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, and the Naval Ordnance Test Unit receive important resources. Like the Florida GI Bill, sponsored by Brevard County’s own Senator Thad Altman, Florida’s Defense Infrastructure and Reinvestment Grants demonstrate the Legislature’s continued commitment to Florida’s active duty servicemen and women, retirees, and their families.”
Senator Thad Altman said, “We are very fortunate to have more than 750,000 military personnel living in Florida, providing a $73 billion impact into our economy. Grants like this $175,000 Defense Infrastructure Grant for our Naval Ordnance Test Unit and a $50,270 Defense Reinvestment Grant to assist a number of other military assets will help maintain a high quality of life for our military families.”
Representative Steve Crisafulli, (Speaker-Designate) said, “The Governor and the Legislature recognize the strategic and economic importance of Patrick Air Force Base and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Brevard County. I am grateful for the $225,270 that has been awarded to our county through two Florida Defense Grants programs that will be used to support these installations and our community.”
Representative Ritch Workman said, “The Governor and my colleagues in the Legislature should be commended for awarding these grants. This funding in Brevard County is critical to protecting our bases from possible sequestration and allows us to improve communications with the surrounding communities.”
Representative Tom Goodson said, “I am grateful to Governor Scott for awarding these defense grants here in Brevard County. These grants will support the local military installations with their projects such as the Naval Ordnance Test Unit (NOTU) Restore Poseidon Study with the amount of $175,000 and enhancing Brevard County’s Military Footprint in the amount of $50,270.”
Representative John Tobia said, “I want to thank Governor Scott and the Legislature for recognizing the importance of Florida’s military communities. This funding is vital to continuing our grant programs and supporting our soldiers.”
“The Florida Defense Grants Programs are vital for our military and defense industry, and strengthen Florida’s workforce through the highly skilled former military personnel who enter the employment market each year. I am proud to play a part in supporting our military installations and communities, and appreciate what our service men and women do to protect our state,” said Gray Swoope, Florida Secretary of Commerce and President & CEO of Enterprise Florida.
A combined $2,450,000 was awarded to 14 communities in the state, helping to protect and improve 19 installations, and furthering Florida’s reputation as the most military friendly state in the nation.
“The Defense Reinvestment Grant enhances the EDC’s reach and engagement with our military installations in an era of continued uncertainty in defense budget priorities and efficiency measures,” says Lynda Weatherman, President/CEO, of the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast.
“This grant will accelerate the restoration process”, continued Weatherman, “A fully functional Poseidon wharf infrastructure at Port Canaveral allows for the stability and potential growth of vital U.S. Navy missions.”
The 2014-15 Defense Grants were awarded to defense partners in the following counties: Polk, Brevard (2), Duval (2), Santa Rosa (2), Okaloosa (2), Clay (2), Pinellas, Escambia (2), Orange (2), Bay (2), Miami-Dade, Hillsborough, Walton and Highlands.
The Florida Defense Grants Programs are administered by Enterprise Florida, Inc. The grants are awarded annually through a competitive process to communities hosting military installations.
October 9, 2014
GOVERNOR RICK SCOTT ANNOUNCES EMBRAER’S EXPANSION TO CREATE 600 JOBS IN MELBOURNE
New manufacturing facility will be home of Legacy 450 and 500 planes
Today, Governor Rick Scott celebrated the groundbreaking of Embraer’s new assembly facility at Melbourne International Airport. The company’s Legacy 450 and 500 planes will be manufactured at the expanded site. Embraer will add 600 jobs and a capital investment of $15 million in the region.
Governor Scott said, “Embraer’s creation of 600 jobs is great news for Melbourne families and the surrounding community. With the creation of 643,100 jobs since December 2010, it’s important that we remain focused on continuing Florida’s economic momentum. By removing the sales tax on manufacturing equipment, Florida’s businesses, like Embraer, will have a more competitive advantage over other states and countries, which will help businesses create more jobs for families.”
The Legacy 500 is a best-in-class midsize executive jet with a six-foot flat-floor cabin. Eight club seats may be berthed into four beds for complete rest in a cabin altitude at 6,000 feet, with the latest in-flight entertainment, communications and connectivity systems. The Legacy 450 shares the same cabin cross-section as the Legacy 500, and allows four club seats to be berthed into two beds. Embraer’s presence in Florida has expanded greatly in the last two years. Last month, Embraer opened its Engineering and Technology Center in Melbourne.
“With the support of Governor Scott together with his team at Enterprise Florida, the Space Coast Economic Development Commission, Brevard County, the City of Melbourne, and the Melbourne Airport Authority, we are doubling the size of our Executive Jets campus in the US with the addition of these game changing aircraft assembly facilities to the already operational Phenom assembly line,” said Embraer President and Chief Executive Officer Frederico Fleury Curado. “Furthermore, our recently inaugurated Embraer Engineering and Technology Center, the first engineering center outside Brazil, shows the strong level of commitment to our customers as well as our faith in this remarkable community.”
“Surpassing all original expectations during certification tests, the clean sheet design Legacy 500 and Legacy 450 represent a new, game changing generation of business aircraft” said Marco Tulio Pellegrini, President & CEO, Embraer Executive Jets. “With this state-of-art facility at the heart of an important aeronautical center in the region and the engagement of all stakeholders, we are very confident in the future of these programs.”
Florida is home to more than 2,000 aerospace and aviation companies employing more than 87,000 workers statewide. Florida is the undisputed air traffic hub of the Western Hemisphere; 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 manufacturing sector has nearly 18,200 companies that employ more than 317,000 Floridians.
Secretary of Commerce and president & CEO of Enterprise Florida, Inc., Gray Swoope attended the event and spoke about Embraer’s impact on the state. “I want to thank Embraer for their continued investment in Florida. This expansion is a testament to the state’s business climate and location as a global leader in aviation. This highly sought expansion is especially important as it will create additional opportunities for suppliers in the aerospace and aviation industry. We look forward to Embraer’s continued growth.”
This project was made possible with the help of close partnerships between Enterprise Florida, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, the Economic Development Council of Florida’s Space Coast, Brevard County and the Melbourne International Airport.
“Brevard County has long had an environment conducive to business growth, and to bolster that, we have a workforce that consists of highly technical, skilled individuals.” said Senator Thad Altman, Florida State Senate District 16. “We have successfully been able to market our pro-business climate and talent as assets to not only attract a world-class company like Embraer, but to foster even more growth. This is a testament to the level of ingenuity that exists in our community.”
Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Director Jesse Panuccio said, “Today’s groundbreaking is part of Embraer’s growing footprint in Florida. This manufacturing facility will create good jobs for families in Brevard County. The project is another win for Florida’s economic development efforts and shows that our state offers the perfect business climate for the aerospace and manufacturing sectors.”
“The Legacy assembly facility is the kind of coveted project every city hopes to land. Embraer is the high caliber corporate partner every city hopes will call their city home,” said City of Melbourne mayor Kathy Meehan. “Our city is proud to be home to Embraer and we congratulate them on their continued growth here.”
“While it was a community team that helped bring Embraer to the Space Coast six years ago, it is our people who have helped keep them here,” said Mary Bolin Lewis, District 4 commissioner and chairman of the Brevard County Board of County Commissioners. ”How fitting that many years later, we are once again welcoming Embraer to the community. Instead of welcoming them for the first time, we are welcoming them back home. The third time is just as exciting as the first.”
“Today’s major milestone takes us full circle, back to 2008, when ground was broken on Embraer’s first facility in Brevard. In six short years, Embraer has developed a footprint in our community that has significantly strengthened our standing as an aviation hub,” said Lynda Weatherman, president and chief executive officer, Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast. “This is a true economic development success story, one that has paved the way for growth in one of our community’s most important sectors.”