FEDC Inside Track for Legislative Affairs: Economic Development News from the Governor’s Office

The Office of Florida Governor Charlie Crist released the following economic development news this week:

 

Governor Crist Joins Progress Energy To Unveil Renewable Energy System

ST. PETERSBURG – Florida Governor Charlie Crist on May 30, 2008 joined Jeff Lyash, president and chief executive officer of Progress Energy Florida, and community leaders to explore possibilities for diversifying technology in Florida’s energy future. They unveiled plans for Sustainable Electrical Energy Delivery Systems (SEEDS), innovative renewable energy technology that will be evaluated at two St. Petersburg sites including the University of South Florida St. Petersburg and Albert Whitted Park. The sites will serve as research hubs for unique technology that could be used as energy storage for future “Smart Grid” power systems.

“I applaud Progress Energy and their partners for recognizing there is gold in green technology,” Governor Crist said. “Greening the Sunshine State’s businesses and communities stimulates new green technology development and helps secure Florida’s energy future.”

The SEEDS project combines photovoltaic panels and an advanced battery system to supply renewable energy during periods of peak power demand. SEEDS is a renewable energy initiative made possible through a public-private partnership with the University of South Florida, the City of St. Petersburg, Progress Energy Florida and the Florida High-Tech Corridor.

Governor Crist encouraged the university faculty, Progress Energy staff and community leaders to continue today’s discussion at the 2008 Serve to Preserve Florida Summit on Global Climate Change next month. The conference will be held June 25-26, 2008, at the Intercontinental Miami. Building on the foundation for Florida’s energy future that began at last year’s summit, the 2008 summit will focus on stimulating economic development in clean technologies as well as “greening” Florida’s business community.

Joining Governor Crist and Lyash were John Masiello, director of Demand Side Management and Alternative Energy at Progress Energy Florida; Mayor Rick Baker of St. Petersburg; Dr. Christopher D’Elia, interim vice chancellor for academic affairs and professor of environmental sciences and policy at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg.

The 2008 summit will bring together industry leaders, policy makers, academics, scientists, environmentalists and the business community to explore opportunities for expanding Florida’s renewable and alternative energy marketplace and greening our business community. By encouraging companies to invest in our state’s energy future, Florida will transform its energy marketplace to enhance fuel diversity, lessen dependence on foreign sources of oil and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

On July 13, 2007, Governor Charlie Crist signed a suite of executive orders to reduce Florida’s greenhouse gas emissions, increase energy efficiency, and remove market barriers for renewable energy technologies such as solar and wind energy. Since the executive orders were signed, Florida has stepped onto the world stage as a major marketplace for advanced energy technologies. In addition, the Governor’s Action Team on Energy and Climate Change Phase II Report, due October 1, 2008, will provide additional recommendations for strategic investments and public-private partnerships to spur climate-friendly economic development opportunities.

For more information on the 2008 Serve to Preserve Florida Summit on Global Climate Change, or to register for the conference, visit www.myfloridaclimate.com or www.myflorida.com.

 

Governor Crist Announces Piper Aircraft Expansion

VERO BEACH – Governor Charlie Crist on May 28, 2008 joined Jim Bass, president and chief executive officer of Piper Aircraft, to announce the aviation manufacturer’s plans to keep its headquarters in Florida and further expand manufacturing operations in Vero Beach. Today’s announcement concludes Piper’s two-year site selection process. Piper, a manufacturer of general aviation aircraft, will receive a $32 million incentive package as part of the agreement between the company, the state and Indian River County.

“Piper Aircraft’s continuing presence will mean thousands of jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars in wages, economic development and other contributions for Indian River County, surrounding communities and our state,” Governor Crist said. “Florida is continuing to attract cutting-edge, technology-based companies, like Piper, that expand our state’s innovation economy.”

Piper’s commitment to the community is to create approximately 454 jobs by 2012 in addition to the approximately 963 that will be retained under this project. The project’s incentive package will help Piper make capital investments in facilities, technology, equipment and tooling as well as create new jobs in undertaking the design, development, production and assembly of the PiperJet and other aircraft projects.

“We are pleased and honored to announce our decision to remain and expand our operations in Indian River County,” said Bass. “Our decision is not just a vote of confidence for our hometown, it is also a commitment by Piper to Indian River County and the State of Florida.”

Partners on the expansion project include Enterprise Florida, the City of Vero Beach and Indian River County. The project is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions precedent and customary closing conditions.

About Piper Aircraft

Piper Aircraft, Inc. is headquartered in Vero Beach. Piper has manufactured hundreds of thousands of aircraft and has more than 160 models certified. Approximately 90,000 of those aircraft are still flying and being serviced and supported on every continent by Piper’s 65 service centers, 40 dealers and 2,500 field personnel. Today, Piper is the only general aviation manufacturer to build and offer aircraft for every general aviation mission, from trainers and high-performance aircraft for personal and business use, to turbine-powered business aircraft and the PiperJet.

 

Nominations for the Governor’s Business Diversification Awards Being Accepted Now

Nominations are currently being accepted by Enterprise Florida for the Governor’s Business Diversification Awards.  The Awards will be given during Florida’s annual Industry Appreciation Week, scheduled this year for September 15-19, 2008.

The Awards recognize Florida companies for their contributions to Florida’s economic diversification and growth. To access nomination forms and more information about the program, click here.

 

Should you have any questions or comments, please contact:

Tracy Mayernick at (850) 445-3000
at Colodny Fass