Children in Florida today will comprise a surging workforce by 2030, and the Florida Chamber Foundation recently assessed the Sunshine State’s readiness to utilize tomorrow’s talent at its “Learners to Earners Education Summit” near Orlando.

The recent one-day event at Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate drew over 225 attendants to spotlight the hurdles which Florida’s education and workforce systems are likely to encounter over the next decade and a half. Topics of discussion ranged from enhancing career opportunities to closing achievement gaps.

“The Summit brought together some of education’s most engaged stakeholders and advanced an important dialogue about Florida’s talent pipeline,” Marshall Criser III, who serves as the State University System Chancellor, said. “By providing a forum to discuss how we can better prepare our graduates, Florida Chamber is playing a key role in strengthening the state’s education system and future workforce.”

Florida Chamber President and CEO Mark Wilson stated in his opening remarks at the summit that the state’s schools bear the responsibility of preparing students to fill positions in a fast-changing labor force, pointing out that education and economic development are inherently connected.

The Florida Chamber Foundation held the 2016 Learners to Earners Education Summit in cooperation with the Florida Department of Education Commissioner’s Business Recognition Award program with the goal of fortifying partnerships among business, education and philanthropic resources.

Vice chancellor of community and student advancement for Orlando’s Keiser University, Belinda Keiser, recently underscored the importance of teamwork and relationships with civic organizations in a conversation with Florida Chamber of Commerce leaders.

Emphasizing strategic vision, Keiser outlined the university’s long-term goals of offering feasible futures for its graduates while simultaneously providing Florida’s burgeoning workforce with its most valuable assets, human resources.

“As a Florida-founded organization, Keiser University joins the Florida Chamber in their mission of ‘leading Florida to a new and sustainable economy,’” Keiser said. “Similar to the Florida Chamber, we are guided by a strategic vision, and the ability for our graduates to compete in our state and global marketplace is a priority.”

From now through 2030, Florida will face unique workforce issues particularly in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) sectors. The Florida Chamber Foundation predicts that the state will need to support an additional two million jobs, with 65,000 estimated in STEM fields requiring immediate fulfillment.

“The ability to compete head-on through cultivation of our talent is critical,” Keiser said. “The challenges include meeting the professional and career workforce needs and creating opportunities to attract companies in high-wage, high-tech fields in the most targeted industries.”

Aerospace, logistics, transportation and distribution, information technology, and life sciences including nursing top the list of Florida’s professional fields, she said.

“Florida must continue to attract companies who will grow our economy by expanding our current businesses, launching new ventures, and promoting an environment where Florida’s small business owners can continue to thrive,” Keiser stated. “Higher education needs to be responsive to their needs.”

Keiser University is a private, not-for-profit university in Florida offering career-oriented undergraduate and graduate degrees both on campus and online.

To train disadvantaged workers in manufacturing skills, the TechHire federal grants program recently funneled $2.1 million into Polk State College’s Partnership for Industrial Employment, the U.S. Department of Labor announced.

TechHire directs funding to unique partnerships designed to create accessibility for low-skilled individuals to obtain work in high-growth sectors. Polk’s program is designed to train current inmates for advanced manufacturing positions.

“This is outstanding news for Polk State and members of the Polk Partnership, but even more so for Polk County,” Eileen Holden, Polk State’s president, said. “With this grant award, Polk State has been entrusted to equip those currently incarcerated with the skills they need to start over in life, and to provide local manufacturers with a new source of highly skilled — and desperately needed — employees. We will deliver on both fronts, and in doing so, we will change lives and entire enterprises.”

The desire to remove obstacles for citizens with criminal records has begun to gain traction nationwide. “Ban the box” is one movement, for example, aimed at convincing employers to abstain from asking potential staffers to reveal criminal records on their applications.

Polk State has committed to obtaining certification training for inmates in a variety of industrial sector jobs, selecting participants in collaboration with the Department of Corrections. Howard Drake of Polk State Corporate College stated that the U.S. Department of Justice recognizes lack of education as one of four main barriers to employment for such individuals.

Local backing is readily available from several entities. The Manufacturing Supply Chain Alliance of Mid-Florida has pledged its support, along with Abe Brown Ministries, a Tampa nonprofit assisting ex-offenders.

Polk State College maintains campuses in Lakeland, Winter Haven and Bartow.

Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE) recently announced plans to install two new features to boost trade incentives and enhance its own commercial edge as one the nation’s top general aviation airports, including a first-time achievement.

As the first general aviation airport in the nation to receive the feature, FXE was chosen by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency (CBP) to acquire the first Global Entry kiosk, enabling pre-approved and low-risk international travelers expedited passage into the U.S., avoiding long wait times to clear customs.

FXE airport’s upgrades also feature authorization by the Department of Homeland Security as an entry and departure point for travel to and from Cuba —an unprecedented feat in FXE and aviation history. As well as clearing the way for safe, uncomplicated travel, the upgrades provide enhanced opportunities for economic growth, attractive to prospective airport tenants and nearby commercial enterprises in Fort Lauderdale.

The brand-new Global Entry kiosk is expected to enhance local and regional business as the nation adjusts to fewer restrictions on travel and trade to the island nation of Cuba with FXE’s support.

Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport handles approximately 160,000 operations annually, housing over 900 aircraft and 24-hour air traffic control tower, security and emergency services.

Cologix’s Jacksonville-based JAX1 data center will serve as the hub for a new Point of Presence (PoP) supporting C&W Networks, parent company Cable & Wireless Communications announced recently, opening channels between North and South America. 

C&W Networks’ Meet-Me-Room at 421 W. Church serves regional and dark fiber networks, ISPs and content and cloud service providers. As of 2015, the company joined the Pacific and Caribbean Cable System (PCCS), a 3,700-mile underwater cable system terminating in Jacksonville and connecting eight central and South American nations.

"Jacksonville is gaining a reputation as one of the key peering and interconnection points in North America providing cross-border opportunities and diversity which are important in network design," Cologix COO Graham Williams said. “Our customers are recognizing that Jacksonville is part of another regional alternative for traffic between North and South America. We are very proud to be the central and only hub in the region connecting all of the subsea cables and major network providers to each other.”

C&W Networks operates as a wholesale subsidiary of entertainment provider pan-American-based Cable & Wireless Communications (C&W). It is the hemisphere’s largest subsea multi-ring, fiber-optic network, spanning the Caribbean, Central American and Andean region. Additionally, it provides the area’s most complete fully meshed MPLS network.

"PCCS is our fourth international submarine cable landing in the United States and our third in Florida," Paul Scott, C&W Networks president, said. “The deployment through Cologix in Jacksonville enables us to offer even greater route diversity, redundancy and interconnection to our customers. The Cologix facility provides us an ideal exchange and peering platform … strategically diverse from our established gateways in South Florida and the Caribbean."

The Florida Institute for the Commercialization of Public Research, which provides early funding for research-based enterprises, recently inked a contract with Mine Survival Inc. of Panama City Beach to support MSI’s innovative mining industry products.

MSI uses technology developed at Gulf Coast State College to create state-of-the-art surface “rebreathers” to enhance miners’ protection in toxic environments. Housed within a patented safety vest, its Closed-Circuit Escape Respirator (CCER) provides respiratory safety approximately triple that of previous standards, at a lower cost than the company’s competitors’ products.

"We formed MSI because we wanted to give the people that work in dangerous occupations a chance to escape hazardous situations, like a mine explosion or collapse," Rob Moran, MSI's president, said. "Our first product addresses the mining market and its need for a cost-effective, high performance Self Contained Self Rescuer (SCSR), and funding from the Institute will enable us to get to market faster and achieve our business objectives."

The Florida Institute for the Commercialization of Public Research is based in Gainesville and Boca Raton. CEO Jackson Streeter commended MSI’s approach and successful market niche implementation.

"Their rebreathers last longer, are smaller and lighter weight than comparable units, and can be used in a variety of dangerous and life-threatening settings,” Streeter said. “We are pleased to support this important advancement in rebreather technology."

Acknowledging the importance of voting this election year, the Destin Chamber has posted nonpartisan information on a new section of its website to raise awareness for Florida constituents, including data on candidates and ballot items.

 DestinWins.com conveys a wide range of helpful pointers, from basics such as registration and a list of candidates on both state and Federal levels, to details on whether ballot items will include choices about Constitutional amendments.

“At a crucial time for the country, the state, and our community, we feel providing our members and community with as much information on the election as possible is a fundamental responsibility,” Chamber President and CEO Shane Moody, who emphasized the neutral position of the organization, said. “The site does not endorse any candidates. It simply provides a portal for citizens to register to vote and learn about the candidates and issues.”

Developed in tandem with the Florida Chamber of Commerce, the website will be maintained and updated on a regular basis for voters’ convenience.

“DestinWins.com continues to build on our relationship and partnership with the Florida Chamber and with other chambers across the state,” Moody said. “It’s crucial that the people of our community exercise the greatest right in the world, and that’s the right to vote freely. This site allows them to educate themselves before they go to the polls.”

Keeping an eye on the natural environment as well as its own growth, Sarasota-based Kali Inc. has narrowed down two businesses in the marine services field to buoy its presence in Florida with potential acquisition.

"Our growth strategy is to quickly expand our market share through acquisitions and opening new markets," Charles Yawn, Kali Inc.’s CEO, said. “Our blueprint is to identify and target acquisitions that provide Kali with increased market presence, strong management expertise, customer reputation and loyalty strengths, diversity of marine services offered and strong supplier relationships.”

Of the two companies currently undergoing assessment, one is a 15-year-old marine mechanical repair, maintenance and installation business with a large customer base and solid wholesale suppliers, while the other is a firm specializing in removing marine growth and surface debris.

“We are in the process of evaluating each company to ensure our criteria are met to execute our strategic plan,” Yawn said. Kali intends to acquire both businesses.

Kali Inc. is a marketing and development company focused on small to medium-sized market cap companies. Its wholly owned subsidiary Wave Marine & Yacht Services is a maintenance company serving the recreational boating sector.

Port St. Lucie is ready to embrace expansion in the form of soon-to-be-developed Watercrest of St. Lucie West Assisted Living and Memory Care Community, parent company Watercrest Senior Living Group announced recently from Vero Beach.

Offering 102 upscale assisted living units and 26 specialized memory care apartments, Watercrest will be constructed in time to open in fall of 2017, with a lakeside location and premium care. Amenities will include elegant dining options accentuating locally grown, seasonal and organic fare; spa facilities, and a wine bistro.

Individualized caretaking by professionally certified memory care staff will be enhanced by specialized programs along with the complex’s superior location in an area rich in recreational, cultural and entertainment venues.

“As the ninth largest city in Florida, Port St. Lucie demonstrates significant demand for senior living with exceptional care and resort-style amenities to fulfill the lifestyles our seniors deserve,” Watercress Principal and CEO Marc Vorkapich said. “This growing community offers diverse economic opportunities, prosperous and sustainable growth, and state-of-the-art infrastructure to support development and investment.”

The 112,000-square-foot building is slated for 279 NW California Blvd. Watercrest Senior Living Group specializes in assisted living and memory care facilities, market positioning and advisory services; the company partners with diverse stakeholders from property owners and developers to investors and REITs.

The Jacksonville Business Journal recently rated staffing and consulting firm Optimum Healthcare IT as among Northeast Florida’s fastest growing companies, ranking it number 37 on its annual list in addition fifth highest overall for revenue.

The status derives from the company’s performance average over the last three years, taking into consideration revenue from each fiscal year.

“This achievement reflects the commitment we have to the growth of our company in Jacksonville and the caliber of character and experience of our employees," Gene Scheurer, CEO of Optimum Healthcare IT, said. “We are proud of the reputation we have in Florida and continue to look for ways to enhance the services we provide to our clients.”

Optimum HIT, as it is known, maintains its headquarters in Jacksonville Beach. It helps customers make the most informed and efficient use of their technology through training, support services and leadership values. The company offers services based on more than 50 years of experience in delivering health care staffing and consulting to a variety of businesses.

The Jacksonville Business Journal operates as a division of American City Business Journals, a Charlotte, North Carolina-based firm. It publishes its “Book of Lists” annually, covering fast-growing companies statewide.

With an all-day open house, Crestron invites constituents to its newest showroom in the DCOTA building, at 1855 Griffin Rd., Suite B-108, in Dania Beach from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., including meals and presentations.

Breakfast will be available at 9 a.m. and lunch at noon. Seminars on residential technology will be offered during two time slots for visitors’ convenience: 12 noon to 1:30 p.m. and again from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. In this session, Crestron will review best practices for home audio and video, lighting design, motorized shades, security and information about both interior and exterior space.

The public is encouraged to drop in or attend for the full day to learn about state-of-the-art home décor. Crestron manufactures home automation systems, building and campus control systems. With corporate headquarters in New Jersey, it serves clients nationwide; in Florida, Crestron also maintains offices in Maitland.

Located in the heart of South Florida, the Design Center of the Americas features numerous showrooms exhibiting fabrics, furniture, accessories, flooring, window coverings, kitchens and baths. It has served designers, architects, decorators and clients for 30 years.

Additionally, three nationwide design centers affiliated with DCOTA are located in New York City; West Hollywood, California, and Houston, Texas.

With a strong background in general cardiology, lipidology and arrhythmia, nurse practitioner Cynthia Rodriguez recently began serving alongside fellow Watson Clinic medical staff in the Lakeland facility’s cardiology department.

Having earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Lakeland’s Florida Southern College, master’s degree in nursing from Tampa-based University of South Florida, and her doctorate in cardiovascular disease prevention, Rodriguez is a board-certified family nurse practitioner (FNP) with over a decade of outpatient experience.

With a focus on lipid testing and women’s heart health, she previously earned professional commendations for her work; additionally, she is a regional representative for the Southeast regional chapter of the National Lipid Association.

The Watson Clinic’s main location is at 1600 Lakeland Hills Blvd. in Lakeland. Additionally, it maintains operations in multiple locations across Polk, Pasco and Hillsborough counties.

Founded in 1941, Watson Clinic now comprises more than 220 board-certified physicians in over 40 medical and surgical specialties.  It is one of the largest multispecialty medical clinics in the Southeastern portion of the U.S.

Tallahassee-based Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA) recently elected Joel Ivy, who has served for four years as general manager for Lakeland Electric, as VP for its board of directors.

“I am honored to be chosen to serve as vice president of FMEA’s board,” Ivy said. “This organization is helping our state’s electric industry stay at the forefront of the nation by keeping its members informed on legislative issues and providing safety, training and customer service resources.”

Ivy began his career as a lineman in 1983, climbing utility poles before advancing up through management. With experience running startups as well as investor- and publicly-owned utilities, he previously served in executive capacities for a solar technology firm and Public Service Company of New Mexico.

“Joel has established himself as a strong leader on utility issues not only in Lakeland, but throughout the state of Florida,” Barry Moline, FMEA’s executive director, said. “We’re honored to have him serve as our vice president.”

Also appointed to FMEA’s board were Clay Lindstrom of Fort Pierce, president; Chip Merriam of Orlando, president-elect; and Mike Poucher of Ocala, secretary-treasurer.

FMEA represents 34 municipal public power entities as a statewide trade association, sponsoring annual conferences and meetings to unify members and facilitate communication on behalf of more than 3 million customers.

Originally established in Texas in 2005, Teachers of Tomorrow’s nationwide expansion has now cleared the way for future Florida instructors to gain teacher certification through alternative channels, the organization reported recently from its Houston headquarters.

Recently approved by both the Florida Department of Education and the Florida Commission for Independent Education, the new program, Florida Teachers of Tomorrow ("Florida Teachers"), will immediately begin the process of recruiting and training teachers for Florida’s classrooms.

"We are extremely excited to be approved by the state of Florida to begin helping school districts get the talent they need to ensure every student has a great teacher," CEO Vernon Reaser said. "Florida Teachers can help alleviate the critical teacher shortages that Florida school districts are experiencing."

As a leading alternative certification program, Teachers of Tomorrow has succeeded in attracting prospective educators from diverse backgrounds in efforts to address shortages in the field — particularly in STEM, special education and bilingual positions.

Stating that one-third of all new teachers hired since 2005 received their credentials via alternative channels, the Texas organization has certified more than 36,000 teachers since its inception. Additionally, 46 percent of its graduates are non-white — better matching today’s student populations.

“This is a great day for Florida schools and for Florida Teachers," Reaser said.

Bolstering Florida’s unique research and business alliance network, The Florida Institute for the Commercialization of Public Research recently announced a funding agreement with Orlando’s Mend VIP, whose technology evolved at the University of Central Florida.

Mend VIP operates technology to enhance patient experience through state-of-the-art programs by providing platforms to eliminate down time in appointment scheduling and waiting rooms, as well as enabling post-appointment communication, through telemedicine designed to “virtualize” care when in-person exams are not essential.

"We help providers create a modern health care experience for their patients while enhancing their bottom lines," Matt McBride, Mend VIP's founder and CEO, said. "With intelligent scheduling, advanced telemedicine technology, and streamlined communications throughout the entire process, our approach will improve both patient and physician satisfaction."

Mend Inc.’s team comprises technologists, entrepreneurs and developers.

The Institute directly supports the development of new business entities dependent on publicly funded research and assists early-stage funding for companies created in affiliation with Florida institutions of research and higher education.

"The Mend VIP platform is addressing a significant need in the health care system, and the Institute looks forward to the company's future growth and success," Dr. Jackson Streeter, CEO of the Florida Institute for the Commercialization of Public Research, said.

The Institute has offices in both Gainesville and Boca Raton.

Davie-based The Franchise Whales welcomed new partner and CFO Brian LaBasco to the executive team. 

LaBasco joins CEO David Lopez and Scott Mortier in supporting and developing franchise models for clients.

“With Brian’s background in mergers and acquisitions, he will be a valuable asset to The Franchise Whales team,” Lopez said. “He will be a key player in our growth strategy, aiding in identifying and evaluating various markets, competitors and the overall landscape as well as providing structure to ensure our growth strategy is on track with our vision.”

LaBasco brings more than 10 years of financial experience, including serving at Palladium Equity, Sun Capitol Partners and Lehman Brothers and as Cross Keys Financial's VP. He will oversee The Franchise Whale's finances, evaluate opportunities and work to maximize profits.

“The small business landscape is starving for a concept like The Franchise Whales that helps new and emerging franchise concepts establish the right foundation for long-term franchise growth,” LaBasco said. “Many business owners are compelled to franchise their concepts because it’s a viable way to expand a business, yet involves limited risk and less capital. The problem is that many don’t establish the right systems from the start. I was drawn to the fact that The Franchise Whales helps many of tomorrow’s big name franchise brands realize their true potential.”

Lakeland-based Florida Polytechnic University recently appointed Terry Parker to be its new provost effective Sept. 1, tapping the engineering researcher’s wealth of expertise to help steer Florida Poly’s growth.

Parker previously served as provost and EVP for the Colorado School of Mines engineering institution. At Florida Poly, Parker will manage an array of academic functions, from student and faculty recruitment to curriculum guidance and grant acquisition. The university is currently focused on expanding both its student body and campus amenities.

“Florida Poly is rapidly establishing itself as a regional and national player in innovation and technology, and adding Dr. Parker’s leadership and experience in building world-renowned STEM programs will only help accelerate that growth,” University president Randy Avent said. “Welcoming a Provost with the skill and dedication that Dr. Parker has shown in growing academic institutions is exciting for our students, faculty, staff and community.”

Parker earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Stanford University and a doctorate in mechanical engineering from UC Berkeley. Board of trustees chairman Frank Martin congratulated Avent on the successful appointment, expressing pride in the institution’s “attracting such accomplished scientists, business strategists and academic leaders.”

Florida Polytechnic University recently became the newest addition to the State University System of Florida and is committed exclusively to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) fields, combining research with real-world working partnerships.

The Florida Department of Health recently updated constituents on the status of Zika cases from Tallahassee, assuring residents that only five new cases have been reported and that all resulted from travel outside the country.

The health department emphasized that none of the Florida Zika cases were locally acquired. Two instances were located in Miami-Dade County; one was in Okaloosa; one in Orange, and one involves a woman who is pregnant.

The division is currently investigating circumstances and has engaged Dr. Marc Fischer to develop a survey model for handling data. Fischer, a medical epidemiologist with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, reviewed protocols this week with staff at DOH-Broward and DOH-Miami-Dade to ensure proper procedure and methodology and appropriate training.

Florida’s DOH has a strong surveillance system for mosquito-borne illness. It is working with CDC, Florida’s Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and county mosquito control boards to ensure that all proper safety measures are enforced to protect both residents and visitors.

The Florida DOH requests that residents and visitors voluntarily submit urine samples in the areas impacted by the investigation to help the department tally the number of individuals who may be affected by the disease.

CDC reminds residents that Zika virus symptoms generally present mildly, with rash, fever and joint pain lasting between seven and 10 days.  Zika prevention kits and repellent are available in the affected areas via local OBGYN offices and at both Broward and Miami-Dade health departments.

The Florida branch of law firm McGlinchey Stafford PLLC recently revealed the addition of two new attorneys, Dorothy “Doris” Negrin and Gabriel Hartsell, for its Fort Lauderdale and Jacksonville offices, respectively.

Mark New, who oversees the firm's Florida functions, commended both professionals as he welcomed them to the firm.

"Doris and Gabriel's experience in complex commercial and consumer financial services litigation complements the existing strengths of our practice and allows us to better serve clients doing business in Florida," New said.

Negrin, with a J.D. from the University of Miami’s School of Law, has worked extensively with corporate clients in commercial and real estate areas. Hartsell brings expertise on commercial lending to the practice, having handled business and insurance-related litigation. He is a graduate of the Florida State University College of Law.

"We are happy to welcome Doris and Gabriel to the firm's Fort Lauderdale and Jacksonville offices, respectively, and to our group of commercial litigators," Michael Ferachi of the firm's commercial litigation department said."The continued growth of our … group allows us to offer our clients increased depth of experience in several areas of law, and is a reflection of the firm's commitment to helping clients strategically address concerns, resolve disputes, and achieve their business and legal goals."

McGlinchey Stafford delivers legal counsel to clients from 13 offices in eight states plus Washington, D.C. with a staff of 200 attorneys. In Florida, it has experienced continuous growth since launching its first office there in 2010, with 27 attorneys in Fort Lauderdale and Jacksonville.