Tag Archives: economic development

Business

Florida Power & Light Company Partners with Food Distributor Cheney Brothers to support 300 Jobs in Southwest Florida

Leave a comment

Florida Power & Light Company’s special discounted economic development rate will help Cheney Brothers Inc., launch a $100 million distribution center in Charlotte County that will eventually employ about 300 people when it’s fully operational.

Juno Beach, FL (June 28, 2012) — Florida Power & Light Company‘s special discounted economic development rate will help Cheney Brothers Inc., one of the largest food service distributors in the Southeastern United States, launch a $100 million distribution center in Charlotte County that will eventually employ about 300 people when it’s fully operational.

Cheney Brothers is in the process of purchasing 35 acres right off Interstate 75 in Punta Gorda, for the new facility, which will serve customers from Marco Island through the Tampa Bay area.

“We need all the help from all the partners we can get, whether it’s our customer partners or our vendor partners, like Florida Power & Light,” said Bill Foley, President of Cheney Brothers, which is headquartered in Riviera Beach, Fla.

Businesses in FPL’s service territory already benefit from electric bills that are among the very lowest in the state and well below the national average. FPL’s economic development rates provide an additional benefit to new or expanding businesses that expand their electric demand by at least 350 kilowatts and create at least 10 new jobs.

“We’re pleased to play a role in Cheney Brothers’ expansion,” said Lynn Pitts, FPL Director of Economic Development. “FPL’s economic development rate provides an incentive to companies that agree to move to Florida or expand their operations here and create new jobs for Floridians.”

“The discount we get from Florida Power & Light is essential,” Foley said. “Along with fuel, our electric bill is probably our next biggest expense that we have at Cheney Brothers. So that discount helps us out initially and in the long-run also.”

The economic development rate is designed to be an incentive that will encourage new investment and job creation in Florida. Eligible business customers receive a declining discount on their standard base energy and demand charges over four to five years. Visit http://www.PoweringFlorida.com or contact FPL’s Office of Economic Development at PoweringFlorida@FPL.com for details.

Media Contact:
FPL Media Line
Florida Power & Light Company
700 Universe Blvd.
Juno Beach, FL 33408
305-552-3888
amelia.gomez@rbbpr.com
For more on this story, including video and photos, visit: http://www.fpl.com/newsroom

Education

Odebrecht Award for Sustainable Development Releases Names of Judges for 2012 Program

Leave a comment

World-class experts to determine winning sustainable development ideas in $65,000 award competition.

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – April 26, 2012 — Odebrecht USA and Braskem have named the panel of judges who will select the winners of the Odebrecht Award for Sustainable Development. The award program seeks to uncover the most innovative ideas, practices, methods, and solutions for sustainable engineering and chemical development. Comprised of top industry leaders in sustainability, engineering, public policy, economic development, and chemistry, the panel includes:

• Harvey M. Bernstein, McGraw-Hill Construction: As vice president for Industry Insights and Alliances, Bernstein has presented hundreds of speeches across the globe and written numerous papers on the topics of innovation and technology, energy efficiency and conservation, and sustainability in the built environment.
• John Briscoe, Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences: A specialist in water and economic development policies, Briscoe holds joint appointments as professor in the Practice of Environmental Engineering and Environmental Health.
• Tom Couling, Zachry Construction Corporation: With more than 20 years of experience working for regulatory agencies, consulting engineers, and construction companies, Couling specializes in environmental compliance for multi-billion dollar infrastructure projects.
• Manny Diaz, Lydecker Diaz: During his two-term tenure as mayor of the City of Miami, Diaz was nationally recognized for his programs supporting urban design, sustainability, and green development.
• Scott Kirkpatrick, Coast Builders Coalition: Kirkpatrick, president of Louisiana’s Coast Builders Coalition, is an attorney for government relations matters and has served as natural resources, transportation and environment policy advisor to former Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco.
• Paula Loomis, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: In her role as sustainability program manager, Loomis provides sustainability policy, technical assistance, and training for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers engineering and construction worldwide.
• Marie Martinko, Society of the Plastics Industry: As director for Industry Affairs – Environment & Health, Martinko leads the development and implementation of environmental, product regulatory, and occupational safety regulatory and technical programs.
• Brooke Weizmann, American Chemistry Council: Weizmann serves as director of Sustainability/Responsible Care for the American Chemistry Council, an industry group engaged in political advocacy, communication, and research for the business of chemistry.

Odebrecht’s multifaceted view of sustainability as a synergy of economic development, social development, environmental balance, political participation, and cultural diversity will play a part in the judges’ decision, as will real-world applicability of the entries. The winning students have the potential opportunity to develop and implement their innovative ideas with Odebrecht.

“Our all-star panel of judges is comprised of today’s best minds, with the real-world experience to evaluate tomorrow’s solutions to our sustainability problems,” said Gilberto Neves, president and CEO of Odebrecht USA. ”The judges have pioneered the way in their own industries, and they’ll now give emerging innovators an opportunity to carry the torch for the next generation.”

The award is open to any undergraduate or group of students enrolled at a U.S.-accredited university, with at least one student pursuing a degree in engineering, architecture, building and construction management, or chemistry. Entries may be submitted through May 31, 2012, at http://www.odebrechtaward.com. Meanwhile, participants are encouraged to engage on Facebook and Twitter.

Prizes* will be awarded as follows:

First Prize:
$20,000 to the student (s), $10,000 to the advising professor and $10,000 to their university

Second Prize:
$7,000 to the student (s), $4,000 to the advising professor and $4,000 to their university

Third Prize:
$5,000 to the student (s), $2,500 to the advising professor and $2,500 to their university
Additionally, participants of all shortlisted entries will be invited to participate in the process to become an Odebrecht Young Partner or a Braskem Associate. These are trainee and internship programs where young talents will experience firsthand what it is like to work for a global leader in the fields of engineering and construction and chemicals and petrochemicals.

About the Odebrecht Organization
Founded in 1944, Odebrecht is a Brazilian multinational that operates in the engineering and construction, petrochemical, energy, bioenergy, oil and gas, real estate, and environmental engineering sectors. Present in 20 countries, it has more than 120,000 employees and $32.3 billion in revenues in 2010.

About Odebrecht
Founded over six decades ago, Odebrecht has grown to be a global leader in engineering and construction services, laying the groundwork for positive, sustainable change on five continents. Today, the Odebrecht Organization is a worldwide leader in providing engineering & construction, petrochemical and bio-energy services. As part of the Odebrecht Organization, Odebrecht USA opened its Coral Gables, Florida, office in 1990, and since then it has successfully delivered projects throughout the United States. Odebrecht has a particular emphasis on public-sector infrastructure projects of vital importance.

About Braskem
Braskem is the largest manufacturer of thermoplastic resins in the Americas. With 31 industrial plants in Brazil and the United States, the company produces more than 33 billion pounds of thermoplastic resins and other petrochemical products annually. Headquartered in Philadelphia, Braskem America, a wholly owned subsidiary of Braskem S.A., has three production facilities located in Texas, Pennsylvania and West Virginia, as well as its Technology and Innovation Center in Pittsburgh.

*All cash prizes currently listed before taxation in accordance with state and federal law.

Media Contact:
Thais Reiss
Odebrecht
(305) 341-8861
treiss@odebrecht.com
http://www.odebrechtaward.com

Education

PA Nanotechnology 2012: Nanotech’s Role in Advancing PA’s Economy Set for June 5th at Harrisburg University

Leave a comment

The PA Nanotechnology conference explores viable nano-based strategies, programs, and resources to assist economic development via education and job creation and retention

Harrisburg, PA, April 19, 2012 – PA Department of Community and Economic Development, A.J. Drexel Nanotechnology Institute, Carnegie Mellon University, Harrisburg Area Community College, Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, Lehigh University Center for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, Penn State Materials Research Institute, Penn State Center for Nanotechnology Education and Utilization, University of Pennsylvania Nano/Bio Interface Center and University of Pittsburgh Petersen Institute of NanoScience and Engineering will host the PA Nanotechnology 2012 conference from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on June 5, 2012 at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, 326 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101.

The PA Nanotechnology conference explores viable nano-based strategies, programs, and resources to assist economic development via education and job creation and retention. It will promote collaborative nanotechnology research, education, technology transfer, entrepreneurship, and commercialization within the Commonwealth. By connecting education and industry, the conference will help provide a platform to enhance innovation, technology transfer, course curricula, job skills, and business growth. This event is an opportunity to publicize and promote PA leadership in nanotechnology R&D, education, and sustaining technology businesses. Promising new technologies and PA businesses will be highlighted.

Nanotechnology involves science and engineering at the molecular and atomic scale, with applications in areas such as life sciences, electronics and energy. In 2010, the NSF and the National Nanotechnology Institute projected that the nanotechnology products market would be $400-1,000 billion by 2015, and $1-3 trillion by 2020. Attendees will have the opportunity to network and gain understanding of nanotechnology trends, evolving applications, workforce development, and partnering opportunities.

Register or become a Sponsor by calling (610) 570-6898 or (717)-901-5168, or online at www.harrisburgu.edu/academics/undergrad/biotechnology/pa-nano-reg.php. Please register by May 22. Registration fee is $50. Late registration (or at the door) is $70. Sponsorship levels are:

$1000 => Platinum – Includes 5 registrations, a display table, company logo and information banner at the venue and in the program booklet, and acknowledgment from the podium

$500 => Gold – Includes 3 registrations, a display table, company logo and information in the program booklet, and acknowledgment from the podium

$200 => Silver – Includes 1 registration, and a display table

Founded in 2001 to address Central Pennsylvania’s need for increased opportunities for study leading to careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields, Harrisburg University is an innovative and ambitious private institution that produces graduates who provide increased competence and capacity in science and technology disciplines to Pennsylvania and the nation. Harrisburg University ensures institutional access for underrepresented students and links learning and research to practical outcomes. As a private University serving the public good, Harrisburg University remains the only STEM-focused comprehensive university located between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.

For more information on the University’s demand-driven undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs in applied science and technology fields, call 717.901.5146 or email Connect@HarrisburgU.edu

Contact:
Steven Infanti
Harrisburg University
326 Market Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101
717.901.5146
sinfanti@harrisburgU.edu
http://www.harrisburgu.edu

Business, Energy

CEO Armando Olivera Outlines FPL’s Commitment to Economic Development and Clean, Affordable Energy

Leave a comment

FPL’s Chief Executive Officer Armando Olivera described how FPL is promoting business and job creation in the state by offering some of the most affordable and reliable energy in the nation and a new rate program to encourage economic development.

Juno Beach, FL (March 8, 2012) — In a keynote speech to hundreds of business leaders at the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, Florida Power & Light Co. Chief Executive Officer Armando Olivera described how FPL is promoting business and job creation in the state by offering some of the most affordable and reliable energy in the nation and a new rate program to encourage economic development.

The average FPL residential customer has a bill that is the lowest among Florida’s 55 electric utilities, and about 25 percent lower than the national average, said Olivera. “In fact, over the course of an entire year, our typical customer saves an average of $357 compared to what they would pay in other parts of Florida. FPL’s business customers also have electric bills that are among the lowest in the state and well below the national average.”

The FPL chief executive told the audience at the Chamber’s Trustee Luncheon how his company is building on its commitment to help Florida businesses by offering an “Economic Development Rate.” With the approval of the state’s Public Service Commission, eligible commercial and industrial businesses can now receive reduced utility rates. The rate is available to new or expanding businesses that add at least 350 kilowatts of new demand on the grid and 10 new jobs per 350 kilowatts. According to Olivera, this economic growth initiative means an additional savings of up to $12,000 for the first year for a typical eligible customer

He told members FPL’s work on economic growth extends to the creation of its new Office of Economic Development, which offers a suite of professional services intended to assist businesses with planning, energy efficiency initiatives, and more. Information about the office is available at http://www.poweringflorida.com.

Olivera noted that the Chamber, like Miami itself, has evolved and grown dramatically over the course of its long history. “Forty years ago the population of Miami-Dade County was a little more than 1.2 million people; today, it has more than doubled to nearly 2.5 million,” Olivera told the Chamber members. “And just like the County and its economy, the Chamber has grown – and diversified.”

In the same 40 years, FPL has evolved as well, he said, and the audience was treated to highlights of the company’s pioneering role in the transformation of the energy industry. Vintage photography served as a backdrop to Olivera’s brief historical review. He explained that decades ago, Miami-Dade’s electrical power was generated primarily by burning fuel in a conventional boiler. Since that time, FPL has led the way in implementing new technologies for power generation that are designed to increase efficiency and save money for customers.

“We built Turkey Point, our state’s first nuclear power plant, in 1972, and we were one of the first utilities in the nation to build a power plant using a combustion turbine,” said Olivera. “We were also one of the first to build a combined-cycle power plant.” He told Chamber members that FPL’s focus on efficiency means lower bills for customers, and strides forward for the environment.

As further examples of the company’s focus on efficiency, the FPL chief executive discussed new power plant construction and new technology development. He pointed to Florida’s newest combined-cycle natural gas power plant – FPL’s West County Energy Center -which achieves a 50 percent increase in fuel efficiency compared to conventional boilers. Olivera also reviewed FPL’s Fleet Performance and Diagnostic Center, an industry-leading resource that continuously monitors more than one million data points in the company’s system, locating inefficiencies and potential operational problems.

FPL’s technology advances are paying big dividends for customers, according to Olivera. “The future of affordable and reliable energy in our service area is being built as we speak,” he said.

Before leaving, Olivera had one final message for the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce – a message of thanks: “When I am at a Chamber event, I am not only spending time with leaders of the community, but also with great customers – and friends.”

About Florida Power & Light Company
Florida Power & Light Company is the largest electric utility in Florida and one of the largest rate-regulated utilities in the United States. FPL serves 4.5 million customer accounts in Florida and is a leading employer in the state with approximately 10,000 employees. The company consistently outperforms national averages for service reliability while customer bills are below the national average. A clean energy leader, FPL has one of the lowest emissions profiles and one of the leading energy efficiency programs among utilities nationwide. FPL is a subsidiary of Juno Beach, Fla. – based NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NEE). For more information, visit http://www.FPL.com.

Media Contact:
FPL Media Line
Florida Power & Light Company
700 Universe Blvd.
Juno Beach, FL 33408
305-552-3888
kristy.kennedy@rbbpr.com
http://www.fpl.com