Florida is an economic superstate with the 4th largest economy in the U.S. and the 18th largest economy in the world, if considered a country. Florida Governor Rick Scott is committed to making Florida the number one state for job creation by removing burdensome regulations and keeping corporate taxes low. That, along with Florida’s strong economy and zero personal state income tax, makes it a great place to do business.
Governor Scott’s policies have helped earn international recognition. At a recent International Economic Development Council Annual Conference in Toronto, Florida was ranked 2nd for most favorable business climate. Respondents mentioned the state’s pro-business environment, favorable tax climate and its global position.
Anywhere from Here
Florida’s strategic location and multi-modal infrastructure have made it a critical hub for logistics companies. In addition to supporting more than 20 million residents, the state’s infrastructure also supports more than 110 million annual visitors.
Since opening their fifth Florida facility – a 340,000-square-foot, $40 million food distribution center in Punta Gorda – Cheney Brothers has hired more than 500 workers in Charlotte County. The company employs more than 2,000 Floridians statewide.
At the grand opening of the facility, Byron Russell, CEO and Chairman of Cheney Brothers, Inc., said, “This project has been years in the making, and we are proud to cut the ribbon and officially open the doors of Cheney’s Brothers newest facility in Charlotte County. On behalf of the whole Cheney Brothers team, I would like to thank Governor Scott and our local partners at the Charlotte County EDC for their support during this exciting process.”
The broader wholesale trade, transportation and logistics industry employs more than half a million Floridians. As the Western Hemisphere’s commercial gateway, Florida’s logistics and distribution industry has flourished. Investments made by Governor Scott have strengthened Florida’s reputation for having the second best infrastructure in the nation.
Stay in Touch
Thanks to Florida’s growing seaports, airports, roadways and railways, transportation of goods and people is both quick and efficient. In addition, Florida is ranked 10th most connected state for broadband access and 3rd for the most fiber miles in the U.S. ensuring maximum connectivity.
Network Access Point (NAP) of the Americas, the Miami data center and carrier hub, is the biggest network gateway between the U.S. and Latin America. NAP is a six-story, 750,000 square foot data center and Internet exchange point. Owned by Equinix, the facility is home to 160 network carriers and is a pathway for data traffic from the Caribbean and Latin America to nearly 150 countries.
Miami is in the center of one of the world’s largest internet exchange points and serves as major communications gateways to commercial centers in Latin America, the Northeastern U.S. and Europe. Miami is ranked one of the top-five most connected cities in the world and is a key destination point for submarine cable systems, which means it offers superior interconnection and secure routes to global markets.
A Healthy Economy
Florida is home to some of the nation’s most highly-regarded research centers making it a hub for the life science business sector. The state is ranked 2nd for FDA registered medical device manufacturing facilities, 2nd for medical device manufacturing industry, 3rd in pharmaceuticals manufacturing industry, and 7th for biotech R&D industry.
The KLS Martin Group, a global leader in innovative surgical technology, is establishing its first U.S. manufacturing operations in Jacksonville. The company will bring high-tech, high-skilled manufacturing and engineering jobs to the region. The focus of the new operations will be on precision 3D printing and milling of products for reconstructive surgery.
“The KLS Martin Group is excited to establish its first surgical implant manufacturing company outside of Germany here in Jacksonville,” said Tom Johnston of KLS Martin Manufacturing. “This new company will allow the KLS Martin Group to provide innovative products through cutting edge 3D printing technology that will improve patient care and surgical outcomes.”
Fueled by a world-class infrastructure, young, educated and diverse workforce, global gateways, a state of the art high-speed technology backbone, and one of the most business-friendly environments in the country, anything is possible in Florida.
It’s why so many companies are realizing their future is in Florida. For more information, visit FloridaTheFutureIsHere.com.
Visit http://www.expansionsolutionsmagazine.com/florida_ed for local economic development office directory listings.
