Press Releases

Accepting Nominations and Applications for 2012

(ORLANDO, FL.) -  Building on a break-out inaugural year, the 2012 Florida Companies to Watch awards program is back to recognize and award growing second-stage companies, headquartered in Florida, that have established themselves as high performance companies in their marketplace. This year’s group of companies will have the opportunity to join an esteemed group of national Companies to Watch honorees recognized from across the U.S.

Developed by the Edward Lowe Foundation, Companies to Watch was formed as an exclusive way to honor second-stage companies who exhibit innovative business strategies and processes. The companies recognized by this award are leading the way for second-stage companies and prove themselves to be “worth watching”. In 2011, Companies to Watch operated statewide in Colorado, Indiana, Michigan, North Carolina, and Wisconsin. In 2012, the program grows to northeastern California and Washington state. 

“The Florida Companies to Watch celebrates the success of companies that make a significant difference in our economy.  In Florida, they account for eight percent of the companies and more than 30 percent of the jobs,” said Tom O’Neal, Associate Vice President for Research and Commercialization at UCF and Executive Director of the Florida Economic Gardening Institute. “They are in no man’s land: Too big to be small but too small to be big.  These companies make a difference and we’re happy to give the kind of recognition they deserve.”

The combined impact of the 50 companies chosen as the inaugural winners of 2011 Florida Companies to Watch is $419 million in total annual revenue, 1,972 fulltime equivalent employees and 510 new net jobs created compared to 2009. From 2006 through 2010, these companies generated $1.4 billion in revenue and added 1,153 employees (both in Florida and out of state), reflecting a 162 percent increase in revenue and 141 percent increase in jobs for the five-year period. That translates into a 32 percent annual revenue growth and 28 percent annual growth in employees. A look at one of the second-stage winners of Florida Companies to Watch shows the incredible potential for Florida’s economic rebound. *Data compiled in December 2010.

“Over the last three years ECS has enjoyed a time of growth and success.   Awards such as Florida Companies To Watch, help garner visibility for the hard work and contributions our employees, as well as the technology sector which we serve. It was a great honor to participate in the process – and ultimately to be deemed one of the FL Companies to Watch!” said Waymon Armstrong, President and CEO of Engineering and Computer Simulations (ECS), based out of Orlando, Florida.  ECS has been recognized as an industry innovator and has appeared on the Military’s Training Technology Top 100 list for the last six years.

To be eligible for the award, a company must be a privately held, commercial enterprise that is currently in a stage of growth and past the start-up phase. Qualifying companies must also be headquartered in the state of Florida.  Candidates will have between six and 99 full-time equivalent employees, and $750,000 and $50 million in annual revenue in the year 2011. Companies in all industries and across the state are invited to apply.

Winners will be selected by a panel of judges who represent areas of economic development, entrepreneurship, banking and small business. Judges will be looking for evidence of steady and/or high growth in employment rates and revenue as well as companies that stand out from the competition by demonstrating special strengths and traits including entrepreneurial leadership, product innovation, social/community responsibility and competitive business practices.

To apply for the program, companies who meet the criteria may fill out an application. Professionals who work with second-stage companies such as attorneys, accountants, bankers, public relations representatives and economic development professionals are encouraged to nominate a worthy business they believe should be recognized. The deadline to nominate a second-stage company is May 4, 2012.   All nominees and companies seeking to apply directly must submit an application by May 18, 2012.

The companies selected as 2012 Florida Companies to Watch will be recognized at a special ceremony set for Friday, October 19, 2012 at Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, Florida.

In addition to the recognition of being named a 2012 Florida Companies to Watch, winners have the opportunity to participate in a leaders retreat attended by Companies to Watch award recipients from other states and held at the Edward Lowe Foundation’s Big Rock Valley in southwestern Michigan.

For details visit www.Florida.CompaniestoWatch.org or email FloridaCTW@lowe.org.  Sponsorships for the 2012 event are available, please contact Lynn Aitken at 407-823-6384 or via email at lynn@growfl.com for further information.

About the Edward Lowe Foundation

The Edward Lowe Foundation inspired the creation of the Companies to Watch program to celebrate second-stage entrepreneurs, their companies and the business community that supports them. Established in 1985, the Edward Lowe Foundation is a Michigan-based nonprofit organization that supports entrepreneurship through recognition, education and research with a focus on second-stage companies—those that have moved beyond the startup phase and seek significant, steady growth. The foundation also encourages economic gardening, an entrepreneur-centered strategy providing balance to the traditional approach of business recruitment. For information about the Edward Lowe Foundation, visit www.EdwardLowe.org.

About the Florida Economic Gardening Institute

The Florida Economic Gardening Institute at the University of Central Florida was established in 2009.  Initially funded by the Florida Legislature, the Institute has provided services via the State of Florida’s Economic Gardening Technical Assistance Pilot Program, known as GrowFL.  With various partnerships throughout the state, including Orange County and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council, the Institute collaborates with statewide partners to support the growth of second-stage businesses through localized entrepreneurial ecosystems.  Additional information is available at www.GrowFL.com.

The Edward Lowe Foundation, which promotes entrepreneurship as the strategy for economic growth, has contracted with the University of Central Florida’s successful GrowFL team to provide economic-gardening services for other communities and states.

The Florida Economic Gardening Institute at UCF, which administers the GrowFL Program, is the first organization in the nation to be certified by the Michigan foundation as a Level III top-ranking economic-gardening provider.  As a result of that certification, the UCF program was selected to work as part of Lowe’s National Strategic Research Team to help share techniques about economic gardening.

“What we’ve seen in Florida is an impressive capability and level of experience that fosters the growth of second-stage companies using the certified GrowFL team and the economic-gardening tools and techniques they are now deploying,” said Mark Lange, executive director of the foundation based in Cassopolis, Mich.  “We want to harness the enthusiasm, energy and expertise of the UCF team to help other states and regions to implement an economic-gardening initiative and perhaps turn the corner during these difficult economic times.”

Working with the National Center for Economic Gardening, the UCF GrowFL team’s first assignment will be in Indiana, where the team will provide services for second-stage companies as part of the Elevate Ventures Economic Gardening Pilot Program. The services will include assistance in business strategy, market research, competitive analysis, web/social media strategy, and search engine optimization.

The Edward Lowe Foundation is providing GrowFL with $249,375 for six months of service, which will be provided by GrowFL’s staff and advisers.

“We are honored that the Edward Lowe Foundation is turning to UCF and the GrowFL team to help even more states and communities with their successful strategy of assisting growth-oriented companies to grow,” said Tom O’Neal, associate vice president for research & commercialization at UCF and executive director of the Florida Economic Gardening Institute.

The institute’s GrowFL program has worked with more than 400 companies in Florida since 2009. An economic-impact study released in August found that GrowFL helped more than 300 companies create 3,285 jobs and has contributed more than $510.4 million to Florida’s economy. In September, state funding for the initiative ended and the program began working directly with communities to tailor offerings to meet the needs of their particular industries.

(ORLANDO, FL.) – Building on a break-out inaugural year, the 2012 Florida Companies to Watch awards program returns to give second-stage businesses throughout Florida another opportunity to join a group of nationally recognized Companies to Watch honorees. This program celebrates growing second-stage companies headquartered in Florida and is presented by the Florida Economic Gardening Institute at the University of Central Florida, in association with the Edward Lowe Foundation.

Companies to Watch was developed by the Edward Lowe Foundation as a unique way to recognize and honor second-stage companies that demonstrate high performance in the marketplace with innovative strategies and processes, making them “worth watching”. The program is held nationally in Colorado, Indiana, Michigan, North Carolina, and Wisconsin, expanding in 2012 to northeastern California and Washington state.

“The Florida Companies to Watch celebrates the success of companies that make a significant difference in our economy. In Florida, they account for eight percent of the companies and more than 30 percent of the jobs,” said Tom O’Neal, Associate Vice President for Research and Commercialization at UCF and Executive Director of the Florida Economic Gardening Institute.

Demonstrating the incredible potential for Florida’s economic rebound, the 2011 class represents $419 million in total annual revenue, 1,972 fulltime equivalent employees and 510 new net jobs created compared to 2009. From 2006 through 2010, these companies generated $1.4 billion in revenue and added 1,153 employees (in Florida and out of state), reflecting a 162 percent increase in revenue and 141 percent increase in jobs over five years. That translates into a 32 percent annual revenue growth and 28 percent annual growth in employees. * December 2010 data.

To be eligible for the award, a company must be a privately held, commercial enterprise that is currently in a stage of growth and past the start-up phase. Qualifying companies must also be headquartered in Florida, with six-99 full-time equivalent employees, and annual revenue in 2011 between $750,000- $50 million. Companies in all industries and across the state are invited to apply. The deadline to nominate a second-stage company is May 4, 2012. All nominees and companies seeking to apply directly must submit an application by May 18, 2012.

The companies selected as 2012 Florida Companies to Watch will be recognized at a special ceremony on Friday, October 19, 2012 at Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, Florida. Visit www.Florida.CompaniestoWatch.org or email FloridaCTW@edwardlowe.org for details. 2012 Sponsorships available, contact Christa Santos at 407-882-1576 or at christa@cksmarketing.com.

Edward Lowe Foundation – Web: www.EdwardLowe.org. Florida Economic Gardening Institute – Web: www.GrowFL.com.

Dec. 5, 2011 – In an effort to simulate job creation and foster the development of emerging growth oriented companies , Seminole County and the Florida Economic Gardening Institute at the University of Central Florida today announced a partnership to offer an economic gardening program for qualified businesses in Seminole County. Seminole County’s investment in economic gardening augments previous investments made by UCF, the Florida High Tech Corridor Council, and Orange County.

The initiative will provide specialized services and support for CEOs of second stage businesses. Second stage is generally defined by this initiative as for-profit businesses with headquarters in Seminole County with between 7 and 100 employees. The business must also provides product(s) and/or services within and beyond its current location to regional and/or international markets (physician’s offices, retail and restaurants may not qualify). Businesses that are interested in receiving services can apply at www.growfl.com.

“We recognize the value these businesses bring to our community and we are committed to offering proven tools to help them reach their potential,” said Bill McDermott, director of Economic Development for Seminole County.

Services provided by The Economic Gardening Institute at UCF are comparable to those of a Fortune 500 company’s market research department. Services include technical assistance in the areas of business strategy, market research, competitive analysis, web/social media strategy, and search engine optimization. These services are designed to help a company increase sales rapidly. With increased sales businesses will drive the creation of new jobs in the county. Additional services contemplated will include access to CEO Roundtables and special events specifically designed for CEO’s of second stage businesses.

The economic gardening institute’s signature GrowFL program has helped over 400 companies create more than 1,400 new jobs statewide since November 2009. In September state funding for the initiative ended and the program began working directly with communities to tailor offerings to meet the needs of their particular industries.

Seminole County is providing $50,000 for the initiative. UCF will in turn provide the economic gardening services as well as manage the application process on behalf of Seminole County. Technical Assistance services will be provided free of charge while costs for participation in CEO Roundtables will be shared by Seminole County and the participating business.

Several Seminole County companies took advantage of the state-funded GrowFL pilot program including Richard Sweat, president and CEO of .decimal Inc., a Sanford-based manufacturer of custom devices to target radiation therapy. He credited GrowFL with helping his company’s expansion into Japan and Canada. ”Not only has GrowFL provided invaluable market research for .decimal’s international expansion efforts, but they have also provided excellent networking opportunities with some of Florida’s top 2nd stage company CEO’s,” he said.

“We like nothing better than hearing about the success of our client companies,” said Tom O’Neal, Associate Vice President for Research and Commercialization at UCF and and Executive Director of the Florida Economic Gardening Institute.

“Companies that receive support to grow in an area are more likely to stay in that area and in these tough economic times we want to help as many communities as possible keep their lifeblood,” he said.

For Questions Contact: Fran Korosec, Director of Client Services, Florida Economic Gardening Institute, fran@growfl.com.

NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. (Sept. 30, 2011) – Evolutions Healthcare Systems, a leading provider of group health PPO networks and health management solutions, recently participated in the Florida Economic Gardening Institute’s GrowFL program, which provided its employees with free assistance from local experts and numerous other services. Founded in 1992 by Allen Cranford, Evolutions Healthcare Systems’ 25 employees develop innovative and competitive network and health plan solutions to better serve the needs of self-insured employers, insurance carriers and group health third-party administrators. “Through the GrowFL program, we received a large amount of industry intelligence – including market research and competitive intelligence, prospective contact lists, and marketing recommendations via social media and web strategy – which we are still in the process of disseminating,” according to Constance Cranford, executive vice president of business development. Cranford, wife of Allen Cranford, said the long-term benefits have yet to be determined, but “the opportunity to dialog with individuals outside of our sector has refreshed our perspective of our corporate position both internally and in the way we will be presenting ourselves in the market.” Created in 2009 by the Florida Legislature, the GrowFL program is based at the University of Central Florida in Orlando. When selecting businesses to participate, members of the Florida Economic Gardening Institute sought companies with growth potential, according to Dr. Tom O’Neal, executive director of the Florida Economic Gardening Institute. “Evolutions Healthcare was a great candidate for the program because of its potential for continued growth,” said Dr. O’Neal, who also is associate vice president for the University of Central Florida’s Office of Research and Commercialization. GrowFL supported Evolutions Healthcare Systems through a number of services, including access to market research and technology, strategy analysis, CEO roundtables and forums, database research and website and social network optimization. As part of the designation, Constance Cranford received a scholarship to participate in regional CEO roundtable sessions. “I feel that this will be an invaluable experience as this is the only opportunity I have as an owner to sit down with similar individuals and discuss issues that are relevant to all regardless of our business sector.” About Evolutions Healthcare Systems: Founded in 1992 by Allen Cranford, Evolutions Healthcare Systems offers substantial discounts and operational savings to self-insured employers, insurance carriers, and third-party administrators through a direct network of local, regional, and national hospitals, physicians and specialists. In addition to a network of health care professionals, Evolutions also provides a comprehensive suite of health-plan solutions and claims processing services. For more information about the company and its services, visit www.ehsppo.com. For more information about this release, please contact: Constance Cranford, Evolutions Healthcare Executive VP of Business Development, 727-485-1228, ccranford@ehsppo.com Fran Korosec, Director of Client Services, Florida Economic Gardening Institute, 407-882-0210, fran@growfl.com Charlene Hager-Van Dyke, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142, chagervandyke@yahoo.com

VENICE, Fla. (Sept. 26, 2011) – Physicians Anne-Marie Chalmers and Bo Martinsen – the owners of Ambo Foods, a Venice-based, healthy cookie company – say their experience working with the talented people involved with the Florida Economic Gardening Institute’s GrowFL program was nothing short of a godsend.

The husband and wife medical team liken the time their company spent with the experts provided through GrowFL to having “five fairy godmothers.” “To be involved with GrowFL was an amazing experience,” Chalmers said. “As a business owner there are always situations where you wonder if you are making the right decision. You ask yourself “who do I talk with, where do I get answers about this question?” To have a team of top people, with expertise in their respective field, was god-sent.” Created in 2009 by the Florida Legislature, the GrowFL program is based at the University of Central Florida in Orlando. When selecting businesses to participate, members of the Florida Economic Gardening Institute sought companies with growth potential, according to Dr. Tom O’Nealv, executive director of the Florida Economic Gardening Institute. “Ambo foods was a good candidate for the program as it has the potential for continued growth,” said O’Neal, who also is associate vice president for the University of Central Florida’s Office of Research and Commercialization. O’Neal said GrowFL supported Ambo Foods through a number of services, including access to market research and technology, strategy analysis, CEO roundtables and forums, database research and website optimization. Ambo Foods – the company behind the Omega Cookie meal-substitute with a full dose of omega-3 plus fiber and calcium – was founded in 2003 by Martinsen and Chalmers, omega-3 specialists who both received medical training at the University of Oslo in Norway. Born and raised in Norway, Martinsen also trained at the University of Bordeaux in France. Chalmers, a native of the United States, is a graduate of Brown University. The company has 10 employees and, according to Chalmers, “a desire to expand and move ahead with new ideas.” “Already several employees have taken up some social media tasks that came as part of GrowFL’s recommendations,” she said. “The increased knowledge about our customers that GrowFL has provided has helped our employees focus their energy and we now have a better understanding as to how we need to market our products.” Chalmers said the company is planning to launch a new product this fall and the help Ambo received in revamping their website will be a key in making the launch a success. “The encouragement and advice we received from GrowFl has been invaluable.” About Ambo Foods: Founded in 2003 by Omega-3 specialists Doctors Bo Martinsen and Anne-Marie Chalmers, Ambo Foods offers several varieties of healthy cookies. Each Omega cookie contains seven capsules worth of omega-3 fish oil, five grams of fiber, 200% of the daily value of Vitamin D and 35% of the daily value of calcium. Ambo Foods was named a winner in the category of innovation at the 2010 annual Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County’s Hall of Fame awards. The honor came as the result of being the first company to create a bakery product that contains an effective dose of omega-3 fish oil. For more information about the Omega Cookie or Ambo Foods, visit www.omegacookie.com. For more information, please contact: Anne-Marie Chalmers, co-founder Ambo Foods, 941-485-4400, achalmers@omegacookie.com Fran Korosec, Director of Client Services, GrowFL, 407-882-0210, Fran@growfl.com Charlene Hager-Van Dyke, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142, chagervandyke@yahoo.com

Twenty four clients of GrowFL, a program administered by UCF’s Florida Economic Gardening Institute, rank in the 2011 Inc. magazine 500/5000, an exclusive ranking of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies. GrowFL companies account for nearly 14 percent of the top 500 Florida companies and 11 percent of the top 5000 Florida companies on the fifth annual edition of the list. “This is an impressive affirmation of the quality level of the companies that we assist,” said Tom O’Neal, associate vice president for research and executive director of the Florida Economic Gardening Institute, which oversees the GrowFL program. “These are the companies that are making a difference in the new economy,” he said. Jacksonville-based A. Harold & Associates, ranked 36th on the list, is the top-ranked GrowFL company. A. Harold, which provides technology, education, engineering and training support services to governments and others, grew 5509 percent over the last three years, and recorded revenue of $10.9 million. GrowFL offers business resources to help second-stage companies grow to the next level. A Harold & Associates CEO Andy Harold credited GrowFL with providing management consulting services in marketing, future growth areas and technology. He said the individualized support for a small business would be out of reach if it were not for the GrowFL program. Inc. reports that in a stagnant economic environment, the median growth rate of 2011 Inc. 500|5000 companies remains 94 percent. The companies on this year’s list report having created 350,000 jobs in the past three years, and aggregate revenue among the honorees reached $366 billion, up 14 percent from last year. Complete results of the Inc. 5000, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, region, and other criteria, can be found at www.inc.com/5000. The GrowFL program, which helped 300-plus companies in Florida create more than 3,200 new jobs statewide since November 2009, offers a suite of services including business strategy review, market research and competitive intelligence, internet/social media strategy, and search engine optimization. The Florida Economic Gardening Institute at the University of Central Florida was established in 2009. Initially funded by the Florida Legislature, the Institute has provided services via the State of Florida’s Economic Gardening Technical Assistance Pilot Program, known as GrowFL. With various partnerships throughout the state, including Orange County and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council, the Institute collaborates with statewide partners to support the growth of second-stage businesses through localized entrepreneurial ecosystems. Additional information is available at www.GrowFL.com. Other GrowFL companies represented in the rankings include A+ Tutor U (Kimball Companies), Alinean, American Home Companions, Atlantic International Distributors, Avalex Technologies Corporation, Bari Furniture, Bit-Wizards, Cosmetic Solutions, Engineering & Computer Simulations, H2 Performance Consulting, Health Designs, IMS ExpertServices, Infinity Technology Solutions, Innovative Data Solutions, Moore Consulting Group, Moten Tate, MyGreenBuildings, ReStockIt.com, Telovations, That! Company, Total Medical Solutions and Wireless City. For more information, please contact: Fran Korosec, Director of Client Services, GrowFL, 407-882-0210, fran@growfl.com

LONGWOOD, Fla. (Sept 9, 2011) – PHXX, a Longwood-based platform development technology firm with international ties, recently participated in the Florida Economic Gardening Institute’s GrowFL program allowing its employees to receive assistance from local experts through numerous free services. Founded by President and Chief Executive Officer Shane Robinett√ and Steven Sack√ Chief Information Officer, PHXX has been a successful enterprise since 2004, as it has continued to expand and update its role in the media and technology markets, according to Robinett. With 32 employees in Longwood, London, Dubai and Cairo, PHXX focuses primarily on the deployment of video-on-demand (VOD) and over-the-topology (OTT) solutions, as well as media portal production and management and online gaming portal services. Whether as a package or as one unique solution, the services provided by PHXX assist telecommunication companies, as well as other industries, around the globe. “Working with GrowFL offered us the opportunity to have local, experienced business leaders help us springboard our own growth,” Robinett said. “The opportunity we received thereby enables strong Florida-based growth.” Created in 2009 by the Florida Legislature, the GrowFL program is based at the University of Central Florida in Orlando. When selecting businesses to participate, members of the Florida Economic Gardening Institute sought companies with growth potential, according to Dr. Tom O’Neal√, executive director of the Florida Economic Gardening Institute. “PHXX was a good candidate for the program because of its previous success and its potential for continued growth,” said Dr. O’Neal, who also is associate vice president for the University of Central Florida’s Office of Research and Commercialization. GrowFL supported PHXX through a number of services, including access to market research and technology, strategy analysis, CEO roundtables and forums, database research and website optimization. “Working with GrowFL was a very positive endeavor that shows that we want to grow local jobs and, at the same time, bring foreign revenue to our Central Florida home,” Robinett said. About PHXX: Founded in 2004 by Shane Robinett and Steven Sack, PHXX is a Florida-based platform development technology firm that focuses on advanced media delivery solutions, including VOD, OTT and gaming portals. The company’s initial marketing focus for its new media platform is targeted at emerging markets such as the Middle East, North Africa, and Eastern Europe. PHXX currently has clients as far away as Dubai, Saudi Arabia, and London, and as close to home as Central Florida. For more information about the company and its services, visit www.PHXX.com, or connect on LinkedIn or Twitter at @PHXX. For more information about this release, please contact: Shane Robinett, President and Chief Executive Officer, PHXX, 407-792-0400, shane@phxx.com Fran Korosec, Director of Client Services, GrowFL, 407-882-0210, Fran@growfl.com Charlene Hager-Van Dyke, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142, chagervandyke@yahoo.com

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (Sept 8, 2011) – e-TechServices, a Gainesville-based information technology company, recently completed the statewide GrowFL program. President Mario Ariet, who co-founded the 12-year-old company with CEO Marc Spindler, said even with the company’s “deep bench of technical experts and years of experience in enterprise computing solutions” they still had limited access to some of the corporate tools that large companies use to market themselves. “We are a premiere IBM business partner whose experts offer enterprise-level computing solutions, consultation and design for systems integration and optimization, as well as disaster recovery and business continuity,” Ariet said. “The GrowFL team helped us gain access to some of these unique tools and provided insight into the Florida market place and online marketing strategies.” Part of the Florida Economic Gardening Institute, GrowFL was created in 2009 by the Florida Legislature and is based at the University of Central Florida in Orlando. When selecting businesses for the program, the institute looks for companies that have the potential for success, according to Dr. Tom O’Neal√, executive director of the Florida Economic Gardening Institute. “e-TechServices, a growth-targeted company, showed that it has a promising future in the industry and therefore was ideal for the program,” said Dr. O’Neal, who also is associate vice president for the University of Central Florida’s Office of Research and Commercialization. A leading provider of IBM mid-range and information technology solutions including systems, storage, software and IT professional services, e-TechServices has 13 employees, many of whom work in strategic satellite locations in Gainesville, Tallahassee, Jacksonville, Tampa and Orlando. Ariet said his company’s affiliation with GrowFL proved that they are in the correct marketplace and are in a strategic position to continue their success. “It has given us an opportunity to showcase our unique skills to the companies and organizations who need these capabilities most,” he said. About e-TechServices Inc.: e-TechServices is a premier IBM Business Partner whose experts provide consulting and professional services to successfully implement any project by understanding the business requirements that drive the IT challenges that need solution. The company’s hosted managed services, cloud computing solutions and disaster recovery has made e-TechServices a go-to trusted partner to some of the nation’s premiere institutions and businesses, including the University of Florida, CSX Transportation and the State of Florida. For more information, visit www.e-techservices.com. For more information about this release, please contact: Mario Ariet, President, e-TechServices, 800-785-5993 mariet@e-techservices.com Fran Korosec, Director of Outreach Services, GrowFL, 407-882-0210, Fran@growfl.com Charlene Hager-Van Dyke, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142, chagervandyke@yahoo.com

Florida Economic Gardening Institute Announces Continuation of Services to Help More Companies Achieve Similar Success ORLANDO, Fla. (September 1, 2011) –On the heels of an economic study showing an impact of 3,285 jobs created, the Florida Economic Gardening Institute at the University of Central Florida has secured funding to continue the second phase of its successful GrowFL program that offers business support services to growth-oriented entrepreneurial companies.  Starting September 1, additional companies are eligible to receive the primary services offered by the Institute including business strategy and market research support—assistance which helped participating firms generate an estimated economic output of $510 million in the state. According to the results of the study, conducted by Tucker/Hall, GrowFL has created an impact of more than $267.4 million on the state’s gross regional product.  GrowFL also helped generate $18.17 million in state and local taxes, above and beyond the cost of the state-funded pilot program.  Since November 2009, GrowFL has had 312 engagements with 250 companies in its technical assistance business consulting program, sponsored more than 150 companies to participate in CEO roundtables and hosted dozens of special events, CEO forums, Webinars and entrepreneurial workshops. Also, an additional analysis was conducted using employer data provided by the Florida Agency for Workforce Innovation (AWI)/Bureau of Labor Statistics that compared job growth of GrowFL participant companies against similar companies in Florida that did not participate in the program.  From 2009 to 2010, non-participant companies reported an average net job loss of 3.5 percent.  In that same period, GrowFL companies reported an average net job gain of 7.4 percent.  Although there is a large statistical margin of error in the comparison (state’s available historical data allowed consideration of only 20 GrowFL companies), at face value GrowFL companies grew 10.9 percent faster than their peers from 2009 to 2010. “Our pilot program successfully introduced the concept of economic gardening to a statewide audience, and this study demonstrates its capacity for extensive company growth and job creation,” said Dr. Tom O’Neal, executive director of the Florida Economic Gardening Institute at the University of Central Florida and associate vice president for UCF’s Office of Research and Commercialization.  “Fortunately we have partners who have seen the effect economic gardening is having in this state and have stepped up to keep the program moving forward and extend its reach into local entrepreneurial ecosystems throughout Florida.” As the program begins its next phase, funding contributions from Orange County, the Florida High Tech Corridor Council (FHTCC), the University of Central Florida (UCF) and other economic development agencies will allow GrowFL to expand the existing eligibility criteria of the pilot program, effectively opening applications to a larger pool of second-stage companies.  Interested growth-oriented companies with seven to 100 employees are eligible for assistance.  Previous criteria related to industry or revenue/employee growth requirements have been eliminated. As part of FHTCC’s partnership, GrowFL will provide services to a limited number of companies in the 23-county Florida High Tech Corridor region.  FEGI is also reaching out to county representatives within the region to discuss the merits of a matching sponsorship for increased access to service in their communities.  Interested companies are encouraged to apply for assistance via the application form onwww.GrowFL.com.  The deadline for the first round of company applications will run through September 30. The Florida Economic Gardening Institute is also in the planning stage with many Florida counties and municipalities to establish customized economic gardening programs at a local level that best fit the needs of their community.  By utilizing the Institute’s proven technical assistance expertise and other services, local communities can initiate a program immediately.  In addition, as the only organization nationally certified in Economic Gardening, the Florida Economic Gardening Institute will assist local and regional partners with navigating the accreditation process so they too can create a nationally certified Economic Gardening program in their local area.  This model is intended to seed new Economic Gardening programs throughout the state by helping eliminate startup costs of individual programs. Communities with interest in establishing an economic gardening program are encouraged to contact the Institute directly at (407) 823-6384 or info@growfl.com. To view a copy of the Florida Economic Gardening Institute’s impact study, visit www.growfl.com/news-reports-studies.html. About The Florida Economic Gardening Institute/GrowFL The Florida Economic Gardening Institute at the University of Central Florida was established in 2009.  Initially funded by the Florida Legislature, the Institute has provided services via the State of Florida’s Economic Gardening Technical Assistance Pilot Program, known as GrowFL.  With various partnerships throughout the state, including Orange County and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council, the Institute collaborates with statewide partners to support the growth of second-stage businesses through localized entrepreneurial ecosystems.  Additional information is available at www.GrowFL.com.