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Central Florida, Space Coast Business Briefs - May 2009
Daytona Beach —
» The Ocean Center convention and entertainment complex has reopened after a $76-million expansion project.
Deland —
» The city is prepping about 125 acres around DeLand Municipal Airport to open it up for industrial development by June.
Lake Mary —
» Lake Mary-based Advanced Solar Photonics is expanding to build Florida’s first solar panel module plant, which is expected to create as many as 200 jobs this year. The company is seeking $40 million from investors.
Mount Dora —
» Mount Dora-based environmental cleanup firm Handex Consulting and Remediation has been awarded a $1-million contract from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection; the 160-employee firm also received a $500,000 contract from Texas company Safety-Kleen for soil and groundwater projects.
Orlando —
» Dynetech has moved into its new 32-story tower in downtown Orlando, wrapping up five years of planning. Dynetech Centre will house the enterprise management and technology company on the 15th and 16th floors and other tenants in the rest of the building.
» The University of Central Florida expanded its Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, part of the College of Business Administration, moving into new offices on campus in March. More than 1,000 UCF students are enrolled in entrepreneurship classes.
» Orlando company BioTraits, which provides customized software and hardware biometric technology for tracking attendance and controlling security access, has agreed to acquire Reliable Tech Experts, also based in Orlando, for an undisclosed amount.
» The Cheyenne Saloon and Opera House in downtown Orlando has closed again and will be available only for private parties. Original Church Street Station entertainment complex creator Bob Snow, who reopened the nightclub last year, says he was not able to work out an agreement with the lender who took over the financially troubled complex.
Orange County —
» Ridership on LYNX public transit buses soared as gas prices rose but is now falling. January passenger trips were down 12% from 2008 in the third straight month of declines.
» Orlando hosted more medical meetings in 2008 than any other U.S. destination, according to the “2009 State of the Industry Report” released this spring by the Healthcare Convention & Exhibitors Association. Medical meetings make up about 23% of all U.S. conventions. The 2008 figures show 225 medical meetings, 173,000 attendees and $111 million in spending.
» This month, the Orange County Convention Center will complete installation of a rooftop one-megawatt solar photovoltaic system in partnership with Orlando Utilities Commission. The $8.8-million solar panel project, partially financed by a $2.5-million state grant and $1.5 million from OUC, will also include a climate change education center inside the building.
Port Orange —
» Port Orange’s City Council turned down a proposal to build a 14-story, 264-unit hotel on Seabird Island in the Halifax River near the Dunlawton Avenue bridge.
Seminole County —
» Avionics company Nomad Aviation plans to double its local workforce in the next two years, adding 124 positions and expanding its facility at Orlando Sanford International Airport. Average starting salary: More than $65,000.
