Biotech firms vie for investment dollars

South Florida companies put on their best show this week for investment companies and out-of-state scientists and experts at BioFlorida, the annual industry conference being held in Miami. The state finally has something to shout about: Florida is outpacing the nation in generating new companies, according to Battelle, a global research firm. More at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

Related Florida Trend Archived Content
» Financial Lifeline for Biotech Companies in Florida
» Florida's Business Incubators

See also:
» BioFlorida

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Sentry View Systems focuses on expansion

A Melbourne company hopes to double its staff of 19 engineers and technicians if it can win two potential deals worth up to $20 million. Sentry View Systems designs and builds security cameras for remote areas that are powered by solar panels or wind turbines. The green technology reduces power bills and maintenance, but, more importantly, the independent security system reduces the need for armed patrols. Read more from Florida Today and see video below:

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Apps boost Florida economy

CEO Sounding Board How will new regulations will affect international banking in Florida? The IRS now requires financial institutions to report interest paid to non-resident alien (NRA) depositors. Many international banks operating in Florida had opposed the regulation, arguing that their clients would withdraw their money. Grisel Vega, President of the Florida International Bankers Association, told us, "A lot of people act based on their fear." » Read more from Vega and see details of the regulation at the IRS.

Florida is among the top states that have the largest economic impact from apps. In Florida, apps have an annual economic impact of $587 million, which is the eleventh-highest app economic impact of any state in the U.S., according to a new study from CTIA – The Wireless Association and the Application Developers Alliance. Read more from the Orlando Business Journal and the Tampa Bay Business Journal.

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COLUMN: Now might be the right time to start a business

Have you been thinking about starting a business, but you’ve been dragging your feet, waiting for just the right time? Do you think conditions have to be completely perfect before you can move forward? Are you wondering when, exactly, is the best time to launch a new enterprise? Read Rhonda Abrams' column at Florida Today.

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Florida agricultural business works with ICE officials

An agricultural business that agrees to work closely with immigration officials is a rarity, farmers and others in the industry say. Florida Potato & Onion, based in Plant City, took the step last week when it signed on as a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement IMAGE member. More at the Lakeland Ledger.

Out of the Box Free games for new enrollments It's no secret that most children love computer games. But enough to change schools six weeks into the school year? One Manatee County charter school is hoping so. To woo new students, Manatee School of Arts and Sciences is offering a free Nintendo hand-held gaming system to families who enroll their children by Thursday. » More from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune

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