Contact:     Stuart Doyle
                          (407) 956-5689
sdoyle@eflorida.com

 
 
Nearly 300 attend Enterprise Florida’s global forecast series

Statewide seminars offered business growth tips, networking and exporting updates

 ORLANDO, FL (March 31, 2010) – During the past eight months, Enterprise Florida staff circled the state to present the seminar A Global Economic Forecast in each region.  The presenters laid out projections and scenarios for when Florida’s economy could revert to “normal” and industries that may be promising for business growth. 

The final event occurred March 16 in Sarasota, following stops beginning last July in Jacksonville, Orlando, Pensacola and Tampa.  The 298 attendees, collectively, mostly were representatives of companies with overseas business interests, and economic development professionals.  However, the overall range was diverse; from Clay County Chamber of Commerce to Fifth Third Bank, from Brevard Community College to Electric Supply of Tampa.

The chief presenters were:

• Manny Mencía, Enterprise Florida senior vice president overseeing its International Trade & Business Development division

• Z. Joe Kulenovic, Enterprise Florida senior director in its Marketing & Strategic Intelligence division

• Charles Jainarain, president, Greenheart Economics, a Florida-based trade advisory firm that conducts strategic planning and develops market intelligence for international clients.

In some areas, a local economist was invited to present as well.  

An added feature to each seminar was Trade Resources Expo & Networking, an hourlong opportunity that enabled participants to meet local trade resource providers.  Cosponsors included the Florida District Export Council, U.S. Commercial Service, the Disney Entrepreneur Center and SunTrust Bank, Florida.

 “Overall, our road show seminar series was very successful.  We had a strong turnout at each location,” said Michael Schiffhauer, director of field operations and international European trade development for Enterprise Florida.  Attendees per event ranged from 42 to 84. 

While participants reported they benefited from the seminar, they left knowing that Enterprise Florida is an available resource for further information. 

“You had a great program yesterday!  Please send me anything that may add value to the student's education and to US competitiveness in the global economy,” requested Dr. Corinne Young, a management and international business professor with Saint Leo University. 

Even more, added Schiffhauer, participating companies expressed interest in Enterprise Florida’s new stimulus programs such as the Florida Export Directory (www.FloridaExportDirectory.com) and the Trade Show Grants program, which helps small and medium-sized businesses increase sales and promotional opportunities through international trade missions and tradeshows. 

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Enterprise Florida, Inc. is a partnership between Florida's business and government leaders and is the principal economic development organization for the state of Florida.  Headquartered in Orlando, Enterprise Florida’s mission is to diversify Florida’s economy and create better-paying jobs for its citizens by supporting, attracting and helping to create businesses in innovative, high-growth industries.  In pursuit of its mission, Enterprise Florida works closely with a statewide network of economic development partners and is funded both by the State of Florida and by private-sector businesses.

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