FloridaWest News April 29, 2016

FloridaWest Hosts Japanese Consul Visit

Last week, FloridaWest, in partnership with Gulf Power Company, had the opportunity to host a visit from Ken Okaniwa, the consul general of Japan in Miami. The visit was part of our ongoing effort to increase the presence of Japanese companies in Northwest Florida and increase trade between local manufacturers and service providers with Japan.

During the Consul General's stay in our area he visited with Hitachi Cable America, attended a meeting with the NWFL Manufacturers Council, and met with elected officials and business leaders in Pensacola at Gulf Power Company.

Northwest Florida reps eye opportunities for Japanese companies -
from the Santa Rosa Press Gazette

Strengthening business ties with Japan

from the Pensacola News Journal

Photo from left: Stanley Harper, Operations Services with Naval Supply Systems Command; Andrea Moore with Enterprise Florida; Scott Luth with Florida West Economic Development Alliance; Ken Okaniwa, the Consul General of Japan in Miami; and Shannon Ogletree, with Santa Rosa County Economic Development.

ITEN Wired Call for Speakers

ITEN Wired is now accepting applications for Summit 2016 speakers. This year’s summit will take place at the Hilton Pensacola Beach Gulf Front. The summit begins with a CIO Panel Discussion and kick-off reception on Wednesday, October 12th, a full-day schedule of events on Thursday, October 13th and wrapping with a half-day session on Friday, October 14th.

Find out more

CyberThon Funds Available for College Scholarships

Local high school students pursuing advanced education in a STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering or Math) are now eligible for new funding in the form of AFCEA scholarships. The AFCEA Blue Angels Pensacola Chapter is making $10,000 in college funds available to local high school graduates as a result of generous sponsor support of CyberThon 2016.

Click here for application instructions!

More Economic Development News...

Florida DEO is coming to Pensacola - The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity will host a NO-COST employer seminar May 3rd & 4th from 9 AM - 11 AM at the Careersource Escarosa Pensacola One-Stop Center.

More Info

L ocal manufacturing pipeline underway - A local manufacturing pipeline of skilled workers is being set up to replace thousands of baby boomers expected to retire.

Read at PNJ.COM

Join the U.S. Commercial Service and the South Florida District Export Council for Discover Global Markets: The Americas. This conference brings together trade experts, economists, industry professionals, and U.S. commercial diplomats via panels and executive meetings to address opportunities, challenges, and winning strategies across the region.

More Info

Good Luck Katie!

FloridaWest is sad to announce that Workforce Development Director Katie Kelly will be leaving us soon for a new opportunity in Tallahassee. Katie's work with the Florida legislature was instrumental in gaining funding for economic development in our region. She will be greatly missed but we wish her all the best in her new role!