Friends,

As we all look to shore up Florida's future economic stability, one area of tremendous opportunity is foreign direct investment. Even with policy uncertainty at the state and federal levels, international companies in a multitude of industry sectors continue to express interest in establishing operations in the US. While Florida does relatively well in this arena - more than 2.5 million high wage Florida jobs depend on international trade today - there is always potential for growth. 
 
Recently, FPL promoted Florida for international business investment alongside the Florida Association of Realtors®, Visit Florida and Enterprise Florida at MIPIM, the world's largest property market. More than 24,000 attendees were at MIPIM representing over 100 countries. And Florida was featured on an international stage when FPL represented the delegation on a panel convened by The Financial Times to explore the digital resources we offer the state and talk about the importance of statewide partnerships in economic development. We believe that, when it comes to connecting the entire system of economic development infrastructure, Florida leads the way.  
 
Back in Florida, thanks to feedback from you, our partners, we offered the first FPL Energy 101 course in Miami to nearly 30 economic development professionals this past month. The course featured in-classroom learning and hands-on tours to help enhance practitioner's knowledge of the energy basics and how it impacts competitive projects. We welcome your feedback if you attended this class or have thoughts on other ways we can enhance your success in the future.
 
Additionally, IMPLAN webinar trainings are ongoing for the new Economic Impact module offered in our PoweringFlorida® Resource Center. IMPLAN data allows you to demonstrate return on investment for the projects you're working in your communities - especially important if public sector incentive dollars are involved. If you're unable to attend a webinar, please schedule an in-person training session with our team so that you are able to feel comfortable using this resource.
 
I look forward to seeing all of you at upcoming events and hope you'll make a point of attending the Florida Economic Development Council's Annual Conference coming up in May. This conference provides us an opportunity to gather and discuss the important issues facing our state. Please don't miss it! 
 Best Regards,
  
  
  
  
Crystal Stiles
Director of FPL's Office of Economic Development 
FPL Resources
 
We provide resources and support to help drive business growth in Florida.

External marketing website with property listings from Florida's 67 counties.
  
Evaluate your community's competitive advantages and access corporate databases for recruitment.
  
Helping small businesses increase competitiveness and market share.
  
Information on prequalified sites and Florida's data center recruitment efforts.
  
Find out if a property is within FPL's service territory.
Incentives and Rates
  
Our customer bills are among the lowest in the nation, and now we're able to cut our rates even further.

Eligible businesses must create at least 25 new jobs per 350 kW of new demand.
 
Eligible businesses must have a load of 2,000 kW or greater served by a single meter, and be part of a competitive project with opportunities for lower rates outside FPL territory.
  
See how FPL's latest rates compare.
  
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Use this worksheet to fill in required information to receive a rate quote.

Join the Florida Economic Development Council (FEDC)

 

Register today for FEDC's Annual Conference

 

Visit FloridaWins.org

 


energy101EVENT: FPL's Energy 101
Florida economic developers gathered in Miami for FPL's Energy 101 course
Pictured: Nearly 30 Florida economic development professionals gathered in Miami at the Distribution South Center for FPL's first Energy 101 course. 

The course, developed for economic developers, featured in-classroom learning and hands-on tours to help enhance each practitioners knowledge of the energy basics and how it impacts competitive projects.

"Energy 101 is a valuable resource for economic developers. From energy basics and rates, to infrastructure sizing and project construction, it enhances practitioner knowledge, which helps make our projects more successful," said Tim Vanderhoof, Senior Vice President of Business Development at Enterprise Florida, who had three representatives attend the event. 
 
feedbackIf you are interested in attending future Energy 101 courses, please email danielle.pickard@fpl.com
MIPIMPHOTO SPOTLIGHT: MIPIM 2017
Florida promotes foreign direct investment at the largest real estate trade show in the world
 
Pictured (L-R): Courtney Fingar, Editor of fDi Magazine, Bostjan Skalarceo of WAIPA, Crystal Stiles, Director of FPL's Office of Economic Development, Anatalio Ubalde,CEO of SizeUp & Managing Director of GIS Planning.

Crystal Stiles, Director of FPL's Office of Economic Development, participates in a panel discussion convened by The Financial Times.  

Pictured (L-R): Crystal Stiles, Director of FPL's Office of Economic Development, Maria Wells, President of Florida Realtors
®, Christine Hansen, President-Elect of Florida Realtors®.
 

The Florida Association of Realtors, Visit Florida, Enterprise Florida and Florida Power & Light teamed up at MIPIM 2017 to promote international business investment in Florida.

FDIVIDEO: INTERNATIONAL TRADE
Increased international trade equals more jobs for Florida
IMPLANUpcoming PoweringFlorida® Resource Center Trainings: 
Register today for IMPLAN webinars
Want to learn how to evaluate the value of a new or existing project? Or Assess the tax impacts of a new company and demonstrate return on investment for financial incentives? Then you won't want to miss out on the upcoming PoweringFlorida® Resource Center trainings on our IMPLAN webinar trainings.

April 18 at 2 p.m. EST: Register here.
May 17 at 2 p.m. EST: Register here. 
In February 2017, Florida announced more than 920 jobs from competitive projects
Chewy.com to Create 600 Jobs at New E-Commerce Fulfillment Center in Ocala


Contact FPL's Office of Economic Development
Crystal Stiles, Director: 561-694-4112, crystal.stiles@fpl.com
Danielle Pickard, Project Manager: 561-694-3230, danielle.pickard@fpl.com
Mary Dempsey, Business Analyst: 561-691-7637, mary.dempsey@fpl.com
Cavario Jackson, Data Center Analyst: 561-694-3114, cavario.jackson@fpl.com