Corridor NEWS RELEASES

Florida High Tech Corridor Council to Receive Award at Economic Development Conference

Heathrow, FL-based Entity Recognized for Educational Institution Partnership

Heathrow, Fla. (October 6, 2009) –Acknowledging the Florida High Tech Corridor Council (FHTCC) as an exceptional educational institution partnership, the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) will present an award to the Heathrow, Florida-based organization at IEDC's Annual Conference, which is scheduled to take place in Reno, Nevada, October 4-7.  FHTCC will be noticed for this achievement during an awards ceremony this evening.

"Furthering economic development is rarely a simple task in the best of times, and advancing the cause in the midst of a global financial crisis is nothing less than arduous," said Ian Bromley, IEDC chair. "As the consequences of the widespread economic turmoil have taken hold, we have seen our members become even more ardent proponents of economic development, flying in the face of one of the most challenging economic environments we have experienced in our careers. We proudly present this award to the Florida High Tech Corridor Council for its superior work during these difficult times."

Competing in the category of Partnerships with Educational Institutions by organizations serving areas with populations exceeding 200,000, FHTCC was a clear standout.  Established by the Florida Legislature in 1996, FHTCC is a partnership of the University of Central Florida, the University of South Florida and the University of Florida.  It represents a partnership combining the academic and research strengths of three educational institutions to grow high tech industry and the workforce to support it along the 23-county Florida High Tech Corridor.  The council was created to align naturally competitive local economic development groups into a force for regional economic growth.  Additionally, recognizing that workforce development includes both an early approach to career selection and meeting the needs of employers for certificate-level employees, as well as college graduates, FHTCC was devised to establish a broad coalition for workforce development.  Together, the universities leverage research, marketing and workforce development resources in collaboration with 25 economic development organizations and 14 community and state colleges.

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is headquartered in Washington, DC.  Its mission is to provide leadership and excellence in economic development for communities, members and partners.  IEDC's professional economic development awards annually recognize excellence in the economic development profession.