Manatee County
  Recently Assisted Expansions/Relocations 
Overview
While the headlines have been full of gloom and doom scenarios about the economy, a host of diverse businesses providing higher-than-average-wage jobs has been quietly expanding in Manatee County. Most serve global markets and either create or use technology, thus demanding the knowledge workers who tend to command a higher wage. Their diversity of industries and markets bodes well for Manatee County’s long-term economic future. See a sampling of companies below.
Companies on the Move - 2013
Mercedes Medical
February 14, 2013  Mercedes Medical, an international distributor of laboratory and medical products, is expanding its Bradenton area facility and plans to add 47 new jobs over the next five years, according to Sharon Hillstrom, president and chief executive officer of the Bradenton Area Economic Development Corp. (EDC).
The company, which located in the Bradenton area in 1993, is leasing and renovating the former Merita Bakery building at 1073 Tallevast Road in South Manatee County to house a 4,800-square-foot call center for telesales. The location is adjacent to Mercedes’ main facility where the company employs 64.
The company’s primary market divisions – Clinical Lab and Histology Lab – serve more than 7,000 customers in labs, hospitals and the physician marketplace throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Mercedes’ sales for 2012 exceeded $25 million.
“Our sales have been growing 10 percent annually, and this expansion will allow us to double our sales force to 50 team members, in addition to adding other support positions,” said Mercedes Chief Executive Officer Alex Miller. “Our goal for 2013 is $30 million in revenue, and $50 million by the end of 2015.”
“The Bradenton Area EDC has worked with Mercedes Medical on the company’s previous growth initiatives,” Hillstrom said. “A fine employer with an impressive track record for both revenue growth and community involvement, Mercedes has proven that the Bradenton area is an excellent location for businesses serving national and international health care markets.”
To accelerate Mercedes’ expansion and hiring, the Manatee Board of County Commissioners qualified Mercedes to receive up to $111,000 in performance-based incentives as the company adds 47 quality jobs, at or above 115% of the local area wage of $35,633, over the next five years. The county also is assisting Mercedes with expedited permitting through the rapid response program. 
“Performance-based incentives, judiciously applied, are an important tool that the Manatee Board of County Commissioners can use to help spur job creation for local residents,” said Ed Hunzeker, Manatee County administrator. “Whether it’s a business from another state or country, or a local business like Mercedes Medical, Manatee County is ready with solutions in a business-friendly environment that encourages job growth.” A list of Manatee County's economic development incentives is available at www.mymanatee.org/econ_dev.
Motorworks Brewing 
February 13, 2013  The City of Bradenton gave the go-ahead today for Motorworks Brewing to create a full-production craft brewery, taproom and beer garden near downtown Bradenton. The business is slated to add 30 new jobs over the next five years, according to Sharon Hillstrom, president and chief executive officer of the Bradenton Area Economic Development Corp. (EDC).
“Located mid-way between the new downtown Riverwalk and McKechnie Field, the brewery is adjacent to the Village of the Arts, only two blocks from a new public parking garage and easily accessible to downtown,” said Denise Tschida. “In addition to a full-production brewery eventually distributing product across the United States, we plan to create a tourist destination featuring brewery tours, a taproom for tasting and a beer garden. Motorworks Brewing will be a popular draw along this exciting, growing corridor.”
“Motorworks Brewing is poised to become part of the exciting story of Bradenton’s revitalization,” Hillstrom said. “The EDC was able to bring together all the players who were essential to helping this business locate in Bradenton and invest in our community.”
The EDC assisted the company in working with the city and Manatee County Government on permitting and performance-based incentives for the new business, which is owned by Denise and Frank Tschida. The brewery will be located in an existing building the Tschidas are purchasing at 1014 9th Street West. The location is between downtown Bradenton and McKechnie Field, where the Pittsburgh Pirates hold spring training games and the Bradenton Marauders’ summer Minor League season. It is adjacent to the Village of the Arts and is within the 14th Street Community Redevelopment Area (CRA).
The Tschidas plan to open the taproom this spring with the brewery operation following by fall of this year. To accelerate the brewery’s renovation and hiring, the Manatee Board of County Commissioners approved $30,000 in performance-based incentives as the company adds 30 jobs at or above 115% of the local area wage of $35,633, over the next five years.  
“The estimated economic impact of the brewery in Bradenton over the next five years is expected to reach $1.8 million – contributing significantly to the 14th Street CRA,” said David Gustafson, executive director of Bradenton’s Downtown Development Authority. 
“The Manatee Board of County Commissioners was pleased to join with the City of Bradenton on this project to create manufacturing jobs, promote tourism and generate positive economic activity in an area targeted for redevelopment,” said Ed Hunzeker, Manatee County administrator. “Our entire community benefits as downtown Bradenton and other centers of economic activity in the county attract and retain businesses that provide good jobs for local residents.” A list of Manatee County's economic development incentives is available at www.mymanatee.org/econ_dev.
Radiant Power Corp.
January 16, 2103  Radiant Power Corp., designer and producer of power and sensor products for commercial aviation and marine, will expand its Manatee County facility for the second time in less than a year, which will lead to 16 new jobs during the next two years.
Governor Scott said, “Every job created helps a Florida family, and Radiant Power’s progress is more proof that Florida is headed in the right direction. Since December of 2010, our state has created over 200,000 private-sector jobs. Though we’ve made great progress, our work is not done until every Floridian who wants a job has the opportunity to get one.”
With business operations in the county since 1999, Radiant Power expanded its South Manatee facility last year to accommodate a larger engineering team for developing new products and added production space for a business it relocated from Hatsfield, Penn.  The current expansion will add 4,000 square feet to the 27,000-square-foot facility as the company integrates another product line being relocated from St. Charles, Ill.
Radiant Power’s products are underwater locator beacons that are used to locate aircraft cockpit voice recorders and flight data recorders, marine ship voyage recorders and various other devices which have been submerged under water.  The beacons are required equipment on all Federal Aviation Administration-approved recorders used in aircraft, and on similar systems used on large marine shipping vessels.
“This is our second expansion in less than a year, and we would not be able to grow our production and workforce at this rate without expedited assistance from the EDC [economic development corporation], Manatee County Government and the State of Florida,” said Anish Patel, president of Radiant Power.  “This latest expansion requires a capital investment of more than $650,000, which demonstrates our confidence in being able to deliver to global markets from our Manatee County location.”
Radiant Power’s past and future economic impact on the area is acknowledged by the Manatee County EDC.  “Radiant Power has a proven track record in our community for capital investment and job creation,” said Sharon Hillstrom, the EDC’s president & CEO.
“The company’s continued growth in Manatee County demonstrates the Bradenton area’s viability as a location for aviation and avionics-related manufacturing.” 
For its expansion project, Radiant Power has been approved for a state Qualified Target Industry incentive of $80,000, a tax refund that is paid after job and other contractual requirements are met.  It includes a $16,000 match from the Manatee Board of County Commissioners. The average annual wage of Radiant Power’s 16 new jobs will pay 15 percent more than the county’s average yearly wage.  
Partnering to bring this project to fruition were Enterprise Florida Inc., Manatee County Board of County Commissioners and Manatee County EDC.
“The Manatee Board of County Commissioners is focused on providing a business-friendly environment that spurs job creation for local residents,” said Ed Hunzeker, Manatee County administrator.  “Carefully applying performance-based incentives and expediting permitting, where appropriate, are tools that give Manatee County an edge in competing for business expansion.”
It Works Global
January 16, 2013   International direct sales company It Works Global will relocate and expand its corporate headquarters with the purchase of Riverside Plaza on the riverfront in downtown Palmetto, Fla., according to Palmetto Mayor Shirley Groover Bryant, speaking for the city and its Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA).
“The City of Palmetto’s redevelopment plan is in full swing with the addition of our newest corporate partner, It Works Global,” Bryant said. “The jobs and increase to the tax base will help spur even more private investment and encourage our local restaurants and businesses on the north side of the Manatee River." 
In 2012, It Works Global was ranked as one of the fastest growing U.S. companies nationwide by Inc. 500. The company moved to Manatee County in 2011 with assistance from the Manatee Economic Development Corp. (EDC), Manatee County Government and the State of Florida. The business currently has 59 employees and growing in Manatee County, with over 40,000 independent distributors around the world.
“With the purchase of the new building and expanding our corporate headquarters in Palmetto, we are so excited to have the ability to completely renovate the space to become an innovative office that embraces our youthful and energetic corporate culture,” said Mark Pentecost, chief executive officer of It Works Global. “Between Stoneybrook Golf Club in Bradenton and now our headquarters in Palmetto, we are looking forward to sharing Manatee County with our employees, guests, and independent distributors.”
"The EDC maintains close relationships with companies we assist, and we worked with It Works Global to identify opportunities to expand their corporate headquarters here in Manatee County,” said Sharon Hillstrom, president and chief executive officer of the EDC.  “The Riverside Plaza property and the Palmetto CRA's redevelopment plans seemed like a natural fit. We made the connection between the two, and they closed the deal. We are excited to see this dynamic company grow in our community."
"Under Sharon Hillstrom, the EDC has really embraced all of Manatee County," said Jeff Burton, Palmetto CRA director. "They have worked very hard for all of us."
It Works Global has been awarded a Downtown Commercial Core Redevelopment Incentive package from the CRA and has used EPA environmental assessment grants made available through the Sarasota Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). The building, located in the newly created Palmetto Economic Enhancement District, allows It Works Global to apply for state economic brownfield incentives.
The CRA encourages local vendor opportunities through its incentive packages. Palmetto architectural firm Moore 2 Design is designing the It Works Global redevelopment project.
Companies on the Move - 2012
JRL Enterprises 
October 30, 2012  Cape Coral-based JRL Enterprises Inc. plans to purchase the former Wellcraft manufacturing facility in South Manatee County to expand the composite tool-making business of an affiliated business, JRL Ventures Inc. The expansion is projected to create 80 new jobs over three years, according to Sharon Hillstrom, president and chief executive officer of the Manatee Economic Development Corp. (MEDC).
“The former Wellcraft facility has been sitting idle since 2008 when the marine manufacturing operation was moved,” Hillstrom said. “We are pleased to work with Bob Long, whose engineering and custom composite manufacturing business will bring this large property back to life with high-impact jobs.”  Long, who worked as president of Wellcraft in Manatee County from 1976 through the 1980s, is the owner and chief executive officer of JRL Enterprises, its affiliate, JRL Ventures (www.jrlventuresinc.com), and an associated business, Marine Concepts (www.marineconcepts.com). When Long and his wife, Karen, purchased Marine Concepts in 1994, the company had 15 employees. Today it has 135. The companies provide highly sophisticated design engineering and manufacturing of composite-material plugs and molds used by other manufacturers to create parts and products. The companies’ work is used in a wide array of finished products, such as flight simulators, boats and even rocket parts such as nose cones for NASA. 
“We are busting at the seams at our current locations in Cape Coral and Pine Island,” Long said. “We searched in Lee County for an appropriate facility and considered out-of-state opportunities, but we ultimately turned to Manatee County where I had worked for so long. The former Wellcraft facility has the elements we need, such as size, ventilation and some necessary equipment. It’s virtually ready to house our expanded operations right away, which is essential to our meeting production schedules for our customers.”
“Thankfully, Florida was able to accommodate JRL’s expansion needs, which has positioned the state for 80 new jobs,” said Enterprise Florida President & CEO Gray Swoope.  “The teamwork and commitment to supporting JRL that was demonstrated in this project reflects our state’s business-friendly culture.”  Manatee County Government, Enterprise Florida and the Manatee Economic Development Corporation were among the partners who helped to bring this expansion to fruition.
In addition to purchasing the property, Long says the company is purchasing an additional, large 5-Axis CNC robotic router that will operate at the new Manatee County location at a cost of almost $1 million installed. The substantial capital investment the company will make in buying the property and additional equipment, combined with the potential for creating 80 new jobs and preserving at least 120 existing Florida jobs, qualified JRL Ventures for state and county economic development incentives. The State of Florida has committed $192,000, while Manatee County Government approved up to $48,000 in performance-based incentives. To qualify for the incentives, the company must create 80 jobs over three years with an average annual wage of at least $34,556, which is equivalent to the county average. The project also qualified for the state’s “brownfield” program, which could provide up to $160,000 in sales tax rebates as a preexisting environmental condition is cured.  Potential job candidates should monitor the company’s website at www.marineconcepts.com and send resumes to info@marineconcepts.com, or apply in person at 1651 Whitfield Ave, Sarasota (Manatee County) 34243.
“The Manatee Board of County Commissioners is focused on maintaining a business-friendly environment that invites private-sector job creation,” said Ed Hunzeker, Manatee County administrator. “Appropriate use of economic development incentives for qualified projects helps Manatee County successfully compete as a location for growth industries that provide higher wage jobs.” A list of Manatee County's economic development incentives is available at www.mymanatee.org/econ_dev.
Air Products
July 26, 2012  Drawn by Port Manatee and regional workforce training services, Fortune 300 global industrial gases company Air Products (NYSE: APD) plans to create 250 new manufacturing jobs over five years at a major facility in Manatee County, according to Sharon Hillstrom, president and chief executive officer of the Manatee Economic Development Corp. (MEDC).  “This project has been several months in the making with collaboration from numerous agencies of government, as well as regional workforce training providers,” Hillstrom said. “The company’s need to be near a deep-water port and to train the new employees it will require for highly specialized manufacturing gave Manatee County the edge over competing communities for these high-impact jobs.”
Air Products (www.airproducts.com) plans to purchase 30 acres at Eastport Industrial Park in Palmetto near Port Manatee. The company plans a 300,000-square-foot facility to manufacture equipment that processes natural gas into liquid form for easier transport to markets. The company, which has a similar facility in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., will use Port Manatee to ship the large machines worldwide.  “Air Products investigated potential locations in the East Coast and Gulf Coast regions, looking for the right combination of deep-water port access and workforce availability,” said Sandy McLauchlin, general manager at the company’s Wilkes-Barre facility. “The Manatee EDC was instrumental in identifying possible properties that would meet our requirements. Both local and state government officials have also been very supportive of our efforts in Manatee County. They offered a number of programs to assist Air Products in assessing possible sites and supporting a tight schedule for construction.”
The substantial capital investment the company will make in its facility and equipment, combined with the potential for job creation, qualified Air Products for state and county economic development incentives. The State of Florida has committed $1.75 million, while Manatee County Government approved up to $680,000 in performance-based incentives. The county also approved a transportation impact fee incentive estimated at $46,876. To qualify for the incentives, the company must create 250 jobs over five years with an annual average wage that is approximately 25 percent higher than the county average.
“Air Products’ investment in Florida demonstrates our success in recruiting job-producing companies that strengthen our economy as well as our business climate,” said Governor Rick Scott.  “This expansion is welcome news for Manatee County and our state as a whole.”  In addition to the government-funded incentives, Air Products qualified for FPL's new economic development rate, designed to help attract new companies to the state of Florida, as part of the incentive package. The program reduces Air Products' base electric rate for four years and could generate significant savings for the company.  
CareerEdge pledged $100,000 for Air Products’ new employees to receive customized training in welding at Manatee Technical Institute. CareerEdge is a private, non-profit, regional workforce funders’ collaborative that works to align training with the needs of employers in selected industries, such as manufacturing.  In addition to the company’s capital investment and job creation, Air Products’ ongoing need for services at Port Manatee made the project even more attractive as a boon to the local economy, Hillstrom said. Port officials and the Manatee EDC have been eyeing this potential since the county created an incentive zone around the port, and the port’s facilities have been expanded and upgraded.
“This is one of the most substantial job-generating projects the Manatee Board of County Commissioners has considered for economic development incentives,” said Ed Hunzeker, Manatee County administrator. “The scope of investment the company is making in our community, the jobs to be created, the higher wage level and the company’s ongoing need for Port Manatee’s services will make Air Products a valuable addition to our economy.” A list of Manatee County's economic development incentives is available at www.mymanatee.org/econ_dev.  With annual sales of approximately $10 billion in fiscal 2011, Air Products has more than 18,000 employees in over 40 countries. The company produces semiconductor materials, refinery hydrogen, coal gasification, natural gas liquefaction, and advanced coatings and adhesives.
Orbeco-Hellige Inc.
July 16, 2012  Orbeco-Hellige Inc., which manufactures instruments and products for testing water and wastewater, is expanding operations at its existing Manatee County facility and plans to add seven jobs over five years, according to Sharon Hillstrom, president & CEO of the Manatee Economic Development Corp. (MEDC).  The company, which moved its U.S. operations to Manatee County from Long Island in 2008, will convert warehouse space at the 16,000-square-foot facility in South Manatee County to accommodate a testing lab and additional production. The Manatee Board of County Commissioners approved $14,000 in performance-based incentives to facilitate the project. The seven jobs that Orbeco-Hellige plans to add will pay 50 percent more on average than the county average wage.
The U.S. subsidiary of Tintometer GmbH of Germany, Orbeco-Hellige (www.orbeco.com) produces instruments for water analysis and products that measure color in water. The water analysis instruments serve the municipal and industrial water and wastewater markets, and the color products serve primarily the edible oil and petroleum markets. The company’s worldwide markets include industry, public health, science and medicine.  “We are the center for sales, service and support for North and South America for our parent company. The Manatee County, Florida location allows us to easily support our core regions and provides a great quality of life for our employees,” said Brad Martell, president at Orbeco-Hellige.
“The Manatee EDC helped us considerably with both our relocation from New York in 2008, as well as with this recent expansion,” Martell said. ”They assisted us with applying for incentives, finding and training new employees, and connecting us to the local business community. Manatee County Government assisted us with rapid response permitting and incentives for job creation.”  “When Orbeco-Hellige moved to Manatee County, the company expected to hire eight employees locally, and today has 11 full-time employees,” Hillstrom said. “The knowledge-based jobs the company is adding with this production expansion are the kind of high-impact jobs that, along with other growing companies, will help fuel economic recovery.”
“When the Manatee Board of County Commissioners established the economic development incentive program, their intent was to help accelerate job creation in the community,” said Ed Hunzeker, Manatee County administrator. “Because the grants are performance-based, companies must follow through on their commitments to hire and retain employees at a certain wage level.” A list of Manatee County's economic development incentives is available at www.mymanatee.org/econ_dev.
Bioni USA and Americas LLC 
July 11, 2012  Bioni USA and Americas LLC -- a distributor of advanced coatings for walls, roofs and ceilings -- is consolidating its U.S. operations at a single location in Manatee County and plans to add 28 jobs over five years, according to Sharon Hillstrom, president & CEO of the Manatee Economic Development Corp. (MEDC).  The company will combine its current distribution operation located in Palmetto with a Sarasota headquarters and sales office at a 1,950-square-foot facility in South Manatee County. The Manatee Board of County Commissioners approved $56,000 in performance-based incentives to facilitate the project. The 28 jobs that Bioni USA and Americas plans to add will pay 50 percent more on average than the county average wage.

Based in Germany, Bioni has developed a U.S. patented, non-toxic environmentally safe coating that can permanently prevent mold, mildew, drug resistant bacteria (MRSA, VRE), and other harmful micro-organisms -- such as E. Coli and Listeria -- from growing on the Bioni-coated walls, ceilings and doors. Bioni’s exterior wall and roof products provide the same protection, along with heat deflection properties that can save up to 38 percent on energy costs, said Kevin Hanley, managing director and partner for Bioni USA and Americas LLC (www.Bioni-USA.com).  “The efficiency we will gain from having more space and bringing our U.S. headquarters and distribution under one roof will help us meet increasing demand for the cutting-edge Bioni products we import from Germany,” Hanley said. “Local incentives will help expedite our consolidation and expansion, as well as the hiring and training of additional employees.”

Bioni’s Palmetto and Sarasota facilities currently employ four.. The company should be operating in its new location by August.  Job candidates may contact Bioni USA at 941-926-5881 for more information after Aug. 12.  “Because one of the company’s existing locations is in Sarasota, we worked with our economic development colleagues in Sarasota County to keep this growing enterprise with international ties in our region,” Hillstrom said. The MEDC assisted the company with its site search and in applying for county incentives and rapid response permitting.  “Carefully applied incentives and rapid response permitting can help accelerate job growth for local residents,” said Ed Hunzeker, Manatee County administrator. “The Manatee Board of County Commissioners is intensely focused on this mission.” A list of Manatee County's economic development incentives is available at www.mymanatee.org/econ_dev
Radiant Power Corp. 
July 9, 2012  Radiant Power Corp. -- a leading designer and maker of backup power and cabin power management products for commercial aviation -- is expanding its Manatee County facility and plans to add 26 jobs over five years, according to Sharon Hillstrom, president of the Manatee Economic Development Corp. (MEDC).  The company, which located in Manatee County in 1999, will expand by 6,300 square feet its 20,000-square-foot facility in South Manatee County. The expansion will accommodate an expanded engineering team for developing new products, as well as more production space necessitated by the purchase of a business that Radiant Power is relocating from Hatsfield, Penn.  The Manatee Board of County Commissioners approved $26,000 in performance-based incentives and an estimated $1,343 in transportation impact fee incentives to facilitate the project. The 26 jobs that Radiant Power plans to add will pay 15 percent more on average than the county average wage.
A wholly-owned subsidiary of HEICO Corp., Radiant Power (www.radiantpowercorp.com) designs and manufactures custom power supplies, inverters and lighting controls for aviation applications. Radiant Power’s products are on all production models of Boeing aircraft, as well as numerous regional jets and business jets.  “With assistance from the Manatee EDC and Manatee County Government, we will be able to accelerate our expansion and hiring, which enables us to meet growing demand as the aviation sector continues to recover from the recession,” Patel said. “We have already filled two engineering positions and anticipate adding production staff before the end of the year.”  Radiant Power currently employs 64 team members in Manatee County. Job candidates may send their resumes or inquiries to hr@radiantpowercorp.com. 
“It is encouraging to see Manatee County’s aviation sector expanding again,” Hillstrom said. “The knowledge-based jobs that predominate in manufacturing related to aviation and avionics tend to pay higher wages.” The MEDC assisted the company in applying for county incentives and rapid response permitting for the expansion project.  “The Manatee Board of County Commissioners recognizes that having a business-friendly reputation is a key to attracting business expansion and relocation,” said Ed Hunzeker, Manatee County administrator. “We are reinforcing that reputation by judiciously applying job-creation incentives and expediting the permitting process when appropriate.” A list of Manatee County's economic development incentives is available at www.mymanatee.org/econ_dev.
Sun Hydraulics Corp.
May 15, 2012  Sun Hydraulics Corp. (NASDAQ: SNHY) has started construction on a 78,000-square-foot manufacturing facility adjacent to its existing operations in South Manatee County, according to Sharon Hillstrom, president of the Manatee Economic Development Corp. The expansion – Sun’s third manufacturing facility in the Manatee-Sarasota region – could lead to 361 new jobs over the next five years, potentially bringing Sun’s total employment in the region to over 1,000.  In 2011, Sun Hydraulics completed construction on improvements to utilities to serve the existing building at 701 Tallevast Road and the new building at 803 Tallevast. Combined capital investment for the utilities project and the new manufacturing facility is estimated at $19 million. Also in 2011, Sun renovated its headquarters and manufacturing facility in Sarasota County at a cost of approximately $1.5 million.
“We have begun site work for a third factory in the local Manatee-Sarasota area and expect capital spending of approximately $6 million in 2012 related to the building,” stated Allen Carlson, Sun’s CEO and president. “We look forward to the additional capacity being completed in mid-2013.”  Sun Hydraulics designs and manufactures high performance screw-in hydraulic cartridge valves and manifolds which are used to control force, speed and motion as integral components in fluid power systems. Sun’s products allow machine designers to develop innovative and efficient control systems for all types of capital goods. Sun’s customers are located across the globe. The company has approximately 900 total employees around the world, approximately 700 of which are located in Manatee-Sarasota.
“By adding a third facility in the Manatee-Sarasota area, Sun Hydraulics proves the viability of our region as a location for specialty manufacturers with a global reach,” Hillstrom said. The MEDC collaborated with Manatee County Government for economic development incentives and the rapid response permitting program.  Sun qualified for a total of $396,420 in performance-based incentives from Manatee County Government, as well as an estimated $76,580 in transportation impact fee incentives. The incentives are based on the company’s adding 361 jobs over five years at an average annual salary that is 15 percent higher than the county average.  “Sun Hydraulics has been an excellent corporate citizen and employer in Manatee County for many years, and this latest expansion signals the company’s ongoing commitment to this region,” said Ed Hunzeker, Manatee County administrator. “The Manatee Board of County Commissioners is dedicated to accelerating the pace of job growth in the community. Performance-based incentives and a business-friendly approach are essential to this effort.” A list of Manatee County's economic development incentives is available at www.mymanatee.org/econ_dev.
Veethree Electronics & Marine LLC
May 10, 2012  Veethree Electronics & Marine LLC, OEM supplier of mechanical and electronic instrumentation, has purchased a new, larger manufacturing facility in south Manatee County and plans to add 20 jobs to the current staff of 65 by 2015, according to Sharon Hillstrom, president of the Manatee Economic Development Corporation.  “Consistent growth over the years, coupled with the successful launch of new products, has enabled Veethree to commit and expand the breadth of our operations by purchasing a state of the art manufacturing facility in Bradenton, Florida,” said Steve Nelson, Veethree product manager. “Participating in state and local economic development incentives and Manatee County’s rapid response permitting program will allow us to accelerate our move to the new facility and expand production to meet customer demand.”  
The Manatee Board of County Commissioners approved $12,000 in performance-based incentives, and the State of Florida committed $48,000 to accelerate the company’s hiring and capital investment. In addition, the company qualified for expedited permitting from Manatee County Government to renovate the new location, a 52,000-square-foot facility at 2050 47th Terrace East in Bradenton.  "Veethree Electronics’ expansion continues a positive trend of manufacturing growth in Manatee County,” said Gray Swoope, president and CEO of Enterprise Florida Inc., the state’s lead economic development organization. “The expansion is helping us strengthen the state’s manufacturing base, and we value Veethree as a business partner and community supporter.”  
Founded in 1976, Veethree (www.v3instruments.com) has a worldwide presence as an OEM, defense and aftermarket supplier of instrumentation, clusters, sensors and switches. In 2009, Veethree located its global engineering headquarters in Manatee County through acquiring the assets of the Gauge Division of Teleflex Inc. that closed operations in Lakewood Ranch. Veethree hired more than 50 people whose jobs would have been lost when Teleflex closed. Veethree continued to manufacture the existing Teleflex product line serving the marine and industrial markets in its 35,000-sq.-ft. Manatee County facility. The company expects to occupy their new facility by July 2012.  “Since arriving in Manatee County in 2009 and preserving 50 existing jobs, Veethree has grown its staff to 65 and now plans to add another 20 over the next few years,” Hillstrom said. “This type of specialty manufacturing firm with a strong engineering focus is vital to efforts to diversify Manatee County’s economy.”
“The Manatee Board of County Commissioners is strongly focused on creating a business friendly climate that helps companies accelerate job growth for local residents,” said Ed Hunzeker, Manatee County administrator. “The Veethree expansion demonstrates the value of this approach as the company has continued to grow and create new jobs in Manatee County.” 
IRISS
April 5, 2012  IRISS, which manufactures infrared windows for inspecting industrial electrical equipment, will consolidate its U.K.-based manufacturing operation and U.S. headquarters at a new global headquarters to be constructed in Manatee County, according to Sharon Hillstrom, president of the Manatee Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).  IRISS plans to add 20 positions over three years at the facility in Lakewood Ranch Commerce Center beginning in 2013.  The Manatee Board of County Commissioners recently approved $12,000 in performance-based incentives, and the State of Florida also committed $48,000 to accelerate the company’s hiring and capital investment. In addition, IRISS qualified for expedited permitting and approximately $6,393 in transportation impact fee mitigation from Manatee County Government.
“Our phenomenal growth of 69 percent year over year is driving the decision to co-locate our manufacturing and global headquarters in Manatee County,” said Martin Robinson, IRISS chief executive officer.  “We were particularly attracted by the airports and road network, plus the area’s appeal for our clients from northern states who will attend our learning center classes and conferences.”  “IRISS’ selection of Manatee County validates Florida as an avid supporter of new companies and a state that embraces the opportunities they can bring to our citizens and communities,” said Gray Swoope, president & CEO of Enterprise Florida Inc., the state’s chief economic development organization.  “We’re providing the kind of atmosphere, talent and resources that help companies like IRISS enhance their growth and productivity.”  
IRISS makes industrial-grade infrared windows that are used by industrial customers such as electric utilities and others that deal with high-voltage electrical equipment. IRISS Infrared Windows use infrared cameras that can see the infrared energy given off by problems such as corrosion that may affect electrical switchgear or transformers. The IRISS window allows technicians to monitor equipment and intervene before dangerous problems develop, Robinson said. IRISS is also an industry leader providing training programs and expertise to clients.  IRISS currently operates three headquarters facilities around the world: IRISS Ltd. EMEA Headquarters in Chelmsford Essex in the United Kingdom, IRISS-Asia Pty Ltd. APAC Headquarters in Australia, and the U.S. headquarters in Bradenton where IRISS has eight employees. The new, $5.7-million-dollar global headquarters in Manatee County will be 33,000 square feet and will include manufacturing and support operations. The company will invest $1.2 million in equipment and will provide a training center for clients who will visit to learn about infrared inspection and earn industry certification. The project is scheduled for completion in mid-2013.  Fred M. Starling Inc. is the contractor and Fleischman Garcia is the architect.
“The IRISS project demonstrates Manatee County’s viability as a destination for international manufacturing and global headquarters for fast-growing companies,” said Hillstrom, whose organization assisted IRISS in applying for state and local incentives, as well as expedited permitting. The MEDC also is working with IRISS on possible training grants. “We are excited about the prospects for IRISS to grow its employee base here and to attract clients to the training center from other states, which allows us to showcase Manatee County to other businesses,” she said.  The 20 positions that IRISS plans to add at the new Manatee County facility will be in various roles. Potential job candidates should monitor the company’s website at www.iriss.com.
“IRISS had many options for consolidating its manufacturing and global headquarters, including doing so close to home in the United Kingdom,” said Ed Hunzeker, Manatee County administrator. “The judicious use of performance-based incentives and expedited permitting is helping Manatee County compete for the better-paying jobs that are associated with technology manufacturing and other desirable, high-growth businesses.”  A list of Manatee County's economic development incentives is available at www.mymanatee.org/econ_dev.
Hobart Ground Power 
April 4, 2012  GSE Holdings Inc.,  a subsidiary of Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE: ITW) that manufactures aircraft ground support equipment and accessories, plans to relocate its Hobart Ground Power business from Troy, Ohio to Palmetto in Manatee County, Florida. The move will result in an additional 42 jobs in 2012 at an expanded facility that Hobart will share with two existing GSE businesses – Trilectron Industries and ITW Military GSE, according to Sharon Hillstrom, president of the Manatee Economic Development Corp. (MEDC).  “Hobart Ground Power is a welcome addition to Florida’s business community and represents further growth in the state’s aircraft equipment manufacturing,” said Gray Swoope, president & CEO of Enterprise Florida Inc., the state’s lead economic development organization.  “GSE Holding’s choice of Palmetto for this relocation reflects our state’s as well as Manatee County’s ability to attract and retain progressive corporations in a very competitive marketplace.”
Hobart Ground Power (www.itwgsegroup.com) designs and manufactures equipment that delivers power to aircraft on the ground. All of Hobart’s functions are moving to the facility in Palmetto, which will be expanded from 83,000 square feet to almost 100,000 square feet, according to Glenn Greco, human resources manager at GSE Holdings Inc. The facility currently houses GSE’s Trilectron Industries and ITW Military GSE businesses, which employ approximately 105 in Palmetto. Trilectron specializes in air conditioning systems used to cool commercial aircraft on the ground, while ITW Military GSE provides ground support equipment for military aircraft and Navy ships.  “A number of factors including economic recovery, expansion into new markets and new product development are driving Hobart’s growth,” Greco said. “As we reviewed our options, co-locating with our other business units in an expanded facility in Palmetto, Florida was the best business decision.”
To facilitate Hobart’s move and expansion, the Manatee Board of County Commissioners approved $42,000 in performance-based incentives, and the State of Florida committed $168,000. In addition, Manatee County approved transportation impact fee incentives estimated at $3,836, as well as expedited permitting from Manatee County Government to renovate the expanded location at 11001 U.S. 41 N, Palmetto.  “We welcome this expansion of GSE Holdings’ operation in Manatee County, which further demonstrates our community’s appeal as a manufacturing location for companies from the Midwest and other regions of the United States,” said Hillstrom. “We are also thrilled to retain and grow Manatee County’s relationship with an industry giant like Illinois Tool Works, the parent company of GSE Holdings.” ITW has approximately 49,000 employees in 600 decentralized business units operating in 44 countries.
The MEDC assisted GSE Holdings in applying for state and local incentives, as well as expedited permitting. The MEDC also is working with the company on workforce recruitment and training services. The new positions at Hobart will be in office, professional, engineering and production roles, Greco said. Job postings will be available at www.itw.com.  “The Manatee Board of County Commissioners is focused on helping local businesses grow and helping them to provide high-impact jobs to local residents,” said Ed Hunzeker, Manatee County administrator. “Performance-based incentives and expedited permitting, when carefully applied and managed, are essential tools for our community to compete for good jobs.” A list of Manatee County's economic development incentives is available at www.mymanatee.org/econ_dev.  “The MEDC played a critical role in guiding our company to available training grants, faster permitting, and other incentives available through the state and county,” Greco said. “By helping to expedite our move and facility expansion, these agencies cooperating together are also helping us ramp up to hire and train our workforce to support Hobart’s growth.”
DENTSPLY Raintree Essix Glenroe 
March 14, 2012  Dental products manufacturer DENTSPLY Raintree Essix Glenroe is consolidating operations from three facilities into one location in Manatee County, a move that is expected to preserve 150 local jobs and add 48 positions in 2012, according to Sharon Hillstrom, president of the Manatee Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).  DENTSPLY is filling positions now, although the consolidation will not be complete until August.  The Manatee Board of County Commissioners approved $48,000 in performance-based incentives, and the State of Florida committed $288,000 to accelerate the company’s hiring and capital investment. In addition, the company qualified for expedited permitting from Manatee County Government to renovate the new location, formerly known as the Hi-Stat Building, at 7290 26th Court East in south Manatee County.
The company, which is a business unit of DENTSPLY International Inc. (NASDAQ: XRAY), will consolidate operations from two Bradenton facilities and one located in Baldwin, Ga., according to Brad Clatt, business unit manager for DENTSPLY Raintree Essix Glenroe.  “Since 2008, the DENTSPLY Raintree Essix Glenroe business has nearly doubled in volume, pushing the limits of our available manufacturing space. As we analyzed options for consolidation and expansion, we determined that Florida’s high concentration of medical device manufacturers and suppliers makes the state very attractive for the volume of products and services we require to support our operations,” Clatt said. “From a local perspective, leaders in Manatee County not only share our vision for growth, but continue to invest in key sectors of life sciences and biotechnology, which are consistent with our long-term interests.  We’d like to see the county attract more companies like us who think globally, but invest locally.” 
The company’s operations in Manatee County will encompass more than 20 injection molding machines, high-speed cutting systems and resin extruders, as well as sales, marketing, and support functions. The new facility will house more than 200 associates to serve orthodontic and dental customers in 38 countries worldwide, with room to grow, Clatt said.  DENTSPLY Raintree Essix Glenroe also serves as a manufacturing “Center of Expertise,” providing manufacturing services for other DENTSPLY International business units. The $2.8-billion parent company is one of the world's largest makers of professional dental products and has recently expanded into consumable medical devices.  The company is currently seeking to fill various positions in manufacturing, production and support. Potential job candidates should monitor the company’s website at www.essix.com and send resumes to essix.jobs@dentsply.com, or apply in person at 1912 44th Avenue East in Bradenton.
“When DENTSPLY merged the locally-owned Glenroe business with DENTSPLY’S Raintree Essix division in 2008, the staff in Manatee County grew. We have every expectation that this new consolidation and expansion will mean additional high-impact jobs, as well as retaining the 150 positions we stood to lose if the company could not find a suitable location here,” said Hillstrom. “This move also puts a long-vacant asset back to work -- the 125,000-square-foot building that once housed Hi-Stat Manufacturing.”   The MEDC assisted DENTSPLY Raintree Essix Glenroe in applying for state and local incentives, as well as expedited permitting. The MEDC also is working with the company on workforce recruitment and training services.
“DENTSPLY Raintree Essix Glenroe has demonstrated its commitment to hiring and sourcing supplies locally,” said Ed Hunzeker, Manatee County administrator. “By carefully applying performance-based incentives and expedited permitting, the Manatee Board of County Commissioners is helping local businesses grow and provide high-impact jobs to local residents.” A list of Manatee County's economic development incentives is available at www.mymanatee.org/econ_dev.  “This business expansion project is a testament to the ability of both state and Manatee County to help companies develop solutions to their business needs.  It also reflects our success in stimulating economic and job growth in targeted industries and focus areas; in this case, manufacturing and life sciences.” said Gray Swoope, president and CEO of Enterprise Florida Inc., the state’s principal economic development organization.  “We’re pleased that DENTSPLY chose Florida to broaden its operations and remain a member of our business community.”
“The Manatee EDC, Manatee County Government and Enterprise Florida (the state’s economic development arm) have been terrific partners in this effort,” Clatt said. “The MEDC understands what we are trying to do in Florida and has become a true business partner to our organization. The economic development incentives and project support from the county and state made this consolidation project attainable. “  “We are investing over $2.5 million in facility improvements in six months while operating against very aggressive timelines,” Clatt said. “The combination of the county’s rapid response team and working with capable local contractors and suppliers like Geiger Construction, D&D Painting and Manson Roofing to name a few, helped our business tackle a large-scale job on time and on budget. This is a great example of the cooperation a business needs to succeed and grow in a community.”
Hot Brands International 
March 5, 2012  Hot Brands International (HBI), a restaurant company based in Toronto, Canada, has established its U.S. headquarters in Lakewood Ranch in Manatee County, Florida. Hot Brands International Inc. USA (HBI USA) plans to add 12 corporate office employees and will launch a new fast-casual concept in the region over the next three years, according to Sharon Hillstrom, president of the Manatee Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).  "HBI’s choice of Florida confirms that our state’s business climate is ripe for corporate headquarters establishment,” said Gray Swoope, president & CEO of Enterprise Florida Inc., the state’s lead economic development organization.  “This announcement is great news for Florida, and we look forward to having HBI as a member of the Manatee County business community.”

The Manatee Board of County Commissioners recently approved $12,000 in performance-based incentives, and the State of Florida also committed $48,000 to accelerate the company’s location and hiring. HBI USA is currently located in Lakewood Ranch.  The parent company owns several businesses worldwide that develop, own and operate ethnic and casual-dining restaurants in the United Arab Emirates and other countries throughout the world, including India. HBI has more than 800 employees worldwide.  “We are excited to launch our U.S. presence in Florida with a completely new concept,” said Kanak Bal, HBI vice president of business development. “While our global headquarters is in Canada, this will be our first restaurant venture in North America. Florida is a great incubator for new restaurant concepts because of its demographic makeup. People enjoy dining out and are increasingly more willing to branch out into ethnic food.”  “Much of the United States remains underserved in terms of healthy, contemporary and quick ethnic cuisine,” Bal said. “HBI looks forward to bringing our newest concept to the region.”  In addition to the corporate office positions, the new concept will require about 2,500 square feet of space and approximately 25 restaurant employees per unit, Bal said. 
According to Bal, HBI’s Dubai operation is one of the fastest growing food-service companies in the region, with over 70 units under nine quick-service, casual-dining and fine-dining branded concepts. These restaurants include Indian, Chinese, Italian, Thai and Japanese cuisine and reflect the flavors and cultures of the countries they represent.   “Hot Brands International has more than 20 years of experience creating, launching and growing successful restaurant brands,” said Hillstrom. “The corporate office jobs and the prospect of multiple locations should deliver more employment opportunities for our community.” The MEDC assisted HBI in applying for county and state incentives, while providing information on other business resources available to the company.  
“The corporate office positions that HBI offers will pay at least 15 percent more than the county average wage. By carefully applying  performance-based incentives and providing efficient services to growing businesses, the Manatee Board of County Commissioners is accelerating job creation for local residents,” said Ed Hunzeker, Manatee County administrator. 
Feld Entertainment, Inc.
January 30, 2012   - Feld Entertainment, Inc., in conjunction with the Manatee Economic Development Corporation, officials from the State of Florida and Manatee County Government, today are pleased to announce the new location for the company’s worldwide production headquarters in Ellenton, Fla.  Feld Entertainment produces the most well-known brands in live family entertainment, including Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey®, Disney On Ice, Disney Live!, Monster Jam and other Feld Motor Sports productions. The company’s new Ellenton global production facility will allow for growth that cannot be accommodated at the company’s current location in nearby Palmetto.
“We are very excited to move our global operations headquarters to this new location,” said Feld Entertainment Chairman and CEO Kenneth Feld. “This new facility will enable us to consolidate many of our operations in Ellenton so that we can continue to create the high quality live family entertainment spectaculars that our customers around the world expect. We are grateful to the State of Florida and Governor Rick Scott, the Manatee Board of County Commissioners, the Manatee Economic Development Corporation, and all of the other state and county officials who have helped to make this move a reality,” he added.
“Feld Entertainment’s plan to make Florida its new home exemplifies the strength of the state’s business climate,” said Florida’s Secretary of Commerce Gray Swoope.  “I would like to compliment Governor Rick Scott for providing the right atmosphere, talent and resources to help companies enhance their growth and productivity.”  
The move will preserve 148 local jobs and is projected to create 235 new high skill, high wage jobs in Manatee County over the next five years. “We are excited about the prospects for capital investment and job growth in Manatee County that will ensue from Feld Entertainment’s relocation and expansion,” said Sharon Hillstrom, MEDC president. “This project is the result of many months of coordination between the MEDC, county government, state officials and the company. We look forward to continuing to work with Feld on permitting and employee training as the facility plans move forward.”
Feld Entertainment’s new facility, located at 2001 North US 301, occupies 47 acres.  It will consolidate and house Feld Entertainment’s operations responsible for the design, production and support of the company’s global tours, including scenic design, costumes, sound and lighting, as well as the company’s circus train maintenance. The site includes 100,000 square feet of office space with an additional 450,000 square feet of manufacturing space in two buildings. The site was originally developed by The Siemens Corp. and most recently occupied by General Electric. Studley, Inc. served as Feld Entertainment’s real estate advisor for purchasing its new facility.
Feld Entertainment qualified for local and state performance-based incentives and training grants totaling $3,779,734.   The incentives include $1,174,765 from the state’s Qualified Targeted Industry fund, $650,000 from the Quick Action Closing Fund, and $1,500,334 from the Manatee County Government. 
“The Feld Entertainment relocation represents a significant capital investment by the company and will help retain and grow jobs locally. By facilitating business expansion projects like this through appropriate incentives and expedited permitting, the Manatee Board of County Commissioners is working to improve the local economic climate for residents,” said Ed Hunzeker, Manatee County administrator. A list of Manatee County's economic development incentives is available at www.mymanatee.org/econ_dev. 
Feld Entertainment will continue to occupy its corporate headquarters in Vienna, Va., but will gradually move its corporate operations to the new facility in Ellenton over the next five years.  Current rehearsal locations for circus, ice and stage shows will continue, although the new facility would allow for the creation of rehearsal space. 
About Feld Entertainment: Feld Entertainment, Inc. is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting live family entertainment that lifts the human spirit and creates indelible memories, with 30 million people in attendance at its shows each year. Feld Entertainment’s productions have appeared in more than 70 countries and on six continents to date and include Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey®, Disney On Ice, Disney Live! and Feld Motor Sports.  More information is available online at www.feldentertainment.com.
Clare Controls Inc.
January 5, 2012  - Clare Controls Inc., which provides home automation systems for the custom home audio/video industry, has launched in Manatee County and plans to add 62 employees over the next four years, according to Sharon Hillstrom, president of the Manatee Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). The Manatee Board of County Commissioners recently approved $248,000 in performance-based incentives, and the State of Florida also committed $248,000. The new jobs will pay on average twice the county average, or $66,896.  The county also will provide an estimated $7,797 in impact fee incentives to facilitate the company’s renovation of a 20,000-square-foot leased building at 7519 Pennsylvania Avenue in South Manatee County.  In addition, the company qualified for a Quick Response Training grant from the State of Florida in the amount of $93,000 for employee training. 
Clare Controls (www.clarecontrols.com) provides systems that optimize the installation, management and use of sophisticated home automation solutions. Deployed from the “cloud” and run in customers’ homes on Mac platforms, these systems encompass lighting, security, multi-zone audio, video entertainment, energy, CCTV and other applications.  All are controlled by users through iPhone, iPad and browsers, using interfaces that they design and deploy themselves, without outside assistance.  The company also offers ClareVision, its IP video surveillance solution, as a freestanding package for use in residential and commercial applications.  ClareVision uses advanced analytics (computer algorithms originally developed for military analysis of live video) to turn raw video into actionable intelligence. This major advancement over traditional CCTV gives users the potential to proactively intervene in developing situations, before they escalate.
Clare President Brett Price owns a related business in Manatee County, Tempus Inc., which installs and services home automation systems. Formed in 2002 after Price sold Cheetah Technologies, Tempus has 50 employees in Manatee County.  “While Clare Controls is a startup, the owner’s track record for growing good jobs and the company’s technology and business model give us confidence in helping to accelerate Clare’s hiring in Manatee County,” said Hillstrom. The MEDC assisted the company in applying for county and state incentives, and in permitting for facility improvements.   “Clare Controls is the type of company Florida seeks to spark further growth in its information technology sector, which is a target for economic development,” said Gray Swoope, president & CEO of Enterprise Florida Inc., the state’s lead economic development organization.  “Therefore, Clare’s selection of Florida and the new jobs involved are more than welcome news.  It’s a validation of this state’s ability to meet the needs of both progressive businesses and high-growth industries.
“A significant market opportunity exists in the home automation industry where Clare’s solution will simplify the user experience and use the power of the “Cloud” to achieve efficiency for the custom audio/video dealer and improve customer satisfaction,” Price said. “We chose to locate Clare in Manatee County because this has been a great community for our other businesses, with the right combination of a business-friendly environment and excellent quality of life.”  Price said the company is working on facility improvements for offices and engineering labs, and investing in computers and test equipment. He plans to hire the first 39 employees in 2012. Job candidates may review openings at www.clarecontrols.com.
“By judiciously applying performance-based incentives and providing efficient services to businesses that want to locate and expand in Manatee County, the Manatee Board of County Commissioners is accelerating job creation for local residents,” said Ed Hunzeker, Manatee County administrator. A list of Manatee County's economic development incentives is available at www.mymanatee.org/econ_dev.
Companies on the Move - 2011
Ipe Clip Fastener Company LLC 
October 3, 2011  – The Ipe Clip Fastener Company LLC has moved its headquarters and manufacturing operations from South Carolina to Manatee County where the company plans to add 80 employees over the next five years, according to Sharon Hillstrom, interim executive director of the Manatee Economic Development Council (EDC). Ipe Clip designs and manufactures a patented line of hidden deck fasteners, deck building tools, stainless steel screws, deck finishing products, and accessories.  The Manatee Board of County Commissioners approved $80,000 in performance-based incentives for Ipe Clip (www.ipeclip.com). To qualify for the incentives, the company must hire 80 employees over the next five years at an average wage that is 15 percent higher than the county average.

“Manatee County provides us with the unique opportunity to employ the high-caliber workforce and staff necessary to manage operations and facilitate future growth,” said Doug Reid, in charge of media relations at Ipe Clip. “Logistically, the location of shipping ports and major airports were also huge considerations for our relocating to Manatee County. Members of the investor group supporting our expansion live in the area and made the company aware of the opportunity to locate here.”  Ipe Clip sells its products nationally and internationally. Reid said that increased customer demand caused the company to outgrow its previous 15,000-square-foot facility in Gaffney, S.C. Ipe Clip began operations in Manatee County in August at a 70,000-square-foot building near State Road 70 and U.S. 301.  Ipe Clip uses plastic injection molding, metal stamping, and CNC machining to produce tools and deck-building accessories. As the company develops new products, it will add equipment to expand its manufacturing operation, Reid said. 
Four key employees moved with the company from South Carolina, but other positions will be filled locally. Ipe Clip plans to fill 10 skilled positions and 40 unskilled by the end of 2012. Job candidates may submit their resumes to 2111 58th Avenue East, Bradenton, FL 34203   “The international reach of The Ipe Clip Fastener Company demonstrates Manatee County’s viability as a location for manufacturing companies that want to reach a global market,” Hillstrom said. “As with many corporate relocation decisions, the key was having the right building available to accommodate the business now and its expansion in the future.”   “The Manatee EDC was crucial in providing us with relocation services for key personnel,” Reid said. “We received some wonderful relocation information packages that made the move easier for our key employees. The EDC also provided great assistance with permitting processes and locating various facilities that would fit our size requirements.”   “Attracting The Ipe Clip manufacturing operation and its quality jobs reinforces the wisdom of judiciously applying performance-based incentives, which is part of Manatee County’s push to grow jobs, and grow them now,” said Ed Hunzeker, Manatee County administrator. A list of Manatee County's economic development incentives is available at www.mymanatee.org/econ_dev.
Global Components 
September 12, 2011  Global Components Inc., a division of U.K.-based plastic component manufacturer TCB-Arrow, has selected Manatee County for its U.S. operations and plans to create 50 jobs over three years, according to Sharon Hillstrom, interim executive director of the Manatee Economic Development Council (EDC). Global Components designs, engineers and manufactures plastic injection molded components as a contract manufacturer. The company also provides high-tech assembly and produces its own automotive ignition components.  The Manatee Board of County Commissioners approved $60,000 in performance-based incentives for the company, matching a $240,000 commitment from Florida’s Qualified Target Industry Tax Refund and Enterprise Zone incentive programs. Global Components qualified for Enterprise Zone tax incentives based on the company’s location on 17th Street East in the Palmetto/Manatee County Enterprise Zone.
“We have identified a number of excellent growth opportunities in the U.S. market and want to be close to vendors, suppliers and customers in the automotive, aviation, medical and high technology sectors,” said Global Components President Lindsay Rolfe, whose business is based in Camberley Surrey, U.K. “Manatee County is also a great jumping-off point for our expansion into Central and South America. We plan to begin hiring in Manatee County by early 2012.”   Global Components (www.globalcomponentsinc.com) provides component and total assembly of plastic injection-molded products and silicone valves. The company helps customers take products from concept through design, engineering, manufacturing, sales and distribution, Rolfe said. Global’s international relationships help customers reach a worldwide market quickly, he said.
In addition to providing contract manufacturing for clients, Global makes its own automotive ignition components that are sold worldwide. Rolfe said the 16,000-square-foot facility in Manatee County will include a “clean” room that will be FDA-compliant, allowing Global to serve the medical industry and other clients whose products require a specialized controlled production environment.  “In addition to the jobs it will create, Global Components should be a magnet for the company’s partner customers, subcontractors and suppliers,” Hillstrom said. “The international relationships the company brings to Manatee County could pay substantial dividends in the future.” The EDC assisted the company in applying for state and local incentives, and facilitated Global’s interaction with local governments.
“The Manatee EDC is almost like an extension of the business in this expansion,” Rolfe said. “They seem to take a personal interest in helping with permitting, introductions and advice. We appreciate the assistance provided by Manatee County Government and the State of Florida, which will accelerate our expansion and hiring locally.”  “The Global Components expansion into Manatee County demonstrates how we can combine state economic development incentives with local dollars to help businesses grow faster and add jobs now,” said Ed Hunzeker, Manatee County administrator. Information on Manatee County's economic development incentives, including the benefits of locating in the Enterprise Zone, is available at www.mymanatee.org/econ_dev.
C Products Defense Inc.
September 6, 2011  C Products Defense Inc. has moved its manufacturing operation and distribution arm from Connecticut to Manatee County where the company plans to add 100 employees in the next five years, according to Sharon Hillstrom, interim executive director of the Manatee Economic Development Council (EDC). C Products Defense (CPD) uses robotic welding units to manufacture ammunition magazines for law enforcement, military and U.S. rifle manufacturers.  The Manatee Board of County Commissioners approved $100,000 in performance-based incentives for CPD.  To qualify for the incentives, the company must hire 100 employees over the next five years at an average wage that is 15 percent higher than the county average.

The county’s rapid response permitting program expedited CPD’s move to an existing 19,600-square-foot facility in south Manatee County. CPD’s sister company, LCJ Wholesale (http://www.lcjwholesalestore.com/), also has located in Manatee County and will distribute CPD’s magazines along with other manufacturers’ products.  “The state has proven its commitment to manufacturers moving to Florida, where the advantages for expansion and growth are exceptional. The state and Manatee County understand the importance of manufacturing companies locating in Florida,” said CPD President Larry Panka, Sr. 
Two members of the existing management team have relocated from Connecticut, but other positions will be filled locally. CPD will hire 15 employees in Manatee County this year and 35 more in 2012. New jobs will range from assembly to management. Job candidates may inquire via email to jwalls@suncoastworkforce.org. LCJ Wholesale also will add employees over time, Panka said. Both businesses give hiring preference to military veterans.  The company’s continuing investment in robotic welding units represents “a commitment to quality and our corporate goal to remain the leader in the industry,” said Panka. CPD plans to become ISO certified within the next few months.
“C Products Defense’s precision manufacturing business is a welcome addition to the defense and homeland security industry sector that already thrives in Manatee County,” Hillstrom said. “The company’s growth and commitment to sourcing its production needs within Florida will stimulate opportunities for local suppliers, which should lead to even more job creation.”  The EDC assisted the company in site selection and applying for economic development incentives. The EDC also worked with county government on facility permitting and connected CPD to Suncoast Workforce for employee recruitment and training resources.
“The EDC helped us with employee training, site selection, the many incentive programs, shortening the interview process for new hires, and much more,” Panka said. “The EDC and Suncoast Workforce personnel have made our move here seamless.” Panka also credited Community Bank & Company for understanding CPD’s business and facilitating financing for the relocation.  “The C Products Defense project demonstrates how performance-based incentives through Manatee County Government can accelerate job creation in our community,” said Ed Hunzeker, Manatee County administrator. A list of Manatee County's economic development incentives is available at www.mymanatee.org/econ_dev.
Trojan Powder Coating 
August 30, 2011   Trojan Florida Powder Coating, whose parent company is based in Bay Shore, N.Y., is opening a facility in Manatee County and plans to hire 30 employees over three years, according to Sharon Hillstrom, associate director of the Manatee Economic Development Council (EDC).  The Manatee Board of County Commissioners recently approved $18,000 in performance-based incentives to match a $72,000 commitment from Florida’s Qualified Target Industry incentive program. To qualify for the incentives, Trojan must provide an average annual wage of at least $33,448 and hire 30 employees over three years.  
New York-based Trojan Powder Coating (www.trojanpowder.com) provides environmentally safe powder coating services to other manufacturers of aluminum and steel products.  Trojan coats architectural aluminum for window, door and skylights, as well as lighting, architectural railings, fencing, retail displays, electrical and many other products.  The company, which has 65 employees in New York, also powder coats with a process that emulates wood grain and marble-like finishes. Powder coating increases durability and creates an attractive finish. Trojan’s work is certified by the American Architectural Manufactures Association, which is required for many commercial and governmental applications of powder coating.  
“We know from our existing customers and suppliers in the Southeast and Florida, such as PGT Industries in Venice, that there is a tremendous need for a certified powder coater in this region,” said Carl Troiano, president at Trojan.  “Manatee County is attractive because of its central location to the entire state and proximity to other southeastern states. By maintaining our facility in New York, we will be able to cover the entire eastern United States and reduce shipping time and costs.”  
The company is locating in a 97,000-square-foot building in South Manatee County. Operations should be under way by November, said Troiano, who invited job candidates to email resumes to admin@trojanpowder.com.  “Trojan Florida Powder Coating is a welcome addition to the region’s manufacturing support businesses,” said Hillstrom. “Trojan will be able to serve a large geographic area of customers from its Manatee County location.” The EDC assisted the company in applying for economic development incentives.  “The Trojan Florida Powder Coating project is another example of how Manatee County's economic development incentives are helping to stimulate the creation of new, quality jobs here," said Manatee County Administrator Ed Hunzeker. A list of Manatee County's economic development incentives is available at www.mymanatee.org/econ_dev.
Rational Energies 
August 22, 2011  Minnesota-based Rational Energies MC Inc. has selected Manatee County as the location for the company’s first green energy manufacturing facility, according to Eric Basinger, executive director of the Manatee Economic Development Council (EDC). Rational Energies, which converts agricultural and municipal waste into synthetic crude oil, plans to hire 21 employees in Manatee County by early 2012.  The Manatee Board of County Commissioners recently approved $12,600 in performance-based incentives to match a $63,000 commitment from the State of Florida’s Qualified Tax Incentive program. To qualify for the incentives, the company must hire 21 employees through 2012 at an average wage that is 15 percent higher than the county average. Rational Energies’ renovation of an existing 36,000-square-foot facility in south Manatee County will be expedited through the county’s rapid response permitting program.
“We considered other locations in Florida, as well as Georgia and Tennessee, for our first production facility,” said Ed Driscoll, CEO at Rational Energies (www.rationalenergies.com). “Manatee County was the most desirable because it provided good access to waste materials we use in production, attractive lease rates, and a cooperative and pro-active county staff.”  “Rational Energies is a wonderful addition to Florida’s green industry sector,” Basinger said. “The company is seeking to become part of the solution to global challenges of dealing with municipal waste and creating sustainable transportation fuels. Manatee County also welcomes the manufacturing jobs that Rational Energies will bring.” The EDC assisted the company in applying for economic development incentives and working with county government on facility permitting.  Rational Energies was formed in 2007 to produce and market valuable commodities, such as crude oil, which are derived from the material in municipal solid waste and agricultural residue. The company uses plastics that otherwise would go to a landfill and produces a very clean form of crude oil that refineries convert into high-value products like gasoline and diesel fuel, Driscoll said. The Manatee County plant will be the first in a global network of similar facilities, he said.
“We have an experienced technical and production team,” Driscoll said. “Our Manatee County plant will convert roughly 15,000 tons per year of waste plastics into 3 million gallons per year (71,000 barrels) of synthetic crude oil.”  The production process uses commercially available equipment that grinds plastic and then slowly heats it until it reverts to a liquid state. The process consumes very little water and all discharged water is first treated on site. The company’s plant was designed to have minimal impact on the site. No odor is associated, and noise and truck traffic is typical of a small manufacturing business.  Driscoll expects to complete hiring for the Manatee County plant by early 2012. Job candidates may inquire via email to hr@rationalenergies.com.
"The Rational Energies project is another example of how Manatee County's economic development incentives package is contributing directly to the creation of new, quality jobs here," said Manatee County Administrator Ed Hunzeker. "Over time, those jobs are going to add significant value to our community."  A list of Manatee County's economic development incentives is available at www.mymanatee.org/econ_dev.
Grand Incentives 
August 11, 2011  Grand Incentives Inc., a travel and lifestyle incentives membership and marketing company, is expanding its Manatee County headquarters and plans to add 60 employees over the next five years, according to Eric Basinger, executive director of the Manatee Economic Development Council (EDC).  The Manatee Board of County Commissioners recently approved $60,000 in performance-based incentives and an estimated $7,797 in impact fee incentives to facilitate the company’s expansion. In addition, the company qualified for a Quick Response Training grant from the State of Florida in the amount of $81,890 for employee training.
Grand Incentives specializes in the administration and fulfillment of innovative travel and lifestyle incentive programs. Headquartered in south Manatee County, the company has operations in North, South and Central America supported by over 95 employees in those offices. In addition, the company offers a wide range of club membership products and related fulfillment services to accommodate the needs of various client groups.  “We recently acquired a significant membership base from a large online travel company. Those members will become part of our feature product, Coast to Coast Grand Getaways, a travel membership club that caters to the avid traveler,” said Larry Biondi, chief operating officer at Grand Incentives. “To support this large-scale effort, we are adding 9,200 square feet to our existing 14,000-square-foot headquarters operation, and we plan to add 60 employees in membership services and supervisory positions.”
“We understand that many of the new employees at Grand Incentives will be hired in the next 60 to 90 days, and the company is adding technology and communications systems to support the expansion,” said Basinger, whose staff assisted the company in applying for county incentives and rapid-response permitting. “The fast track for this project is vital to the company, and to local residents who may benefit from the jobs created at Grand Incentives.”  According to Biondi, Coast to Coast Grand Getaways provides “best in class” experiences with major discounts on resorts, vacation packages, adventure travel, cruises, hotels, car rentals, railways and airfare. As a full-service travel agency, Grand Incentives applies significant volume purchasing power to provide to its more than 60,000 members substantial savings at over 3,500 resorts in 105 countries.  “We enjoy having our headquarters located in Manatee County, and are pleased that we will be able to keep our expansion in the Bradenton-Sarasota area,” Biondi said. “The EDC and Manatee County Government have helped us meet our timeline and have been instrumental in assisting us with permitting and employee recruitment.” Candidates for positions at Grand Incentives may inquire by sending email to careers@grandincentives.com.
The Manatee Board of County Commissioners approved $60,000 in performance-based incentives for Grand Incentives, which has committed to adding 60 new employees over the next five years at 115 percent of the annual average wage in Manatee County. The county also will provide transportation impact fee incentives estimated at $7,797. Additionally, the company qualified for the county’s rapid-response permitting program to expand the headquarters facility.   “The Manatee Board of County Commissioners is focused on helping our community attract and retain good jobs for local residents. By carefully applying performance-based incentives to qualified expansions and relocations, and by making our own governmental processes even more responsive to business, we can contribute to economic growth,” said Ed Hunzeker, Manatee County administrator. A list of Manatee County's economic development incentives is available at www.mymanatee.org/econ_dev.  “State College of Florida is excited to assist Grand Incentives in coordinating training for their new employees that will help boost our local economy,” said Daisy Vulovich, associate vice president of Corporate and Community Development at SCF. In the Quick Response Training grant process, the college acts as the fiscal agent, coordinating the company’s training efforts with the reimbursement of state funds available through Workforce Florida. In addition, SCF will be a training provider, she said.
CEC Motor & Utility Services
June 6, 2011  CEC Motor & Utility Services will locate in Manatee County in 2011 to remanufacture industrial motors for high energy efficiency. The company plans to create at least 36 jobs over the next five years, according to Eric Basinger, executive director of the Manatee Economic Development Council (EDC).  CEC Motor & Utility Services is a spin-off of Detroit-based CEC Controls Co. Inc., which has a small sales office in Sarasota County. That function will co-locate with the new company in a 21,000-square-foot building in Palmetto. CEC Motor plans to renovate the existing building and invest more than $1.25 million in facility improvements and equipment.  The highly efficient motors that result from our patented technology and remanufacturing process are the first of their kind in North America,” said Jim Hough, chief operating officer for CEC Motor. “Any user of industrial motors can take advantage of these energy-saving devices. We expect strong sales growth in North America that will drive job creation at our Manatee County location.”
CEC Motor considered several other locations, including Atlanta and Detroit, where the parent company has offices. The company also considered locating near test sites for the technology used in the remanufacturing process.  “Manatee County’s readily available labor pool and the helpful attitude of county government and the EDC attracted us,” said Robert Scheper, president of both CEC Motor and the parent company. “We appreciate the assistance with evaluating properties and understanding permitting issues.”  “We are excited to welcome CEC Motor & Utility Services to Manatee County. High technology manufacturing is a prime business sector for creating a more diverse economy and generating high-impact jobs,” Basinger said. 
The Manatee Board of County Commissioners approved a total of $126,000 in performance-based incentives for CEC Motor, while the State of Florida pledged $72,000. The company committed to creating 36 jobs over five years, but according to Hough, the pace of job growth could be closer to 50 in that timeframe.  “By applying performance-based incentives in a judicious way for qualified employers, the Manatee Board of County Commissioners is helping our community attract and retain good jobs for local residents,” said Ed Hunzeker, Manatee County administrator.  “The EDC, county and state government enabled us to offset startup costs with incentives, allowing us to further concentrate our capital on equipment and facility upgrades to quickly bring our products to market,” Hough said. “The training funds that they have proposed will help to accelerate our new employees training establishing them as a qualified, competent work force in a short period of time.
xByte Technologies
May 2, 2011  xByte Technologies, a reseller of Information Technology (IT) equipment, plans to more than double its footprint in Manatee County and add 38 new jobs in the next five years, according to Stephen Jaynes, chief operating officer and vice president of sales. The Manatee Board of County Commissioners recently approved a $76,000 performance-based incentive grant to help facilitate the company’s growth.  "Sales are up in 2011 and we are forecasting continued growth as we add more manufacturers’ product lines to our inventory,” said Jaynes, who currently has 20 full-time employees. “Our current warehouse is maxed out, and we are looking now for a larger facility. As we grow, we’ll be adding employees throughout the organization.”  
“xByte Technologies relocated to Manatee County in 2003, and we are encouraged to see that the company is experiencing strong forward momentum, even in a slow economy,” said Eric Basinger, executive director of the Manatee Economic Development Council, which assisted the company in applying for the county grant. “Because xByte is in the secondary market of refurbishing and reselling quality IT brands, the demand for their products from cost-conscious businesses makes sense.”  The company, formerly known as The Old Store Inc., rebranded with the xByte Technologies label in August to better reflect its core business. Currently, the company specializes in Dell, HP and IBM equipment. Jaynes said the business has more than 100,000 network servers, data storage solutions and parts in inventory, all inspected and refurbished by xByte employees. The company maintains supplies of parts for several generations of the manufacturers’ products, which allows customers to gain a longer life from their existing systems.
Jaynes said one reason for the company’s uptick in sales in 2011 is a new website with an e-commerce function that he says is unique in the IT secondary market. It allows customers to customize and select computer servers, storage devices and parts. Then the program recalculates the price in real time. “This system saves our customers a lot of time,” said Jaynes, adding that employees are available to assist customers by phone or online chat, as well.  “This is a great region for us, and we are growing our sales locally, as well as nationally and internationally,” Jaynes said. The company has been challenged to find qualified technical sales staff and has reached out to the EDC and Suncoast Workforce for assistance in recruiting employees. xByte also is involved with the Suncoast Technology Forum and the Manatee Chamber of Commerce technology committee to support IT education and training in the region, Jaynes said.
“Performance-based incentives are helping Manatee County’s growing businesses add jobs for local residents,” said Ed Hunzeker, Manatee County administrator. Employers receive funds only if they add and retain employees at an annual average wage that is at least 15 percent higher than the county average, he said.  Manatee County offers several incentives to businesses wishing to relocate or expand in Manatee County. 
A list of Manatee County's economic development incentives is available at www.mymanatee.org/econ_dev.
Creonix
April 18, 2011  Creonix LLC, an advanced electronics manufacturing services company, is expanding its Manatee County facility and plans to add 105 employees over the next five years, according to Eric Basinger, executive director of the Manatee Economic Development Council (EDC).  Creonix, which has been in business since 1988, provides electronic manufacturing services for leading companies in the medical, military, aerospace, and industrial sectors. Creonix’s capabilities include complex box build and systems integration, cable and wire harness manufacturing, and advanced printed circuit board assembly and test, both functional and in-circuit.  “In the past year, Creonix has more than doubled revenues, because of our dedication to building strategic partnerships with our growing customers,” said Creonix President Ken Piela. “Manatee County has been proactive and very helpful with our expansion. We are increasing our Manatee County footprint by 25 percent and we continue to invest in new, leading-edge manufacturing equipment.” 
“Creonix ultimately made its decision based on the business case for expanding its operations at a facility in Manatee County. Performance-based incentives approved by the Manatee Board of County Commissioners also encouraged Creonix to stay and grow in the Bradenton area,” Basinger said.  The Manatee Board of County Commissioners approved a total of $121,000 in performance-based incentives for Creonix. Manatee County offers several incentives to businesses wishing to relocate or expand in Manatee County. A list of Manatee County's economic development incentives is available at www.mymanatee.org/econ_dev.  “By applying performance-based incentives in a judicious way for qualified employers, the Manatee Board of County Commissioners is helping our community attract and retain good jobs for local residents,” said Ed Hunzeker, Manatee County administrator.
Tropicana Products, Inc.
February 23, 2011  Tropicana Products, Inc. is reinforcing its 64-year commitment to its Manatee County facility and employees with a multi-million-dollar investment in a new building, equipment and workforce training. According to Eric Basinger, executive director of the Manatee Economic Development Council (EDC), rapid-response permitting through Manatee County Government helped accelerate the pace of Tropicana’s move to clear, plastic bottles. Last summer, the company converted Trop50 to a very successful new bottle that has helped contribute to growth of more than 50 percent. In February, it began transitioning its flagship Tropicana Pure Premium brand to a new bottle in the western region of the U.S. and has plans for expanded distribution.  “Tropicana had many choices of location for this project, and we are thrilled the company chose to reinvest in its original home in Manatee County,” said Ed Hunzeker, Manatee County administrator. “The county’s rapid-response permitting program was designed for this very purpose: to accelerate the investment by qualified businesses in their local facilities.”
Tropicana is replacing outdated structures by building a 36,000-square-foot, $4-million facility for manufacturing. It also is investing in state-of-the-art equipment for the new bottle.  “Rapid response permitting is making a huge difference for us in meeting market demand for Tropicana products in our innovative new packaging,” said Michael Haycock, Tropicana vice president of operations. “We can’t say enough about how positive our experience has been working with the EDC and Manatee County Government.”  “The EDC is proud to facilitate an outstanding working relationship between Tropicana, a legacy employer in our community, and Manatee County Government to speed construction and help the company begin its new manufacturing approach to meet consumer demand,” Basinger said.  
Manatee County Economic Incentives Support Creation of
Over 2,800 Potential Jobs Since Program’s Inception
January 25, 2011 Companies approved for economic development incentive grants by the Manatee Board of County Commissioners in the past two years plan to create or retain over 2,800 jobs in the next five years, according to Manatee County Government and the Manatee Economic Development Council (EDC).  “Manatee County Government has stepped up in a big way to support incentives for business retention, expansion and relocation of quality jobs for local residents. The results are starting to pay off with a brighter future for the local economy,” said Manatee County Administrator Ed Hunzeker.  Since the grant program was implemented in 2009, the county has approved a total of almost $3.5 million in various incentives to 32 different companies planning to create or retain a total of 2,844 jobs. The average wage of those jobs is $48,278, which is 43 percent higher than the average wage in the county. The companies assisted are in targeted industries that tend to provide high-impact jobs. Examples include corporate headquarters, medical manufacturing, financial services and information technology, among many others.
The return on investment to the community from the incentives program is substantial, according to Karen Stewart, economic development manager in Manatee County’s Neighborhood Services Department. For example, including payroll from direct and indirect jobs, plus capital expenditures and estimated new property taxes, one company’s $333,732 incentive package is estimated to return almost $80 million to the local economy and $367,440 in taxes over five years.  The EDC is implementing a multi-year strategy that outlines tactics in the areas of workforce development; entrepreneur and technology development; business recruitment and international trade; and business retention and expansion. While many of the EDC’s traditional efforts as a vital business resource for existing companies must and will continue, according to EDC Executive Director Eric Basinger, the new plan calls for unprecedented efforts in the recruitment of high-impact employment providers drawn from across the United States and around the globe.
“The partnership between Manatee County Government and the EDC is essential to creating and retaining jobs,” Basinger said. “Exceeding the milestone of 2,800 jobs is a magnificent accomplishment. It really shows that the sky is the limit. If we can do this in a couple of years, imagine what we can do in a good economy. We have the outreach plan in place, we’re producing leads, and there are more potential jobs in the pipeline.”
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM)
January 21, 2011    Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) presented plans for the LECOM School of Dental Medicine in Lakewood Ranch, a project facilitated by incentives totaling $203,300 approved by the Manatee Board of County Commissioners.  LECOM plans to invest $52 million to bring the dental school to Manatee County and will employ nearly 200 individuals including dental faculty, administrators and dental hygienists, along with technical, administrative and other support staff,  The EDC assisted LECOM in applying for performance-based incentives from Manatee County Government. “We are excited to bring this substantial investment and important educational opportunity to Manatee County,” said Robert Hirsch, D.D.S., dean of the LECOM School of Dental Medicine. “The direct impact of institutional, employee and student spending should reach approximately $14 million in the Bradenton area, and as much as $35 million through direct and indirect spending statewide.”
The Manatee Board of County Commissioners approved an economic development incentive grant of up to $174,000 over four years and transportation impact fee refunds of up to $29,300. The incentives are based on LECOM’s commitment to hire 58 new employees over four years at an annual average wage that is at least 15 percent higher than the county average.  The Florida Commission for Independent Education has provisionally approved the dental school at LECOM's Bradenton campus in Lakewood Ranch. LECOM is awaiting initial accreditation in February from the Commission on Dental Accreditation, at which time the college is expected to recruit students for the dental school, which will be only the third in Florida.  
The LECOM School of Dental Medicine will open in Bradenton for classes in 2012. The school’s first class will enroll 100 first-year students. Within four years of its inaugural class, the School of Dental Medicine will enroll 400 students.  In addition, dental clinics staffed by faculty and students will be able to treat up to 600 patients per day providing dental health care for many who are currently underserved. Only those patients whose treatment regimen meets the educational requirements of the dental school will be accepted.
Oshkosh Corp.
January 6, 2011  Manatee Economic Development Council and Pinellas County Economic Development announced that through Florida economic development assistance, Oshkosh Corp., a Fortune 350 company, is expanding its Pierce Manufacturing and Frontline Communications operations in Florida.  The result could add up to 200 jobs in Bradenton and Clearwater in 2011.  After an extensive review, the Fire and Emergency segment of Oshkosh Corporation has decided to relocate two of its businesses -- Medtec Ambulances and Oshkosh Specialty Vehicles (OSV) -- and consolidate them with two other existing business units in Florida.  Medtec Ambulance will be relocated and consolidated with Pierce Manufacturing in Bradenton, while OSV will be relocated and merged with Frontline Communications in Clearwater.  The existing Fire & Emergency operations in Florida currently employ approximately 450. 
Enterprise Florida and the governor’s Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development worked with local officials and economic development organizations to assist the company’s relocations.  The planned relocations qualify Oshkosh for up to $1.44 million in economic development incentives. Contributors included: state of Florida, $1,074,000; Manatee Board of County Commissioners, $333,732; and Pinellas County Government, $40,000.  
Medtec Ambulance Corp. will relocate its current manufacturing operations in Goshen, Indiana and White Pigeon, Michigan to existing facilities of Pierce Manufacturing Inc. in Bradenton. Approximately 100 to 150 highly-skilled manufacturing and office employees will be added to Pierce’s Bradenton operations as a result of this consolidation. Similar to its other operations, the company will install a state-of-the-art, flexible assembly line that will allow multiple vehicle types to be assembled in the Bradenton facility.  In addition, OSV will relocate its Harvey and Calumet City, Illinois manufacturing operations to Florida where they will be consolidated with Frontline Communications, an Oshkosh company located in Clearwater. Approximately 50 manufacturing and office employees, at 150% of the Pinellas County average wage, will be added to Frontline’s Clearwater operations as a result of this consolidation, which will improve the overall competitiveness of the businesses for the long term.
Medtec is a leading North American manufacturer of custom ambulance vehicles. Pierce Manufacturing is the worldwide leader in the design and manufacture of fire apparatus and other emergency vehicles. Pierce Florida will manufacture Medtec products at the Bradenton location while still producing its own portfolio of emergency vehicle products. Medtec will continue to operate as a separate brand, with Medtec manufacturing operations combining with Pierce Florida in Bradenton.  Frontline Communications is a premier manufacturer of command and communications vehicles and broadcast vehicles in Clearwater. OSV is a global leader in high technology mobile medical imaging vehicles and high technology transportable and re-locatable trailers and shelters for military and commercial applications. 
It Works Global
January 4, 2011   It Works Global Inc. will relocate its corporate headquarters from Grand Rapids, Mich., to Manatee County in January 2011 – a move that will add 90 jobs over the next three years, according to It Works CEO Mark Pentecost. The company qualified for state and local performance-based incentives totaling $799,785.  It Works’ innovative products have made the company a trailblazer in the direct sales industry, Pentecost said. One of its flagship products, the Ultimate Body Applicator™, is a naturally based, detoxifying, body-contouring wrap that produces tightening, toning and firming results in 45 minutes, he said. The company also offers an extensive array of premium nutritional supplements and a line of luxury skincare products. 
“We’re excited to welcome It Works Global to Manatee County,” said Eric Basinger, executive director of the Manatee Economic Development Council, which is assisting It Works with the relocation. “With the help of performance-based incentives approved by the Manatee Board of County Commissioners and the State of Florida, we were able to focus the company’s relocation plans toward Manatee County, which will generate good jobs for local residents.”  The company is planning to renovate the Stoneybrook Golf Club facility in Bradenton.  Director of Distributor Relations Steve Neeson explains, “We are looking forward to pampering our distributors by regularly hosting red carpet events, leadership retreats and training seminars. It will also serve as a place for our distributors to come relax and enjoy their time together.”
It Works will lease additional space at another Bradenton location. Pentecost expects the corporate headquarters to be operating in Manatee County in January 2011.  “At It Works Global we really embrace an inspiring, youthful, active, and vibrant corporate culture,” explained Pentecost. “The fact that we will now be operating out of the beautiful Stoneybrook Golf Club in the sunny state of Florida will amplify these values. Within three years, we plan to move much of our operations down to Manatee County.”  “Our corporate office shares its success with a close-knit community of approximately 18,000 independent distributors who conduct sales in the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia,” said Director of Marketing Pam Sowder. It Works Independent Distributor Denise Walsh explains, “Mark wants others to experience the same success that he has, and now works tirelessly to give people an amazing opportunity with It Works.” 
Over the next three years, Pentecost plans to develop a call center and shipping operations in Manatee County. The company’s executive team and some of its existing 45-member staff will make the move to Bradenton, and additional employees will be recruited in the areas of accounting and finance, customer service, creative functions, marketing, and project management. Candidates for career opportunities with It Works Global should send email to projectparadise@itworks.net.  “By judiciously applying local performance-based incentives to this project, the Manatee Board of County Commissioners continues to demonstrate its commitment to working with the Manatee Economic Development Council and the State of Florida in supporting the growth of good jobs in our community,” said Manatee County Administrator Ed Hunzeker.
Pentecost noted that before he narrowed his focus to Manatee County, he worked with both the Manatee EDC and the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County. “We all met together, and it was seamless, like one organization just trying to help make the best decision possible for my business,” he said. “The assistance we have received has been well organized and well run. We’re confident that as we make the move, our people will feel welcome and at home in Florida. It Works Global is looking forward to building a relationship with the people and community of Manatee County.”
Companies on the Move - 2010
Dynamic Innovations LLC
October 26, 2010  Dynamic Innovations LLC, a defense-based engineering and manufacturing company that specializes in applications for advanced composite materials, has relocated to a larger facility and plans to add 100 employees in the next 12 months, according to Alan Taylor, president and chief engineer at the Palmetto-based company. A $41,000 performance-based incentive grant approved today by the Manatee Board of County Commissioners will help facilitate the company’s growth.  "We’re excited to build on our traditional defense contracts into high-end consumer and commercial product markets allowing us to showcase our innovations in material science, engineering and high-speed, precision manufacturing,” said Taylor, who currently employs 15 people. “The grant from Manatee County will allow us to speed up the addition of equipment, facilities improvements and hiring to support our growth.”
“Dynamic Innovations has exciting plans for expanding on its solid base in defense contracts,” said Eric Basinger, executive director of the Manatee Economic Development Council, which assisted the company in applying for the county grant. “In a difficult economy, it’s gratifying to see another innovative business in Manatee County that is creating new products and adding employees.”
Taylor said part of the company’s growth is being fueled by its association with the Demmer Corp., a large defense contractor that acquired 90 percent of the company in April. The Demmer connection drives more business for Dynamic Innovation’s products such as composite armored plating for vehicles and ruggedized computer cases.  Composite materials, the company’s specialty, are lighter weight and much stronger than materials traditionally used for such applications, he said. The company also has created ways to use conductive composite materials to more efficiently move heat out of hot electronic components. In addition to the defense products, Taylor is planning a line of upscale consumer products that showcase the company’s materials and design. Examples include a $7,000 briefcase to be marketed through luxury car brands, as well as a line of travel cases. The products will be marketed through the brand name Clad Cases (cladcases.com).  Dynamic Innovations also has developed a relationship with local audio technology innovators at Sleek Audio in Palmetto to manufacture Sleek’s products that formerly were produced in Asia.  
Taylor said the company will hire mechanical engineers, electrical engineers and industrial designers, as well as technically skilled manufacturing employees over the next year. Employment candidates may send their resumes via email to hr@d-inno.com.
“Performance-based incentives are helping Manatee County businesses add jobs now,” said Ed Hunzeker, Manatee County administrator. “Employers receive funds only if they add and retain employees at an annual average wage that is at least 115 percent of the county average.”
Natural Prosthetic Dental Lab Inc.
October 5, 2010  Natural Prosthetic Dental Lab Inc., a 26-year-old Bradenton company, announced today it will expand its facility and hire 283 employees over the next five years to support demand for digitally produced dental restorations. The announcement was made by NPDL President and Chief Operating Officer Eric Grimes, who said the company has teamed with global technology giant 3M to establish a revolutionary digital technology pathway that cuts production time and costs, allowing NPDL to move work back to the United States from China.  “NPDL is on the leading edge of ushering in the digital revolution of dentistry,” said Grimes, who estimates the capital investment for the project at $10 million. “We have spent nearly two years working with 3M on the technology pathway that is now operational, and we have established a business model that will allow us to resell the scanning devices and become a training provider for digital dentistry in the United States.”
Like most dental labs, NPDL has made dental prosthetics – crowns, bridges, implant restorations and removable prosthetics – using dental impressions provided by dentists. The traditional impression process requires a tray of impression material that has to set up in the patient’s mouth. Creating the prosthetics is often done overseas with cheaper labor, Grimes said. With the new digital technology, NPDL can afford to bring manufacturing back to Bradenton.  NPDL will train dentists to use a digital scanner to map out a patient’s dental structure. The scan is sent electronically to NPDL where the digital information is processed. NPDL then fabricates the restoration to the doctor’s prescription. The digital process is faster and more precise than traditional methods, Grimes said.  Manufacturing dental prosthetics is a $60-billion dollar industry worldwide, Grimes estimated. The largest lab in the United States has less than a 2 percent share of the market. Grimes and partners David Jensen, Dennis Cooley and Steven Pinto expect NPDL to grow five to 10 times its current size within three years.
“The only way to compete with overseas cheap labor is with technology,” Grimes said. “We’ve been working with 3M for years, since they are a leader in dental materials, and we saw the writing on the wall. Within the decade, digital dentistry will be the standard. We want to lead that wave and grab market share. Before we even announced the expansion, we had achieved our three-year sales goal. The equipment is set up and operating, but we are in very tight space.”  NPDL plans to break ground this fall on a new 15,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in East Bradenton. The expansion will allow the business to consolidate other local operations at one site, he said. The new building could be ready by spring 2011. The Riverside Real Estate Co. and NDC Construction Co. are assisting with the project.  “The Manatee Economic Development Council (EDC) and Manatee County Government have been tremendously helpful in our achieving this expansion,” Grimes said. “The EDC helped us apply for a county incentive grant, and we will use the county’s rapid response permitting to get the facility up and running so we can add more employees.”
“It’s exciting to assist a local company that is poised to take such a giant leap in its industry,” said Eric Basinger, EDC executive director. “Our next step is assisting with the facility permitting and employee recruitment. NPDL also is forming a partnership with a local training institution to create a pipeline of students that are trained in the new technology.” NPDL declined to name which institutions are in the running for that role. The Board of Manatee County Commissioners approved a performance-based incentive for NPDL of up to $283,000 over five years, based on the company’s hiring 283 new employees at an average wage that is 115 percent of the county average.  “I understand that NPDL’s president/COO is a sixth-generation Floridian who was born and raised in Bradenton, said Ed Hunzeker, Manatee County administrator. “This kind of local success story reinforces the county’s commitment to providing the right assistance to help retain and grow Manatee County businesses.”
Wide World Security Inc. 
August 11, 2010  Wide World Security Inc. of Bradenton plans to hire up to 100 employees over five years to operate a $35-million headquarters and training center for security and first-responder personnel on 400 acres in eastern Manatee County, according to Eric Basinger, executive director of the Manatee Economic Development Council (EDC). The EDC assisted the start-up company in successfully applying for $178,330 in incentives from the Manatee Board of County Commissioners.   Located 11 miles east of Interstate-75 on SR 70, the facility will provide training to meet the needs of police, fire, emergency management agencies and private security agencies, according to Lyle Allen, president and CEO of Wide World Security. The first phase is slated to open in the first half of 2011 and will include a 25,000-square-foot command center, office and training center with an indoor shooting range. Initially, the business will employ 15 instructors and operations personnel.
 “Our owner and founder, Dell Hyland, has lived in Lakewood Ranch since 2002 and wanted to locate the facility in this area,” said Allen, who says the company plans to add up to 100 employees over five years. “The Manatee Economic Development Council and Manatee County Government have made a huge difference in helping to move the project forward. They have all the right people at the table and are helping us make valuable connections.”  “Homeland security technologies and training continue to be growth industries,” said Basinger, whose organization is also assisting the company with workforce recruitment, training and rapid response permitting through county government. “The Wide World Security training center has been designed to meet the needs of multiple, diverse markets, from fire departments to personal security for celebrities.”
The Manatee Board of County Commissioners approved up to $100,000 over five years in performance-based incentives for the company as the business hires employees. The average annual wage provided by the company must exceed 115% of the county average wage for Wide World Security to receive grant funds. In addition, commissioners approved a refund of $78,330 for transportation impact fees once the company has received its certificate of occupancy on the first phase.  “Performance-based incentives from Manatee County are helping to create jobs in our community for local residents,” said County Administrator Ed Hunzeker. “Our rapid response team is focused on meeting the needs of growing businesses that deliver well-paying jobs.”
Wide World Security Inc. of Bradenton was formed in 2009 to provide private security services, in addition to developing the multi-use training center. The company is led by two disabled military veterans, Dell Hyland and Lyle Allen. Hyland is a 17-year veteran of the security industry following a successful career in the US Marine Corps. Allen is a decorated US Army veteran, combat engineer and recruiter. Pending approval by state regulators, the company will provide security personnel for corporate and residential clients, as well as executive and celebrity protection. Wide World also will provide private investigator services. The training center and its services will be available to public and private agencies. Instructors will be qualified to provide training for police, fire, hazardous materials and FEMA, as wells private security agencies. The center will also be certified by the Veterans’ Administration, said Allen.
Mustang Vacuum Systems
August 2, 2010   An $184,842 training grant will help Mustang Vacuum Systems LLC ramp up operations in its new facility in Manatee County where the company plans to add 125 jobs in the next three years, according to Eric Basinger, executive director of the Manatee Economic Development Council (EDC).  “The EDC and State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) were instrumental in helping us apply for the training grant and design the right programs for a wide range of skills,” said Richard Greenwell, president of Mustang Vacuum Systems LLC. “With this grant, training programs will be implemented for up to 125 employees, including welders, IT specialists, engineers, electricians, scientists, salespeople and managers. Our technical skills requirements in manufacturing are highly specialized, so we needed a customized approach to training. SCF and the EDC helped us achieve that goal.”
Mustang moved into a 50,000-square-foot facility in Sarasota Commerce Center in South Manatee County earlier this year. The company, which has 32 employees, manufactures equipment used by solar cell manufacturers. Mustang’s expanded production capacity will drive down the cost of solar energy for consumers by incorporating technologies into solar cell production that will reduce costs as well as increase efficiency of the cells, Greenwell said.  Mustang Vacuum Systems LLC, an affiliate of Mustang Dynamometer, manufactures vacuum coating and metalizing equipment, including sputtering machines, optical coating units, and batch metalizers. With assistance from the EDC and consultant Ryan Inc., Mustang successfully applied for state and local performance-based incentive grants in 2009 to facilitate its expansion.
“We are excited to assist such an entrepreneurial company that is adding so much to our local economy and is making significant contributions to the clean energy industry,” said Daisy Vulovich, associate vice president of Corporate and Community Development at SCF. In the Quick Response Training grant process, the college acts as the fiscal agent, coordinating the company’s training efforts with the reimbursement of state funds available through Workforce Florida. In addition, SCF will be a training provider, she said.  “The EDC strongly recommends that Manatee County businesses examine their training needs and consider taking advantage of available grants,” Basinger said. “During difficult market periods, creating a highly productive and motivated workforce is even more vital in making your business more competitive and profitable.”
UTC Fire & Security
July 30, 2010  UTC Fire & Security – a business unit of United Technologies Corp. – will preserve 227 jobs and add 23 new jobs in Manatee County by locating the headquarters for its Global Security Products, Global Fire Products and Fire & Security Services groups in an existing facility in Lakewood Ranch, according to Eric Basinger, executive director of the Manatee Economic Development Council. The company will also establish a new fire research and test center in West Palm Beach.  "When UTC Fire & Security acquired GE Security earlier this year, we were understandably concerned about the future of the 227 jobs at the former GE Security facility in Manatee County,” Basinger said. “With the help of performance-based incentives approved by the Manatee Board of County Commissioners and the State of Florida, we were able to work with UTC Fire & Security to locate certain unit headquarters operations in Manatee County. This ensures that the operations and the jobs associated with the local facility will not only remain, but will grow.”
In a statement issued by Gov. Charlie Crist’s office today, UTC Fire & Security President William Brown commented that the consolidation of these businesses in Florida allows the company to make best use of existing facilities while serving its growing global customer base. “The incentive from the state of Florida has allowed us to maximize our state-of-the-art training facilities, product research laboratories, customer demonstration areas and available office space," he said.
“The location of UTC Fire & Security’s Global Fire Products and Global Security Products world headquarters in Manatee County will retain 227 well-paying jobs and add 23 new jobs,” said Manatee County Administrator Ed Hunzeker. “By judiciously applying local performance-based incentives to this project, the Manatee Board of County Commissioners continues to demonstrate its commitment to working with the Manatee Economic Development Council and the State of Florida in supporting the growth of good jobs in our community.”  The Manatee Board of County Commissioners approved a local match for state incentives, as well as a county incentive program grant for the company. Manatee County’s total participation will not exceed $92,000 over five years and will only be paid out as the company retains and adds high-wage jobs.
UTC Fire & Security provides fire safety and security solutions to more than 1 million customers worldwide. Headquartered in Farmington, Connecticut, UTC Fire & Security is a business unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX), which provides high technology products and services to the building and aerospace industries worldwide.
Trinity Graphics USA
American Finishing Inc.
June 28, 2010    Trinity Graphics USA and American Finishing Inc., two companies approved for incentive grants by the Manatee County Commission on June 22, plan to add nearly 50 employees in the next five years. 
Trinity Graphics USA, which has been in the news for its relationship with the Hillstrand brothers of the vessel Time Bandit from the Deadliest Catch television show, recently began producing graphic inserts for Tervis Tumbler Company, the Venice-based firm that makes insulated drinkware. Trinity specializes in creating product labels and other specialty design and printed products.  “We’re printing 5,000 units a day for Tervis, and they want us to ramp up to 8,000 as soon as possible,” said Trinity owner Robert Smithson. “That means we need to buy more equipment and increase staffing. We are planning to have a 24/7 shift system.”  Trinity is expanding into an additional 6,500 square feet of a building that the company already owns and is purchasing additional equipment for an estimated capital investment of nearly $2 million, Smithson said. The company plans to add 23 new jobs over the next five years. Commissioners approved up to $1,000 per job over five years for a maximum of $23,000 in performance-based incentives for the company.
American Finishing Inc., a metal fabricating and powder coating business, is purchasing two vacant buildings totaling 50,000 square feet to increase production capacity and create 25 new jobs over the next five years. The company will occupy one building immediately and lease the other until needed for future expansion. The capital investment for the two buildings and the required renovation is $1.5 million. Commissioners approved up to $1,000 per job over five years for a maximum of $25,000 in performance-based incentives for the company.
“The incentive grants provided by Manatee County Government, which the companies only receive if they hire and retain employees at wages that exceed the county average, were vital in helping these growing businesses expand and hire in our community,” Basinger said.  “Expediting expansions by American Finishing and Trinity Graphics in cooperation with the EDC exemplifies the ‘business friendly’ climate we want to promote in Manatee County,” said Ed Hunzeker, Manatee County administrator. “The Manatee Board of County Commissioners has made retaining and growing good jobs one of its top priorities.”  “The Manatee Economic Development Council was wonderful in helping us with the grant application,” Smithson said. “EDC staff explained all of the details about the county’s incentive program.”
IMG Academies
May 11, 2010     Manatee County’s economy continues to score new jobs as IMG Academies plans to add 65 employees over the next three years with the help of local incentives approved today by the Manatee Board of County Commissioners.  IMG Academies – the world’s largest and most advanced multi-sport training facility for athletic, academic and personal development – will need the additional employees to staff new programs, including the IMG Madden Football Academy, IMG Lacrosse Academy and additional upcoming programs. IMG also plans to construct a 50,000 sq. ft. dormitory in 2012, with a total of $25 million in capital investments on the campus in the next five years, according to Chip McCarthy, director of finance, planning and development at IMG Academies.
“To continue serving as a world leader in athletic, academic and personal development, we needed to strategically expand and enhance our facilities and programs, while providing employees to staff new initiatives,” McCarthy said. “This grant not only helps our growth and assists our efforts to provide a significant economic impact, but confirms that Manatee County fully supports its valued businesses and wants to ensure a bright future for the county’s economy and workforce.”  Sports performance is a targeted industry in the EDC’s five-year strategy to bring more jobs to Manatee County residents and create more wealth in the community, Basinger said. The EDC helped facilitate IMG’s application for county incentives.  “IMG Academies is a world-renowned sports performance destination for professional and amateur athletes,” Basinger said. “In addition to the jobs IMG provides, the academy’s students fuel the local economy through rental accommodations, retail purchases and restaurant visits.” 
IMG Academies has played a significant role in the area’s economy since opening as a tennis-only establishment with a handful of students more than 30 years ago. Since then, the Academy has expanded to seven sports, while attracting more than 12,000 youth, adult, collegiate and professional athletes from more than 80 countries annually. Additional events like this summer’s 2010 High School National Championships and yearly Eddie Herr International Junior Tennis Championships will bring thousands more to the area.  “Bringing good jobs to Manatee County residents is vital to our community’s sustainability,” said Ed Hunzeker, Manatee County administrator.  “Performance-based incentives for adding good jobs help us attract and retain employers that our community wants and needs.”  The county incentives included up to $65,000 over five years, and IMG only receives funds as jobs are provided. Jobs provided by the company must meet or exceed an annual average wage of $38,619, which is 115 percent of the average wage in Manatee County.
Exactech
Home-Tech
February 24, 2010   There’s more good news on the employment front in Manatee County with two companies announcing plans to add a combined 51 employees over the next five years with the help of local incentives approved by Manatee County Government, according to Eric Basinger, executive director of the Manatee Economic Development Council (EDC).  Exactech (NASDQ:EXAC), a medical manufacturer that located a facility in Manatee County in 2008, plans to add five more employees in 2010 and a total of 29 over the next five years. Home-Tech, which provides repair and replacement services for air conditioning systems and major appliances, will construct a new building for its regional headquarters in Manatee County and add 22 jobs over five years.
“More, good jobs for the community is great news any time, and particularly in the current economic climate,” Basinger said. “The EDC was glad to be part of bringing Exactech and Home-Tech to the community and helping them grow here.”  “Manatee County’s can-do attitude toward businesses that want to locate and grow here is paying off with jobs for local residents,” said Ed Hunzeker, Manatee County administrator.  “Performance-based incentives for adding good jobs and rapid response permitting for companies that are building or renovating a facility help us attract and retain employers that our community wants and needs.”
Gainesville, Fla.-based Exactech established a new facility in south Manatee County in 2008 to manufacture surgical instruments used to implant the company’s joint replacement devices. The company began production in the facility in 2009, and expects to add employees as the business brings more previously out-sourced manufacturing in-house, according to John Pelc, Exactech vice president of operations. The company’s Gainesville headquarters currently designs and manufactures orthopaedic devices that are used by surgeons in more than 30 countries around the world.
“The positions we will add in Manatee County will be in a range of professions including machinists, quality engineers and other professional positions,” Pelc said. “The resource pool in Manatee County is allowing us to rapidly ramp-up our surgical instrument manufacturing operation, which will provide a significant competitive advantage to drive our long-term growth.”
Home-Tech was founded in 1981 by Steve Marino, the company’s president and chairman of the board. The privately held company employs more than 110 people and provides services in Lee, Charlotte, Collier, Sarasota and Manatee counties, according to the company’s Web site.
The county incentives included up to $58,000 for Exactech to add 29 jobs over the next five years. Home-Tech could receive up to $22,000 for adding 21 jobs over five years, plus the company is eligible for $5,743 in impact fee refunds. Jobs provided by the companies must exceed the county annual average wage of $33,582 for the incentives to apply.
Oliphant Financial LLC
Star2Star Communications LLC
February 9, 2010   Two companies that received incentive grants from Manatee County Government today plan to add up to 210 employees in 2010, according to Eric Basinger, executive director of the Economic Development Council (EDC), a division of the Manatee Chamber of Commerce. Oliphant Financial LLC, a debt buyer and software provider to that industry, plans to add 100 to 150 jobs in 2010 at the company’s new financial services headquarters location in Manatee County. Star2Star Communications LLC, which develops and provides business grade communications solutions via the Internet, plans to add up to 60 new employees to support the company’s sales growth.  “The incentive grants provided by Manatee County Government, which the companies only receive if they hire and retain employees at wages that exceed the county average, were vital in helping these growing businesses locate, expand and hire in our community,” Basinger said.
“Expediting Oliphant Financial’s relocation and Star2Star’s expansion in cooperation with the EDC exemplifies the ‘business friendly’ climate we want to promote in Manatee County,” said Ed Hunzeker, Manatee County administrator. “Retaining and growing good jobs now is a high priority in Manatee County.”
The grant for Oliphant is $133,000 that will be paid out over five years as the company adds and retains employees. According to the grant agreement, the company will add 133 new employees over five years for a total of 160 employees. The county also approved an $80,000 incentive grant for Star2Star Communications, which plans to create 80 communications technology jobs over the next five years. To qualify for the grants, the companies must provide an average annual wage higher than the county average wage of $33,582. 
Oliphant Financial moved 30 employees into a 20,000 sf building in Lakewood Ranch in December 2009. Economic development organizations in Manatee and Sarasota counties worked together to keep the company in the region when Oliphant outgrew its downtown Sarasota location. The company needed more space and wanted to be close to I-75 for access to the Tampa Bay region’s labor pool, said Tom Noble, Oliphant’s Chief Operating Officer. The company buys debt from various lenders and then seeks to collect from the borrowers. Oliphant also has developed a debt buying and collection software application that the company sells to other firms.
“The Manatee Economic Development Council worked closely with our counterparts in Sarasota County and with Manatee County Government to make sure that Oliphant and its new jobs remain in the region,” Basinger said. “Oliphant is in a growth industry and provides higher wage jobs our community desperately needs.”
“Our new location will allow us to accommodate our growth plans,” Noble said. “We expect to add 100 to 150 employees in the next year as we bring more of the previously out-sourced debt-collection functions in house.” Employment candidates should visit the company’s web site at www.oliphantfinancial.com for information.
Star2Star moved to Manatee County in 2008 from a smaller location in downtown Sarasota. A garage-based startup in 2004, the company developed its own software and technology to provide high quality telephone solutions to businesses using Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP). With its product and service proven, the company in 2009 set up a national dealer organization to serve clients nationwide, said Norm Worthington, Star2Star CEO.
“Our South Manatee County location allows us to draw employees from Port Charlotte to Tampa Bay,” Worthington said. The company added 25 employees in the past two years and has a total of 36 employees in Manatee County. Information about the company is available at www.star2star.com.
Ameritex Fabric Systems
January 6, 2010  The marriage of once fierce competitors in the marine industry is spinning off a welcome benefit in Manatee County: new manufacturing jobs with a green twist. Bradenton-based Ameritex Fabric Systems, which became a division of the Taylor Made Group in 2009, will supply canvas doors for Chrysler Group Global Electric Motorcars LLC, according to Don Zirkelbach, Ameritex president.  “Our relationship with Global Electric Motorcars is part of our plan to diversify at least 25 percent of our business beyond the marine industry,” said Zirkelbach, whose company has 58 employees and plans to add 10 to 20 manufacturing jobs in the next year. “The combination of Taylor Made and Ameritex with our numerous patents opens up tremendous opportunities.”  
The global recession hit the marine industry hard, leading to job losses and plant closures across the industry, including in Manatee County. The entire industry “had to hit the reset button” and create new business models and ways of doing business, Zirkelbach said. In the case of Ameritex and Taylor Made, Ameritex moved into part of a Taylor Made facility and is focusing on fabric-related products while Taylor Made will concentrate on windshield design and manufacturing, he said. Taylor Made recently closed a fabric plant in Georgia and integrated the operation into Ameritex in Bradenton, bringing additional jobs to Manatee County.  The electric car industry is one diversity target for Ameritex. Global Electric Motorcars makes six different models of battery-powered GEM cars primarily suited for intra-city use. GEM cars are used by local, state and national government agencies, resorts, master-planned communities, universities, medical and corporate campuses, as well as by sports teams, taxi-shuttle services and individual consumers. Ameritex is also looking at the resort, consumer, recreational vehicle and golf cart industries.
“The Ameritex story exemplifies how companies in the marine industry are restructuring to survive and thrive,” said Eric Basinger, executive director of the Economic Development Council (EDC), a division of the Manatee Chamber of Commerce. The EDC has assisted Ameritex over the years with employee recruitment and facilities permitting. “The focus on diversifying into other industries, in addition to marine products, is generating new jobs for local residents.”
Companies on the Move -  2009
Trod Medical
December 14, 2009       Trod Medical S.A, a medical equipment manufacturer based in Paris, France, opened its U.S. headquarters in the Lakewood Ranch area of Manatee County in September. The Florida location will spearhead the company’s launch of its FDA-approved surgical device in early summer 2010 focusing in areas of urology, radiation oncology and interventional radiology according to Manfred Sablowski, vice president and COO of Trod Medical US LLC.  “The U.S. market is the largest market in the world for our Encage™ surgical device,” said Sablowski, who is originally from Frankfurt, Germany and now lives in Manatee County. “This area of Florida has the infrastructure we need.” Dr. Andre Faure, who is the world wide president and CEO of Trod Medical as well as a medical doctor and inventor of the Encage™ device, founded the company in Europe in 2006. He convinced Sablowski and Brook Peterson of Orlando, president and CEO of Trod Medical US LLC, to join him in the Trod Medical venture. Sablowski and Peterson each have more than 20 years of experience in the medical technology field. They met while working at a Pfizer unit in the United States.  
Sablowski said that Trod is planning to hire distribution and office staff for the Manatee County office and distribution facility by mid 2010 and will also assemble a team of regional sales directors around the country. Trod expects to hire several employees initially for the Manatee location, he said.  “Manatee County is cultivating a cluster of medical equipment designers and manufacturers, and Trod’s entry from its European base is an exciting chapter in that story,” said Eric Basinger, executive director of the Economic Development Council (EDC), a division of the Manatee Chamber of Commerce. The EDC is assisting Trod with various business resources to help the company ramp up quickly. “Trod’s arrival is further evidence of Manatee County’s appeal to European businesses wanting to expand into the U.S. market. We look forward to the day when Trod Medical’s manufacturing operation also is located in our community.”

Trod’s patented Encage™ device gained FDA approval in October 2008, Sablowski said. The device is used to treat soft tissues involving the prostate, liver and kidney. It uses radio frequency technology to heat diseased tissue and halt its growth. The FDA approval was a key factor allowing the company to enter the U.S. market and open a U.S. facility, he said.  “There are so many medical equipment manufacturers in Europe that would love to enter the US market, but they don’t have the knowledge of how to go about getting FDA approval,” Sablowski said. “It is a difficult process, but we believe it will be well worth the effort because of the potential in the U.S. market.”
Teltronics
December 8, 2009  Teltronics Inc. (OTCBB: TELT), which provides communications products and services, relocated its headquarters to Gulf Coast Corporate Park in north Manatee County.  Teltronics designs, develops and manufactures electronic equipment and applications software systems that enhance the performance of communications networks. The new headquarters facility includes 21,520 sq. ft. of office space and 30,000 sq. ft. of manufacturing space. Manufacturing at the new facility is scheduled to begin the first quarter of 2010. The company has 114 employees in Manatee County and 188 worldwide, according to Ewen Cameron, Teltronics CEO.  “Located near the I-75 and I-275 interchange, the new location will vastly improve company visibility and attract personnel in the Tampa Bay, Sarasota/Bradenton and surrounding areas,” Cameron said. “After 27 years at the previous location, we are pleased to find an outstanding, new facility to proudly showcase our company and products to worldwide clients, partners, potential business associates and the community. At the same time, we are creating an environment that reflects the future of our business.” 
“Part of having a strong existing industry program is being able to assist companies like Teltronics when they undertake a major effort, such as a corporate move, which triggered the permitting assistance program,” Basinger said. “If we are going to create a more diverse economy in Manatee County, we must concentrate not only on attracting new targeted businesses, but also on retention and expansion of our existing businesses, such as Teltronics.”  “The Manatee Economic Development Council helped make the move to Palmetto a smooth transition by serving as the liaison between Teltronics and county personnel,” Cameron said. “The swift decision to relocate would not have come to fruition had it not been for the assistance of staff in the county’s building department and economic development department. We are pleased to continue to call Manatee County home to the Teltronics headquarters.”  
“Expediting Teltronics’ relocation in cooperation with the EDC exemplified the ‘business friendly’ climate we want to promote in Manatee County,” said Ed Hunzeker, Manatee County administrator. “Retaining and growing good jobs in Manatee County is a high priority.”
DemanData Systems
November 17, 2009   DemanData Systems, a leader in supply chain information technology for the healthcare industry, relocated its corporate headquarters into a newly renovated building in the Gulf Coast Corporate Park of Palmetto in Manatee County in October. DemanData employs 100 people in four states; 40 employees are located in Manatee County.  “We appreciated having the opportunity to work with DemanData Systems, a targeted information technology employer, on this expansion,” said Eric Basinger, executive director of the Economic Development Council (EDC), a division of the Manatee Chamber of Commerce. The EDC helped facilitate DemanData’s relocation from their facility in the southern portion of Manatee County to their new location in the Gulf Coast Corporate Park through the county's rapid response permitting program.
“DemanData’s relocation to Palmetto is a prime example of how county government and the private sector can work together to bring more high-wage jobs to Manatee County,” said Manatee County Administrator Ed Hunzeker. “We are focused on delivering the services that businesses need to locate and expand here, while maintaining our community’s high standards for quality of life.”  "The relationship between DemanData Systems and the rapid response permitting team in Manatee County is a great example of how a vision can be turned into reality, quickly and efficiently,” said Maureen Donovan, the company’s vice president of marketing. “We are looking forward to a long and prosperous relationship with the community here in Manatee County.”
Mustang Vacuum Systems LLC
August 31, 2009  Mustang Vacuum Systems LLC will relocate and expand its manufacturing operation in Manatee County where the company plans to add 125 jobs in the next two years at an annual average wage of more than $44,000. “The Economic Development Council, Manatee Chamber of Commerce (EDC) was pleased to help Mustang Vacuum Systems find the right location for the company’s expansion,” said Eric Basinger, EDC executive director. “Mustang was located in Sarasota County for four years, and in partnership with Sarasota County, Manatee County government and the State of Florida, we were able to keep this fine company – and its growing number of higher-wage jobs – in the region.”   “We are excited to be relocating and expanding our manufacturing facility in Manatee County,” said Richard Greenwell, president of Mustang Vacuum Systems LLC. “With the EDC’s assistance, we were able to locate a facility and secure a grant from Manatee County. This will reduce some costs of our technology project, which is geared toward lowering the cost and increasing the efficiency of solar cells so that clean, renewable solar energy can be a viable choice for everyone.”
The 50,000-square-foot facility in Sarasota Commerce Center in South Manatee County will allow Mustang to expand its production of thin-film solar photovoltaic cell equipment, Greenwell said. With the goal of reducing solar energy costs, the company has designed and built three types of machines to meet the needs and specifications of solar cell manufacturers. Customers are now looking for larger, higher volume machines, which will provide greater performance and output, he said. Mustang’s expanded production capacity will drive down the cost of solar energy for consumers by incorporating technologies into solar cell production that will reduce costs as well as increase efficiency of the cells, he added.  
Mustang Vacuum Systems LLC, an affiliate of Mustang Dynamometer, manufactures vacuum coating and metalizing equipment, including sputtering machines, optical coating units, and batch metalizers. The Mustang Group has been in business over 25 years. Mustang Vacuum Systems currently employs 25 people at its Sarasota County location. The company will be operating in its location in the South Manatee County by the end of 2009, Greenwell said, and plans to increase its staff to 150 by the end of 2011. With assistance from the EDC and consultant Ryan Inc., Mustang successfully applied for state and local grants to facilitate the expansion. The grants will be expended based on the company’s performance in creating the new jobs at the anticipated salaries.
Dulond Tool & Engineering Inc.
July 13, 2009  High school and college marching bands across the United States are hustling on and off competition fields more efficiently using specialized carts created by Manatee County’s Dulond Tool & Engineering Inc. The company, which moved into a new 13,000-square-foot facility in June, has sold its patented LoadMaestro carts to schools from Alabama to Texas and from the Carolinas to Michigan.  "We originally designed the LoadMaestro cart to help the Lakewood Ranch High School marching band get its equipment on and off the field more efficiently for competitions,” said Jeff Benson, Dulond Tool & Engineering president and owner. “Now we’re looking at LoadMaestro products to account for up to 20 percent of sales within the next few years.”


Dulond’s business, which is primarily focused in machining and assembly, has traditionally come from the aviation, aerospace, computer chip and marine industries. The company has 13 employees and has signed with a distributor in Chicago to market the band carts. In addition, Benson said the company hopes to be part of a security-related project that could stimulate hiring in 2009-2010. The new building allowed Dulond to move out of leased space and is adjacent to a building the company already owns.  “Dulond Tool & Engineering is an example of the product innovation and market diversification that is helping Manatee County companies grow in today’s marketplace,” said Eric Basinger, executive director of the Economic Development Council, Manatee Chamber of Commerce (EDC), which assisted Dulond’s expansion through the EDC rapid response permitting program. “Benson and his team saw an opportunity and went for it. The EDC is proud to have played a part in helping Dulond expand its footprint in Manatee County.”
Kopco Graphics
May 21, 2009  Kopco Graphics, which specializes in flexographic printing of pressure sensitive labels, stickers and food-grade labels -- has tripled its Manatee County footprint in a 12,000 sq. ft. facility to accommodate more equipment and expanded services for global brands.  The Fairfield, Ohio-based company expanded into Manatee County in 2003 with the purchase of a Bradenton printing business. Kopco Operations Manager Shane Barrett said the company expects to continue growing through stronger Internet marketing and internal sales. He plans to add up to three employees in 2009 in production and customer service.  “Our business is strongly focused in food and nutritional supplements. Despite the slow economy, people are still eating and taking their vitamins,” Barrett said. “Sales revenues were up 25 percent in 2008 over the previous year, and we are achieving a 17-percent growth rate so far this year. We hope to outgrow our new facility within five years. When that happens, we’ll stay in Manatee County.”  
In March 2009, Kopco received the Eugene Singer Award for Management Excellence, which recognizes excellence in business management measured by growth and profitability ratios established by the Tag and Label Manufacturers Institute. Kopco also received the institute’s top award in technical achievement for a hang tag label created for a popular water product.
Healthy Chocolate Florida LLC
April 23, 2009 A company that hopes to revolutionize the chocolate business is gearing up a new, 6,000 sq. ft. research laboratory and manufacturing facility in Manatee County. Healthy Chocolate Florida LLC founder Aharon Friedman, Ph.D., said that pending government inspections, the company’s management team will begin testing the manufacturing line in April and production will ramp up in May.  “We are eager to start production using our patent-pending process to create a high-quality, sugar-free chocolate that includes natural ingredients to help people control blood sugar levels and reduce hunger,” said Friedman, who expects to add seven production employees by the end of May for a total of 12 full-time and two part-time employees. “We have been able to finish out and move into our facility faster than I expected by being part of Manatee County’s Rapid Response permitting program facilitated by the EDC. We completed our permitting in record time. 
“We use all organic materials as we are able to get them, including using Xylitol harvested from organic trees,” Friedman said. “And by the end of 2009, we expect to be using most of the organic cocoa grown in the world. We are talking with people in two South American countries about increasing their organic cocoa production.”
Veethree Electronics and Marine LLC
April 1, 2009  Illinois-based Veethree Electronics and Marine LLC, OEM supplier of mechanical and electronic instrumentation, has located its global engineering headquarters in Manatee County through the combined effort of economic development organizations in Manatee and Sarasota counties and Manatee County Government. Veethree, which acquired the assets of the Gauge Division of Teleflex Inc. that is closing operations in Lakewood Ranch, also hired more than 50 people whose jobs would have been lost when Teleflex closed.  The EDC and the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County collaborated to find the right location for Veethree in the region. The company qualified for Manatee County’s Rapid Response Permitting program to help it get up and running more quickly. In March, Manatee County Commissioners a resolution that would allow Veethree to qualify for up to $60,000 of tax incentives based upon the number and wage of jobs created.  Veethree will manufacture the existing Teleflex product line serving the marine and industrial markets in its 35,000-sq.-ft. Manatee County facility, which will be the company’s global engineering headquarters. 
Founded in 1976, Veethree has a worldwide presence as an OEM, defense and aftermarket supplier of instrumentation, clusters, sensors and switches.  "We are very pleased to have the opportunity to continue the great traditions of superior quality and styling that Teleflex has brought to the instrumentation industry for the last 40 years," said Shekhar Tewatia, vice president of Veethree. "This acquisition gives us a chance to enter the marine industry and consolidate Veethree's position in the industrial segment. We are also very fortunate that many members of the Teleflex team have decided to join us. We are most appreciative of the assistance we received locally from economic development organizations and Manatee County Government."
Trinity Manufacturing
March 31, 2009  Trinity Manufacturing Corporation announced that it has relocated and expanded its manufacturing operations in Bradenton.  Trinity Manufacturing President Jim Fitch stated, “By moving into our new 18,000 square foot facility, Trinity Manufacturing has doubled its manufacturing capacity.  Since we began operations in January 2004, we have realized outstanding growth in customers and sales.  Our new facility supports our plans for continued growth.  We are pleased that our new facility, located in Saunders Industrial Park, is close to our previous operation which has minimized the disruption to our operations, customers and suppliers.”  Trinity Manufacturing employs 26 people and is a contract manufacturer of cable assemblies, wiring harnesses, and electrical panel and box assemblies for original equipment manufacturers (OEM), distributors and contractors serving a wide variety of industries, including defense, aerospace, medical equipment, emergency service vehicles, commercial construction, and others.
Steelgate, Inc.
March 9, 2009  A Manatee County company that provides storage and inventory management of biomedical specimens for medical research, has opened an office in Belgium and relocated two employees to expand business in Europe. Steelgate will replace the two employees in Manatee County and plans to add two more positions by mid-year, said Kate Grayson, Steelgate’s president and CEO. Since late 2008, the company hired a global director of sales and marketing and promoted the company’s facility manager to director of operations and the facility supervisor to facility manager. “Our expansion, hiring and internal promotions are results of the growing demand for our services in storing and managing inventories of biomedical specimens,” Grayson said. “Europe is a significant research market with Belgium being at the crossroads and in a growth mode. Steelgate has provided services in the United States to its European clients, but being in Europe will help reduce the cost of international shipping and open up business development opportunities in Belgium, Germany, The Netherlands and the United Kingdom.”
“Steelgate’s growth since relocating from New York to Manatee County in 2004 is an encouraging sign for the potential of the biomedical industry in our region,” Engel said. “The company’s European expansion invites new possibilities for focusing the spotlight on Manatee County as a viable home for biomedical businesses.”  The EDC recently facilitated an international trade grant of $1,750 to help Steelgate attend a leading life sciences conference in Europe that unites more than 500 companies from 20 nations, Engel said.
Sleek Audio
March 9, 2009  While many businesses are suffering layoffs and slower sales, Sleek Audio in Manatee County expects to triple sales over 2008 and plans to create an additional 15 positions in the next year.  Sleek Audio makes in-ear earphones that allow music lovers to hear with unprecedented quality, said Jason Krywko, chief operating officer. 
The company performs almost all of its manufacturing at its Palmetto location, he said, and is seeking to move the last of its manufacturing operations to Manatee County from China.  “We’re looking for injection molding partners in the local area to work with us,” he said. “We believe in keeping the product as American-made as possible. We collaborated on the original design of our SA6 ‘in-ear earphone’ with a local firm, ROBRADY design, and wrote our initial business plan with the help of a University of South Florida professor.”  Sleek Audio spun off from Krywko’s parents’ business, Eartech Hearing Aids, which was formed in Manatee County 30 years ago. Sleek Audio’s patent-pending technology started as an experiment combining a custom ear mold with a hearing aid speaker to reduce airplane noise on a flight Krywko’s parents were taking. Last year, Sleek Audio launched the SA6 to rave industry reviews, winning the Popular Science “Best of What’s New” award for 2008. Krywko says he has seen no indication that the global recession is affecting sales. The company sells its products worldwide, and international sales outpace domestic orders.
Companies on the Move -  2008
Quasar Bio-tech Inc.
Quasar Bio-tech Inc., which produces light therapy devices for use by medical professionals and consumers, is planning to move its manufacturing to Manatee County and add up to 24 employees in 2009.  “We anticipate triple-digit growth to continue with the introduction of new technology in the first half of 2009,” said Peter Nesbitt, Quasar Bio-tech president. “To facilitate our market expansion, we plan to bring manufacturing in-house and staff up accordingly.”  Quasar Bio-Tech relocated from Valley Forge, PA in August to 2,500 sq. ft. of leased space in South Manatee County. The cost of doing business and workforce availability were key factors in the company’s decision to locate in Manatee County, Nesbitt said. Quasar Bio-Tech currently has six employees and uses a vendor in Texas for manufacturing.  The company is seeking local suppliers, such as printed circuit board makers, to facilitate its expansion In Manatee.  In 2001, Quasar Bio-tech began marketing red and infrared light therapy devices to professionals for medical and cosmetic use. 
 
In 2007, the company introduced photo rejuvenation devices to the consumer marketplace and continues to be the only brand that uses professional, medical grade technology, Nesbitt said. The company’s two best-selling consumer products are the Baby Quasar for photo rejuvenation and the Baby Blue for treating acne. The products are sold on-line and at retailers like Dillard’s. Nesbitt plans to expand into international markets in 2010.
Exactech
Gainesville, Fla.-based Exactech (Nasdaq: EXAC) is establishing a new facility in south Manatee County to manufacture surgical instruments used to implant the company’s joint replacement devices.  The 13,000-square-foot facility, located at 7455 16th St. E, is scheduled to begin operations in December. Exactech expects to hire 12 employees during the initial start-up phase of its manufacturing and support operations. The company’s Gainesville, Fla., headquarters currently designs and manufactures orthopaedic devices that are used by surgeons in more than 30 countries around the world. According to Exactech Vice President of Operations John Pelc, “The decision to begin producing our own instruments, which have previously been outsourced, will allow Exactech to maintain a high level of customer responsiveness and flexibility. We chose Manatee County for its business-friendly approach to attracting new, high-tech businesses, as well as its proximity to large population bases from which to draw skilled employees.”
   Orbeco-Hellige   
A Long Island manufacturer of instruments for testing water and wastewater is relocating to Manatee County.  The EDC assisted Orbeco-Hellige Inc. with its plans to relocate from New York and hire at least eight employees locally at a 15,000-square-foot facility the company purchased in Parkland Center.  Orbeco-Hellige is relocating to Florida primarily to reduce expenses on facilities and taxes, said President Brad Martell, who already lives in Bradenton. Martell plans to begin operations at the Manatee County facility this fall.