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ABOUT THE EDC SITE MAP RESOURCES/LINKS CONTACT US
Technology             
TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES
The Tampa Bay Technology Forum
The Tampa Bay Technology Forum (TBTF) is a professional association dedicated to growing Tampa Bay's technology businesses and promoting the region as a major center of entrepreneurship and innovation.  Membership includes technology companies, entrepreneurs, investment firms, professional service firms, academic institutions, civic organizations and government agencies.

The not-for profit organization has established itself as the 'go-to' organization for anyone associated with technology in the Tampa Bay region and serves the needs of the members as well as the entire technology business community through networking, educational programs, awareness campaigns and advocacy.  
82 Degrees Tech
82° TECH is a technology advocacy group for companies creating and developing technology in Sarasota and Manatee counties. The organization receives administrative support from a partnership of the economic development organizations in Manatee and Sarasota counties.  Top level executives (CEO, CFO, COO, CTO, CIO, president, vice president, director, partner, regional division manager, etc.) from technology-related companies are invited to join other members who are committed in creating an technology awareness in the region.

The primary focus of the group is:
*Increasing public awareness of the growing technology community.
*Improving the business climate for by developing critical resources.
*Facilitating educational/social opportunities for the area’s technology companies. 
Startup Florida
Startup Florida promotes the creation and acceleration of technology businesses by providing capital, mentoring and a supportive community for entrepreneurs.  Their early-stage venture funds serve to connect entrepreneurs with active angel investors throughout the State of Florida.

The mission of the Startup Florida is to invest time and capital in new technologies that engage successful entrepreneurs, emerging markets and early-stage investors.  In order to support the established technology community and to attract new entrepreneurs and businesses, Startup Florida has taken the initiative to represent the interests of the technology community of Florida.
Florida High Tech Corridor Council
The Florida High Tech Corridor Council (FHTCC) mission is to attract, retain and grow high tech industry and the workforce to support it within the 23-county Florida High Tech Corridor.  The FHTCC was established by the Legislature in 1996 to attract, retain and grow high tech industry and to help develop the workforce to support those industries in the 21-county service areas of the University of Central Florida (UCF) and the University of South Florida (USF). In January 2005, the Council welcomed the University of Florida (UF) as a full partner of this unique economic development initiative, merging the strengths of three world-class universities.
SAMPLING OF HIGH TECH & NEW ECONOMY COMPANIES 
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Honeywell Cabin Management Systems & Services Sarasota - This division of Honeywell is known throughout the sky and around the globe by providing in-flight audio, video, and cabin management systems, liquid crystal display (LCD) technology integration, and other customized solutions to meet entertainment and communications needs.
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Benz Research & Development - Through their state-of-the-art chemical processing technologies and ultra-high vacuum glass distillation, Benz has become the leading worldwide supplier of contact lens raw materials. In fact, 90% of all soft contact lenses made in the United States are made with their raw materials.
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Cisco Systems - By focusing on customer satisfaction and technology innovation, Cisco Systems, Inc. has become the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet.
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Eaton Corporation - Produces and services highly engineered interfaces including relays, toggle and rocker switches, miniature switches, limit switches, push-button switches, remote control circuit breakers and power and load management systems. Products and systems from their facility, located in Manatee County, function to control, switch and distribute electrical power in the commercial and general aviation, military aircraft and off-highway vehicle markets.
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GE Security - Headquarted in Manatee County, they are focused on communication and information technologies for security, safety and lifestyle enhancements. GE Security is represented by some of the best-known brand names for intrusion and fire detection, access and building control, video surveillance, explosive and drug detection, key management and, structured wiring.
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MadahCom, Inc. - A manufacturer of digital wireless public warning and mass notification systems located in south Manatee County.  The company, which was launched in 1994 with three people in New York and Israel, has more than 150 installations of its WAVES (Wireless Audio Visual Emergency System) systems.  WAVES provides anti-terrorism protection for U.S. troops in the Middle East and other locations around the world.  This warning enables troops in the hazard area to immediately seek shelter, minimizing casualties.  For the U.S. Army, MadahCom specifically created its portable product called TACWAVES (Tactical Wireless Audio Visual Emergency System), which helps save soldiers lives in the Middle East by warning them within seconds prior to insurgent attacks.  In Iraq, the military uses TACWAVES and WAVES for anti-terrorism force protection.
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Techology Resource Links
w Tampa Bay Techology Forum
w 82 Degrees Tech
w Start-Up Florida
w Florida High Tech Corridor Council
w USF Connect
w Manatee & Sarasota Entrepreneur Resources
Did you know?
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The Florida High Tech Corridor (FHTC), stretching across the center of the state from Tampa Bay to Emlbourne and up to Gainesville, continues to be a hotbed for high-tech companies large and small.  It incorporates 23 counties, 8,500 technology companies, 131,000 employees and a gross annual payroll of more than $7.l billion.
Source: Tampa Bay Corporate Guide - 2006
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The Florida Medical Manufacturer's Consortium reports that Tampa Bay's medical device manufacturing industry employs more than 10,000 people and produces over $2 billion worth of goods and services for an economic impact of more than 51,000 jobs and $5 billion.
Source: Tampa Bay Corporate Guide - 2006
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Since 1996, the Florida High Tech Corridor Council has partnered with more than 255 companies on more than 615 research project and has contributed more than $43 million.  The partnering companies matched that with more than $90 million, for more than $133 million in applied research.
Source: florida.High.Tech - The Guide to Florida's High Tech Corridor - 2006
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There are roughly 200 Life Sciences & Medical Technologies companies in the Florida High Tech Corridor, employing 9,411 people and generating $401.9 million in revenues.
Source: florida.High.Tech - The Guide to Florida's High Tech Corridor - 2006
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL * MANATEE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
P.O. BOX 321 * 222 10th Street West * Bradenton, FL 34206-0321 * Phone: +1 (1-941) 748-3411 * E-mail: Info@manateeEDC.com