Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/110509
FHTCC ANNUAL REPORT Information Technology (IT) Workforce. Over the next year, During 2011/2012, FHTCC also continued its ongoing led by the Tampa Bay Technology Forum, the organizations support of the region���s university-based incubators, which will develop a plan to address the critical gaps in the have seen enormous growth and client success. Released IT workforce identified by this initial study such as the in January 2012, an updated study of the University experience levels of job candidates and training programs of for small IT firms. demonstrated an even greater impact on the region than Additional Business Incubation Program was previously determined in its precursory study from include: 2009. Commissioned by FHTCC and conducted by W. development of a program at the University of South H. Owen Consulting Inc., the Regional Economic Impact Florida that will educate students on Computing and Study found that client and graduate companies generate Cyber Security; The PRISM Project, a campaign spanning a total economic output that exceeds $360 million annually, 10 Central Florida K-12 school districts to strengthen an 80 percent increase from the $200 million average in achievement by in FHTCC STEM development Florida���s programs supported workforce Central during fields 2011/2012 technology, 2009. A similar study is under way of the University of engineering and math); and, the region���s FIRST robotics (science, South Florida���s Tampa Bay Technology Incubator and its competitions. impact on the western end of our Corridor region. Entrepreneurial Support Volunteer Support Through projects mentioned earlier in this report such as The Florida High Tech Corridor Council is sustained by FHTCC���s Florida Virtual Entrepreneur Center which has now the tireless support of volunteers who are committed expanded to cover the entire state, the Council recognizes to advancing high tech industry throughout the region. the importance of supporting the region���s entrepreneurs During the past year, more than 515 volunteers ��� from and growth companies in order to further its mission and numerous partners and participants including economic grow high tech industry. development organizations, school districts, universities, florida.HIGH.TECH 2013 fht_annualreport_2013.indd 61 61 2/11/13 2:24 PM