Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/54910
FHTCC ANNUAL REPORT Florida K-12 school districts to strengthen achievement in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering and math); and, the FIRST robotics competitions. Entrepreneurial Support Through projects mentioned earlier in this magazine such as the FHTCC's Florida Virtual Entrepreneur Center and the Florida Economic Gardening Institute at the University of Central Florida, the Council recognizes the importance of supporting the region's entrepreneurs and growth companies in order to further its mission and grow high tech industry. During 2010/2011, FHTCC also continued its ongoing support of the region's university-based incubators. Business incubators throughout the Corridor serve as a catalyst for accelerating the growth of startup ventures by providing mentoring and business services. Studies have shown the strong positive impact our incubator partners have made not only on the businesses they support, but also on the regional economy. In 2009, FHTCC commissioned a study of the 10- year history and impact of the University of Central Florida's Business Incubation Program, which demonstrated an annual economic impact of $200 million. A similar study is underway of the University of South Florida's Tampa Bay Technology Incubator and its impact on the western end of our region, and we are conducting an update study of UCF's program. Volunteer Support The Florida High Tech Corridor Council is sustained by the tireless support of volunteers who are committed to advancing high tech industry throughout the region. During the past year, more than 460 volunteers – from numerous partners and participants including economic development organizations, school districts, universities, workforce boards and others — contributed more than 5,000 hours in support of the Council. Total Investment in High Tech Economic Development In order to further the missions of partner organizations and ensure that FHTCC funds have the maximum possible impact, the Council regularly matches its partners' contributions. During fiscal year 2010/2011, the Council committed nearly $390,000 in funds to 59 programs and initiatives across the Corridor. As a result of the Council's investments, those projects generated an additional value of almost $800,000 in funding and support that without the Council's initial investment otherwise may not have been realized. During 2010/2011, the Council invested $7.1 million in economic development, research, workforce development, education and support for the region's evolving technology communities. Add to that the $12.2 million in research support from our Matching Grants Research Program, $390,000 in services provided by Corridor partners and $800,000 in additional value realized through initiatives funded by the Council and this year's direct impact exceeds $20 million. Marketing the Corridor The many projects of the Florida High Tech Corridor Council all work to improve national awareness of the 23-county region as a thriving high tech center. By sharing these programs through targeted marketing programs, the Corridor has seen an increase in regional and national publicity and recognition. The Florida High Tech Corridor Council's presence on social networks such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube allows for direct interaction with business leaders, technologists and economic developers to link to partner websites and in-depth news coverage. Through the www. floridahightech.com website and social media channels, the Council has placed an emphasis on recognizing and promoting the region's "Faces of Technology," a program that highlights the researchers, technicians and engineers who have helped innovation grow across the Corridor. The past four years have seen more than 60 technology pioneers featured in the FHTCC annual magazine, florida. HIGH.TECH, with corresponding videos posted to the Council's YouTube channel. Throughout the last year, the Council received significant regional and national media coverage on the impact of its programs and initiatives. FHTCC continued to be an active participant in many prominent technology trade shows. University, business and economic development leaders represented the Corridor at I/ITSEC, Photonics West and Bio2011, to name a few. In addition to the annual magazine, florida. HIGH.TECH, the Council informs 4,500 readers of technological advancements being made throughout the Corridor in its monthly eNewsletter, Inside Florida's High Tech Corridor. florida.HIGH.TECH 2012 61