Small Biz Florida

Ep. 262 | Sunshine State's Career Goldmine: Unveiling Opportunities with Adrienne Johnston

Under the guidance of Tom Kindred, the Host of Small Biz Florida and Regional Director of the Florida Small Business Development Center at Indian River State College, listeners are invited to explore the array of career pathways woven throughout the Sunshine State. Adrienne Johnston, CEO of Career Source Florida, brings her wealth of expertise to the table, shedding light on the myriad opportunities available to entrepreneurs and job seekers alike.
 
Tom Kindred and Adrienne Johnston uncover the spectrum of programs and resources offered by Career Source Florida. From pioneering apprenticeships tailored to emerging industries to innovative virtual services designed for the digital age. 
 
Listeners gain a profound understanding of the transformative impact Career Source Florida has on the lives of Floridians. Whether it's providing tailored training grants to small businesses or spearheading initiatives like the Hope Florida program, Adrienne Johnston and her team are dedicated to fostering a dynamic and inclusive workforce ecosystem.
 
This episode of Small Biz Florida was recorded at the 60th Annual Florida Economic Development Council Conference hosted at the Marriott Sawgrass Resort in Ponte Vedra Beach

Ep. 261 | Bridging the Digital Divide: How Comcast Connects Rural Florida with Michelle Oyola McGovern, Vice President of Government and Regulatory Affairs at Comcast

This episode of Small Biz Florida dives into Comcast's impactful role in bridging the digital divide and fostering economic growth in rural Florida communities.
This episode of Small Biz Florida tackles the critical issue of rural internet access. Host Tom Kindred interviews Michelle Oyola McGovern, Vice President of Government and Regulatory Affairs at Comcast. Together, they explore the state and federal government's multi-billion dollar investment in broadband expansion and how Comcast is a key player in bringing reliable internet to underserved communities. The conversation highlights the importance of "beyond the build" initiatives, where Comcast collaborates with local partners to ensure affordability through programs like ACP and Internet Essentials. The episode emphasizes the transformative power of broadband access for rural economic development, attracting businesses, fostering entrepreneurship, and creating remote work opportunities.
 
Special Thanks to: 
Florida Rural Economic Development Summit
Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld

Ep. 260 | Leveraging Technology for Rural Economic Growth with GIS Web Tech and Row Bertasi

Unveiling the power of data!  This episode of Small Biz Florida, recorded live at the Florida Rural Economic Development Association (FREDA) Summit, explores how GIS Web Tech empowers rural economic development.
Host Tom Kindred sits down with Row Bertasi, co-founder and CEO of GIS Web Tech, for an insightful conversation on the importance of data in attracting businesses to rural communities. Mr. Bertasi details how GIS Web Tech's user-friendly software equips Economic Development Organizations (EDOs) with the tools needed to showcase their unique assets and propel rural economic growth.
 
 
Special Thanks to: 
Florida Rural Economic Development Summit
Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld
 

Ep. 259 | Empowering Rural Economic Development - Key Insights from the FREDA Summit with Terry Burroughs, Okeechobee County Commissioner

Bridging the Gap: Unveiling strategies for rural economic development at the Florida Rural Economic Development Association (FREDA) Summit.
This episode of Small Biz Florida sheds light on economic development initiatives in rural Florida. Host Tom Kindred is joined by Terry Burroughs, a county commissioner and economic development leader, for a insightful discussion centered around the FREDA Summit.
Mr. Burroughs delves into the Summit's focus on fostering growth and prosperity in rural counties across the state. The conversation explores the distinct challenges and opportunities faced by these communities, including infrastructure development, workforce housing, and strategic planning.
 
Special Thanks to: 
Florida Rural Economic Development Summit
Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld

Ep. 258 | Growing Rural Businesses - Kaylee King & Alex Tijerina of the OEDC Unleash New Initiatives

Small businesses, big dreams in rural Florida? This episode of Small Biz Florida is for you! Join us as we chat with Kaylee King, President, and Alex Tijerina, Director of Existing Industry, at the Okeechobee Economic Development Corporation (OEDC). Kaylee shares exciting new plans for the OEDC, including a focus on business retention and expansion.
We explore the unique challenges and opportunities of rural economic development, discussing strategies for attracting and retaining businesses. Discover how the OEDC tackles issues like housing and broadband access, fostering a thriving ecosystem for all companies.
Tune in for insights on rural economic development in Florida and resources for Okeechobee County small businesses.
 
Special Thanks to: 
Florida Rural Economic Development Summit
Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld

Ep. 257 | Fueling Your Business: Unlocking Resources with Duke Energy's Economic Development Programs

Powering Up Growth: How Duke Energy Supercharges Florida's Small Businesses
Florida's small businesses, listen up! This episode of Small Biz Florida connects you with a powerhouse supporter – Duke Energy's economic development team. We chat with Marc Hoenstine, Managing Director, of Economic Development for Duke Energy about the company's commitment to your success. Discover programs designed to fuel your growth, from expansion opportunities to resources hidden in your power bill!  
Learn how Duke Energy helps communities define their vision and find the perfect fit. 
 
Special Thanks to: 
Florida Rural Economic Development Summit
Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld
 

Ep. 256 | Public-Private Powerhouse: Growing Rural Businesses Through Partnership with Justin Ford, from Dewberry Engineers, and Antonio Jefferson, Gretna's City Manager.

Unlocking opportunity in Florida's rural communities: How innovative partnerships are fueling small business growth.
Ever wonder how small businesses can thrive in rural Florida? This episode of Small Biz Florida dives deep into the power of public-private partnerships! We'll chat with Justin Ford, from Dewberry Engineers, and Antonio Jefferson, Gretna's City Manager. They'll reveal the secrets behind Gretna's successful site development project, showcasing how collaboration can unlock a wave of opportunity for rural businesses. Join us for insights on innovative thinking, the importance of small businesses in rural communities, and the key ingredients for a thriving public-private partnership. It's an episode packed with practical advice and inspiring stories – perfect for any Florida small business owner looking to grow!
 
Special Thanks to: 
Florida Rural Economic Development Summit
Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld
 

Ep. 255 | Molding Tomorrow: 3D Printing Revolution with Ken Brace

In this special edition of Small Biz Florida, recorded live at the prestigious 2023 Florida MakesMore Manufacturing Summit at the iconic Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts in downtown Orlando, host Tom Kindred brings you a groundbreaking episode featuring Ken Brace, the innovator behind Rapid Prototyping Services.
Journey through the evolution of 3D printing with Ken, from its humble beginnings in the '80s to its current prowess in creating aerospace components. Uncover the diverse applications of 3D printing, exploring materials ranging from plastics to metals like stainless steel.
Ken shares insights into how 3D printing has transformed the manufacturing landscape, offering quick-turn prototypes for inventors and facilitating low-volume production for established businesses. Demystify the process of turning napkin sketches into 3D-printed reality and understand the crucial role of CAD files in this innovative journey.
Explore Ken's commitment to education and community engagement, as Rapid Prototyping Services collaborates with local schools and serves a diverse clientele, from inventors to defense contractors.
The episode concludes with a call to action—subscribe to Small Biz Florida for more exclusive insights from the FloridaMakes MakeMore Manufacturing Summit.
Recorded live at the 2023 Make More Manufacturing Summit, hosted at the iconic Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. A special thanks to the conference hosts for having Small Biz Florida attend, and a shoutout to the Dr. Phillips Center for being an outstanding venue for this event.
Stay tuned for more episodes as Small Biz Florida continues to spotlight businesses shaping Florida's future. Thrive, innovate, and make your mark on the evolving world of manufacturing with Small Biz Florida, in partnership with the Florida Small Business Development Center at Indian River State College.

Ep. 254 | Shaping Tomorrow: Lake Ray's Insight into Florida's Manufacturing Landscape

In this special episode, Tom engages in a dynamic conversation with Lake Ray, the President of the First Coast Manufacturers Association and a prominent figure in Florida's manufacturing and legislative scene. With a background as a professional engineer and 30 years of experience in engineering and small business ownership, Lake brings a wealth of knowledge to his role at FCMA.
Elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2008, Lake has played a pivotal role in shaping policies impacting the manufacturing sector. In this insightful conversation, Lake shares his unique perspective on the challenges facing Florida manufacturers today, from workforce dynamics to supply chain intricacies and evolving policy landscapes.
The spotlight of this year's summit is on "digital transformation," and Lake delves into the significance of embracing this revolution for sustained growth and success. Explore the diverse range of industries within Northeast Florida that FCMA represents, from manufacturing medical supplies and fragrances to recycling materials.
Discover the importance of Regional Manufacturing Associations (RMAs) like FCMA in bridging the gap between manufacturers, communities, and policymakers. Lake emphasizes the crucial role of networking and collaboration for a thriving manufacturing ecosystem.
Tom and Lake wrap up the conversation with a call to action—urging listeners to be part of the interconnected future of manufacturing. Whether you're in the industry or have valuable insights, the message is clear: Let's shape the future together.
Recorded live at the 2023 Make More Manufacturing Summit, hosted at the iconic Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. A special thanks to the conference hosts for having Small Biz Florida attend, and a shoutout to the Dr. Phillips Center for being an outstanding venue for this event.

Ep. 253 | Winds of Change: Robert Linder and the Future of Manufacturing in Florida

Welcome to a special episode of Small Biz Florida, broadcasting live from the heart of downtown Orlando at the illustrious Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts. We're on the scene at the 2023 Florida MakesMore Manufacturing Summit, where industry leaders converge to explore innovations, collaborations, and the future of manufacturing in the Sunshine State.
Today, we're joined by Robert Linder, Senior Operations Manager at GE Renewable Energy, with a remarkable background from military service to manufacturing leadership. Amidst the vibrant atmosphere of the summit, we dive into Robert's journey from the Navy to GE and explore exciting developments in renewable energy, specifically the production of onshore wind turbines in Pensacola, FL.
In this engaging conversation, we touch upon GE's commitment to green power, the significance of onshore wind in the energy landscape, and the unique role that the Pensacola plant plays in producing every GE wind turbine in North America.
The focus then shifts to the Florida Makes event, where Robert is a featured presenter. He delves into the pivotal role of digital transformation in lean manufacturing, emphasizing the need for a laser-focused approach to technological advancements. The discussion covers the challenges of managing a global supply chain, the importance of real-time data in daily operations, and the positive impact of digital transformation on safety, quality, and productivity.
Robert shares insights into fostering a culture of innovation within GE, where every team member is encouraged to contribute ideas for continuous improvement. From the importance of staying agile in the ever-evolving manufacturing landscape to the exciting prospects of creating a robust ecosystem in Florida, this episode is a deep dive into the dynamics of modern manufacturing.
As we wrap up this enlightening conversation, we encourage you to connect with GE Vernova at GEVernova.com for career opportunities and partnerships.
Recorded live at the 2023 Make More Manufacturing Summit, hosted at the iconic Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. A special thanks to the conference hosts for having Small Biz Florida attend, and a shoutout to the Dr. Phillips Center for being an outstanding venue for this event.