Boat image -courtesy of VISIT FLORIDA
FLORIDA: REDEFINING BUSINESS AND LUXURY Hospitality and a new era of sustainable, luxury developments drive growth
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hanks to the policies of Governor Rick Scott, Florida has enjoyed a robust recovery from the recession and is experiencing a period of enviable growth. “Florida is today what the rest of America will look like in coming years,” said Bill Johnson, Florida Secretary of Commerce and President of Enterprise Florida, the state’s economic development organization. “Over the last four and a half years, under the leadership of Governor Scott, 900,000 new private sector jobs have been created,” Johnson explained. “Actually some states are still losing jobs, but we continue to grow and are currently the number one state in the US for job creation.” To also ensure that Florida is a business-friendly state, more than 4,000 bureaucratic regulations have been eliminated in the last four years and thanks to its high visitors numbers – expected to exceed 100 million in 2015 – the state has a surplus budget, which allows its residents to enjoy some of the lowest taxes in the country. Much of the growth can be attributed to the resurgence of the
construction industry, which was badly hit by the recession but is now booming, so much so that Miami is now being called the “New York of the South” and is attracting a new generation of Big Apple millionaires. Miami is a “vibrant city,” said Daniel Kodsi, Developer of Paramount Residences. “It has a city feel, so people are saying, ‘why am I living in New York when I can now get the same experience living in Miami?’” he said, adding that today’s generation values mobility and the sense of freedom that Miami is uniquely positioned to offer, due to the quality of the development projects and of course, the weather. “Why would I be sitting in freezing cold weather when I could be in Miami? This is a trend that is building momentum and will continue to grow. Real estate is creating the rooftops, which in turn creates retail and they all feed each other,” Kodsi said. This new chapter of Miami’s real estate growth is also taking sustainability into account. “We are big believers that bringing great thinkers and experts to Miami can help us build a better city,” said David Martin, COO
of Terra Group. “This allows us to develop projects that are the right catalysts for our neighborhoods. We are spending more than $10.5 million to improve a 35-acre park on the ocean, near Miami Beach, next to the Four Seasons and Bal Harbour. We see huge potential for North Beach, being that it is part of Miami Beach yet more peaceful, a little bit
Florida’s recent growth has inspired great confidence from developers worldwide. It is a haven for secure high-end, investments.” Dave Martin COO of Terra Group
more of a sanctuary, while still close to the excitement and entertainment of the city. There are also places like Coconut Grove, where they have the best schools. We are always studying what drives each neighborhood and adapt our products accordingly,” Martin said. It is also important to note that compared to other states, the cost of real estate in Miami is relatively low, in some cases up to 40% lower than
similar properties in New York or Chicago. Add to that the state’s low tax structure – there is no income tax in Florida – and it becomes clear why Florida is attractive to property investors, people looking for a second home or people looking to relocate. “People today are discovering they can do business anywhere,” says Mayor Carlos Gimenez, Mayor of Miami-Dade, “they don’t have to be in a specific location anymore because of technology, so naturally they are gravitating towards places where they can can save more of their money. Plus, it is possible to buy a lovely property right on the water, next to our beautiful ocean with glorious weather. And now that we have invested in our arts culture, we can really compete with cities in the north on a number of levels,” he said. This is a trend that is being replicated throughout Florida, as developers focus on projects that can truly add value to the state’s unique assets. According to Martin, “Florida is very welcoming to foreigners and makes people feel at home, which is a unique quality, and I think is part of our success.”
IMAGE: BillJohnson,FloridaSecretaryofCommerce;President&CEO,EnterpriseFlorida • StephenOwens,President,SwireProperties • TeresaJacobs,MayorofOrangeCounty • MattHollander,GeneralManager,Miami Beach Convention Center • David Martin, COO, Terra Group • Kathie Canning, Executive Director, Orange County Convention Center • Mark Templeton, President and CEO, Citrix • Will Seccombe, President & CEO, Visit Florida • Carlos Gimenez, Mayor of Miami-Dade County • Nitin Motwani, Managing Principal, Miami Worldcenter • Mike Beedles, President, Sato Global Solutions • Daniel Kodsi, Developer, Paramount Residences In collaboration with
d l o s y d a e r l a s a w d I n A . e c a p s e h t n e o h t w e r h t l l i t s y e h t . e e r f r o f n i view . e n i h s n su e h t e b Must
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LUXURY WITH A SOUL
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INSPIRED DEVELOPMENTS THAT CONNECT
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fter the crisis, there was a shift in the definition of what luxury means. Today, people want ‘to be more’ rather than ‘have more.’ Understanding this principle has driven us to develop projects that enable people to connect with the community and inspire pride. We strive to create products that connect with people’s soul. We try
aware of the new kind of customer Florida is attracting. One of the most significant urban development projects in the state is the Miami Worldcenter, which is 30 acres of land located between South Beach and the Central Business District. “We had a vision for the state of Florida and we wanted to elevate Miami to a tier one city, which meant making it pedestrianfriendly, with easy access to public Miami Worldcenter transportation, arts, culture and entertainment. Today that vision has the value of three projects combined, so this is is coming to fruition and we feel blessed to be part of this new era our main area of focus.” for Miami and Florida,” said Nitin Daniel Kodsi Developer, Paramount Residences Motwani, Managing Principal of the to educate our consumers about Miami Worldcenter project. what we are doing rather than The influx of people is driving sell to them. Our buyers are more new developments in Miami that sophisticated and this has led to are transforming the city, creating a greater cultural confidence in demand for restaurants and retail. Miami,” said Martin who is very According to Kodsi, Miami is
Living in Florida is also about lifestyle. Courtesy of VISIT FLORIDA
under-developed in terms of its retail offering, and as a result developers are keen to invest in these types of projects. Stephen Owen, President of Swire Properties, the developers behind Brickell City Centre — a $1 billion project with plans for retail, residential, office space and a hotel in downtown Miami — is philosophical about this new
era of growth. “Florida is a state that’s driven by its diversity and that brings a different kind of creative energy. Everyone wants to contribute to this landscape. This is the new Miami. Some of us are investing in projects that won’t make money but contribute to the overall aesthetic of the city. This is driving the new phase of Miami’s dynamic growth.”
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TOURISM BOOMS
BASKING IN SUNSHINE AND PROSPERITY
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lorida’s tourism sector is booming. It is having its fifth record year with more than 100 million visitors expected in 2015. “Our goal is to make Florida the number one tourism destination in the world,” said William Seccombe, President and CEO of Visit Florida. He attributes the runaway success of Florida’s tourism sector to several things. “First of all, we have a public sector that is supportive of the industry and is willing to invest in marketing. We have leadership that understands the importance of tourism to the economy and has put policies in place that allow for growth. The private sector also actively supports the industry. Our hospitality is key. It is the
Reaching the international arts and culture community has helped establish our place in the world.” Matt Hollander, General Manager Miami Beach Convention Center
reason so many people come to Florida and then choose to return again and again. Finally, we have the best tourism product in the world. Just look at everything we have to offer,” he said. As a result, tourism continues to be the state’s number one industry, employing over one million people and generating 24% of the state’s sales tax revenue. Despite the robust increase, Seccombe is confident there is room for further growth. “We have visitors coming from 189 countries,” he said, “we have seen significant growth from Canada, Europe and from traditional markets such as the UK and Germany. Now we are seeing growth from Latin America, in
particular, Brazil. In the future, India and China will also be key markets.” Miami alone attracts 14 million visitors each year, a figure that is growing thanks to the success of shows hosted at the Miami Beach Convention Center (MBCC). “Art Basel is a good example of how our geographic location and our welcoming culture have allowed us to become a worldwide hub particularly in the Americas. The success of this show has helped put Miami on the map. As a result, we have attracted new shows, such as Maison & Objet, which launched this May and was hugely successful. We expect it to grow in prominence and further cement Miami’s place in the design world,” said Matt Hollander, General Manager of the MBCC. A $500 million renovation of Miami Beach’s convention center is planned over the next two years, which is expected to attract new events from Central, South America and the Caribbean. “The impact of events on this scale will be felt throughout South Florida,” said Hollander, confirming that the renovation will add 150,000 square feet to the center. “Every inch of the building will be renovated. All the major systems and infrastructure are being redone. A plethora of technology will be installed to ensure that meeting planners will have today what they dream about for tomorrow. Our technology will be integrated in a way that makes it easily expandable and ready for the future,” he said. Despite the innovative upgrades, he attributes much of Miami’s success to its unique and open culture. “We know how to make guests feel at home here in Miami Beach,” he said.
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6 FLORIDA
REINVENTING CONVENTIONS
ORLANDO: SERIOUS FUN AND CHIC
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ith family attractions that include SeaWorld, Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando, it’s no surprise that Orlando is the number one vacation destination in the US and a popular family destination worldwide. Orlando boasts 62 million visitors each year and the sector generates an annual revenue of $60 million and provides one in three jobs in the region.
“In the last few years upmarket accommodations have come here such as the Waldorf Astoria, JW Marriot, Ritz Carlton and the Four Seasons. As a result we are capturing a lot more of the luxury market. It’s also impacting the quality of our restaurants and driving the growth of our dining concepts. Last year, the James Beard Awards, which is the Oscars for the culinary world, held their annual event here thanks to the high number of superb chefs Our amazing attractions, along with our in Orlando.” said George Aguel, airport and infrastructure, President and CEO of Visit Orlando. “Each year we attract more than contribute to the appeal of 200 events to the Central Florida visiting Orlando.” Kathleen Canning, Executive Director area, which adds up to roughly 1.4 Orange County Convention Center million attendees and approximately The sector’s expansion buoys the $2.1 billion in annual revenue,” Orlando brand and builds notoriety said Kathleen Canning, Executive by adding amenities such as the Director of the OCCC. They are Amway Center, a new performing adept at catering to this market. arts center and luxury hotels. “Our success is focused on pleasing
15_0127_OCCC_NEWSWEEK_HalfPgAd_R2V2_Paths.indd 1
Orange County Convention Center is a great draw for business
the business traveler who is looking for features such as walkability and connectivity. That means easy transport between the hotel and convention center. They also want healthy dining options and green space,” said Canning. With more than 20,000 rooms across 42 hotels within a 2-mile radius of the OCCC, Orlando definitely offers the business traveler
plenty of hotel accommodation options, yet Canning and her team are committed to “exploring further possibilities.” “We have learned a lot from our neighbors, Sea World and Universal. We are constantly looking at our brand asking, ‘what are people looking for now?’” This proactive approach explains why Orlando holds its number one spot and is likely to do so for a long time to come.
7/9/15 5:29 PM
FLORIDA TECHNOLOGY ABOUNDS
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A SOUTHERN TECHNOLOGY HUB
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lorida has become a mecca for a range of high-tech industries including life sciences, aerospace and IT. In response to the industry’s growth, last year the eMerge Americas conference was launched to drive development across various sectors such as Big Data, mobility, startup, cloud and cyber security. The annual event brings together industry titans such as IBM, HP, Cisco, Google, Facebook and Citrix. “We started eMerge Americas because Florida was not being taken seriously as a technology state and we wanted to spark a change in perception, to encourage investors to see the growth potential for the region. Our long-term vision is to establish Miami as a technology hub that connects Latin America, North America and Europe. We are not trying to compete with other
lots of other tech companies are now interested in this location. That is very interesting for us, because the devices these
We want to become the number one solutions provider for the auto ID industry and data collection.” Mike Beedles, President Sato Global Solutions An industry boom is attracting high-end tech companies
hubs because we think we can complement them,” said Xavier Gonzalez, Executive Director of eMerge Americas. “Miami offers enormous opportunities,” he said. Thanks to this boom, many international tech companies are also choosing Florida as their base. In May of this year, Sato Global Solutions, a Japanese company that develops tracking technology,
announced it will invest $5 million in new global headquarters for its software division in Fort Lauderdale. For Sato, South Florida was the clear choice due to its popularity with other Japanese tech companies (there are more than 65 based in the area), its proximity to Latin America and the availability of tech talent. “Because we chose to locate here,
companies make and the software we develop are going to be a perfect fit. We are going to invest heavily in South Florida, as I think we have an opportunity to create a second Silicon Valley.” Sato has a simple vision to achieve this important goal. “To be a leader, we have to be willing to work with everyone. This attitude gives us our global competitive edge.”
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Florida’s 15 diverse seaports can quickly and cost effectively move your goods across the nation and beyond. Located at the center of the hemisphere, Florida ports provide speedy connections to the world’s fastest growing markets. Under the leadership of Governor Rick Scott, Florida is investing more than $1 billion in port and logistics infrastructure. Florida is big ship ready! We are the only Atlantic state south of Virginia with port waters deep enough to accommodate super-sized container vessels with no restrictions. You now have many more reliable options to reach U.S. markets. Florida is Ready!
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INVEST IN FLORIDA
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FLORIDA BUSINESS: THE FORMULA FOR SUCCESS
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lorida has long been a gateway to the Americas and early on recognized two great strengths, which were its proximity and interconnections with its neighbors to the south. Its growth in recent years has seen these connections expand, so that today it is a global hub that attracts business from all over the world. As the 8th largest market in the US, as well as the home of the country’s busiest cargo airport, Miami International Airport, Florida is a state that is serious about business. “Florida is misunderstood. We are not a state where you come to retire. We are young and vibrant,” said Bill Johnson, Florida Secretary of Commerce, President and CEO of Enterprise Florida. Today, Florida’s population is one of the youngest in the US with an average age of 40, and it is the number one state for job creation thanks to the diversification of its industries. While tourism is still the leading sector, the state’s growing industries include trade, logistics, IT, aviation, aerospace, sports, real estate, agriculture, healthcare and life sciences. “Florida has a number of key industries that buttress the economy. One of the most important is logistics and trade. Florida is in the center of our hemisphere and this location means we are the first
ports in and the last ports out of the US. We have 15 modernized ports where we have invested a billion dollars in the last four years. We own an impressive 19 commercial airports, four of which are international and we recently invested $6 billion modernizing Miami International. We are investing a billion in the Tampa Intl. Airport, which is the number one domestic airport in America and also have a multibillion-investment going on at the Orlando airport. As you may know Orlando handles more than 62 million visitors; that is more than the entire state of California!” said Johnson. Barry Johnson, President and CEO of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, agrees that investment in Miami’s port will play a key role in the region’s future trade growth. “With our seaport being dredged to 50 feet, we will be the first port in Florida that is able to take the New Panamax ships and, we will see them start arriving next year.” Florida’s technology industry is also booming thanks to the growth of Florida’s High Tech Corridor, which spans 23 counties across the state, and is connected by three research universities as well as 14 community and state colleges. It is home to thousands of innovative companies that are supported by
Sanford Burnham labs at Lake Nona Medical City in Orlando
A billion dollars have been invested in Florida’s seaports
20 local and regional economic development boards. “Motorola has been here for years,” said Dan Lindblade, President and CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce, “but we have a whole host of other companies such as Foxconn, Citrix, Microsoft and Blackberry. We also have companies like Nipro Diagnostics, which are the largest manufacturers of test strips for diabetes and are expanding,” he said.
There is an incredible awakening in the US and globally about what Florida has to offer.” Bill Johnson, President & CEO Enterprise Florida
Not only are these tech companies sourcing talent from each other, but also from the state’s academic institutions. “The University of Central Florida is the second largest university in the US and has some unique specialties such as sensor development technology, advanced materials, photonics and nanoscience. The university develops programs that can support our local industries. For example, we are the world’s epicenter for modeling simulation and training for the armed forces. This is a significant cluster adjacent to the university,” said Teresa Jacobs, Mayor of Orange County.
“The technology used in modeling simulation is the same used for the development of theme park rides, which works great for us because Orlando is the theme park capital of the US.” Another growing sector in Orange County is life sciences due to the opening of Lake Nona Medical City, which is a 650-acre park dedicated to medical care, research and education. It is part of a deliberate strategy to create a center for advanced medicine in Central Florida. “They are really focusing on translational medicine, which treats people based on their individual needs and anatomy. It will revolutionize our approach to the medical treatment of illnesses such as cancer and diabetes,” Jacobs said. It is said that your health is your wealth, but Florida offers both, as the US Tax Foundation ranks Florida at no. 5 for having one of the lowest tax burdens in the country. “Our marketing tagline is a ‘Life Less Taxing’ and that makes a real difference when companies are thinking about locating their executives here,” said Bob Swindell, President and CEO, Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance. “For those moving from states like New York or New Jersey, the low tax here is the equivalent to a 10% raise. Mixed with the great quality of life, it’s a tough combination to beat.”
FLORIDA: A Natural Wonder for Business & Pleasure
Images courtesy of VISIT FLORIDA
Come for the Sunshine, Stay for the Low Taxes
Bill Johnson Secretary of Commerce, President & CEO of Enterprise Florida, Inc.
Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI) is a public-private partnership between Florida’s business and government
ned businesses. Florida also has the second-largest banking sector in America. Such a concentration of banks also has a global impact. Over the last two decades, nearly $100 billion of personal wealth has migrated to Florida. Florida is booming and yet every year we continue to reduce taxes. Governor Scott signed a $400 million tax cut package this year. More than 70% of our businesses no longer pay the business tax – that’s why this is a business-friendly state. In 2015 there will be $11 billion of additional investment made in our roads, airports and seaports. We lead the U.S. in terms of investment in infrastructure.
leaders and is the principal economic development organization for Florida. EFI’s mission is to expand and diversify the state’s economy through job creation.
Why are so many people have 100 million annual visimoving to Florida? tors, our state economy is not There is an incredible awakein deficit like many other states. ning in the US and globally We have visitors from places like about what FloriSpain and France da has to offer. It’s to thank for that. more than sun and As a result, Flo“Florida is fun, great cuisine, rida is one of the beaches and golf. most affordable booming and We want our resistates per peryet every year dents to keep more son in which to of their hard-earlive. We have no we continue to ned money so over personal income reduce taxes. “ tax. There is no the last 4 years our governor has cut inheritance tax. taxes more than 50 Gas taxes here times. We are one of the most are about 0.55 cents per gallon. business-friendly states from a In Pennsylvania it’s about 0.70 regulatory perspective. It’s easier cents per gallon. to start and grow a business here than any other state in the US. What makes Florida such Over the last four years we have a stable business environeliminated more than 4,000 ment? needless bureaucratic regulaWe don’t just chase big busitions. We are a state with billions ness. We are equally passionate of surplus dollars. Because we about small and minority-ow-
$7.5 billion Over the last four years, $7.5 billion in state debt has been paid down
917,000 Under the leadership of Governor, Rick Scott, more than 917,000 private sector jobs have been created over the last 41/2 years
$6 billion The City of Miami has invested $6 billion to modernize Miami International Airport
What incentives do you offer to attract new business? Our job is to make sure we are working with every local economic development agency with an eye towards what it takes to help a company expand or grow. Some of that might be money out of the Governor’s Quick Action Closing Fund. We also have the Quick Response Training program from our partners at CareerSource Florida. Last year a record 124,000plus Florida businesses received employee services. There are also advantages like property tax abatement at the local level where companies may be offered temporary tax relief so they don’t have to pay the full amount of their property tax. We don’t tax on the sale of new manufacturing equipment or machinery. We offer several different grants and custom solutions for businesses across all of our target industries looking to locate or expand in Florida.
The World’s Favorite Vacation Destination
William Seccombe President and CEO VISIT FLORIDA We have seen huge growth from Latin America, especially Brazil. In fact, growth from that market is what has really pushed our visitor numbers so high. We are expanding in a few different markets that we expect to be even more significant in the future. For example, Mexico is key for us, as are India and China. In the next ten years, China is expected to be the largest travel market in the world, so we will be heavily focusing on reaching that emerging market.
Serving as the state’s official tourism marketing corporation, VISIT FLORIDA was established as a publicprivate partnership in 1996. Their goal is to establish Florida as the No. 1 travel destination in the world. In 2015, the state invested $74 million in VISIT FLORIDA toward a total budget, including private sector match, of nearly $215 million.
How does VISIT FLORIDA are the fishing, equestrian and structure its marketing golfing capitals of the world. activities? We are the home of American We are a co-op marketing ormotor sports. Our list just goes ganization and that allows us to on and on. We have such an create highly targeted programs incredible product and it’s our that our industry partners can job to tell that story. buy into to maximize the impact of their individual resourHow is VISIT FLORIDA ces. We are also storytellers expanding its international who focus on creating content activities? that inspires travel to Florida. Both Europe and Canada are Few destinations can comkey markets for us. One in ten pete with Florida’s Canadians vacation “Our job is to here in Florida, tourism package. We are the theme so we know they tell the story park capital of the have a tremendous of Florida’s world. We have amount of loyal825 miles of beauty to us which we incredible tiful beaches. We want to respect and tourism have award-winnurture. Europe ning state and nais also traditionaproduct.” tional parks. We lly a strong market have a rich diversity of cultures for us, particularly the UK and who enjoy sharing their unique Germany, where we have strong art, music and cuisine with visirelationships with the in-countors from around the world. We try tour operators and airlines.
100m Visitors to Florida are expected to surpass 100 million in 2015
189 In 2014, Florida received visitors from 189 countries
1.2m Approximately 1.2 million Floridians are employed in the state’s tourism industry
How is VISIT FLORIDA diversifying its tourism product? Despite Florida’s strong overall popularity, there are a lot of destinations within the state that are not as well known and we are working hard to promote those too. We recently partnered with Google to create a virtual tour of more than 740 miles of our coastline, allowing potential visitors from around the globe to experience interactive views of Florida’s world-renowned beaches before they ever leave home. To date, more than 75 million virtual visitors have toured our beaches. We have a great partnership with National Geographic to showcase some of the natural attractions in Florida, such as our springs and parks. Through another partnership we created with celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse, who now lives here in Florida, we are able to spotlight the state’s unique culinary offerings on his popular television show Emeril’s Florida. Unique partnerships and programs like these allow VISIT FLORIDA to showcase the diverse travel experiences the Sunshine State has to offer.
Orlando: The Theme Park Capital of the World
Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs
Institute. Medical City boasts Nemours Children’s Hospital, the nation’s newest VA Medical Center and the University of Florida’s Academic Resource Center.
Mayor Teresa Jacobs took office in 2011 and is now serving her second term. She works closely with tourism leaders to maintain the region as the number-one vacation destination in the U.S. Orlando-Orange County also has the second largest convention center in the country and is home to amazing entertainment amenities.
What has triggered the th in tourism to private sector huge spurt in job growth in investments by Disney World Orange County? and Universal Studios, as well We are proud to say that job as a change in our marketing creation here is growing twice approach, focusing more heavily as fast as the national average on the intrinsic values of family despite the fact that time and creating liwe were hit hard fetime memories. “We are the by the economic Today, Central downturn. (OrlanFlorida’s tourism theme park do) Orange County economy is among capital of the the strongest in is one of the few counties to not only the world, and our country.” recover the jobs we Convention Center lost, but we have is top-ranked in the added new jobs and our unemnation. We are home to the larployment rate has dropped from gest cluster of modeling, simulaa high of 11.6 percent to 5.1 pertion and training companies in cent today. the world. We also have a burDuring the downturn, our geoning life sciences industry. construction industry was hit Since the start of the recession, the hardest, but our tourism there has been more than $2 bisector weathered the storm betllion of investment in Medical ter than expected. Tourism was City in Lake Nona by the new also the first sector of our ecoUniversity of Central Florida nomy to show significant job College of Medicine and Sangrowth. I would credit the growford-Burnham Medical Research
62m Orlando attracts more than 62 million visitors each year
1m Orange County attracts more than one million business visitors each year
$200m In 2014, Orange County generated $200 million in tourist development tax revenue
What is the impact of tourism on the local economy? The impact has been tremendous. We estimate tourism contributes $60 billion annually to the local economy and accounts approximately one third of our jobs. This is a significant figure. But the benefit to our county goes beyond that. The international recognition that our tourism partners have brought to Orlando is immeasurable. This has created an opportunity for us to expand our brand awareness to include all the other industries and spotlight the other positive attributes we have to offer. To that end, our region just launched a new brand campaign, “Orlando. You don’t know the half of it.” Additionally, the more than $200 million of tourism development tax revenue we generate annually has allowed us to invest in world-class venues such as the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, the Orlando Citrus Bowl and our new Amway Center – home to the NBA’s Orlando Magic. How has revenue from tourism been reinvested in the state? Orange County is the fifth largest county in Florida, but last year we were the second largest generator in sales tax as a result of the large number of tourists. The state uses sales tax money to fund education, healthcare and other important programs that benefit the residents of Florida.
From Southern Hub to Major County
Mayor Carlos Gimenez Mayor of Miami-Dade
Miami-Dade County encompasses more than 2,000 square miles and is located on the southeast tip of Florida. Thanks to initiatives spearheaded by Mayor Carlos Gimenez, the region is experiencing a period of unprecedented growth and is expanding its aviation, information technology and finance industries.
What has spurred the ecobator in downtown Miami. We nomic recovery of have also invested in eMerge Miami-Dade? Americas, which is now a maA number of factors have heljor technology conference, atped the economic recovery of tracting 10,000 attendees to its Miami-Dade, such as the bi2015 conference. Miami-Dade llions we have invested in our County also supports access to infrastructure speinformation and cifically at our air“The time for cultural activities, port and seaport. which is why we Miami-Dade Coun- Miami is now.” have reopened the ty is the gateway to Northeast Dade the Americas and Latin America Aventura Library, and inaugurahas been the fastest growing ted new museums and a major economy in the world. We have performing arts center. Every been successful in attracting metropolitan area goes through international companies here a life cycle and reaches a mothat want to do business with ment where it establishes itself Latin America and the Caribas a major destination and for bean and the modernizing of Miami that time is now. I feel our infrastructure has been key fortunate to be mayor of Miato this. In addition, we have inmi-Dade during this time. vested in technology to attract major companies and startups How are Miami-Dade’s to Miami-Dade. One project industries diversifying? we are committed to is Venture I am currently the Chair of Hive, which is a startup incu“One Community, One Goal.”
$4 billion Miami-Dade has approved land sale that will be used for a $4 billion retail and entertainment center that will create an estimated 25,000 jobs
10,000 eMerge Americas, Miami’s new technology conference, attracted this many attendees in 2015
>400,000 Tourism supports more than 400,000 jobs throughout the County
The focus of the initiative is to diversify the economy and encourage our talent to continue to call Miami-Dade County “home” rather than relocate to other cities. In other words, part of our focus is to reverse the “brain drain.” We have made an effort to attract new businesses to Miami-Dade County in different industries such as design, finance, aviation, IT and trade. Our goal is to create a much more diverse community that isn’t largely dependent on tourism. That’s not to say tourism still isn’t important. Of course it is, but we are the second largest banking sector in the United States outside of New York. We are attracting technology companies to South Florida, as well as expanding aviation and trade, while appealing to entrepreneurs and startups. We are also attracting hedge funds and other investors. Is Miami better positioned to attract the new construction boom? Yes, because the last boom was fueled by speculation. This time around it’s different because developers are asking for up to 50 percent down, which means the market is being powered by prospects who have money and are less likely to default on payments. We have some major projects going on right now such as All Aboard Florida, a fully funded rail service connecting Miami-Dade County with Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and Orlando, and the deal we helped broker with Triple 5, American Dream Miami that is potentially a $4 billion mega-entertainment development.
Developments with Character and Homes with a Soul
David Martin, President of Terra Group
Terra Group creates high-end residential, commercial, land and mixed-use projects known for originality, attention to detail and design, and rich quality of community life, which has yielded over 2 billion dollars in sales. Founded in 2001 by Pedro & David Martin, Terra Group develops projects that have a positive impact.
How is South Florida changsome calculated risks in creaing and how it Terra Group ting products that can connect approaching that change? with people. Our firm is unique South Florida is experiencing in what we do. We do not cona strong population migration sider our developments comfrom the US and other parts of modities, but places that focus the world. What we are finding on further enhancing people’s is that people want to move lives. We are creating products here. It’s not all about a second that can speak to the true esor third home, we are talking sence of what we are creating about relocations. rather than some People are loosort of commodi“Florida as a king for a more tized product that state is always people are just instabilized environment and as looking for new vesting in to rent such are moving out. We are cuways to from Venezuela, rrently developing Argentina, Mexiin excess of $3 improve.” co and Colombillion of specialibia. We are also zed products, ranseeing people moving from the ging from retail centers, office Northeastern part of the Unibuildings, master planned comted States, choosing to live in munities, apartment buildings a better climate that does not and luxury high-rise condomihave a state income tax. So for niums. Every neighborhood we us, it is a huge opportunity and focus on has a different thesis, a what we are trying to do is take different game plan.
$10.5m Terra Group has invested $10.5 million upgrading a 35-acre park at Miami Beach
$3bn Terra Group is currently developing diverse projects with a value in excess of $3 billion
14 Terra Group is currently involved in 14 of Miami’s municipalty projects of Miami’s municipalities
What projects is Terra Group currently working on? In Miami Beach, we are developing a project called Glass, designed by architect Rene Gonzalez. It is the last high-rise in the South of Fifth area of South Beach. We have buyers from Cleveland, Connecticut, New York and London. We meet with a lot of families and people who have realized they want to spend more time in Miami. We have two projects in Coconut Grove the Bjarke Ingels-designed Grove at Grand Bay and the Rem Koolhaas-designed Park Grove towers. These projects adhere to our business strategy of a “less is more” approach. They also offer 12’ ceilings as compared to the traditional 8’ to 9’ ceiling found in other projects. The increased height gives one a little more volume in cubic area, which is one of the qualities found in having a home. How will Miami evolve in the future? People think of Miami as a coastal city that focuses on trade and it is, but today Miami is a global city with multinational companies and an international community. Miami has a strong identity. It also has some challenges that we are all focused on, such as infrastructure and mass transit. We are looking at what is the appropriate allocation of resources and speaking to experts to help guide us into the 21st and 22nd century. I think Miami as a city and Florida as a state are always looking for new ways to improve. There is a very strong activist community here that truly protects all of the state’s natural resources.
Residences that Provide the Ultimate Lifestyle
Daniel Kodsi Developer, PARAMOUNT Miami Worldcenter makes it so unique. Imagine living in a place where you can walk to all these different venues. We are going to have a big mall complete with Bloomingdales and Macy’s, as well as lots of additional retail. We expect this retail to feed more and lead to a huge growth in retail.
PARAMOUNT Miami Ventures develops unique residences that combine the PARAMOUNT brand pillars of exceptional design, world-class architecture, customized service and cutting-edge technology to provide total satisfaction and to deliver the ultimate lifestyle.
What has triggered the home. That’s a big deal. Miami recent spurt of growth in welcomes everyone and offers Miami? great opportunities.Florida welMiami was always beautiful comes everyone and offers great thanks to its natural resources opportunities. like the beaches and the bay. It doesn’t matter what kind How will current developof development you are builments shape the future of ding when you have that kind Miami? of view. The weather is a huge There is no city in Americomponent. When the rest ca that has the opportunity of the country to create in an is freezing cold, urban environ“There is no South Florida has ment like Miacity in America mi. There is the sub-tropical weather. The connecperforming arts that has the tion with South center, the muopportunity America is key. seum park, the We have an entire American Airlines to create in continent that coArena with basan urban mes through this ketball and concity, with Miami environment like certs. We have the acting as their gatrain coming into Miami.” teway to America. this area, which is South Americans already the cruise experience a comfort level in capital of the world, all in this Miami that makes them feel at one small area and that is what
$750m Paramount has approx. $750 million in current developments
1 million Square feet of retail anchored by Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s
5m Miami Worldcenter is expected to attract an additional 5 million visitors per year to the city
What was the inspiration behind your rooftop design at Miami Worldcenter? When we designed this project, we didn’t look at Miami, we looked at the world. Miami was recently named as one of the global cities with global importance; it ranked number 6. When you start moving in front of cities like Paris, Dubai and Beijing, that’s pretty significant. And for those of us who have been living down here, it is extremely significant. We have seen Miami go through the evolution. PARAMOUNT is the signature tower, the beacon of Miami Worldcenter, and so it was really important for us to see what they are doing that is different in Dubai, Shanghai and elsewhere around the world and then determine how we could incorporate it into the building. We looked closely at the architecture and brought in a lot of the unique style that Miami desires. While the retail experience is key, we have created an equally compelling experience on the roof of the mall by incorporating an amenity deck that stretches six acres in length and features an array of interactive parks, a resort-style pool and premier sports complex. Poised to debut as one of the largest amenity decks in the U.S., we are very proud to be spearheading this one-ofa-kind experience that will undoubtedly transform Miami.
The World’s Favorite Art and Design Hub
Matt Hollander, General Manager, Miami Beach Convention Center building in a way that it can grow along with other new technologies. Construction starts this December and throughout 2016 two halls will be open. We expect the interior to be finished by 2018 at which point we will start work on the exterior where we are going to create some beautiful green spaces.
The Miami Beach Convention Center is an indoor space for events in Miami Beach, Florida that currently features four large exhibit halls comprised of 500,000 sq. ft. and 75 meeting rooms. Over the next three years, the center will undergo a $500m expansion increasing its size by 150,000 sq. ft. The center is home to the world’s most important contemporary art fair, Art Basel Miami Beach.
What are the plans for the building doesn’t reflect the expansion? energy of Miami Beach. So we Although our building is daare planning a renovation that ted, guests that use it really love will be about $500m in terms it and we get great of scale; complete reviews. However, renovation from the meeting plan- “We are going end to end, floor ner community to ceiling. We will has been telling us to create some be adding 150,000 that the building beautiful green sq. ft. of new space needs to be updathat will include a spaces.” ted with modern new ballroom, new technology and meeting spaces and newer finishes. Toa new kitchen. We day’s meeting planner has diffewill have lots of new technorent expectations. As it is now, logy being integrated into the
Are there plans to build a hotel in the convention district? Yes, the city selected Portman Holdings to do the development of the hotel and and it will be leased on a long-term basis, which guarantees payments to the city. It’s an unusual arrangement, as most cities have to put public money into their convention centers in order to get private funds. In this case, all of the funding is private. But because the hotel is on public property, the plans do have to be approved by referendum. The hotel would have 800 rooms and the lease will include an agreement that will provide room blocks for events happening in the convention center. This facility is going to make a huge difference to our conventions. How has the center benefitted from Miami’s growth as an international hub? Art Basel is a great example of how our geographical location and welcoming culture has made us a hub for all parts of the world, but particularly the Americas. The success of Art Basel helped to put Miami Beach on the map and now we have new shows emerging that are cementing our position. For example, in May we launched
$500m An investment of $500m in renovations will take place over the next three years
150,000 sq. ft.
150,000 sq. ft. of space will be added to the convention center
800 The new hotel in the convention district will have 800 rooms
Maison & Objet Americas, an interior design show that was well received. In 2015, we had more than 10,000 visitors to that event; 39% of them were interior designers and architects. Miami Beach is becoming more synonymous with art and design. Plus, some events are specifically looking for a platform to enter the Central and South American market and meeting planners feel our center ticks all the boxes in that regard.
Building Business Tourism in Orlando
Kathleen Canning Executive Director, Orange County Convention Center da area and indirectly support more than 26,000 jobs in the local region. Who are the OCCC’s partners in Orlando and how important are those partnerships? Our biggest partner is Visit Orlando. The mission of Visit Orlando is to brand, market and sell the area globally as a premier leisure, convention and business destination to generate positive economic impact. Visit Orlando’s sales team works very closely with our sales team to help us sell the destination to meeting planners. The OCCC
200 The Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) is owned and operated
The OCCC attracts more than 200 events to Central Florida each year
by Orange County Government and located in the heart of the area’s tourism district. The OCCC opened its doors in 1983 and serves as “The Center of Hospitality” for more than 1.4 million guests every year.
How does the OCCC conoccur within the market. This tribute to Orlando’s local is considered new money that economy? is injected into the community Delegates attending conas a result of event activity. The ventions and traaverage conven“Each year de shows at the tion delegate and OCCC spent more trade show delegawe attract than $2.2 billion te spent approximore than in the community mately $1,970 on during fiscal year accommodations, 200 events 2013–2014. Deretail, dining, ento Central legate spending is tertainment and the measurement of transportation per Florida.” direct event-related stay in Orlando. spending within Central FloEach year we attract more than rida that would not otherwise 200 events to the Central Flori-
$2.2bn Attendees to OCCC events spend more than $2.2 billion each year
26,000 Events at the OCCC support approx. 26,000 jobs in the Central Florida area
has a long history of excellent partnerships. These relationships enhance overall performance and contribute greatly to the guest/client experience. Visit Orlando, local attractions, hotels and the support from Orange County Government and the Economic Development Commission are several examples of the benefits of on-going partnership. The importance of forming new relationships and strengthening our current partnerships is one of the keys to our success. What challenges is the OCCC facing moving forward? Our weakest link is our transportation network. If we want to keep increasing our numbers we need to be able to get the attendees who land in Orlando to have a rail option. Right now they have to rent a car, get inside a taxi or use a show shuttle. How is Orlando’s local economy evolving? Orange County’s dynamic economy includes our strong tourism sector, industries specializing in advanced computer simulation and a thriving life science research hub. Tupperware, Darden Restaurants, AAA and the Golf Channel call Central Florida home. We have one of the top ten research parks in the country. The metro Orlando/Orange County area is one of two communities in the world building a medical city, including a state of the art VA medical center. The University of Central Florida Technology Incubator has helped 55 high tech start-ups over the past decade.
So Much More than a Pretty Beach
Nicki Grossman President & CEO Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau
Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau (GFLCVB) promotes the Greater Fort Lauderdale and Broward County areas as tourism, heritage, conventions, meetings, sporting, film and entertainment destination. As part of its remit, the FLCVB works closely with the hospitality industry, marketing more than 700 hotels to fill 33,000 hotel rooms.
How important is tourism to run? Fort Lauderdale’s economy? We are an agency of Broward Fort Lauderdale is very depenCounty government. We work dent on tourism to create econoclosely with the chambers of mic growth in the beach areas. commerce based around the Last year we had 14.3 million county, so for example the city visitors that generated $11.4bn of Sunrise, Dania Beach, Pomin revenue. Because pano Beach and of the type of conDeerfield Beach all “Last year ventions we do we fall under our umcreate revenue for brella marketing. we had businesses that are We market oursel14.3 million not directly relaves as Greater Fort ted to the industry. Lauderdale but we visitors.” Everything from do campaigns for court reporters to individual cities if beauty salons. We have also inthey are hosting a specific event creased the share of profitability or if that city has an amenity for the African-American and that we think will appeal to inCaribbean communities that ternational visitors. live here. They are becoming partners in the tourism product. How does the GFLCVB diversify the tourism product What kind of partnership beyond beaches? programs does the Greater The FLCVB does a lot of work Lauderdale Convention & with the Seminole Indian Tribe, Visitors Bureau (GFLCVB) not just with their casino, but
69 Miles The Greater Fort Lauderdale area has 69 miles of reef that is suitable for diving
45 Million Sawgrass Mills Mall had more than 45 million visitors in 2014
700 Permits In 2014 the FLCVB issued 700 permits for film and entertainment production projects
also with their heritage museum on the reservation. We do a lot of marketing with the Seminoles to generate heritage business for people who are interested in learning about the real history of Florida. As a business the Seminoles are very proactive but they are also protectors of their heritage and that’s attractive to our international visitors. We have sports centers that cater for a variety of events, not just the Superbowl but international competitions such as diving, swimming, tennis. For example we have 69 miles of reef that is suitable for diving; few communities have that. Fishing is huge here as is shopping. We have a mall here called Sawgrass Mills and it has 1.6 million square feet of outlet discount fashion stores. The cruise ships stop there and our cruise terminal is one of the largest in the world. There were over 45 million visitors to Sawgrass Mills last year and half of them were international. There is also great boutique shopping in our cities, for example, in Hollywood. How important is the emerging film and entertainment sector? Last year we issued 700 permits for film and entertainment production projects. That generated around $100m in revenue and about 20,000 hotel room nights. In fact the project has been so successful we now have our own show about Fort Lauderdale called The Glades. We are also expanding this sector by including others arts such as music. Our goal is to grow the music and film festival markets. We do have our own film festival here, which takes place in October.
Tracking and Tracing Everything Everywhere Mike Beedles President Sato Global Solutions Group
actionable information -- for a single organization or across an entire supply chain.
SATO unleashes the power of data by providing technology to tag, track, and link objects to IT systems, going “the last inch” to connect the physical to the virtual. Today it has business operations in 26 countries, and its products are available in 90 countries around the world.
What is the strategy behind meoville, IL, and Daytona, FL, SATO Global Solutions? SATO Global Solutions develops To mark its 75th anniversary, custom solutions that help busiSATO is taking a bold step. In nesses answer their most critical pursuit of being number one questions. For example: in the global Auto-ID market, • Is any of our inventory subSATO established SATO Gloject to a recall, and where exactly bal Solutions in are those items? Fort Lauderdale to • How do we develop innovatiprotect consumers ve solutions in the “Our software from counterfeit rapidly-evolving drugs? adapts to any market for “Internet • Is this person of Things” (IoT) teauthorized to access product.” chnologies. SATO this facility or take Global Solutions is this item out of this SATO’s global headarea? quarters for its software develo• What upsell suggestions can pment and solutions business. we make, and how successful While it intends to serve clients are they? globally, SATO Global Solutions is also expected to boost SATO’s Recognizing that each custopresence in the United States. mer is unique, SATO Global SoCapitalizing on SATO’s existing lutions takes a holistic approach footprint in the U.S. including to capturing the data that’s immanufacturing and sales opeportant to each business and rations in Charlotte, NC, Roconverting it into meaningful,
90 SATO products are sold in 90 countries around the world
61% 61% of SATO employees are hired outside Japan
26 SATO Group has offices in 26 countries providing in-country support across the globe
How is SATO’s technology able to serve so many industries? Every organization depends heavily on data to make smarter decisions. SATO Global Solutions aims to provide customers with the information they need to decrease costs, increase revenue, improve efficiency, and enhance customer satisfaction. Our technologies can be applied to a wide range of business problems, from keeping track of medical devises to controlling access to restricted areas in your facility, and from preventing retail theft to monitoring the temperatures of food products. The deployment of RFID-enabled supply chains increases productivity and visibility of assets and investment. As an industry pioneer and designers of application technology, SATO’s RFID application solutions, alongside single and 2D barcode tag and label printing, allow customers access to real-time and extremely accurate data. Virtually any industry may now manage and monitor performance indicators to take a proactive approach to day-to-day operations, enable process improvements and incorporate superior end-toend logistical services. SATO is proud to be part of this industry evolution, which is why we have adopted the moniker, “the Integrator of Things.” We take all the components being developed by Apple, Microsoft, Honeywell or Motorola - we don’t discriminate - and integrate them for the client; we put the best of breed for our customer.
Making Mobile and Virtual Global
Mark Templeton President and CEO Citrix
entrepreneurial approach to its continuing growth.
grow. When I joined the company it had 52 employees. Today, we have almost 10,000. The first chapter of the company was remote access or what we call today mobile technology. In the second chapter of the company’s life we focused on virtualization, for example virtual meetings, networks and servers, and all the benefits of virtualization such as security and lower costs. That brought us through the 2000s. Today we have an amazing asset base in terms of talent, product, business partners and customers. Our goal is to bring the mobile and virtual technologies into end-to-end systems, which allows companies to have a completely mobile and flexible workforce.
How does Citrix keep its startup mentality?
How did Citrix approach its international expansion?
Citrix Systems Inc. is a software company founded in 1989 that provides server, application and desktop virtualization, networking, software-as-a-service (SaaS), and cloud computing technologies. Based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Citrix partners with 10,000 companies in 100+ countries and prides itself on its
again that all it takes is one person to make real change.
Being based in Florida has also enabled us to keep a fresh What is the strategy beapproach to our growth as we hind Citrix’s growth? have grown along with the inWhen Citrix started back in dustry’s expansion here. 1989 the team had one goal: to We must be continuously mo- make OS2 in a multi-user enviving and refreshing. In techno- ronment so people could share logy if you don’t applications insmove, you stagtalled on a central nate. Scale can server. The other “We have an work against you goal was a cultural because it can enamazing asset philosophy in tercourage non-starms of creating an base in terms tup behavior like environment that bureaucracy. And encouraged ideas. of talent.” while that has its When I joined in place when it co1995 my job was mes to innovation or recruiting to create the demand generaand developing new talent you tion for the product. That put can’t let the machine take over. me in the position of being able We are not perfect but we try to to work with both the technical be mindful and have both cha- and sales teams. It also meant I racteristics. We try not to curtail got in at the right time, when all the activity of one person becau- the groundwork had been laid se technology proves time and and the company was ready to
10,000 Today Citrix has close to 10,000 employees
400,000 Citrix has more than 400,000 clients around the world
27,000+ Citrix’s Ready Marketplace has access to 27,000+ products
We crafted a plan to establish partners in select locations. They became an extension of us but they were independent companies. We travelled to meet with them, trained them in our culture and our technology. We provided all the materials they needed to market the company. Many of them are still part of our network because we managed the process carefully and made sure we didn’t expand beyond our capacity. We wanted to ensure each company got the support it needed. The international part of our strategy turned out to be a very integral part of our early growth because I joined in May, we crafted the plan in the early summer, put it into action and we went public that winter. Had we not followed that international strategy, we would be a very different company today.