Member News
Florida Chamber of Commerce member press releases/updates.
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Sep- 2025 -16 September
Florida Polytechnic University Professor Develops Advanced Model for More Accurate Nuclear Physics Predictions
A major breakthrough in nuclear physics at Florida Polytechnic University is setting new standards in predicting nuclear binding energies. Dr. Ian Bentley, Chair of the Department of Physics, has developed a pioneering machine learning model that promises to enhance the accuracy of these predictions, shedding new light on the fundamental structure of matter. Advancing Understanding of Atomic Nuclei Dr. Bentley’s innovative approach, dubbed the Four Model Tree Ensemble, integrates various machine learning techniques to deliver…
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9 September
Polk State College Opens Preferred Registration List for Upcoming Welding Program
Polk State College has announced the opening of a preferred registration list for its much-anticipated Welding Program, expected to launch in 2026. Due to overwhelming interest, individuals who join the list will receive 72 hours of advance notice before official registration begins. The program is designed to provide hands-on training with advanced technology, preparing students for certifications and high-demand careers. By combining state funding, industry-driven training, and a proven track record in technical education, Polk…
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5 September
St. Thomas University Partners with Meyer Shank Racing to Offer Students Unprecedented Experiential Learning Opportunities
Miami Gardens, FL — On August 24, 2025, Meyer Shank Racing (MSR) debuted its number 66 car, featuring St. Thomas University (STU) branding and piloted by IndyCar driver Marcus Armstrong, at the Milwaukee Mile 250. The STU-themed livery reached speeds over 170 mph during the race, showcasing a high-profile partnership that gave STU students the opportunity to apply their academic knowledge in real-world motorsports settings. Experiential Learning in Action The MSR–STU partnership provided students with…
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5 September
Miller Electric Company Triumphs at ABC’s Excellence in Construction Awards with Six Honors
Jacksonville, FL — Miller Electric Company has been honored with six prestigious awards at the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) First Coast Chapter Excellence in Construction (EIC) Awards. Recognized widely as the industry’s leading competition for contracting excellence, the EIC Awards celebrate projects that embody innovation, high-quality execution, and exceptional collaboration. The first standout project was the Jacksonville International Airport (JIA) TSA Security Expansion, which earned Miller Electric the coveted Eagle Award. As a key…
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5 September
University of Florida Establishes AI Center to Advance Agricultural Innovation
The University of Florida (UF) is launching a state-of-the-art Center for Applied Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture at its Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC) in Balm, Florida. This initiative aims to revolutionize Florida’s agriculture by integrating AI and robotics to address challenges such as rising production and labor costs. The new center will occupy 40,000 square feet and serve as a hub for AI-driven agricultural research and development. Researchers will focus on automating tasks…
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5 September
Tampa General Hospital Foundation Announces Transformative Gift to Create a New Hybrid Operating Room
Tampa, FL — On August 20, 2025, the Tampa General Hospital (TGH) Foundation announced a transformative donation from the Jenkins Charitable Foundation that will fund the creation of a cutting-edge hybrid operating room. With a price tag just under $10 million, this advanced surgical suite—fusing traditional operating capabilities with high-end interventional imaging—will enhance care for patients undergoing complex vascular procedures. A key highlight of this initiative is the innovation it enables in surgical care. The…
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5 September
Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County Unveil Symbolic Panther Sculpture for Panthers on the Prowl Campaign
Davie, Florida (September 4, 2025) – Four young artists from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County’s Rita & Rick Case Club dedicated four weeks to decorating a panther sculpture generously donated by Rita Case, president and CEO of Rick Case Automotive Group. The artwork is part of Panthers on the Prowl, an initiative launched in collaboration with the American Cancer Society and Florida Panthers President Bill Zito and his wife Julie. Panthers…
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5 September
USF Introduces Pioneering Undergraduate Program in Health Care Simulation
The University of South Florida (USF) is launching the world’s first undergraduate concentration in Health Care Simulation Operations, aiming to address the growing demand for professionals skilled in simulation-based medical training. This innovative program, starting in Fall 2025, is designed to enhance patient safety and care quality through advanced simulation technologies. Offered through the USF College of Public Health, in collaboration with the USF Center for Advanced Medical Learning and Simulation (CAMLS), this concentration is…
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5 September
Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County Unveil Symbolic Panther Sculpture for Panthers on the Prowl Campaign
Four young artists from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County’s Rita & Rick Case Club dedicated four weeks to decorating a panther sculpture generously donated by Rita Case, president and CEO of Rick Case Automotive Group. The artwork is part of Panthers on the Prowl, an initiative launched in collaboration with the American Cancer Society and Florida Panthers President Bill Zito and his wife Julie. Panthers on the Prowl merges art, community and…
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5 September
Cirrus Aircraft Expands Operations at Kissimmee Gateway Airport
Cirrus Aircraft is expanding its presence at Kissimmee Gateway Airport (KISM) in Florida, enhancing its services to meet the growing demand for personal aviation. The expansion includes the construction of a new 12,000-square-foot hangar and the addition of over 100 jobs, reinforcing Central Florida’s position as a hub for aviation innovation. Cirrus Aircraft is investing in a new 12,000-square-foot hangar at Kissimmee Gateway Airport. This facility will serve as a service and warranty center, supporting…
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5 September
Disney Sprinkles ‘Pixie Dust’ on Florida Classrooms with 500,000-Supply Donation Drive
Florida’s teachers and students are heading into the new school year with an extra dose of Disney magic. On August 19, 2025, Walt Disney World concluded its largest VoluntEARS initiative of the summer—its Back-to-School Supply Drive—at the ESPN Wide World of Sports, where more than 200 cast members gathered to sort over 135,000 donated school supplies for A Gift for Teaching, a long-time nonprofit partner serving educators in Orange, Osceola, Lake, Seminole, and Polk counties.…
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5 September
Comcast Opens $5.9 Million Regional Headquarters in West Palm Beach
Comcast has inaugurated its new Florida Regional Headquarters in West Palm Beach, marking a significant investment in the community and its operations across the state. The $5.9 million facility is designed to enhance employee collaboration and customer service. The new headquarters spans 42,000 square feet, with 34,000 square feet fully renovated to include modern features that foster creativity, innovation, and employee well-being. In conjunction with the opening, Comcast celebrated by supporting local initiatives. Employees assembled 300…
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4 September
Duke Energy Fuels Florida Growth with Site Readiness Program Supporting Six New Development Sites
St. Petersburg, FL — Duke Energy has selected six properties across Florida for its 2025 Site Readiness Program, aimed at preparing business and industrial sites for economic development and positioning them for expansion opportunities. Since launching the initiative in 2013, the program has evaluated 60 sites, spurred nearly $493 million in capital investments, and contributed to 1,950 new jobs statewide. The Site Readiness effort brings together top-tier consultants—including Zev Cohen & Associates, Kolb Design Group,…
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4 September
Mike Burtov Appointed New Executive Director of NSU’s Levan Center of Innovation
Mike Burtov has been appointed as the new Executive Director of the Alan B. Levan | NSU Broward Center of Innovation, succeeding Dr. John Wensveen. This transition marks a significant step in the center’s mission to foster entrepreneurship and innovation in South Florida. Mike Burtov takes over from Dr. John Wensveen, who led the center through several years of growth and program development. Burtov inherits a well-established platform with a robust network of startups, investors,…
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4 September
Helios Education Foundation awards $500,000 in scholarships during 20th anniversary celebration
St. Petersburg, FL — On April 15, 2025, the Helios Education Foundation marked its 20th anniversary with a celebratory scholarship event at the Tampa Museum of Art. As part of the festivities, Helios awarded $500,000 in Pathway Scholarships to 20 community college transfer students across Florida. This initiative underscores Helios’s enduring commitment to expanding access to higher education. Beyond the immediate award, the event also highlighted the broader legacy of Helios’s investment in education. Over…
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