Member News
Florida Chamber of Commerce member press releases/updates.
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Jan- 2026 -26 January
Department of Defense Invests $1 Billion in L3Harris Missile Solutions, Plans IPO in 2026
Melbourne-based L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX) announced a $1 billion investment from the Department of Defense to create a direct-to-supplier partnership with its new Missile Solutions company, which will later become a separate entity. L3Harris plans to pursue an IPO for Missile Solutions in the second half of 2026 while retaining a controlling interest. The partnership aims to scale the domestic supply chain for solid rocket motors, modernize facilities, increase production, and strengthen industrial resilience as…
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26 January
Rep. Sam Garrison Prioritizes Behavioral Health Ahead of Florida’s 2026 Legislative Session
As Florida lawmakers prepare for the 2026 Legislative Session, Rep. Sam Garrison emphasized that behavioral health, including mental health and substance use disorders, will remain a top priority. Speaking at the Florida Chamber’s Legislative Fly-In, the Fleming Island Republican—who is in line to become House Speaker after November’s elections—called the issue a “first-tier” challenge that affects all demographics, amplified by technology and social media. Garrison noted that mental health is one of the few areas…
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26 January
Olympia Ross Duhart Appointed Dean of Nova Southeastern University College of Law
Olympia Ross Duhart, J.D., has been named Dean of the Shepard Broad College of Law at Nova Southeastern University, effective immediately, after serving as interim dean since April. Her appointment follows a faculty, student, and alumni search process that highlighted strong support for her leadership and vision. Duhart is a tenured professor and alumna of the law school with more than 20 years of experience at NSU, including roles as associate dean for academic affairs,…
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26 January
DUDA Donates $200K to Cancel Student Lunch Debt in Seminole County
As part of its 100th anniversary, the family-operated agriculture and real estate company DUDA donated $200,000 to help eliminate student lunch debt in Seminole County. The contribution, made in partnership with the nonprofit All for Lunch and Seminole County Public Schools, cleared outstanding meal balances for thousands of students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunches, relieving financial burdens for families and ensuring students can access nutritious meals. Read More: Emily Duda Buckley family business…
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26 January
Rick Case Parking Garage Unveiled Following $1 Million Gift to Baptist Health Orthopedic Care
Baptist Health Foundation recognized a $1 million philanthropic gift from Rita Case, president and CEO of the Rick Case Automotive Group, with the naming of the Rick Case Parking Garage at Baptist Health Medical Center in Plantation. The donation supports advanced microsurgery research and technology at Baptist Health Orthopedic Care, strengthening treatment options for patients with hand, nerve, and orthopedic injuries. The gift will fund technology, equipment, education, research, and infrastructure related to microsurgery and…
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26 January
Google Grant Fuels AI Integration Across Florida Polytechnic University Curriculum
Florida Polytechnic University has been awarded a $500,000 grant from Google to support the integration of artificial intelligence across its academic curriculum. The one-year grant funds the University’s Faculty Innovation Lab, which provides training and resources to help faculty embed AI concepts into courses across all STEM disciplines. The initiative will begin with 20 faculty members developing AI-integrated courses and leading workshops to train additional instructors. In its first year, 40 professors are expected to…
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26 January
TECO Sends Workers North to Support Winter Storm Recovery
Tampa Electric Company (TECO) is sending more than 200 workers from Florida to assist utilities in Georgia and other Southern states as a major winter storm threatens power infrastructure. The crews, including line workers and contractors, will help restore service and support recovery efforts through industry mutual-aid agreements. Read More: TECO Sends Workers North to Support Winter Storm Recovery
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9 January
Central Florida Partners Launch “Holiday Bus” to Deliver Meals to Families During Winter Break
As winter break disrupts reliable access to school meals for many children, the “Holiday Bus” Drive Out Hunger initiative is stepping in to support the 1 in 6 Central Florida children facing food insecurity. Throughout December, the Holiday Bus will distribute nutritious, shelf-stable meals across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties to help families bridge the gap during the holidays. This collaborative effort — led by AdventHealth Central Florida, Second Harvest Food Bank, the Orlando Magic,…
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9 January
Governor Ron DeSantis Appoints Carol Craig to the Canaveral Port Authority Board of Commissioners
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — December 9, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of Carol Craig to the Canaveral Port Authority Board of Commissioners. Carol Craig Craig is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Sidus Space and Craig Technologies. She is a veteran of the United States Navy, serving as a Naval Flight Officer over her military career. Active in her community, Craig serves as a member of the National Defense Industrial Association and the Florida Institute…
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9 January
Littles from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County Treated to Holiday Shopping Spree at Macy’s at Coral Square
Coral Springs, Fla. (December 17, 2025) — Littles from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County were treated to holiday gift shopping at Macy’s at Coral Square in Coral Springs. The morning began with breakfast in the store, followed by a special shopping experience using a gift card made possible by the organization’s holiday fundraising campaign, Share the Season. About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County For more than 50 years, Big Brothers…
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9 January
North Florida Universities Enter Major Growth Phase as Hundreds of Millions Flow Into New Campuses and Facilities
North Florida’s higher education sector experienced a transformative year marked by large-scale capital investments, new academic projects, and significant leadership transitions. Jacksonville University broke ground on the city’s first four-year medical school, a 72,000-square-foot facility expected to deliver a $60 million economic impact, while the University of Florida advanced plans for its long-anticipated $287.5 million LaVilla urban campus, which will anchor downtown redevelopment and expand UF’s research footprint into Jacksonville. At the same time, the…
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9 January
Rick Case Bikes for Kids Makes Holidays “Wheely” Bright
The Rick Case Volkswagen showroom in Weston was filled with bikes that were presented to members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County, many receiving their very first bike. “These boys and girls are so happy and excited to have a bike, and that is what the holiday season is about,” said Case. “The generosity of our customers, friends and neighbors in donating these bikes is extraordinary. We all remember our first…
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9 January
V&E Hospitality Group CEO Shares Strategy Behind Scaling a 30-Venue Portfolio
In a recent episode of the Florida Business Minds podcast, V&E Hospitality Group CEO and co-owner Matias Pesce offered an in-depth look at how the Miami-based company has grown into one of South Florida’s most influential multi-brand hospitality groups, now operating nearly 30 venues. Pesce emphasized that sustainable expansion comes from selectivity, not aggressive growth, and discussed how his team evaluates which concepts are suited for scaling while keeping brand integrity and guest experience at…
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9 January
U.S. Sugar Expands Glades Community Investment with Focus on Youth Mental Health and Literacy
“U.S. Sugar boosts Glades investment with focus on youth mental health, family literacy” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — U.S. Sugar is putting new dollars behind mental health and literacy efforts in the Glades, announcing a roughly $105,000 investment aimed at strengthening families and addressing long-standing educational and social challenges in the rural region. U.S. Sugar is partnering with the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin counties on two initiatives focused on adolescent…
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Dec- 2025 -17 December
Florida Poly Earns Top State and National Rankings in Computer Science and Data Science
LAKELAND, Fla. – Florida Polytechnic University’s undergraduate computer science and data science programs are among the best in the state and the nation, according to new rankings from Research.com, an online higher education resource. The University’s computer science program ranked No. 1 in Florida among public universities, while its data science program ranked among the nation’s Top 20 for all public and private universities. “These rankings underscore the high quality of our programs, as well as the talent and…
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