Corridor NEWS RELEASES

FHTCC Welcomes Energy Innovator as New Council Member

Heathrow, Fla. (January 12, 2010) – The Florida High Tech Corridor Council (FHTCC) is primed to gain the leadership of a world-recognized innovator in energy solutions with the appointment of Scott Faris, CEO of Planar Energy Devices, as a member of the Corridor Council.  

A former participant of the FHTCC’s Matching Grants Research Program, Orlando-based Planar designs and manufactures energy storage products for automotive, defense and commercial applications.  In 2009, the company was named the Corporate Award Winner in Energy by the prestigious World Technology Network and also won a spot on TechJournal South’s annual ‘Tech50’ list.

Faris’ involvement in numerous industry organizations including the Central Florida Technology Forum, as well as his experience in growing technology-based companies through his business counseling venture, the Astralis Group LLC, well equip him to represent and pursue the council’s objectives as a new Council member.  He is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission. 

In his role on the Council, Faris will use his experience and expertise in emerging technologies to advise the Council in its efforts to grow high tech industry in the 23-county Corridor.  University of Central Florida president and Florida High Tech Corridor Council co-chair, Dr. John Hitt, appointed Faris to the Council.

About FHTCC

The Florida High Tech Corridor Council (FHTCC) is an economic development initiative of the University of Central Florida (UCF), the University of South Florida (USF) and the University of Florida (UF).  The mission of FHTCC is to grow high tech industry and innovation through research, workforce and marketing partnerships.

A partnership involving more than 20 local and regional economic development organizations (EDOs) and 14 community colleges, the Council is co-chaired by the presidents of UCF, USF and UF.  The Council includes the presidents of two of the community colleges, the president of Florida Institute of Technology and representatives of high tech industry. 

The unique partnership has resulted in a strategic approach to high tech economic development that involves matching funds research, workforce development and a marketing program leveraging governmental, EDO and corporate budgets on a regional rather than local basis.

For more information, visit www.floridahightech.com.