Dear fellow Floridians:

Each year, I have the distinct pleasure of reporting the successes of the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. However, as fiscal year 2005-2006 was a banner year for the Council, I am particularly proud of the accompanying annual report.

The foresight shown by the Florida Legislature when it created the Council in 1996 was rewarded this year as the Council celebrates its 10th anniversary. While many involved with the creation of the Council no doubt had faith in the concept, surely few would have guessed then what we know now … that the Council is a national model for high tech economic development.

The Council’s innovation was demonstrated once again this year with its groundbreaking Matching Grants Research Program. Started as a way to have university researchers and high tech company scientists work together to solve problems and create marketable technological solutions, the program this year passed the $150 million mark in research funding. This truly remarkable milestone is a testament to the talented roster of researchers at the three Corridor universities, as well as the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit of the Corridor’s high tech companies.

In addition to the Council’s Matching Grants Research Program, this annual report will detail many of the Council’s other efforts to attract, retain and grow high tech industry and the workforce to support it in the 23-county Corridor including how the Council’s contribution of $4.3 million led to a total investment of more than $20 million.

Through the following information, I hope that you gain insight into how the Council’s strategic approach to high tech economic development leverages the resources of government, academic, economic development organizations and corporate partners on a regional rather than local basis.

Sincerely,

Randy Berridge
President