Nominations open for 2008 Governor's Business Diversification Awards

Osceola County is proud of its existing industries and their contribution to the growth and stability of Osceola County. Only you know what your business excels in, so we would like for you to let us know if there is a categoryies listed below that you feel your company meets the criteria for an award and we would like to nominate your business. Please contact us at 407-742-4200 and ask for either Christina Morris or Patty Chambers to discuss your nomination.

Florida businesses in emerging and high-tech industries – e.g., aviation, aerospace, homeland security, defense and life sciences – are eligible for entry into the 2008 Governors Business Diversification Awards competition.

The program spotlights companies that have contributed significantly to Florida’s economic diversification efforts. Qualified entrants will have made accomplishments in at least one of these target industries:

• Aviation/Aerospace
• Homeland Security/Defense
• Information Technology
• Life Sciences
• Manufacturing
• Financial/Professional Services
• Emerging Technologies
• Governors Green-to-Gold Award – for a company, organization or institution that, through product or process, best exemplifies "green" leadership
• Governors Business Expansion Award – for a company that expanded its Florida operations in 2007, investing capital and creating jobs for Floridians
• Governor’s Newcomer Award – for a new-to-Florida company that began operating in the state in 2007
• Governor’s Export Excellence Award – for a Florida company with a significant increase in documented export sales in 2007
• Governor’s Entrepreneurship Award – for a company less than five years old that sets the standard for entrepreneurship and creativity
• Governor’s Innovation Award – for a company, organization or institution that, through product or process, best exemplifies innovative leadership.

* Categories in bold are new for the 2007 award year.

The winners will be announced in September and will receive their awards during Floridas Industry Appreciation Week.