Beaver Street Enterpise Center News - December 2006

Statewide Regional Focus Meeting for Florida incubators

• David Josephson and Jackie Perry had an opportunity to attend this meeting in Orlando on Friday, December 1. Approximately 20 incubator managers, CEO’s and program staff attended and shared best practices and updates concerning their programs. Highlights included:

• With just three short years of incubation experience behind us, comparatively, BSEC was at the forefront of best practice activity and had a stronger focus than most on the technical assistance aspects of supporting clients.

• All incubators throughout Florida agreed to participate in the impact study which is being facilitated by the regional planning council of East Central Florida. By rolling up dates concerning sales data, average wages, etc. produced by incubator clients, the agency will be able to produce ROI info for incubators on both a regional and local level.

• Michael Bryant‘s contribution to the incubator industry was recognized by the state-wide group. FBIA Chairman Tom O’Neal has recommended an annual award which will be presented in Michael’s name to a deserving outstanding incubating client within the state-wide program.

National News:

• The National Business Incubation Association (NBIA) will hold its International Conference on Business Incubation April 1-4, 2007, in Seattle, Washington.

Beaver Street has two nominations pending:

• Incubator Client of the Year: Glenda Hunter, North Florida Electrical Contractors, Inc.
• Incubator of the Year Award: Beaver Street Enterprise Center

Recruiting

• Randy Evans and Jackie Perry had a chance to present case for involvement to Jacksonville’s Chamber Board of Director’s at November’s board meeting.

Technical Assistance

• (Mentor Lunch and Munch) Approximately 12 coaches/mentors (including board members Joan Bonnette, and Graeme Nichol) attended the Coaches/Mentors luncheon on November 21. The mentors were joined by 13 tenants, and program coordinator *David Josephso*n did an excellent job overviewing the role of coaches and mentors and introducing tools for making the coaching process more effective.

• During the month five coaches were actively engaged with tenants contributing 10 hours of volunteer mentoring.

New Tenants

• Nangwik Services, LLC effective 12-1-06 in suite 203, 300 sf space. Doors officially open for business for the wired telecommunications firm mid-January.

Current Tenants: News

• Jaguar Security lands account with Flowers Bakery, (manufacturing plant), a $130 annual contract, potentially adding 5-6 employees. The company’s marketing edge was a new innovative, internet-based security database with wireless PDA access, developed in partnership with UNF’s Manufacturing and Innovation Partnership.

• Annie Wilson Homecare Services, recognized during National Caregiver’s Month/Home Health Giver Month

• North Florida Electrical Contractors expanded from 280sf to 600sf space, Suite 124. 2006. Also nomineed for national incubator client of the year award for NBIA.

• Xeye Corp increases revenues from $706K in 2005 to nearly $1M nearing year-end 2006

Sponsorships

• George Robbins facilitated visit by two members of Mandarin Rotary. As a result, recommendation was made to have BSEC be a major recipient of Mandarin Rotary’s annual fundraiser this Rotary year.
• $5,000 grant contribution by Bank of America
  After November 29th tour and overview, BSEC invited to participate in grant process as a result of visit from Deborah P. Pierson, Sr. VP, Community Development, BOA.