Partners Will Leverage Regional Strengths and Global Network to Expand Economic Opportunities Across Seven Counties
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 9, 2021 (Orlando, Fla.) – A “clustering” initiative launched just eight months ago by the Florida High Tech Corridor (The Corridor) and Orange County Government to strengthen Central Florida’s economy and spur job creation beyond hospitality and tourism, has already signed nearly 50 companies in four technology industry clusters and will move forward under a new brand: Cenfluence.
Combining “confluence” and the influence this cluster initiative will have on Central Florida’s economy, the Cenfluence name and associated brand embodies a mission to unite cluster members and propel them beyond local borders to energize national and international partnerships and commerce.
Formerly the Orange County Cluster Initiative, Cenfluence was established in February 2021 as one element of the County’s $2 million effort to stimulate and diversify the local economy amid COVID-19 impacts. Additional funding approved by the Board of County Commissioners, Oct. 26, will enable Cenfluence to transition from the initial stages of cluster formation and information gathering to an increased focus on growth and delivery of member services through 2022 and beyond. It also allows the team to expand outreach, leaning on The Corridor’s regional perspective to incorporate members from other counties, including Seminole, Brevard, Volusia, Lake, Polk and Osceola.
“Partnering with Orange County has granted us a tremendous opportunity to harness the energy of four emerging clusters and build an unparalleled ecosystem where industry, academia and support organizations converge,” said Corridor CEO Paul Sohl. “Cenfluence represents a spirit of collaboration that has driven The Corridor’s work for 25 years and we can’t wait to experience how the ripple effects of its growth will impact our region, including Central Florida and beyond.”
According to a study of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Regional Innovation Cluster Initiative, members of a formal cluster structure benefit from revenue gains, increased integration with industry supply chains, support for technology development and commercialization, and collaboration activities with other members and stakeholders. Cenfluence joins only 20 other cluster-like organizations applying this proven method in the U.S. and Canada, positioning the region as an innovator internationally.
“I am extremely proud of the Cenfluence team and what they have already done to put Orange County on the map as an ideal destination for technology research and innovation,” said Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings. “This initiative addresses a critical need to complement our robust tourism industry and diversify the region’s economy so we can better serve our business community and our citizens.”
The initiative is spearheaded by Jack Henkel, The Corridor’s program director for industry and regional diversification, and Dr. Amy Beaird, senior cluster manager, in partnership with Orange County’s economic development team. Cenfluence also benefits from the guidance of Mark Spinoglio, a world‐renowned consultant with expertise in competitive industry cluster formation, and PRISMATIC, an Orlando-area branding and marketing agency, and visionary, behind the Cenfluence brand.
“The launch of Cenfluence signifies an awakening moment for our tech business community,” said Henkel. “We have the assets innovative companies need to be successful and now we have a formal cluster structure in place to help them better navigate and take full advantage of all this region has to offer. As a Florida native and member of the innovation community for 20 years, it’s amazing to witness the synergy and passion of our local businesses and stakeholders culminate in this meaningful step toward a stronger regional economy.”
Nearly 50 businesses have joined and more than 160 have been identified as prospective members of the four Cenfluence clusters:
- Energy & Environmental Sciences
- Gaming, Entertainment & eSports
- Life Sciences
- Learning Sciences & Human Performance
Businesses can learn more and sign up for cluster membership at www.cenfluence.com. For an initial period, there is no membership fee required thanks to generous funding provided by Orange County Government.
For the latest updates and information about industry diversification and innovation in Central Florida, follow Cenfluence on LinkedIn and Twitter.
About the Florida High Tech Corridor
The Florida High Tech Corridor (The Corridor) is an economic development initiative of the University of Central Florida (UCF), the University of South Florida (USF) and the University of Florida (UF) established in 1996 to grow high tech industry and innovation in a 23-county region. The Corridor facilitates collaboration between more than 25 local and regional economic development organizations (EDOs), 14 state colleges, 12 CareerSource boards and representatives of high tech industry. Its unique approach to high tech economic development includes a Matching Grants Research Program, K-12 STEM education initiatives, workforce development programming and entrepreneurial support. For more information, visit www.floridahightech.com, or follow The Corridor on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.
About Orange County Government
Orange County Government strives to serve its residents and guests with integrity, honesty, fairness and professionalism. Located in Central Florida, Orange County includes 13 municipalities and is home to world-famous theme parks, one of the nation’s largest convention centers and a thriving life science research park. Seven elected members make up the Board of County Commissioners, including the Mayor, who is elected countywide. For more information, please visit www.OCFL.net or go to Orange County Government’s social media channels.
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Media Contacts
Florida High Tech Corridor
Kacie Escobar, Curley & Pynn
kescobar@thestrategicfirm.com
941.932.7081
Cenfluence
Heather Wilson, PRISMATIC
heather@helloprismatic.com
407.895.0029
Orange County Government
Despina McLaughlin
despina.mclaughlin@ocfl.net
407.836.5964