GrowFL Welcomes Statewide Economic Development Leader to Florida Economic Gardening Institute Team

Aug. 8, 2011 - PRLog -- ORLANDO, Fla. – With a new operational model that targets development and support of localized programs around the state, the Florida Economic Gardening Institute at the University of Central Florida has selected Tammie Nemecek to lead GrowFL’s new partnership development activities.

Nemecek will be responsible for coordinating with regional and local economic development organizations to enhance and expand entrepreneurial support programs in their local community.  Through funded collaborations, these programs will utilize the successful model of economic gardening that has been tested around the state through the Florida Economic Gardening Institute’s GrowFL Technical Assistance Pilot Program.  

As past chairwoman of the Florida Economic Development Council, Nemecek brings more than 15 years of experience in statewide economic development issues to her new role.  Previously, Nemecek served as the president and CEO of the Economic Development Council of Collier County, where she was responsible for the creation and retention of high wage, knowledge-based jobs throughout Collier County.  

“Tammie’s new role will help strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem of our local communities as she works to share economic gardening practices with organizations across the state,” said Dr. Tom O’Neal, executive director of the Florida Economic Gardening Institute and Associate Vice President for the University of Central Florida’s Office of Research and Commercialization.  “Tammie has experience in creating a successful entrepreneurial support network in Collier County.  She will greatly enhance UCF’s ability to bring economic gardening to communities throughout the State of Florida.”

Nemecek has been recognized by Gulfshore Business magazine in 2003, and by Gulf Coast Business Review in 2007 as one of Southwest Florida’s 40 under 40 top executives.  In addition, the American Business Women’s Association recognized Nemecek in 2005 for her business leadership.

Nemecek earned her bachelor’s degree in management from Eckerd College and Hodges University.

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The Florida Economic Gardening Institute was created by the 2009 Florida Legislature as the Economic Gardening Technical Assistance Program to stimulate investment in Florida’s economy by providing technical assistance for expanding businesses in the state. Qualified companies must be engaged in the following sectors to receive no-cost technical assistance: Manufacturing; Finance & Insurance Services; Wholesale Trade; Information Industries; Professional, Scientific & Technical Services; Management Services; and, Administrative & Support Services. Additional information is available at http://www.GrowFL.com.