Santa Rosa Recognizes Industries

LOUIS COOPER September 18,2008

In the face of challenging economic times, Santa Rosa County took time Wednesday to recognize industries that have prospered and grown over the last year.

"We're in economic times that this country has never seen before," Ed Gray, chairman of the TEAM Santa Rosa Economic Development Council, said at the group's annual Industry Appreciation Awards luncheon in Milton. "It's not time to let up. It's time to ramp up."

Eight local businesses in three categories were recognized for the positive impact they had last year on the success and growth of the local economy.

The three categories for which businesses were nominated included:

Expanding business:

- AeroVironment, Inc., a California-based company known for its development of unmanned aircraft systems and efficient energy-based technology, has established a training division in Navarre.

- Clearwire, a provider of wireless, high-speed Internet service, currently is growing its roster from 250 employees to more than 400 positions to support its wireless broadband technical service center in East Milton.

- The Studer Group, based in Gulf Breeze, has garnered national recognition for techniques and strategies that have helped hundreds of health care organizations attain and sustain service and operations excellence.

- Ropella, an executive search and consulting firm, that soon will open its new offices in East Milton.

- AppRiver, Inc., a leading provider of e-mail security solutions based in Gulf Breeze, recently received the Red Herring 100 Award, a selection as one of the 100 most innovative private technology companies based in North America.

New business:

- MTI Specialty Silicones, of East Milton manufactures custom-engineered products using silicone and other cellular materials. The company serves a variety of specialty markets, focused on three main product categories: silicone, aerospace and fabricated products.

- XCAVATE, a Milton-based information research and software development firm.

Emerging export industry:

- Sterling Fibers, a manufacturer of branded specialty fibers located in Pace, was recognized due to the tremendous success of its textile exports worldwide.

Cindy Anderson, executive director of TEAM, praised the businesses recognized for their contribution to the local economy.

"Santa Rosa County led ... Florida in wage growth last year, and we remain among the top counties in terms of job growth," Anderson said. "This is an opportunity to say 'thank you' to the outstanding businesses that have made these impressive results possible."

Sponsored by Workforce EscaRosa, this year's luncheon featured a fish fry and shrimp boil by Santa Rosa County Sheriff Wendell Hall and County Commissioner Tom Stewart, with beverages provided by the Buffalo Rock Co. Musical entertainment was provided by Gulf Power Co. employees Cliff Krut, John Hutchinson and Lee Robinson, who make up the band Category 4.