<p>Orlando, Fla. – The Orlando Economic Partnership (OEP) has received a $20,000 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation to develop an advanced online tool that will enable users to compare key business location factors in the Orlando Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) with the 30 largest regions in the U.S. This tool, aimed at creating new business opportunities, jobs, and investment in Orlando, seeks to transform Orlando’s national image, attract investments, and boost job growth and prospects in the area. By enhancing Orlando’s reputation as a top MSA, the tool will inform stakeholders about the region’s attractive business offerings. OEP is one of 15 economic development organizations in Florida that have collectively been awarded a total of $200,000 in grants from the Duke Energy Foundation to support Florida’s dynamic economy. With this funding, OEP’s Research & Strategy team will create an online tool to reinforce Orlando’s position as a significant business hub in the U.S. and highlight its competitive edge. </p>
<p>”Businesses often consider moving, expanding, or establishing their operations in Florida due to the state’s economic vigor,” said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. We are honored to support innovative strategies that build on this success and ensure the continued growth and prosperity of our economy for future generations. The tool enables users to compare the Orlando region with the most populous destinations in the U.S. across five categories: Economy, Workforce, Business Climate, Infrastructure, and Quality of Life. It showcases Orlando’s strengths, which will attract new opportunities, create jobs, and enhance its standing as a top 30 MSA, providing an economic boost to communities in central Florida. This grant will help us further promote Orlando as a premier business destination. We appreciate the Duke Energy Foundation’s assistance in helping us develop a stronger, more competitive region. Tim Giuliani, President and CEO of the OEP </p>
<p>”The Duke Energy Foundation’s grant will enable us to create a tool that generates new business leads, fosters job creation, and drives investment in the Orlando region,” said Neil Hamilton, OEP’s vice president of Research & Strategy. Having access to this data will be invaluable to our economic development initiatives, and we are confident it will attract new business opportunities and elevate Orlando’s status as a top metropolitan area. Neil Hamilton, OEP Vice President of Research & Strategy </p>
<p>The Duke Energy Foundation’s Powerful Communities program makes strategic investments to promote thriving communities with abundant natural resources, excellent educational opportunities, and a skilled workforce driving economic prosperity for all. The Foundation provides over $30 million annually to communities in Duke Energy’s seven-state service area. A full list of grant recipients can be found below, with additional details available here. </p>
<p><strong>ABOUT ORLANDO ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP</strong> The Orlando Economic Partnership (OEP) is an economic and community development organization working to advance Broad-based Prosperity® and create a more prosperous economy for all. Through partnerships, we boost the economy, attract investments, enhance competitiveness, and foster regional leadership. Discover why opportunity in Orlando is <em>Unbelievably Real™</em> at <a href=”http://www.InvestOrlando.org”>InvestOrlando.org</a>. </p>
<p><strong>ABOUT DUKE ENERGY </strong> <strong>Duke Energy Foundation</strong> The Duke Energy Foundation allocates over $30 million annually in philanthropic support to address the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers reside and work. The Foundation is funded by Duke Energy shareholders. <strong>Duke Energy Florida</strong> Duke Energy Florida, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, owns 10,500 megawatts of energy capacity and supplies electricity to 1.9 million residential, commercial, and industrial customers across a 13,000-square-mile service area in Florida. <strong>Duke Energy</strong> Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company based in Charlotte, N.C., is one of the largest energy holding companies in the U.S. The company’s electric utilities serve 8.4 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky, collectively owning 54,800 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio, and Kentucky. Duke Energy is committed to a clean energy transition, aiming for net-zero methane emissions from its natural gas business by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions from electricity generation by 2050. The company is investing in significant electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation, including expanded energy storage, renewables, natural gas, and nuclear. </p>
<p><strong>Media Contact:</strong> Jennifer A. Marcial Ocasio | Director of Communications | <a href=”mailto:[email protected]”>[email protected]</a> | 407-902-0221 </p>
