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Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance 2026 Mid-Year Meeting Highlights Princess Cruises Amongst New Company Expansions and Key Sector Growth

Tue, 26 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (May 22, 2026) - The Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance, the official public-private partnership for economic development in Broward County, today hosted its Mid-Year Luncheon, presented by Florida Atlantic University, Florida Power & Light, and PMI US, at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood with more than 600 top local business leaders in attendance.

As part of the event, JetBlue President Marty St. George sat down with Alliance President and CEO Bob Swindell for a keynote “beachside” chat to discuss JetBlue’s continued investment in Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), where the airline is now the largest carrier, as well as the airline’s role in strengthening FLL as a key gateway to the Caribbean and Latin America through JetBlue’s extensive network across the region.

Swindell, together with Alliance Chair Jennifer Bales Drake, Esq., a Becker shareholder, announced several company expansions and relocations to Broward County since the start of the organization’s 2026 fiscal year, which began on October 1, 2025, reflecting more than $272 million in new capital investment thus far secured across high-value sectors including pharmaceutical manufacturing, life sciences, aviation MRO, finance, travel, and more.

Companies thus far assisted by the Alliance in Fiscal Year 2026 include:

Princess Cruises is making a material financial investment with the launch of a new concierge customer service and sales office in Miramar. The 22,000-square foot office facility, expected to open this fall, will serve as a central operation for the company’s concierge customer service and outbound sales teams, creating 225 new jobs by the end of 2027. Princess Cruises, which chose Miramar over Scottsdale, Ariz. for its new office location, was assisted by the City of Miramar as well as Cushman & Wakefield’s Mathew Cheezem and Tyler Reynolds who brokered the Miramar lease.
Lupin Pharmaceuticals, a global pharmaceutical leader, is expanding its footprint in Coral Springs with the construction of a new state-of-the-art manufacturing plant that will anchor its U.S. production of critical respiratory therapies and generate more than 200 new long-term skilled local jobs by 2030. With a projected cumulative investment of $250 million, including research & development, infrastructure, and capital expenditures over a five-year period, Lupin’s new Coral Springs facility will have the capacity to accommodate production of more than 25 critical respiratory medicines—diversifying the supply chain and enhancing affordable, reliable access to lifesaving therapies. The company was additionally assisted by the State of Florida, Broward County, and City of Coral Springs.
MediPath Pathology Services, a CLIA certified and CAP accredited pathology laboratory, is more than quadrupling its space, launching a new 26,000 square-foot, $10 million facility in Miramar, where it will establish a new genetics testing department. The expansion will add 150 new high-value, high-skill Broward County jobs. A proud affiliate of the TopLine MD Alliance, Florida’s largest physician-owned group, MediPath’s team of board-certified pathologists in cytopathology, anatomic pathology, gynecologic, pediatric and breast pathology work closely with surgeons, oncologists, and physicians to solidify results throughout the diagnostic phase and ongoing treatment courses to ensure treatment strategies stay on the right track. The company was assisted by the City of Miramar.
NDT-Solutions, Inc., a leading provider of advanced nondestructive testing (NDT) services for the aerospace, industrial and marine sectors, is expanding to a 33,000-square foot MRO facility in Sunrise, nearly quadrupling the size of its operations and creating up to 20 new local jobs. NDT’s new $12 million FAA-certified 145 repair station, which also carries EASA, ANAC, and CAA certifications, will provide advanced capabilities in aerospace machining, welding, NDT, and electroplating, in addition to new specialized landing gear repairs for an expanded portfolio of aircraft. NDT-Solutions also provides on-site services, traveling to customers around the world. The company was also assisted by the City of Sunrise and Florida Power & Light Company.
PRIMEPULSE Capital, LLC, a major German tech-focused family equity investment firm, launched its first U.S. location in Fort Lauderdale with a $50,000 capital investment, bolstering investment opportunities in the region’s growing innovation hub and strengthening U.S.-European economic ties. With a portfolio that spans cognitive robotics, A.I., cloud computing, and emerging innovation, PRIMEPULSE Capital’s new Las Olas office will serve as the company’s strategic U.S. hub for sourcing investment opportunities, supporting portfolio companies, and building partnerships across North America. The firm cited Fort Lauderdale’s ideal scale, strategic global connectivity, and proximity to major markets as key factors in its decision, and was provided additional assistance by the State of Florida.
Posh Tech, a leader in fashionable and affordable wearable tech and accessories, has expanded with a new 7,000-square foot warehouse space in Davie, strategically located near the region’s major transportation corridors, creating four new jobs. Posh Tech’s designers and manufacturing partners closely track fashion, culture, and lifestyle trends to thoughtfully curate each collection, which are available at more than 10 premium retailers nationwide. The company was also assisted by Broward County.

Additionally, MITER Brands, a family of leading windows and door brands, is opening a brand new 250,000 sq. ft. glass processing facility in Pembroke Pines. A capital investment of nearly $50 million, the new facility will produce hurricane impact-resistant and energy-efficient insulating glass units, among other types of window and door glass, to be used in products from the company's PGT Windows and Doors brand. Slated to open in Fall 2026, this facility will create 175 new manufacturing jobs, enhance supply chain efficiency and agility, and support increased production capacity. The company was also assisted by the City of Pembroke Pines. The Alliance previously announced the project as part of its Fiscal Year 2025 results under the codename, “Project Clearview.”

“Thus far this year, the Alliance has assisted companies with more than $272 million in capital investment that will further reinforce Broward’s leadership in high-value sectors, from life sciences and aviation MRO to business services and manufacturing,” said Bob Swindell, President and CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance. “These business expansions - including some that are quadrupling their footprint - are a testament to Broward’s pro-business environment and strong talent pipeline that fuel companies’ growth, create jobs, and drive our economy.”

“Fort Lauderdale has been an important part of JetBlue’s success since our very first revenue flight more than 26 years ago, and we’re excited to keep growing here,” said Marty St. George, president, JetBlue. “This year, we’re connecting South Florida to more JetBlue destinations than ever before with the affordable fares and great service that customers have come to love and expect from us."

The Alliance presented its annual World Class Faculty Award to Florida International University (FIU) Distinguished University Professor Dr. Arif Sarwat for his excellence in teaching and preparing his students for high-powered careers that strengthen the region’s talent pipeline. A National Science Foundation CAREER awardee, Dr. Sarwat also serves as FIU’s Chair of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Director of Engineering for Industry and Research Collaborations, and Director of the FPL-FIU Solar Research Facility and the Energy, Power, Sustainability & Intelligence (EPSi) group, with research that spans quantum computing in energy systems, artificial intelligence, grid resilience, data center design and reliability, and more. Dr. Sarwat has secured more than $16 million in principal investigator funding to support applied energy innovation, and contributed to large-scale smart grid initiatives supported by the U.S. Department of Energy and Florida Power & Light, including programs representing more than $850 million in infrastructure investment across Florida. Through his efforts in directing EPSi, he has placed 84 graduates at FPL, directly contributing to the region’s energy and technology workforce. Watch the award video here.

Sponsors of the meeting included: presenting sponsors: Florida Atlantic University, Florida Power and Light Company and PMI | US; platinum sponsors: Amazon, Delta Airlines, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), City of Hallandale Beach, JetBlue, JM Family Enterprises, Inc., Seminole Media Productions and South Florida Business Journal; gold sponsors: City of Hollywood and Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE); silver sponsors: Becker, Capital Analytics Associates, Port Everglades, and South Florida Business & Wealth; and bronze sponsors: Baptist Health, Broward County Office of Economic and Small Business Development, City of Fort Lauderdale, PNC Bank and Starmark.

The Alliance’s Annual Meeting and dinner will take place October 14, 2026 at the Broward County Convention Center’s Atlantic Ballroom.

About The Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance

The Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance is Broward County’s official public-private partnership for economic development. Its mission is to lead Broward County in building a stronger and more diverse economy by stimulating the creation of new jobs and capital investment while facilitating the growth and retention of businesses in Broward County. Services offered by the Alliance include assistance with business relocation or expansion and site selection; incentive programs and information; market research; and serving as a liaison for workforce development between CareerSource Broward, educational institutions and the business community. To learn more, visit www.gflalliance.org or call (954) 524-3113.

Broward County Unemployment Rate Declines Month Over Month to 4.2% in March 2026

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

(FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – May 4^th, 2026) – Broward County’s job report indicated a 4.2% unemployment rate in March 2026. This rate was 1.0 percentage points greater than the region’s year ago at a rate of 3.2% and 0.2 percentage points lower than the state’s rate of 4.4%. The labor force was 1,071,827, down 9,218 (-0.9%) over the year. There were 45,381 unemployed residents in the region.

Nonagricultural employment in the Ft. Lauderdale-Pompano Bch-Sunrise Metro Division was 919,300, a decrease of 9,300 jobs (-1.0%) over the year.

“While Broward County’s latest workforce data reflects a year-over-year moderation in employment and a higher unemployment rate, the region continues to demonstrate the underlying strengths that support long-term economic resilience. Greater Fort Lauderdale remains a highly competitive location for business investment, supported by strong infrastructure, talent pipeline initiatives, and continued momentum across our targeted industries," said Bob Swindell, President and CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance. “This continued progress is made possible through the strong collaboration of our public and private partners, investors, and municipal leaders, whose shared commitment remains essential to strengthening and diversifying Broward County’s economy.”

Data and Analysis

As of March 2026, the industries gaining jobs over the year were Education and Health Services (+1,600 jobs), and Government (+1,000 jobs).

Nonagricultural employment showed a slight month-to-month increase of 200 jobs, with the following industries gaining jobs month over month: Leisure and Hospitality (+900 jobs, +0.9%), Government (+600 jobs, +0.5%) and Professional and Business Services (+100 jobs, +0.1%).

Source: Florida Department of Commerce, Bureau of Labor Market Statistics – Not Seasonally Adjusted

Florida’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.7% in March 2026, up 0.1 percentage points from the February 2026 rate, and up 1.1 percentage points from a year ago. There were 523,000 jobless Floridians out of a labor force of 11,146,000. The U.S. seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.3% in March.

Florida’s seasonally adjusted total nonagricultural employment was 9,993,200 in March 2026, an increase of 28,100 jobs (+0.3%) over the month. The state lost 22,400 jobs over the year, a decrease of 0.2%. Nationally, the number of jobs rose 0.2% over the year.

Eight of ten major industries experienced negative over-the-year job growth in March 2026. The industries gaining jobs over the year were education and health services (+31,500 jobs, +2.0%) and professional and business services (+9,300 jobs, +0.6%).

The unemployment rate in Palm Beach County was 4.4% in March 2026. This rate was 1.0 percentage points greater than the region's year ago rate of 3.4%. The labor force was 773,122, down 7,283 (-0.9%) over the year. There were 34,093 unemployed residents in the region. In March 2026, nonagricultural employment in the West Palm Bch-Boca Raton-Delray Bch Metro Division was 705,500, a decrease of 6,800 (-1.0%) over the year.

For Miami-Dade County, the unemployment rate was 2.8% in March 2026. This rate was 0.2 percentage points greater than the region's year ago rate of 2.7%. In March 2026, nonagricultural employment in the Miami-Miami Beach-Kendall Metropolitan Division was 1,360,800, a decrease of 2,700 jobs (-0.2%) over the year. In March 2026, the labor force was 1,450,178, up 32,242 (+2.3%) over the year. There were 42,728 unemployed residents in the region.

Below is a chart that indicates the monthly unemployment rates for the tri-county area, the state of Florida and the U.S. for the past 24 months.

Source: Florida Department of Commerce, Bureau of Labor Market Statistics

The Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance (www.gflalliance.org) is Broward County’s official public/private partnership for economic development. Its mission is to lead Broward County in building a stronger and more diverse economy by stimulating the creation of new jobs and capital investment while facilitating the growth and retention of businesses in Broward County. Services offered by the Alliance include assistance with business relocation or expansion and site selection; incentive programs and information; market research; and serving as a liaison for workforce development between CareerSource Broward, educational institutions, and the business community. To learn more, call (954) 524-3113.

The Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance
110 E. Broward Blvd., Suite 1990, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
954-524-3113 or 800-741-1420

Broward County Maintains Competitive Business Advantage Amid Labor Market Adjustment - February 2026

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

(FORT LAUDERDALE, FL) – Broward County’s job report indicated a 4.6% unemployment rate in February 2026. This rate was 1.3 percentage points greater than the region’s year ago at a rate of 3.3% and 0.2 percentage points lower than the state’s rate of 4.8%. The labor force was 1,075,893, down 695 (-0.1%) over the year. There were 49,032 unemployed residents in the region.

Nonagricultural employment in the Ft. Lauderdale-Pompano Bch-Sunrise Metro Division was 919,300, a decrease of 9,400 jobs (-1.0%) over the year.

Data and Analysis

As of February 2026, the following major industries grew faster in the metro area than statewide over the year: Government (+0.7%), Manufacturing (+0.3%) and Construction (+0.2%)

The industries gaining jobs over the year were Education and Health Services (+1,900 jobs), Government (+800 jobs), Construction (+100 jobs), and Manufacturing (+100 jobs).

Nonagricultural employment showed a month-to-month increase of 5,300 jobs, with nine out of 10 major industries gaining jobs month over month.

Source: Florida Department of Commerce, Bureau of Labor Market Statistics - Not Seasonally Adjusted. April 17, 2026 data release.
Note: Unemployment and labor force statistics for October 2025 are not available due to a lapse in federal data collection activities

Florida’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.6% in February 2026, up 0.1 percentage points from the January 2026 rate, and up 1.0 percentage points from a year ago. There were 516,000 jobless Floridians out of a labor force of 11,141,000. The U.S. seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.4% in February.

Florida’s seasonally adjusted total nonagricultural employment was 9,969,200 in February 2026, an increase of 1,800 jobs (less than +0.1%) over the month. The state lost 36,700 jobs over the year, a decrease of 0.4%. Nationally, the number of jobs rose 0.1% over the year.

Nine of ten major industries experienced negative over-the-year job growth in February 2026. The industry gaining jobs over the year was only education and health services (+35,500 jobs, +2.2%).

The unemployment rate in Palm Beach County was 4.8% in February 2026. This rate was 1.4 percentage points greater than the region's year ago rate of 3.4%. The labor force was 777,074, down 4,312 (-0.6%) over the year. There were 37,188 unemployed residents in the region. In February 2026, nonagricultural employment in the West Palm Bch-Boca Raton-Delray Bch Metro Division was 702,800, a decrease of 10,500 (-1.5%) over the year.

For Miami-Dade County, the unemployment rate was 2.8% in February 2026. This rate was 0.3 percentage points greater than the region's year ago rate of 2.5%. In February 2026, nonagricultural employment in the Miami-Miami Beach-Kendall Metropolitan Division was 1,359,600, a decrease of 1,200 jobs (-0.1%) over the year. In February 2026, the labor force was 1,445,297, up 10,098 (+0.7%) over the year. There were 40,100 unemployed residents in the region.

Below is a chart that indicates the monthly unemployment rates for the tri-county area, the state of Florida and the U.S. for the past 24 months.

Source: Florida Department of Commerce, Bureau of Labor Market Statistics. April 17, 2026 data release.
Note: Unemployment and labor force statistics for October 2025 are not available due to a lapse in federal data collection activities

The Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance (www.gflalliance.org) is Broward County’s official public/private partnership for economic development. Its mission is to lead Broward County in building a stronger and more diverse economy by stimulating the creation of new jobs and capital investment while facilitating the growth and retention of businesses in Broward County. Services offered by the Alliance include assistance with business relocation or expansion and site selection; incentive programs and information; market research; and serving as a liaison for workforce development between CareerSource Broward, educational institutions, and the business community.
To learn more, call (954) 524-3113

Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance
110 E. Broward Blvd. Suite 1990 | Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
954.524.3113 | info@gflalliance.org

PRIMEPULSE Expands to Fort Lauderdale, Establishing U.S. Base for Tech-Focused Family Equity Investments

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Strategic expansion marks PRIMEPULSE’s first U.S. location, strengthening South Florida’s growing innovation ecosystem and creating high-value investment and technology jobs.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., [April 14, 2026] – The Greater Fort Lauderdale business community today welcomed PRIMEPULSE as it establishes its first U.S. base in Fort Lauderdale. A tech-focused family equity investment firm, PRIMEPULSE deploys its own balance-sheet capital in innovation-driven markets. Building on its entrepreneurial roots in Germany, the expansion strengthens economic ties between Europe and the United States. The firm combines long-term, entrepreneur-led capital with a hands-on, operator mindset to partner with founders and management teams of established IT and technology companies—accelerating sustainable growth and value creation.

The firm was formally welcomed to Fort Lauderdale during a gathering of business partners, investors, and dignitaries on April 14 in downtown Fort Lauderdale. The event featured a fireside chat with Michael Burtov, Chief Innovation Officer of Nova Southeastern University, and included welcoming remarks from City of Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis and Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance CEO Bob Swindell. Also in attendance were representatives from SelectFlorida, the state’s official international commerce office and the Broward County Office of Economic and Small Business Development.

The Fort Lauderdale office will serve as PRIMEPULSE’s U.S. headquarters and strategic hub for sourcing investment opportunities, supporting portfolio companies, and building partnerships across North America. The firm cited Fort Lauderdale’s ideal scale, strategic global connectivity, and proximity to major markets as key factors in its decision.

“Fort Lauderdale offers the perfect balance — a city large enough to provide access to top-tier talent and infrastructure, yet nimble and connected in ways that allow meaningful collaboration,” said Martin Wild, co-founder and managing director of the newly formed U.S.-based PRIMEPULSE Capital LLC. “We were drawn to the city’s scale: it’s sophisticated without being overwhelming, and its strategic location provides seamless access to North America and Europe. Fort Lauderdale gives us the connectivity of a major market while maintaining the agility and quality of life that supports innovation and long-term growth.”

PRIMEPULSE plans to create new high-wage jobs in investment, operations, and technology as it grows its portfolio of U.S. investments, while providing increased access to global capital for innovative B2B IT and technology companies throughout the region.

“Broward County continues to attract global companies that recognize the strength of our diverse economy, international connectivity and talented workforce,” said Mark Bogen, Mayor of Broward County. “PRIMEPULSE’s decision to establish its first U.S. office here reinforces Broward County’s position as a premier destination for international investment and innovation-driven growth.”

“PRIMEPULSE’s decision to establish its first international location in Fort Lauderdale speaks volumes about our city’s growing reputation as a destination for innovation and global business,” said Dean Trantalis, Mayor of Fort Lauderdale. “Their investment further diversifies our economy and strengthens our position as a hub for entrepreneurship and international commerce.”

“Welcoming PRIMEPULSE to Greater Fort Lauderdale reinforces the strength of our financial services and technology sectors,” said Bob Swindell, President/CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance. “Companies are drawn to our strategic location, business-friendly environment, and quality of life, and PRIMEPULSE’s expansion reflects the confidence global investors have in our market.”

Fort Lauderdale’s connectivity through Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Port Everglades, along with its access to the broader South Florida market, enables PRIMEPULSE to seamlessly engage with entrepreneurs, business partners, and global investors.

The expansion aligns with PRIMEPULSE’s long-term strategy of supporting innovative entrepreneurs, business leaders, and their teams in IT/IT services, digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and next-generation technologies. The Fort Lauderdale office will also foster cross-border collaboration between U.S. and European companies.

Business and Community Leaders to Convene For Collective Action on Resilience at 2nd Annual Resilient Broward Forum, Thursday, Feb. 26 in Fort Lauderdale

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (February 24, 2026) - As climate change reshapes economic conditions and communities’ approach to infrastructure, Broward County and leading business organizations are calling on industry leaders and regional partners to play an active role in delivering on regional resiliency strategies.

Resilient Broward: Economic Strategies and Solutions for our Future, organized by the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce, Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance, Marine Research Hub, Broward Workshop, and Broward County, and emceed by six-time Emmy award-winning journalist and media personality Laurie Jennings, will feature high-level discussions and workshops with public and private sector experts about climate adaptation, infrastructure hardening, economic sustainability, along with the growing cost and influence of risk within finance, insurance, and real estate, and innovative funding strategies for a sustainable future.

Now in its second year, this regional Resilience Forum will emphasize resilience as both a smart business practice and essential economic strategy, with the goal to empower the Broward and regional business community along with key sectoral partners to turn adaptation needs and strategy into action.

An international leader on the issue of climate risk and resilience, Broward County published a comprehensive 50-year Resilience Plan in March 2025, which serves as a clear and actionable roadmap to mitigate the effects of climate change on Broward’s communities and economy, which mirror challenges documented by other leading cities along the Atlantic coast. Grounded in robust scientific and economic data, the Plan outlines adaptive solutions that combine green-gray infrastructure, critical water management improvements, and redevelopment strategies to deliver nearly $60 billion annually in cumulative economic savings and risk reduction.

Conversely, should the Plan’s recommended infrastructure improvements not be implemented, exposures including increased property damage, flood insurance rates, and uninsured losses, coupled with reduced property values, economic activity, and tax revenue, could generate economic losses in the multibillions.

During the Forum, Broward County Chief Resilience Officer Dr. Jennifer Jurado, Ph.D. will share critical Resilience Plan updates, presenting a call to action for businesses to engage in key resiliency initiatives designed to reduce risk and ensure Broward’s competitive future.

“The effects of climate change - rising sea levels, intensifying storms, extreme temperatures - have direct economic implications, whether we’re looking at our critical infrastructure, affordable housing, healthcare costs, labor or insurance rates - and our business and community leaders have a crucial role to play in shaping the speed and effectiveness of our collective response,” said Broward County Mayor Mark Bogen, who will deliver opening remarks. “By working together to implement smart resilience strategies and support related industries, we are taking proactive steps to ensure Broward’s strength and prosperity well into the future, and save our business owners and residents billions of dollars in the process.”

“Resilience is not just an environmental issue—it’s an economic imperative,” said Dan Lindblade, CAE, Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce President and CEO. “If we want to protect jobs, stabilize insurance costs, safeguard property values, and continue attracting investment to Greater Fort Lauderdale, the business community must lead and support smart, data-driven resilience planning. Our long-term prosperity depends on it.”

Featured Panels:

The Rising Cost of Risk: Top financial analysts will explore the connection between climate change and fiscal stress, offering public and industry insights about how climate risk, exposure, and vulnerability are manifesting across various public and private sector markets, including municipal credit, insurance, and housing.

Ben Watkins, Director, Florida Division of Bond Finance (moderator)
Sergio Masvidal, Managing Director, PFM Advisors
Sarah Sullivant, Sector Lead, U.S. Public Finance Ratings, S&P Global
Kevin Roberts, Managing VP, Public Finance, Build America Mutual

Delivering Resilience: This session, led by top engineering and city planning experts, will explore sustainable infrastructure and adaptive engineering strategies to address sea level rise and other climate-related challenges, highlighting practical examples of successfully-implemented resilience plans, and addressing real-world challenges agencies still face in turning strategy into action.

Alec Bogdanoff, Ph.D., Principal & Cofounder, Brizaga (moderator)
Chad Maraj, Public Works Director, Coral Springs
Peter Moore, President & CEO, Chen Moore & Associates
Commissioner Caryl Shuham, City of Hollywood

Finance for Resilience: As climate change shifts market conditions and investment strategies, demanding a new approach to infrastructure, this interactive conversation will challenge business and civic leaders to view climate resilience not as a cost of compliance, but as a strategic investment opportunity—one that demands cross-sector partnership, innovative finance, and immediate action to secure long-term economic competitiveness and growth.

Joe Karl, Chair Economic Resilience Council GLFCC, Provenance Wealth Advisors
Michael Berkowitz, Executive Director, University of Miami Climate Resilience Institute

Good Design Meets Financial Reality: As rising seas, heavier rainfall, stronger storms, and hotter temperatures threaten critical infrastructure, drive up insurance premiums, and impact project financing, this session will explore how innovative design and practical economics intersect to create sustainable, resilient development in South Florida.

Ken Morris, Senior Vice President, JLL (moderator)
Kobi Karp, Founder & Principal, Kobi Karp Architecture & Interior Design, Inc.
Alan Hooper, Founder & President, Hooper Construction, Co-Founder, Urban Street Development

The Second Annual Resilient Broward Forum will be held on Thursday, February 26 from 7:30 a.m. to noon at The Fort in Fort Lauderdale. Registration is required. For more information or to register, click here.

Looking ahead: Broward County, on behalf of the Southeast Florida Climate Change Compact, will also host the 18th Annual Southeast Florida Climate Leadership Summit: Capitalizing on Climate: Action Through Innovation, in Fort Lauderdale November 4-6, 2026.

###

Media Contact:

Maggie Gunther, APR

Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance

954-627-0135 or 954-224-2825 (cell)

mgunther@gflalliance.org

Broward County Adds 3,400 Nonagricultural jobs over the year in December 2025

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

(FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – January 26, 2026) – Broward County’s job report indicated a 4.2% unemployment rate in December 2025. This rate was 1.3 percentage points greater than the region’s year ago at 2.9% and 0.2 percentage points lower than the state’s rate of 4.4%. The labor force was 1,086,564, up 3,455 (+0.3%) over the year. There were 45,697 unemployed residents in the region.

Nonagricultural employment in the Ft. Lauderdale-Pompano Bch-Sunrise Metro Division was 944,700, an increase of 3,400 jobs (+0.4%) over the year.

“Broward County’s continued year-over-year job growth across nonagricultural sectors reflects the region’s sustained economic momentum with an additional 3,400 jobs as of December 2025. Greater Fort Lauderdale remains a highly competitive location for business investment, with strong activity in our targeted industries driving employment growth and long-term diversification,” said Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance President and CEO Bob Swindell. “This progress is the result of strong collaboration among our public and private partners, investors, and municipal leaders, whose shared commitment continues to strengthen and expand Broward County’s economy.”

Data and Analysis

As of December, the following five of the major industries grew faster in the metro area than statewide over the year: Other Services (+1.6%); Leisure and Hospitality (+1.4%), Financial Activities (+1.2%), Government (+1.0%), and Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (+0.5%).

The Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach-Deerfield Beach MD had the highest annual job growth in the Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (+1,000 jobs), Financial Activities (+900 jobs), and Other Services (+600 jobs) industries and the fastest annual job growth rate in the Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (+0.5%) industry, compared to all the metro areas in the state,

The Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach-Deerfield Beach MD had the second fastest annual job growth rate compared to all the metro areas in the state in the Other Services (+1.6%) industry.

Nonagricultural employment showed a month-to-month increase of 2,700 jobs with a few sectors losing jobs month over month: Professional and Business Services (-1,200, -0.7%), and Education and Health Services (-200, -0.2%).

Source: Florida Department of Commerce, Bureau of Labor Market Statistics – Not Seasonally Adjusted

Florida’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.3% in December 2025, up 0.1 percentage point from the November 2025 rate, and up 0.9 percentage point from a year ago. There were 486,000 jobless Floridians out of a labor force of 11,225,000. The U.S. seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.4% in December.

Florida’s seasonally adjusted total nonagricultural employment was 10,042,100 in December 2025, a decrease of 4,200 jobs (less than -0.1%) over the month. The state gained 40,000 jobs over the year, an increase of 0.4%. Nationally, the number of jobs rose 0.4% over the year.

Four of ten major industries experienced positive over-the-year job growth in December 2025. The industries gaining jobs over the year included education and health services (+51,400 jobs, +3.3 percent); total government (+3,300 jobs, +0.3 percent); information (+900 jobs, +0.6 percent); and financial activities (+100 jobs, less than +0.1 percent). The industries losing jobs over the year included construction (-7,500 jobs, -1.1 percent); manufacturing (-3,000 jobs, -0.7 percent); leisure and hospitality (-2,500 jobs, -0.2 percent); trade, transportation, and utilities (-1,300 jobs, -0.1 percent); other services (-1,000 jobs, -0.3 percent); and professional and business services (- 400 jobs, less than -0.1 percent).

The unemployment rate in Palm Beach County was 4.5% in December 2025. This rate was 1.4 percentage points greater than the region's year ago rate of 3.1%. The labor force was 781,245, up 6,543 (+0.8%) over the year. There were 34,778 unemployed residents in the region. In December 2025, nonagricultural employment in the West Palm Bch-Boca Raton-Delray Bch Metro Division was 717,900, an increase of 5,800 (+0.8%) over the year.

For Miami-Dade County, the unemployment rate was 2.5% in December 2025. This rate was 0.1 percentage point greater than the region's year ago rate of 2.4%. In December 2025, nonagricultural employment in the Miami-Miami Beach-Kendall Metropolitan Division was 1,362,700, a decrease of 1,600 jobs (-0.1%) over the year. In December 2025, the labor force was 1,470,605, down 24,826 (+1.7%) over the year. There were 36,255 unemployed residents in the region.

Below is a chart that indicates the monthly unemployment rates for the tri-county area, the state of Florida and the U.S. for the past 24 months.

Source: Florida Department of Commerce, Bureau of Labor Market Statistics

The Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance (www.gflalliance.org) is Broward County’s official public/private partnership for economic development. Its mission is to lead Broward County in building a stronger and more diverse economy by stimulating the creation of new jobs and capital investment while facilitating the growth and retention of businesses in Broward County. Services offered by the Alliance include assistance with business relocation or expansion and site selection; incentive programs and information; market research; and serving as a liaison for workforce development between CareerSource Broward, educational institutions, and the business community. To learn more, call (954) 524-3113.

Broward County Adds 6,800 Nonagricultural jobs over the year in September 2025

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

(FORT LAUDERDALE, FL) – Broward County’s job report indicated a 4.0% unemployment rate in September 2025. This rate was 0.7 percentage points greater than the region’s year ago at 3.3% and 0.2 percentage points lower than the state’s rate of 4.2%. The labor force was 1,095,507, up 662 (+0.1%) over the year. There were 43,439 unemployed residents in the region.

Nonagricultural employment in the Ft. Lauderdale-Pompano Bch-Sunrise Metro Division was 931,300, an increase of 6,800 jobs (+0.7%) over the year.

“Broward County continues year-over-year job growth in nonagricultural sectors, adding 8,600 Jobs in September 2025. Interest in Greater Fort Lauderdale as a location of choice and the local expansions in our targeted industries remain strong and continue supporting the overall year-over-year job growth trends,” said Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance President/CEO, Bob Swindell. “We thank our many partners, investors and leaders at Broward County and our municipalities, who have been working with us to grow and diversify the economy.”Data and Analysis

As of September, the following five of the major industries grew faster in the metro area than statewide over the year: Other Services (+3.8%); Leisure and Hospitality (+3.2%), Financial Activities (+1.8%), Government (+1.4%), and Professional and Business Services (+0.9%).

The Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach-Deerfield Beach MD had the highest and fastest annual job growth compared to all the metro areas in the state in the Leisure and Hospitality (+3,100 jobs, +3.2%) industry.

The Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach-Deerfield Beach MD had the second highest annual job growth compared to all the other metro areas in the state in the Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (+1,400 jobs) and Other Services (+1,400 jobs) industries and the second fastest annual job growth rate in the Other Services (+3.8%) industry.

Nonagricultural employment showed a month-to-month increase of 2,700 jobs with a few sectors losing jobs month over month: Construction (-700, -1.3%), Leisure and Hospitality (-600 jobs, -0.6%), Manufacturing (-500 jobs, -1.6%), and Information (-100, -0.5%).

Source: Florida Department of Commerce, Bureau of Labor Market Statistics – Not Seasonally Adjusted

Florida’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 3.9% in September 2025, up 0.1 percentage point from the August 2025 rate, and up 0.4 percentage point from a year ago. There were 433,000 jobless Floridians out of a labor force of 11,195,000. The U.S. seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.4% in September.

Florida’s seasonally adjusted total nonagricultural employment was 10,046,100 in September 2025, an increase of 400 jobs (less than +0.1%) over the month. The state gained 66,800 jobs over the year, an increase of 0.7%. Nationally, the number of jobs rose 0.8% over the year.

Six of ten major industries experienced positive over-the-year job growth in September 2025. The industries gaining jobs over the year included Health Services, Trade, Transportation and Utilities, Government, Other Services, Information and Manufacturing. The industries losing jobs over the year were Professional and Business Services, Leisure and Hospitality, Construction and Financial Activities.

The unemployment rate in Palm Beach County was 4.3% in September 2025. This rate was 0.8 percentage points greater than the region's year ago rate of 3.5%. The labor force was 786,282, up 4,755 (+0.6%) over the year. There were 33,858 unemployed residents in the region. In September 2025, nonagricultural employment in the West Palm Bch-Boca Raton-Delray Bch Metro Division was 706,500, an increase of 8,600 (+1.2%) over the year.

For Miami-Dade County, the unemployment rate was 3.0% in September 2025. This rate was 0.6 percentage point greater than the region's year ago rate of 2.4%. In September 2025, nonagricultural employment in the Miami-Miami Beach-Kendall Metropolitan Division was 1,339,400, an increase of 6,500 jobs (+0.5%) over the year. In September 2025, the labor force was 1,429,218, down 20,691 (-1.4%) over the year. There were 42,602 unemployed residents in the region.

Below is a chart that indicates the monthly unemployment rates for the tri-county area, the state of Florida and the U.S. for the past 24 months.

Source: Florida Department of Commerce, Bureau of Labor Market Statistics

The Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance
110 E. Broward Blvd., Suite 1990, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
954-524-3113 or 800-741-1420

South Florida Economic Development Organizations Visit New York City In Joint Effort To Strengthen Business Connections and Shared Economic Ties

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

SOUTH FLORIDA (December 2, 2025) – The Business Development Board of Palm Beach County, Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance, and the Miami-Dade Beacon Council are joining forces on a collaborative mission to New York City. Starting December 9^,the three-day initiative will bring together corporate executives, site selectors, professional advisors, and other key market influencers to reinforce the strong business ties between the two regions and spotlight new cross-market opportunities.

The delegation’s visit reflects the deep economic and industry connections shared by South Florida and New York City, with the two markets linked by companies and talent that actively operate across both geographies.

A designated ‘mega-region’ for future U.S. economic growth with a GDP of more than $533 billion, the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach MSA represents one of the nation’s most dynamic regional economies, which is home to more than 6.3 million residents, a multilingual workforce, and globally connected infrastructure. Combined, the three counties added 42,600 jobs over the year as of June 2025, with a job growth rate of 1.5 percent, which outpaces the national average of 1.1 percent. Key sectors like education, health services, transportation, and utilities led employment gains.

“South Florida is at its strongest point yet and has become an exceptional destination for businesses looking to expand or relocate their headquarters,” said Kelly Smallridge, President & CEO of the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County. “Through our unified regional collaboration, we’re sharing a more powerful narrative about our shared advantages—from a diverse talent pool to expanding infrastructure and a flourishing innovation ecosystem.”

“South Florida is not just growing; our diverse modern economy is outpacing national averages in economic output and business formation, particularly within our tech, aviation, life sciences, healthcare, and finance sectors,” said Bob Swindell, President & CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance. “Further strengthening the connectivity between New York City and South Florida, with its business-friendly tax and regulatory environment, can create low-risk, high-margin opportunities in both regions.”

“This trip is about listening, learning, and deepening partnerships with companies and talent that call both regions ‘home’,” said Rodrick T. Miller, President & CEO of the Miami-Dade Beacon Council. “By working together across county lines, we are strengthening the ties that already connect South Florida with New York City and setting a new benchmark for how regions can collaborate to support shared growth and opportunity.”

Centered around South Florida as a united, global business gateway, the region’s economic leaders will highlight the three counties’ collective strengths in finance, technology, innovation, and connectivity. This collaboration is in partnership with Hickey Global, a full-service economic development consulting firm with offices in New York and Fort Lauderdale, which supports private, public, and non-profit economic development organizations around the world. The program will include a briefing from Hickey Global on New York market trends, and a fireside chat featuring Kelly L. Smallridge, President & CEO of the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County; Bob Swindell, President & CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance; and Rodrick T. Miller, President & CEO of the Miami-Dade Beacon Council. This high-impact discussion will also focus on the forces fueling South Florida’s transformative growth while highlighting how regional collaboration can spark the next wave of innovation.

The delegation will also hold one-on-one meetings with companies and professional advisors to discuss targeted opportunities and next steps.

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About the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County
The Business Development Board of Palm Beach County (BDB) serves as the county’s official public/private economic development organization. Established in 1982, the BDB is dedicated to attracting and retaining industries, fostering business investments, creating high-quality jobs, and supporting workforce development through corporate relocations, expansions, and international trade initiatives. Over the past five years, the BDB has supported more than 140 companies, contributing to the creation or retention of over 13,110 direct jobs with average salaries exceeding $80,000 per year. These efforts have driven more than $1.12 billion in capital investments into Palm Beach County.

About the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance
The Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance is Broward County’s official public-private partnership for economic development. Its mission is to lead Broward County in building a stronger and more diverse economy by stimulating the creation of new jobs and capital investment while facilitating the growth and retention of businesses in Broward County. Services offered by the Alliance include assistance with business relocation or expansion and site selection; incentive programs and information; market research; and serving as a liaison for workforce development between CareerSource Broward, educational institutions, and the business community. The Alliance and its partners, from 2016 to 2025, helped companies create or retain more than 22,850 direct jobs that are estimated to generate through direct, indirect, and induced effects, total employment of more than 44,000 jobs, $1.7 billion in annual personal income, and $8.4 billion in annual economic impact in Broward County, according to an independent study by the South Florida Regional Planning Council. To learn more, visit www.gflalliance.org or call (954) 524-3113.

About the Miami-Dade Beacon Council

The Miami-Dade Beacon Council is the County’s official economic development partnership, focused on driving a more sustainable, inclusive, and competitive economy for Greater Miami. Since 1985, The Beacon Council has attracted more than 160,000 new jobs and $8.4 billion in investments to the region. For more information, visit The Beacon Council’s website.

Press Contacts:

Business Development Board of Palm Beach County: kliberman@bdb.org / 561-850-5529
Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance: mgunther@gflalliance.org / 954-224-2825

Miami-Dade Beacon Council: press@beaconcouncil.com
CEO Headshots and Logos

Ontic Cuts Ribbon on its First-Ever Dedicated Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul Facility in Miramar, Florida

Sun, 09 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

MIRAMAR, Fla. (November 5, 2025) - Ontic, a leading global manufacturer of aerospace parts, has officially expanded into Florida with the opening of its first-ever dedicated maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) site in Miramar to support customers of Ontic-manufactured parts and systems. The opening of the new $10 million, 64,000-square foot Miramar facility, the company’s eighth location worldwide, creates 150 new high-value jobs in Broward County and marks the first milestone in Ontic’s 30-million-dollar global investment in a worldwide MRO facility network.

Located in Miramar Centre Business Park (15701 SW 29th Street), Ontic’s FAA-approved, state-of-the-art MRO site is fitted with an in-house paint room, vibration-testing room, in-house machine shop, and portable dark room, providing end-to-end MRO support across electro-mechanical, avionics, actuation, and hydraulics, along with an additional 12,000 square feet of open space for future expansions.

Ontic is actively recruiting engineers, technicians, customer service, supply chain, and logistics experts as it continues to grow its Miramar facility staff.

A Nov. 5 ribbon cutting for the inaugural Ontic MRO Center of Excellence in Miramar was attended by Ontic CEO Gareth Hall, Ontic Vice President of Global MRO Operations Jack Karapetyan, Miramar Mayor Wayne Messam, Broward County District 3 Commissioner Michael Udine, and Bob Swindell, CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance, Broward County’s official public-private partnership for economic development, which assisted Ontic with the expansion.

“The opening of our first-ever Ontic MRO Center of Excellence marks an important first milestone in the creation of our new global MRO network, which will increase turnaround time and transparency, and transform how we support airlines and operators,” said Karapetyan, “This investment further positions us as an industry leader, both enhancing and expanding our existing operations while increasing future growth opportunities across our original equipment and MRO operations.”

“With its robust skilled labor pool and highly business-friendly environment, Broward County is one of the most established MRO hubs in the nation, as well as a gateway to South American markets, making it a natural choice for this important expansion,” Karapetyan continued. “We are grateful for the unparalleled assistance of Florida Power & Light Company and the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance, whose fluent understanding of the aviation MRO sector and local economic landscape guided us seamlessly through the site selection and expansion process. This, coupled with an ample qualified workforce, supported by Broward College and CareerSource Florida, exemplified Broward’s strong reputation as a leading aerospace hub and solidified our decision to launch our global network here in Miramar.”

“The new high value jobs and investment Ontic is bringing to Broward County will provide excellent opportunities for our residents while building our ongoing industry competitiveness and economic vitality,” said Broward County Mayor Beam Furr. “Congratulations to Ontic and the City of Miramar on an outstanding new addition.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Ontic, a global aviation powerhouse, to Miramar,” said Miramar Mayor Wayne Messam. “As a proven aviation and aerospace hub, we look forward to supporting Ontic’s continued growth and success in the City of Beauty and Progress.”

“Ontic’s decision to build its first-of-its kind MRO facility in Miramar is a testament to our community’s proud reputation as a premier aviation MRO hub, with the established infrastructure and specialized talent pool needed to support Ontic’s onward growth and success,” said Bob Swindell, President and CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance, Broward County’s official public-private partnership for economic development.

Jamerio Vinson, general manager of Ontic’s Miramar site, oversaw the site’s renovation and spearheaded recruitment efforts ahead of the site becoming operational in 2025. Broker Tom Viscount of Avison Young assisted Ontic in securing the lease, and Larry Dinner of CBRE represented the landlord.

Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance, Marine Industries Association of South Florida Host 12th Annual Global Business Lunch at Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (October 29, 2025) - The Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance, Broward County’s official public-private partnership for economic development, together with the Marine Industries Association of South Florida (MIASF), hosted the 12th Annual Global Business Luncheon on opening day of the 66th Annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) -- the largest in-water boat show in the world, taking place Oct. 29 through Nov. 2.

Held on board MIASF’s hospitality yacht, the exclusive invitation-only business luncheon brought together more than 100 top executives for a premier networking experience, and featured a special presentation by Chris Kanaley, CEO and Jonathan Lim, advisor, of MarineSource, a new online marketplace and digital hub for the marine industry, who discussed the role of AI technology tools in simplifying and streamlining the process of searching and purchasing boats.

The Global Business Luncheon took place immediately following FLIBS’ opening day ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday, where Informa Markets, the nation’s premier producer of world-class boating events, announced MarineSource as the exclusive online marketplace partner for U.S. Boat Shows by Informa.

The exclusive partnership, which officially launches at FLIBS, will enhance the digital reach and visibility of boat show exhibitors by integrating MarineSource’s advanced listing technology and marketing tools into the U.S. Boat Shows ecosystem. Attendees and buyers will benefit from seamless online access to exhibitor live inventories before, during, and after each event, bridging the gap between the physical and digital boat-buying experience.

Owned by MIASF and produced by Informa Markets, the annual 5-day Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is the largest in-water boat show in the world, spanning nearly 90 acres across 3 million square feet of exhibit space connected by an intricate network of water and ground transportation services. Located steps from the beach in sunny Fort Lauderdale, FLIBS attracts 100,000 attendees, 1,000 exhibitors, and 1,300 vessels from 52 countries across the globe each year, contributing $1.79 billion to Florida’s overall economy each year - an economic impact three times greater than the Super Bowl.

During the luncheon, MarineSource also announced a new partnership with Nautical Network, a maritime marketing agency based in Fort Lauderdale and Tampa that specializes in social-first, digital solutions including the use of influencer marketing.

“Our strategic collaborations with Informa and key marine industry leaders such as BoatTest and Nautical Network will expand access for the businesses that power FLIBS, and boat shows globally, through a year-round digital platform,” said Chris Kanaley, MarineSource CEO and cofounder.

“We couldn’t think of a better place to launch than the world’s yachting capital - during the world’s biggest in-water boat show, where we have the opportunity to reach and transform the boat purchasing experience of thousands of buyers and sellers,” said Jonathan Lim, MarineSource advisor.

"The integration of innovative technology and healthy competition offers a powerful opportunity to strengthen the marine industry, reducing costs, improving efficiency and unlocking new pathways for growth,” said Phil Purcell, CEO and president of MIASF. “It's progress we proudly champion."

“Given Fort Lauderdale’s leadership in tech innovation and status as the global marine industry capital, there’s no better place for a company like MarineSource to launch and make a real splash,” said Bob Swindell, president and CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance. “The MarineSource platform, through their collaboration with Informa, is primed to be a game changer - not only for the thousands of boating enthusiasts who attend FLIBS, but for the marine industry in general.”

The Alliance, in partnership with MIASF, led the creation of the Marine Research Hub, a Fort Lauderdale-based 501(c)(3) that drives collaboration among the region’s leading ocean researchers, innovators, educators, and private sector businesses with the purpose of developing and scaling innovative sustainable solutions in the Ocean Economy.

The 12th Annual Global Business Luncheon presented by the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance and MIASF was sponsored by South Florida Business Journal, Broward County Florida, Water Taxi, and Informa Markets.

About Marine Industries Association of South Florida (MIASF)
Owners of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, Marine Industries Association of South Florida (MIASF), is the largest marine trade organization in the Southeast United States. A not-for-profit trade organization focused on the sound growth of the marine industry for the benefit of its members and their customers, local communities, and the environment, MIASF is dedicated to protecting and growing 142,000 regional marine jobs, driving an annual economic output of $18.5 billion, and welcoming 500,000 vessel visits yearly. To learn more, visit MIASF.org.

About the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS)
Owned by the Marine Industries Association of South Florida (MIASF) and produced by InformaMarkets, the annual 5-day Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, is the largest in-water boat show in the world, spanning nearly 90 acres across 3 million square feet of exhibit space connected by an intricate network of water and ground transportation services. Located steps from the beach in sunny Fort Lauderdale, FLIBS attracts 100,000 attendees, 1,000 exhibitors, and 1,300 vessels from 52 countries across the globe each year, contributing $1.79 billion to Florida’s overall economy each year - an economic impact three times greater than the Super Bowl. To learn more, visit FLIBS.com.