News Posts List

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - (PDF Download) - (Photo)

CONTACT:
Trudy McCarthy, Sr Director, Marketing & Strategic Initiatives
(321) 638-2000
TMccarthy@SpaceCoastEDC.org

EDC Celebrates Manufacturing Industry Leaders

The 2017 Manufacturer of the Year and Innovation Company of the Year

Brevard County, Fla. (May 19, 2017) – The Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast (EDC) is proud to announce the 2017 recipients of the Manufacturer of the Year and the Innovation Company of the Year awards. The awards were presented at the EDC Investor Update Meeting on May 17, which followed the 4th Annual Made In Brevard Expo. The Expo counted over 35 manufacturing companies which showcased their locally made products for a crowd of approximately 400 attendees.

“Created to honor local manufacturers, these awards recognize businesses that are making an impact on our local economy,” stated Lynda Weatherman, president & CEO, Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast. “Both companies have demonstrated continued investment into our manufacturing community. We applaud their leadership and look forward to witness their continued growth.”

Embraer Executive Jets awarded 2017 Manufacturer of the Year. Embraer is one of the world’s leading executive jet manufacturers, with over 1,100 aircraft flying around the globe. Offering the broadest business jet portfolio, Embraer has invested significantly in this market. The company has delivered nearly 250 business jets from Brevard County and soared to nearly 700 employees locally in just 6 years. With plans for over 500 more employees by 2020, Embraer is an exemplary choice for this award.

“It is an honor to be recognized with this award,” stated Phil Krull, managing director, Embraer Executive Aircraft, Inc. "The main reason we are able to produce world-class aircraft here in Melbourne is because we have world-class talent here in Brevard County. We commend the EDC, the State and the County for their visionary leadership in creating a business-friendly environment that allows businesses, like ours, to thrive."

Novel Engineering, Inc. awarded 2017 Innovation Company of the Year. Novel Engineering is leading research and development of a virtual reality project and is competing in NASA’s Cube Quest Challenge; helping create an advanced cube satellite and send it into orbit. Through its next-generation solutions for aerospace, transportation, controls and government relations, Novel Engineering has demonstrated a continued drive for innovation and progress in Brevard, ambitions worthy of such recognition.

The company has grown from 2 employees to 80 in just 3 and a half years. Yet, Novel Engineering still prioritizes giving back to the local innovation ecosystem; as is demonstrated by its role as a sustaining sponsor of Groundswell Startups Inc., a nonprofit incubator serving high tech founders on the Space Coast.

“We are humbled by this EDC recognition,“ stated Christopher Marot, CEO, Novel Engineering, Inc., who accepted the award on behalf of the company. “We believe our growth can be attributed to two main focuses: our team and our customer. The focus on our team is driven by the motto ‘It takes a team to win a race, but only one to lose it.’ Yet, as a company we realize the significant role of supporting local innovation and entrepreneurship.”

“Companies here in Brevard are making products that enhance our lives and move technology forward,” stated Winston Scott, EDC Chair and Senior Advisor to the President, Office of External Relations and Economic Development at Florida Institute of Technology. “The EDC’s recognition of these outstanding businesses is but one way we demonstrate our appreciation for their investment and contributions.”

###

About the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast
The Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast (EDC) is dedicated to attracting new business and investment, and expanding existing industry throughout the Space Coast; promoting the Space Coast; influencing change on government laws and regulations; affecting economic development; supporting efforts of Space Coast military installations; and relaying new programs and procedures to assist manufacturing and high tech companies. The EDC is a private, not-for-profit coalition whose stakeholders are business leaders committed to the economic growth and stability of Florida’s Space Coast. Visit SpaceCoastEDC.org