A discussion is taking place that considers the future of alternative energy as it relates to work force training, demand creation, and economic development in North Port. Vision North Port has teamed up with the State College of Florida and the City of North Port. Together they have identified a strategy that encourages participation of the education, private, and public communities. That strategy includes:

1.    Marketplace Training:

a.    Establish a training facility along the I75/Toledo Blade corridor that offers a wide range of courses covering renewable energy and building energy technology. The potential students for these classes would include workforce, design, engineering and operations market segments. These courses would last from 1 day to a couple of weeks, and would mirror those given at the Florida Solar Energy Center. The courses could be offered through State College of Florida, who would benefit from the location. The program could also be a feeder into other energy certification and degrees offered at the college.

2.    North Port’s Entrepreneur Academy

a.    The academy could be expanded and co-located, in order to ensure the best and most cost effective use of compatible resources. The academy could include on-going training and enhancements to the initial course. Tuition could help to offset the costs associated with this academy.

3.    Business Incubator/Business Development Center

a.    A business incubator/business development center could be added that encourages start up businesses to stay in North Port and participate in an incubator program.

4.    Practical Application Projects

a.    The State College of Florida is looking to add practical application projects to their campus. These projects would focus on alternative energy projects such as smart homes, photo voltaic labs, and other practical energy application projects. This could be a living laboratory as well as offer the city of North Port a tourist destination.

The project is a true collaborative effort between the education community, private sector, and the city.

Vision North Port is the facilitator of a steering committee that will establish a workable plan. This steering committee would focus on the expansion of the plan, using the workforce training as the catalyst for that expansion. In addition the steering committee would address ways to create demand for the workforce being trained in the energy programs. Demand programs could include:

1. Energy Districts for community investment in energy conservation technology

2. Incentives for building energy efficient communities

3. Incentives for building energy efficient homes, businesses, and retail locations

4. Relocation and startup requirements of alternative energy manufacturing firms

5. We are also considering how to better educate the community to create consumer demandThis project is actively underway and updates will be forthcoming

Steering Committee Participants


Kitson & Partners - Team Leader
 Kimley-Horn & Associates - Team Leader
Carlson Studio Architecture - Team Leader
City of North Port - Economic Development
Aspire Green Branding & Marketing - PR
Sustainable Florida Collins Center - Team Leader
State College of Florida - Curriculum Development


Vision North Port - Facilitator

Concept to Initiative Presentation
Time line

·         August 3 –Angela emailed her vision to Peter Bartolotta

·         August 4 – Peter met with Angela to discuss her vision

·         August 26 –Angela presented her idea to VNP and a committee was formed

·         September 9 - 1^st committee meeting at Perkins with Angela, Chris and Peter

·         September 22 – Chris presented an overview of an Eco Tech Institute

·         October 13 - Darlene joined the group

·         November 2 - Peter took SCF staff on tour of North Port

·         November 10 – Peter presented the “State College of Florida/North Port Workforce Development Initiative” concept to SCF Staff

·         December 16 – Initiative presented to the SCF Board