Florida’s Space Transition and Revitalization Network has launched its online information hub. Representing the formal coming together of the aerospace industry, including economic development, workforce and related sector leaders, Florida STARnet provides a single online repository for information from all aerospace companies, partners and stakeholders.
Via the online channel, FloridaStarNet.org and a range of collaborative communication and promotional endeavors, Florida STARnet is designed to promote cooperation and information exchange in support of the region’s aerospace industry.
Dozens of public and private groups are working to capitalize on the legacy and assets of Florida’s aerospace industry to create new business and job opportunities for the future. With all of the state, local and regional industry transition efforts underway, Brevard Workforce and Space Florida assembled Florida STARnet as a mechanism to bring together local, regional and state organizations that are working on the transition of Florida’s aerospace economy, officials explained.
“The state has a strong, cross agency, cross government motivation to ensure we maximize aerospace transition for the people of Florida,” said Frank DiBello, president of Space Florida. “Florida STARnet ensures the community of organizations are connected and informed, and the public has access to the information available across the spectrum of support organizations.”
Lisa Rice, president of Brevard Workforce and a founding proponent of building the responsive advantages the collaboration will provide, is also enthusiastic. “To know that the responding organizations are coordinated demonstrates to the workforce in particular, that Florida is taking an aggressive, comprehensive approach to building a sustainable aerospace sector and all of the direct and indirect jobs it creates,” Rice explained. Brevard Workforce developed the original concept for the FloridaSTARnet program, with input from Space Florida, the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast, and support from those within the state’s aerospace-related public and private sectors.
“During this time of transition in the aerospace community, communication and information sharing is of critical importance, not only to our workforce, but to businesses and residents throughout the region,” said Mark Nappi, Florida Site Executive for United Space Alliance, NASA’s prime Space Shuttle contractor. He added, “FloridaSTARnet will give our aerospace workers another tool for navigating through these uncertain times.”
