News Summary
Duke Energy has selected six properties in Florida for its 2025 Site Readiness Program, aimed at boosting economic growth and job creation. Since its launch in 2013, the program has successfully assisted multiple companies in expanding operations in the state, resulting in significant capital investments and job creation. By collaborating with local governments and economic organizations, Duke Energy continues to enhance Florida’s appeal to businesses, while also focusing on energy infrastructure improvements and sustainability initiatives.
Florida – In a strategic move to bolster economic growth and job creation, Duke Energy has unveiled the selection of six properties in Florida to be part of its 2025 Site Readiness Program. This initiative aims to prepare high-potential business and industrial sites for investment purposes while actively marketing them to companies across the nation.
Since its inception in 2013, the Site Readiness Program has evaluated a total of 60 sites, aiding in the commitment of 10 companies to expand their operations within Florida. These investments are projected to generate more than $493 million in new capital and create an estimated 1,950 jobs in the state. A notable achievement stemming from the program includes Amazon establishing a facility in Highlands County, which led to the creation of 60 jobs and an investment of $25 million.
The Site Readiness Program plays a critical role in enhancing the competitiveness of community sites. This improvement leads to an increase in job opportunities, investment influx, and a diversification of the local tax base. To effectively assess the selected sites, the program employs a variety of consultants and experts, including Zev Cohen & Associates, Kolb Design Group, Vision First Advisors, Strategic Development Group, and Site Selection Group.
The collaboration with state, regional, and local economic organizations, as well as government entities, is a significant aspect of the program’s success. This partnership improves awareness regarding available industrial sites, ultimately contributing to their attractiveness to potential businesses and investors.
Melissa Seixas, president of Duke Energy Florida, has highlighted the program’s impact in establishing connections between available sites and companies, paving the way for substantial long-term community investments. Destin Wells, senior vice president of economic development at the Orlando Economic Partnership, commended the program for enhancing the region’s allure for business investments.
Beyond the Site Readiness Program, Duke Energy has been proactive in supporting economic development initiatives across Florida. This support has recently been demonstrated by the Duke Energy Foundation’s allocation of $255,000 to 20 organizations in the state. Over the past five years, the foundation has invested a total of $1.98 million in grants aimed at fostering economic development.
The 2025 Site Readiness Program aligns with Duke Energy’s broader strategy to improve energy infrastructure and services throughout Florida, where the company provides electricity to approximately 2 million customers. In addition to this initiative, the company is committed to enhancing its operational capabilities, focusing on renewable energy investments and grid modernization efforts.
This latest site selection reinforces Duke Energy’s ongoing dedication to cultivating an environment conducive to economic growth and sustainability. The collaborative effort between the company, local governments, and other stakeholders is critical in establishing Florida as a prime location for future business investments and developments.
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ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
