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Brightline and Virgin sever rail ties

By: Beatrice Silva

2 min read August 2020 — Brightline is passing on Virgin Trains. On Aug. 7, the high-speed passenger train operator announced that it would not be rebranded as Virgin Trains USA and would continue its operations under Brightline LLC. The withdrawal represents a sudden and apparently astringent end to the link between Brightline and Virgin Group.

Brightline originally announced its strategic partnership with billionaire Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group, two years ago. Brightline quickly welcomed this new partnership and underwent a complete makeover. Virgin Trains USA was officially supposed to debut its rebranding transformation this summer. However, COVID-19 related issues looks to have stopped the deal dead in its tracks.

Originally, the relationship seemed like a match made in transit heaven. Branson and his team have carved out a successful enterprise in the transportation and hospitality industry with a fleet of carriers ranging from airplanes to cruise ships. “It’s already a very good experience,” Branson told the South Florida Business Journal in 2019. “We just need to sprinkle a bit of magic dust over it. We need to make sure the two hours, 45 minutes to Orlando is magical, and we are used to doing that in the UK, where we have longer train journeys.”

Unfortunately, that seamless experience of having guests fly in on Virgin Atlantic then transported on a Virgin Train to their Virgin Voyage will have to be postponed. Branson’s lucrative business, like many others in the hospitality industry, came to a halt as a result of the pandemic. To make matters worse, Brighline’s 2019 passenger count was less than half what it projected and its revenue was less than a fifth of its expectations, according to The Palm Beach Post. The future of Virgin Atlantic Airways remains uncertain after the airline filed Chapter 15 bankruptcy earlier this week.

Brightline, however, seems to be moving along. Its current routes consist of Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. Progress also continues to be made on its fourth station in Florida at the Orlando International Airport. Operations are scheduled to begin sometime in 2022. There has also been talk of building additional stations in Aventura and Boca Raton.

The Miami-Dade County Commission was negotiating terms regarding proposed stations with Virgin Trains USA but it’s unclear whether the county will agree to a new county commuter service. “We really need to think about what is the future of transit and how people will get around this town…” Mayor Carlos Gimenez told The Real Deal in June. “We may have as many of 20 to 30 percent of people working out of their homes.” How Brightline’s withdrawal from its Virgin deal will impact the commission’s decision remains unknown.

Although the future of the Brightline expansion may be up in the air, if more stations do pop up it could leave a positive impact on the local economy. Brightline’s expansion could bring over 5,000 jobs on average per year after rail-line construction is complete through 2021 and have a $6.4 billion direct economic impact to Florida’s economy over the next eight years, according to Washington Economics Group, Inc.

Tourism in Orlando pushing forward despite rise in COVID-19 cases

By: Beatrice Silva

2 min read July 2020 — It has been almost six months since the World Health Organization declared the novel coronavirus a pandemic. Within days, each sector of the economy had to discover new ways to keep businesses afloat despite being forced to close their doors. Unlike banking and technology, tourism relies on almost every aspect of life that is now restricted, like travel and face-to-face interaction. For cities like Orlando, tourism is a major factor in the economy, to the tune of $75 billion a year.

Tourism supports an estimated 41% of Orlando’s workforce. Around 463,000 jobs have been affected and millions of dollars worth of wages are being lost each day during the area’s local tourism shut down. Tourism also accounts for $5.8 billion in state and local taxes, finances which go to support local schools, roads and other crucial services, according to Visit Orlando. The city’s resilience, however, is proving that it is not going to let a microscopic organism bring it down as tourism continues to push forward.

Although the hotel industry has been wrestling with obstacles caused by COVID-19, activity in that area is starting to gain traction again. One example is the development of a five-star convention hotel that was recently announced. Summa Development Group LLC has proposed a 33-story project in Thornton Park and the construction is expected to begin sometime next year, according to Orlando Business Journal. As for the big players like Walt Disney World, SeaWorld and Universal Studios, they too have begun to jump-start their operations. Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot officially opened on July 15. Universal Studios welcomed guests back to its park on June 5, after almost two and a half months of closure. Of course, the theme parks will each have their own updated operational guidelines, including mandatory face coverings, temperature checks and social distancing regulations.

“When we first made the decision in March 2020 to close Universal Orlando Resort in response to the coronavirus pandemic, we didn’t know how long it would be for. We didn’t know what the future held or what a reopening would entail … Getting us here has been an in-depth process, and I am incredibly proud of the ways our Team Members have listened to experts and implemented new operational guidelines for the safety of our guests. At Universal Orlando Resort, we are following what we’re calling the three Ss. That’s screening, meaning we’re taking everybody’s temperature before they enter; sanitization, because we are constantly sanitizing areas and high-touch surfaces in the parks; and spacing, providing markings and reminders throughout our resort so guests can socially distance themselves from other parties,” said Bill Davis, president of Universal Orlando Resort, in a welcome back letter.

It’s safe to say that tourism is the bloodline of Orlando’s economy. While there is hope for a new beginning and a new normal after the pandemic, the city isn’t in the clear just yet. Despite every attempt by public officials to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus, cases continue to surge and hospitals are starting to fill up. On July 19, Florida reported 10,328 new positive COVID-19 cases and 90 Florida resident deaths related to COVID-19. Orlando has been listed as the second highest city, behind Miami, with the most confirmed number of COVID-19 cases, according to The Florida Department of Health.

Fort Lauderdale company develops another layer of COVID-19 protection

By: Beatrice Silva

2 min read FORT LAUDERDALE — It has been nearly five months since COVID-19 became a pandemic and initiated its assault on the world. On March 13, the United States declared a national state of emergency. Within weeks, local economies were in decline. Millions of people quarantined themselves in the safety of their homes. As the months went on, county officials began to loosen restrictions on non-essential businesses and people slowly started to emerge from the lockdown. What materialized on the other side was a completely new way of living. Wearing a mask inside establishments, waving hello instead of greeting people with a handshake and keeping a safe distance have become the new normal. With that being said, more and more people are looking for additional ways to protect themselves from the novel coronavirus. Veloce BioPharma LLC, a Fort Lauderdale-based company, has raised $2.3 million in equity financing to help scale up manufacturing of its COVID-19 nasal antiseptic and mouth rinse, according to the Philadelphia Business Journal.

Veloce paid homage to its roots by naming its two over-the-counter products after the company it originated from, Halodine. “This is the first iodine-based antiseptic that has ever been shown to have activity against the virus that causes Covid-19,” Dr. Jesse Pelletie, CEO of Veloce and Halodine, said in a news release. The antiseptic contains a polymer-enriched povidone-iodine, which is non-toxic to sensitive areas of the body like the eyes, mouth and skin.

The spread of COVID-19 most commonly occurs through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. Those viral aerosols and droplets can remain infectious for up to three hours. Although face coverings are suggested by the CDC to help prevent the spread of the virus, all masks are not created equal. The N95 has been proven to effectively prevent viral spread. However, even the most prestigious hospitals are having trouble obtaining them. A cloth mask, most commonly worn by the average person, allows air in around the sides. “Masks aren’t enough,” said Samuel Barone, Chief Medical Officer of Veloce BioPharma to the Philadelphia Business Journal. “The world is going to be a different place. We are seeing a changing recognition and a new normal with infection control. There’s never been anything before that could bring economies to a screeching halt like COVID-19 has.”

Even though thousands of companies have adjusted their business to allow their employees to work from home there are still obstacles to overcome. For workers who have to be physically present at their jobs, undergoing a bi-weekly COVID-19 test could become a normal activity but companies should be mindful of the type of test they ask their employees to take. A molecular test is done with a simple nasal or throat swab and it can identify if a person has been infected within three to five days. Antibody tests, on the other hand, can help identify who has already been exposed to COVID-19 to reduce the need for any future testing.

“The good news is that we’ve been synthesizing a lot of information to come up with simpler, more digestible rules, approaches and strategies that we can use to take the important steps to help people get back to their workplaces… We’re continuing to learn more about these tests and how to interpret them. We’re also gaining more experience with how to use these tests in work environments,” Dr. William Shrank, chief medical officer for Humana, told the South Florida Business Journal.

Local leaders optimistic amid Charlotte’s latest jobs ranking

By: Felipe Rivas

2 min read January 2020 — The Queen City closed out the decade as one of the hottest markets in the nation, especially in the southeast. Millennials, Fortune 500 companies, and even a new soccer team want to be fully established in Charlotte and tap into its growth. And while the region offers a robust, tech- and financial services-savvy workforce, and is steadily diversifying its economy, a new report puts Charlotte in the middle of the pack for best cities for jobs in 2020. However, local market leaders across industries say job opportunities will remain sustainable for 2020, especially in the technology, law, and real estate sectors.

A new report by WalletHub puts Charlotte at No. 104 on its ranking of “2020’s Best Cities for Jobs.” The personal finance website compared more than 180 U.S. cities across 31 indicators of job-market strength, such as employment growth and monthly average starting salary. Scottsdale, Arizona, took the top spot, and Detroit, Michigan, came in last at No. 182. Other major North Carolina metros received mixed reviews, with Raleigh cracking the Top 50 at No. 48, and Fayetteville listed before Detroit at No. 181. Though the report listed Charlotte as middle of the pack for jobs compared to other cities, the technology, law and real estate sectors will continue to provide opportunities for the region’s workforce, local leaders say.

Charlotte is quickly becoming a tech town, as evidenced by the different tech-based companies that relocated to the region in the latter half of the last decade. “In the Charlotte market, the technology talent pool is growing at a rapid pace, largely driven by companies like Red Ventures, LendingTree, and AvidXchange,” JLL Market Director Chase Monroe told Invest: Charlotte. “There has been a need for high-tech talent. Locally, there has been investment in the school system to drive technological education.” Charlotte’s banking legacy, coupled with the fintech that is coming out of the banking system, is also fueling the technology sector and driving talent to the Queen City, Monroe said. “Those factors have allowed Charlotte to be a top recruiter for multiple tech-based opportunities across industries. Recruiting and retention of talent has been a huge factor in the Charlotte Metro Area.”

Similarly, the legal sector has evolved with the growth of the city and has a positive outlook heading into the new decade. “I don’t see anything but good things for the legal profession here,” Poyner Spruill Partner Tate Ogburn told Invest: Charlotte. “Charlotte has grown for the two decades that I have lived here, and I don’t see that dramatically changing.” The legal needs of companies evolve with the economic diversification and growth of the region, which creates opportunities for legal professionals, he said. “It is still a place where people want to be and there are more opportunities with new and more sophisticated companies coming in for the legal sector to continue growing. There are a lot of opportunities in terms of new clients and people, and different types of work as well,” Ogburn said.

Real estate and development provide investor confidence and opportunities for the workforce as Charlotte continues to grow. “I’ve been at this for 40 years and the real estate market in Charlotte is the strongest, most robust I’ve ever seen,” Northwood CEO Ned Curran told Invest: Charlotte. He highlighted the growth of the residential, industrial and commercial sectors. “Residential leads the way. It has not slowed like in other cities. Distribution and manufacturing continue to grow, and we have a unique distribution hub of state highways and rail networks associated with the airport. The office sector has trailed a little, but in recent years it has been catching up, which is a reflection of job growth,” he said. Curran expects the growth to continue during an election year and beyond while expressing confidence in the region and its economic diversification, which will allow the region to be better prepared in the event of an economic downturn, he said. “We will continue to grow across all sectors. We continue to diversify our economy, which only gives us greater strength. When there is a downturn in the economy, not everybody suffers. Some have disadvantages, some have advantages, but we are all components of an economic system and with our great diversity, we will be able to weather it better.”

To learn more about our interviewees, visit:

https://wallethub.com/edu/best-cities-for-jobs/2173/#methodology

https://www.us.jll.com/en/locations/southeast/carolinas

https://www.poynerspruill.com/

https://www.northwoodoffice.com/

Orlando top city for behavioral health technicians

By: Yolanda Rivas

2 min read January 2020 — The rapid advancements in technology and innovation are significantly disrupting the work environment across all industries, making many health and life sciences-related professions some of the fastest-growing across the globe. A recent report on 2020 emerging jobs places behavioral health technician as one of the fastest-growing positions around the world, and Orlando is one of top the cities for this career.

LinkedIn’s third annual U.S. emerging jobs report identified the top 15 up and coming jobs during the last five years. Artificial intelligence and data science continue to show rapid growth and heavy influence in many sectors. However, according to the report, the rise in insurance coverage for mental health is increasing the demand for behavioral health professionals.

Orlando ranked as one of the cities where the jobs are for behavioral health technicians, which is the only job on the list that generally doesn’t require a four-year degree. The report estimates the hiring rate for these professionals has grown an average of 31% year over year since 2015.

The average annual salary for a behavioral health technician in Orlando is $27,817, as of Jan. 2, 2020, according to online employment marketplace ZipRecruiter. The national average salary is $30,080 a year. ZipRecruiter’s recent job postings show an active marketplace for behavioral health technician jobs in Orlando and its surrounding area.

Behavioral health technicians work along doctors, primary counselors, therapeutic staff and other healthcare professionals to assist in the treatment of adults or children with substance use, developmental disorders or mental health conditions.

The report suggests that increased health insurance coverage for mental health and substance abuse treatment are likely the reasons for the increased demand for these professionals. The State of Mental Health in America 2018 report states that 61.7% of adults with any mental illness (AMI) in Florida did not receive treatment. The national average is 55.8%.

The top industries hiring behavioral health professionals are: mental healthcare, hospital and healthcare, individual and family services, education management, health and wellness and fitness, the 2020 emerging jobs report shows.

To learn more, visit:

LinkedIn 2020 Emerging Jobs Report:

https://business.linkedin.com/content/dam/me/business/en-us/talent-solutions/emerging-jobs-reort/Emerging_Jobs_Report_U.S._FINAL.pdf

Charlotte drops out of the Top 5 in US for tech jobs

By: Felipe Rivas

In 2019, the Queen City nurtured a culture of tech company headquarter relocations with giants such as LendingTree and Honeywell settling into the region. Despite recognized names establishing in the area, the Charlotte Metro Area slipped from the top spot for tech jobs, according to CompTIA’s annual report. The world’s leading tech association ranked Charlotte No. 6 on its “Tech Town Index” for 2019, dropping from last year’s No. 1 spot. Though Charlotte ranked out of the Top 5 cities for tech jobs in the nation, the report and local education leaders say there is an exciting energy in the region as it relates to technology that they will continue to develop and invest in.

CompTIA cites long-term job growth as “one of the reasons the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia metro just missed the Top 5.” According to the report, in 2018 “the area showed signs of an 11 percent job growth over the next five years” but as the end of 2019 nears, the growth projection sits at 9 percent. However, the report says that when it comes to the technology industry, Charlotte is “still putting its money where its mouth is.”

In the past 12 months, more than 52,000 tech jobs were posted, the majority of those positions being for developers, software engineers, and data analysts, the report states. As such, local educational leaders say institutions need to capitalize on the energy, diversification, and growth of the local technology industry. “What is going on with fintech, healthcare, and energy is exciting here,” said Queens University of Charlotte President Daniel Lugo to Invest: Charlotte. “The most exciting part is the growth of the technology sector. We want to be at the forefront of working with those businesses.” As an institution focused on liberal arts, Queens University of Charlotte is meshing tech skills, such as coding and data analytics, with its liberal arts curriculum. “We are actually training students with hybrid skills,” Lugo said. “We want to be in a position to have retained that general education of the liberal arts, but to look at pedagogy and the curriculum to empower our folks to understand coding and data analytics, to look at this whole 21st century and technology in a more robust way.”

Similarly, Catawba College is also upgrading its curriculum to account for the growth of the region’s technology industry. “We’re launching a master’s in data analytics, as well as a minor in data analytics to accompany almost any other major,” said President Brien Lewis to Invest: Charlotte. “We’re trying to take advantage of what’s in our region.” Going forward, the Charlotte Metro Area has the opportunity to continue to distinguish itself as a tech town. “The opportunities are to be cutting-edge in specific areas, such as data analytics,” Lewis said. “It’s a matter of capitalizing and investing further in what’s already in Charlotte to create an environment where people know we’re a leader in that area.”

For 2020, As the Queen City continues to grow and attract companies and new residents, factors such as access to banks and capital, a diverse and growing talent pool, access to a robust logistics and distribution infrastructure, and a cost of living that is lower than the national average will prove advantageous for the local economy and those wishing to tap into its technology sector.

To learn more about our interviewees, visit: https://www.queens.edu; https://catawba.edu/

Spotlight On: Dr. Winnifred McPherson, Director & CEO, Virtue Medical Staffing Services, LLC

By Max Crampton-Thomas

July 2019

2 min read — The staffing industry is a multi-billion dollar market that quite often flies under the radar, but its impact and contribution to the overall economy should not be understated. With almost 17 million temporary and contract employees being hired by American staffing companies, this industry is vital to not only a sustainable economy but also to the country’s growing workforce. Staffing companies service a variety of markets including I.T., advertising, and perhaps most important healthcare.

Although they are a relatively new staffing agency in the market, Broward County based Virtue Medical Staffing Services LLC has big plans to quickly expand their footprint within South Florida’s healthcare industry. Invest: Greater Fort Lauderdale spoke with Dr. Winnifred McPherson, CEO of Virtue Medical Staffing Services LLC and discussed the keys to success and plans to expand within the staffing industry.

What is the key to success in the staffing industry?

“In this type of business you have to have employees who meet the demands of your clients, and because the unemployment rate is so low in South Florida for medical professionals, we have to find these quality candidates wherever we can. We cannot be confined to only looking for those who have years of experience, and we must look to our recently graduated or graduating students in the area. As a staffing agency, we do not ever like to say that we do not have anybody for a position. We try our best to be proactive in making sure there is always a candidate ready to go.”

How do you plan to grow your business into the future?

“We hold two licenses that let us service a larger audience. The first is a nurse registry license that allows our employees to work in Broward and Palm Beach counties, both in medical facilities as well as homes. Then we have a Health Care Services Pool license that allows us to work anywhere in the state of Florida but only in a facility. Our plan is to keep expanding further north, and the Health Care Services Pool license will allow us to do that. To be successful in staffing, we have to be both flexible and have the ability to work anywhere that has demand.”

Where are you currently finding the most demand for your services?

“Right now, the majority of our demand is in elderly care. We have corporate hospice clients, so a large portion of our business and workforce is in hospice care. We are striving to attract both corporate and private clients. Private clients will normally require full-time care because they may be living alone or with a family member who cannot be home all the time to take care of them. We also target senior living communities, and we will speak with these homeowners associations to let them know that we are an asset they can depend on.”

To learn more about our interviewees, visit their websites:

http://www.virtuemedicalstaffing.com/

Brightline and Virgin sever rail ties

Tourism in Orlando pushing forward despite rise in COVID-19 cases

Fort Lauderdale company develops another layer of COVID-19 protection

Local leaders optimistic amid Charlotte’s latest jobs ranking

Charlotte drops out of the Top 5 in US for tech jobs

Spotlight On: Dr. Winnifred McPherson, Director & CEO, Virtue Medical Staffing Services, LLC

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