Wins CoreNet Global's 13th-Annual H. Bruce Russell Global Innovator's Award

Space Florida was awarded CoreNet Global's 13th-Annual H. Bruce Russell Global Innovator's Award (GIA) for Boeing's Commercial Crew Program Headquarters and Manufacturing Site for its CST-100 Commercial Crew Capsule (pictured in artist's rendering). Award results were announced during the Opening General Session at CoreNet Global's Summit in Orlando on 8 October, 2012.

"Space Florida, NASA/Kennedy Space Center and Boeing are demonstrating the vital importance of public-private partnerships as a strategic resource at a time when the economy is more constrained yet we need to find the most effective solutions to advancing critical needs surrounding life science, medical advances and technological innovation," said CoreNet Global Chairman Jim Scannell of the Travelers Companies. "Space Florida's work bolsters the case for the viability of manned space flight as it benefits both society and business."

Bernie McShea, Vice President of Business Development for Space Florida, accepted the Global Innovator's Award and commented on the productive use of public assets as a key element of the group's winning formula. "Bringing together state and federal government with the private sector sets the stage for success in the new era of commercial aerospace," he said. He noted how "unlike traditional government contracting, companies assume much more risk in the public-private partnership model, so that by bringing surplus government assets into play and making them available to companies is a meaningful way to create a win-win situation for everyone involved, ultimately at a lower cost to the taxpayer."

The initiative, which was pursued successfully by a team that also included NASA/Kennedy Space Center and Enterprise Florida , is estimated to create 550 headquarters, engineering and precision manufacturing/assembly jobs in the local area by December 2015 ... the date by which Boeing expects the CST-100 will become operational in carrying astronauts to the International Space Station.

"Congratulations to Space Florida and its team for their negotiation skills," said Aditi Sant with Bank of America and one of this year's GIA judges. "This initiative explored corporate real estate in the full sense of innovation – it touched design, project planning, economic development and sustainability."

FMI: www.corenetglobal.org, www.spaceflorida.gov