FHREDI To Host Virtual Entrepreneur Presentation

Florida's Heartland Rural Economic Development Initiative will be hosting a presentation to introduce Florida Virtual Entrepreneur Center to community leaders in Highlands, Hardee and DeSoto counties, which are included in the Florida High Tech Corridor.

Steve Burley, director of economic development for Daytona State College, will be the presenter. He will discuss how the virtual center can assist those entrepreneurs considering starting, expanding or relocating a business. The virtual center is a Web portal designed to provide an easy-to-use resource for local entrepreneurs to find information and services to support new or growing businesses.

The presentation is set for 11 a.m. April 8 at the Heartland Workforce One-Stop Center 2730 U.S. 27 N., in Sebring.

"This is a resource that will help expand our area's entrepreneurial capacity," Jim Otterman, FHREDI's executive director, said in a press release. "We are excited to be involved with its promotion along with our local economic development offices."

There is no cost, but seating is limited. Those interested in attending may RSVP to Kelly Sweet at 385-4900 or e-mail ksweet@flaheartland.com

According to its Web site, the Florida High Tech Corridor Council was established by the Legislature in 1996 to attract, retain and grow high-tech industry and to help develop the workforce to support those industries in a service area that covers 23 counties.