Brandow Joins TRDA as Incubation Network Director

Melbourne, Fla. – April 15, 2004- The Technological Research and Development Authority named Heidi Brandow as Incubation Network Director for its statewide family of incubation centers. Brandow will oversee the Florida/NASA Business Incubation Center, Carrie P. Meek Center for Business and the newest addition, Florida/NASA Entrepreneur Center, to ensure each of their goals are achieved and that incubator clients continue to succeed.

“Business Incubation programs provide a unique opportunity for start up businesses to succeed by providing meaningful resources immediately,” says Brandow. “Small businesses fuel the American economy by supplying products and services worldwide at competitive prices, by providing employment at all wage levels, and by encouraging unprecedented innovation. Successful incubator participants learn winning business strategies while giving their business a leg up on the competition.”

Heidi brings over 15 years of leadership experience to the network, which includes serving East Central Florida as the President/CEO of Junior Achievement and the Cocoa Beach Area Chamber of Commerce. Her working knowledge of coordinating marketing materials to promote community goals and businesses, as well as her understanding of interfacing with local, county, state, and federal government officials to generate funding for economic growth projects puts her in the prime position to maximize the benefits offered by each of the incubation centers.

Florida’s Technological Research and Development Authority, established by the Florida Legislature in 1987, delivers the successful and cost-effective transfer of cutting edge technologies to schools and small businesses throughout the State of Florida. Through strategic alliances with NASA, the federal government, the aerospace industry and state partners – including the Department of Education and the Department of Community Affairs – TRDA is giving Floridians the edge to successfully compete in the new millennium. TRDA sponsors programs that enhance education and economic development within the state.