SPACE ALLIANCE TECHNOLOGY OUTREACH PROGRAM SCORES FAVORABLE POINTS WITH LOCAL COMMUNITIES

              TITUSVILLE, Fla. – The Technological Research and Development Authority (TRDA) recently received a strong “report card” from an independent market study reviewing the effectiveness of its Space Alliance Technology Outreach Program (SATOP).  The SATOP is designed to speed the transfer of space technology into small businesses in Florida by partnering them with space industry employees for free technological assistance.

            The most striking results from this survey reveal that through direct participation in the SATOP: 

·        500 jobs were created

·        460 jobs were saved and 4 companies saved from closure

          ·        16 new products were developed

          ·        $23 million was infused into the Florida economy

          ·        $47 million was generated in new sales revenue

“These results are tremendous,” said Bob Allen, deputy director of the TRDA.  “These percentages represent real people with families and responsibilities.  Knowing that the SATOP contributed to job security, job growth and overall company savings is a great feeling.”

Ninety-five businesses that have previously been served by the program participated in this telephone survey, which began in July 1997.   Counties participating in the survey included the following: Alachua, Brevard, Broward, Calhoun, Collier, Dade, Flagler, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lee, Liberty, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Okaloosa, Orange, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Volusia, and Washington.

         Respondents first learned about the SATOP either through word-of-mouth (26 percent) or through a local economic development organization or chamber of commerce (19 percent).  Most participants (45 percent) called upon the SATOP to solve a problem, most especially for the development of a new product, which drew in 37 percent of the respondents. With all of these factors in mind, 82 percent of the respondents said they would use this program again.

         “These survey results prove that the SATOP is making a difference in the lives of our local businesses,” said Bob Allen, deputy director of the TRDA.  “We work very hard to give top-quality service to our clients.  It’s nice to see that our efforts are paying off.”

The TRDA, established by the Florida Legislature in 1987, delivers cost-effective transfer of cutting-edge technologies to schools and small businesses throughout the state.  The TRDA administers and initiates programs to address Florida’s educational needs, to enhance space research and to spur the state’s economic growth.  Through the Space Alliance TOP, they have helped over 180 local businesses with successful technological assistance since 1995.