Algenol Fuels Industry Diversification and Florida Economic Development in Lee County

In October, Algenol Biofuels Inc. opened a new state-of-the-art lab and R&D facility in Lee County, Florida. The 40,000 square-foot facility houses an advanced algae biology, engineering, carbon dioxide (CO2) and green chemistry laboratory, as part of the larger Lee Integrated Biorefinery.

According to Algenol Founder and Chief Executive Officer Paul Woods, the opening of the new facility is “a remarkable milestone in our quest to bring algae-based biofuels and bio-based chemicals to commercialization. We aim to fuel Florida economic development by making the state a hub for green, clean technology innovation that will create jobs, lessen our nation’s dependence on foreign oil and reduce carbon pollution.”

Florida business growth in the area of bioscience companies is gaining speed, said Russell Allen, president of BioFlorida, the state’s bioscience industry association. “In the past five years, Florida has emerged as a leader in bioscience,” Allen said. “We think our state is going to be a major player in this industry, and Algenol is one indication that it is already happening.”

Algenol Biofuels is focused on commercializing the use of hybrid algae to make ethanol and high-value organic green-chemicals directly from carbon dioxide, water and sunlight. The company is already forming partnerships with Florida Gulf Coast University and the University of Florida to create educational opportunities for students in the new fields of biofuels and “green” chemistry.

Jim Moore, executive director of Lee County's Economic Development Office, said Algenol’s greatest impact on Florida business expansion may be in demonstrating the value of local partnerships, including the one FGCU and Algenol are working on to develop curriculum, internships and teaching opportunities.

“When Florida business leaders see those kinds of partnerships, it makes a world of difference for our economic development efforts,” Moore said.

To find out more about expanding or moving your business to Lee County, Florida, contact Jennifer Berg, Marketing & Communications Director at the Fort Myers Regional Partnership, at 239.338.3161 or visit the Fort Myers Regional Partnership online at www.fortmyersregionalpartnership.com

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Lee County in Southwest Florida is truly fortunate to have a community-wide effort in promoting economic development. The Economic Development Office is a Lee County government department that works to bring new companies to the area and help existing businesses grow and expand.

Along with our world-class beaches and year-round warm weather, affordable housing, experienced workforce and low corporate taxes, we at Fort Myers Regional Partnership have created a performance-based, $25-million business incentive program that may be available to you.

Company:
Fort Myers Regional Partnership
12800 University Drive Suite 300
Fort Myers, Florida 33907
fax. 239-338-3227
www.fortmyersregionalpartnership.com

PR Contact:
Laura Richeson, Chisano Marketing Group
407-788-7070 x215
lricheson@chisano.com

This release was published on openPR.