About the Florida Photonics Cluster
Following the success of several optics and photonics industry groups around the
country, the Florida Photonics Cluster (FPC) was incorporated in 1995 as the Florida
Electro-Optics Industry Association by William C. Schwartz.
Formed to support the growth and profitability of the photonics industry through the
strength of a unified voice, the FPC is open to companies and organizations that
provide optics and photonics products or services. Based on the concept that the
whole is better than the sum of its parts, the cluster focuses on the collaboration of
various companies and organizations. FPC is dedicated to enhancing the industry
through this collaboration by bringing together the knowledge, expertise, and service
that each company or organization has to offer the cluster.
Our Goals
The FPC is a 501c(6) not-for-profit corporation per the IRS and is registered with the
Florida Department of State Division of Corporations. Tthe Employer ID number (EIN),
assigned by the State of Florida for the FPC, it is 593352840. Because the FPC is a
trade organization, 501c(6) in the IRS classification, donations (including dues) are not
deductible as a charitable donation. They may be deductible as a business expense,
but you will need to consult with a tax advisor to determine this for your company.
country, the Florida Photonics Cluster (FPC) was incorporated in 1995 as the Florida
Electro-Optics Industry Association by William C. Schwartz.
Formed to support the growth and profitability of the photonics industry through the
strength of a unified voice, the FPC is open to companies and organizations that
provide optics and photonics products or services. Based on the concept that the
whole is better than the sum of its parts, the cluster focuses on the collaboration of
various companies and organizations. FPC is dedicated to enhancing the industry
through this collaboration by bringing together the knowledge, expertise, and service
that each company or organization has to offer the cluster.
Our Goals
- Foster the expansion and growth of Florida’s optics and photonics industry by
partnering with economic development organizations, the state universities and
community colleges, and local and state governments. - Market Florida’s optics and photonics companies worldwide.
- Facilitate and provide a means of communication within the business
community. - Partner with the Florida education community to enhance and develop a
competent statewide optics and photonics-based workforce.
- Industry Organizations/Partnerships
The Florida Photonics Cluster Recognizes the advantages of building strong
relationships with those who are dedicated to leading the photonics industry
into the future. Florida's commitment to the photonics industry is evidenced by
strong economic development agencies and associations focused on attracting
and retaining high-tech industry to the state.
Education
Contributing to the strong workforce throughout Florida's photonics industry is
an impressive educational system. FPC works alongside state universities and
community colleges to provide industry input for curriculum development. The
University of Central Florida (UCF) and University of South Florida, two of the six
state universities that offer a photonics curriculum, conduct more than $12 to 15
million in research.
UCF's Center for Research and Education in Optics and Lasers (CREOL), one
of only three independent optics departments in the United States serves as a
center of excellence in research and education for the photonics industry. These
partnerships not only ensure graduates who are adequately trained for success
in the photonics industry, they also allow the FPC to create strong ties with the
students who will soon enter the in-demand workforce.
(Links for UCF/CREOL, USF)
Marketing
The FPC offers several marketing opportunities to its members through a variety
of means. Members receive visibility through FPC's meetings, press releases,
marketing literature, trade shows, and website. Members are also granted
access to an annual survey which offers insight on marketing within the
photonics industry. The FPC serves as a communicator and representative of
the photonics industry to decision makers across the state and around the
country.
The FPC is a 501c(6) not-for-profit corporation per the IRS and is registered with the
Florida Department of State Division of Corporations. Tthe Employer ID number (EIN),
assigned by the State of Florida for the FPC, it is 593352840. Because the FPC is a
trade organization, 501c(6) in the IRS classification, donations (including dues) are not
deductible as a charitable donation. They may be deductible as a business expense,
but you will need to consult with a tax advisor to determine this for your company.
Florida Photonics Cluster
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