Area Development
GCR Inc., a leading public sector software and services firm, is opening a Center of Excellence in Heathrow, Florida. The facility will focus on innovation in GovTech.

According to company officials, it is the cornerstone of a significant investment in the company's State Government business unit, PCC, which will centralize and grow its software development operations in the location.

"There is so much opportunity in GovTech, especially with emerging technologies that have the power to disrupt the technological status quo and radically transform the way governments do business," said Tom Amburgey, the CEO of GCR. "For decades PCC has been leading the charge, and we are doubling down on that legacy with an eye toward revolutionizing the GovTech space with new energy, new vision, and new products."

The Center of Excellence will house the talent of a major software development company, including systems architects, developers, testers, business analysts, product managers, and administrative staff. GCR will base up to 75 employees there within the first year with plans to grow into the hundreds over the next few years.

"We're committed to innovation that will help governments dramatically improve the way they serve the public," said Matt Blakely, GCR's Chief Technology Officer who founded and led MB3, a grants management software company acquired by GCR in 2018. "Locating our software development operations in the Center of Excellence will allow us to create a common culture and facilitate an exchange of ideas that will spark new technological advancements."

GCR chose Heathrow after an in-depth site selection process that involved more than a dozen leading locations across the country. The State of Florida and Seminole County provided an incentive that totaled $1.5 million through the Florida Qualified Targeted Industry program, a performance-based business incentive that provides companies a tax refund once new jobs are created.

"We're thrilled to be part of the Central Florida community, and we are grateful for the leadership of the State of Florida, Seminole County, and the Orlando Economic Partnership for their exceptional work in welcoming GCR," said Amburgey. "Central Florida quickly became the clear frontrunner with its deep skilled-talent pool, proximity to airports and universities, and livability."