ORLANDO, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott announced that Topps Digital, a mobile game app division of the classic sports company Topps, is establishing an office in Orlando and will create 16 new jobs. The project will also have a $145,000 capital investment in the local community.

Governor Rick Scott said, “I am excited to announce that Topps Digital has chosen Florida as the best location to expand their business. New technology companies like Topps Digital are creating many opportunities for our families to succeed, and that is why we will continue to focus on diversifying and growing our economy. I am proud to officially welcome Topps Digital to the Sunshine State and look forward to their continued growth in Florida.”

Topps currently employs nine Floridians in the Orlando area. The company, which is based in New York City, recently expanded its brand into the mobile gaming arena and is seeking to expand the digital games division, including its studio, for the digital production of its sports mobile games in Orlando.

Dan Baker, Topps Director of Product Development, said, “Orlando has been growing in recent years as a technology center, and we’ve been able to find great talent here to develop the latest versions of our apps. The city has an expanding base with lots of existing tech companies, start-ups, as well as Full Sail University, and the University of Central Florida FIEA master’s degree program providing incredible resources.”

The project was made possible through partnerships between Enterprise Florida, the Department of Economic Opportunity, the Orlando Economic Development Commission (EDC), the City of Orlando and the City of Orlando Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA).

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said, “As we have worked to diversify our economy, accelerating Orlando’s reputation as an epicenter for game design and development has been a strong focus. Two of the top 20 schools in the nation for digital media and game design and some of the world’s most well-known game developers already call Orlando home. Topps’ decision to locate its game development division in Downtown Orlando is a testament to our talent pipeline, dynamic business environment and the high quality of life.” 

Bill Johnson, President and CEO of Enterprise Florida, said “Topps Digital’s move to Orlando is great news for Florida. With their expansion in the Orlando area, they will be creating 16 new high-tech jobs. I look forward to their continued success as we work to make Florida the best state for business.”

Executive Director Cissy Proctor said, “Central Florida continues to rapidly expand its technology sector, and Topps Digital is a welcome addition to the many impressive businesses growing in the area. The 16 new jobs that will be created by the company are great opportunities for many of Florida’s recent STEM graduates and experienced professionals alike.”

Orlando EDC Executive Vice President Holly Wiedman said, “The Orlando EDC welcomes Topps Digital Apps to our region. This decision speaks volumes about the abundant opportunities here for tech businesses and the rapidly growing industry in Orlando.”

Thomas Chatmon, Executive Director of the Downtown Development Board and Community Redevelopment Agency, said, “Downtown Orlando’s continued emergence as a vibrant growth oriented world class urban environment is evidenced by $5.39 billion in ongoing development. Topps Digital Apps will help further diversify Downtown Orlando’s economy as they continue to invest in our urban core, which in turn creates new quality jobs for our residents.”

About Topps Digital Apps

Founded in 1938, The Topps Company, Inc. is the preeminent creator and brand marketer of physical and digital sports cards, entertainment cards and collectibles, and distinctive confectionery products. Topps' leading sports and entertainment products include Major League Baseball, National Football League, Major League Soccer, UEFA Champions League, English Premier League, Bundesliga, Indian Premier League, Star Wars, WWE, UFC, Wacky Packages, Garbage Pail Kids, Mars Attacks and other trading cards, sticker album collections and collectibles.  Topps' app portfolio, including Topps BUNT®, Topps HUDDLE®, TOPPS KICK® and Topps® Star WarsSM: Card Trader, has been a hit with millions of fans around the world.  Topps' confectionery brands include Ring Pop®, Push Pop®, Baby Bottle Pop®, Juicy Drop ® Pop, Crunchkins ™ and Bazooka® bubble gum.  Topps was acquired by Michael Eisner's Tornante Company and Madison Dearborn Partners in October 2007.  For additional information, visit Topps.com and Candymania.com. 

About the Orlando Economic Development Commission (EDC)

The Orlando Economic Development Commission (EDC) is a not-for-profit, public-private partnership on a mission to aggressively attract, retain and grow jobs for the Orlando region while advocating, championing, and educating in support of efforts to improve competitive position. The EDC serves Orange, Seminole, Lake and Osceola counties and the City of Orlando – a region of about 4,000 square miles and 2.2 million people. Since its start in 1977, the EDC, with the support of its community partners, has assisted thousands of companies locate and expand in the four-county Orlando region. For more information, visit www.OrlandoEDC.com.

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