ST. PETERSBURG, FLA. -

Duke Energy has named Danielle Ruiz economic development manager within Florida's economic development team.

"During the last several years, we have been working hard to ensure a more competitive business environment and position Florida for economic growth," said Laura Boisvert, vice president, community relations and economic development. "To continue to build on our commitment to economic development success throughout our service territory, we are expanding and strengthening our Florida economic development team with the addition of Danielle Ruiz."

An accomplished and well-known economic development veteran, Ruiz will be responsible for the attraction and location of new business and industry to Duke Energy's 35-county service area, with emphasis on the Tampa Bay and North Florida markets.

She will also work to ensure the retention of existing industry and their potential expansions within the Duke Energy service area. Her office will be located at the state headquarters in St. Petersburg, Fla.

Ruiz has nearly 12 years of professional economic development experience ranging from workforce development to business development with both public and private sector employers. Most recently, she served as director of business retention and expansion at the Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation (EDC), where she created the Business Retention and Expansion Program.

Previously, Ruiz served as group manager, clinical and educational services for ConMed Linvatec, an international medical device manufacturer. Prior to her work with ConMed, she served as business development manager for Pinellas County Economic Development.

Ruiz earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business management from Clemson University and has completed numerous courses through the International Economic Development Council. She sits on various advisory councils, including workforce and education entities throughout Tampa Bay, and engages in industry organizations, supporting the further development of the significant assets present in the state of Florida.

Ruiz begins her work with Duke Energy on Monday, Jan. 13. She will report to Marc Hoenstine, who was recently promoted to director, economic development. Marc will continue to oversee Duke Energy's Florida ED efforts and will provide direct support to the company's Central and North Florida markets.

Duke Energy Florida, a subsidiary of Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), provides electricity and related services to approximately 1.7 million customers in Florida. The company is headquartered in St. Petersburg, Fla., and serves a territory encompassing more than 20,000 square miles including the cities of St. Petersburg and Clearwater, as well as the Central Florida area surrounding Orlando. Duke Energy Florida is pursuing a balanced approach to meeting the future energy needs of the region. That balance includes increased energy-efficiency programs, investments in renewable energy technologies and a state-of-the-art electricity system.

Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Duke Energy is a Fortune 250 company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DUK. More information about the company is available at: www.duke-energy.com.

Contact: Kristin Perry
Office: 727.431.2939 | 24-Hour: 800.559.3853


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