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Newsletter
This e-newsletter is published by the Lee County Economic Development Office to
serve the business community of Lee County.
Director's Message
As we begin the second half of the year, I’d like to take this opportunity to present a mid-year snapshot of Horizon Council accomplishments and the business activity within the Economic Development Office.
As always, I welcome your comments and extend my sincerest appreciation for your commitment to building a stronger Lee County.
Horizon Council Highlights
The Horizon Council has been actively involved in a broad-range of business issues during the first six months of the year. Key activities are outlined below.
- Continuing to work on Business Climate issues
- Addressing current workforce and infrastructure needs
- Continued emphasis on Economic Diversification
Business Climate Task Force
The business climate task force led by Steve Pontius has been communicating with businesses through a new business survey.
A copy is attached for your review. You will note the responses from the recent quarterly business snapshot that includes interesting statistics from a cross section of our business community.
Companies were questioned on what their businesses were experiencing and on key issues affecting the business community. For example: an issue that will be on the November referendum on the exchange of higher sales tax for lower property tax. Approximately 50% of businesses surveyed said they would be in favor of a higher sales tax.
The task force will continue to keep in communication with our local businesses in an effort to continue to understand and improve the overall business climate.
Infrastructure/Workforce Task Force
The Infrastructure and Workforce Task Force led by Steve Shimp has been busy looking at alternative funding options for transportation projects and further prioritizing workforce initiatives for the benefit of the business community.
Twenty recommendations have been identified for transportation funding options. These recommendations take into account legislative authorization that may be required and the potential revenue it would generate.
The task force also reviewed recommendations from the recent Wadley-Donovan Workforce Study and identified 4 priority recommendations.
Final reports for the infrastructure and workforce recommendations are expected to be complete in August.
Economic Development
Diversification Task Force
The task force led by Ron Inge has been working on developing strategies for diversifying employment base. The task force has focused on local economic trends, analyzing Lee County’s regulatory and business climate, and reviewed the our community’s economic development assets. In addition, the group has explored the desirability of a “catalyst project” to spur industry cluster building and has studied diversification approaches utilized in other Florida communities.
On May 23, a letter was sent to the Lee County BOCC requesting that Lee County allocate $25 million from reserve funds for an incentive account for significant economic development projects. This request is being considered by the BOCC as part of the FY08-09 budget process.
On June 2, 2008 Chairman Ron Inge presented an update of the task force efforts at the Management and Planning Meeting of the Board of County Commissioners.
Economic Development Office Activity
The Economic Development Office has seen an increase in the number and quality of qualified prospects as compared to last year. The Business Assistance team has increased it efforts to assist local companies and keep the pulse on business issues. The team has met with over 100 companies thus far this year.
The Recruitment Team has been busy with 8 marketing events this year and they have 7 marketing events planned for the remainder of the year. Given the challenging economic times, we are increasing our marketing efforts to generate more prospects for the economic development “pipeline”.
Location and Expansion Activity
In the first half of this year, four companies have made decisions or expand or locate in Lee County, which will have the impact of creating 237 direct and indirect jobs. These companies will have an estimated $40.1 million economic impact in the first year for wages and direct investment. The companies include:
- Croci-North America
- Shaw Development
- Somero Enterprises
- United Parcel Service
Active Prospects and Expansions
The Economic Development Office continues to work with 41 Active Prospects. (i.e. companies that have expressed interest to locate or expand in Lee County). The breakdown by target industry includes:
23 Manufacturing
6 Life Sciences/Biotech
3 Information Technology
3 Back Office
3 Headquarters
3 Distribution
Mark Your Calendars
August 22, 2008 General Membership Meeting
Please mark your calendars to attend our next Horizon Council Membership Meeting to be held on Friday, August 22, 2008 at 8:30am at our conference room at:
12800 University Drive, Suite #325
Fort Myers, FL
(239) 338-3161
September 19, 2008 Industry Appreciation Luncheon
Be sure to join us for a “Salute to Excellence,” at the 2008 Industry Appreciation Luncheon, on Friday, September 19, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the Harborside Events Center. This is a wonderful opportunity for us to showcase and celebrate Lee County business at its best! Invitations and response cards will be sent out in August for the event.
On the Horizon
We are encouraged with the level of business activity in our target industry sectors during the first half of this year, particularly as compared to this time last year. We are well positioned for future growth of these industries in Lee County. We will continue pursuing an aggressive recruitment strategy, providing assistance to local businesses and insuring we have the pro-business climate necessary for all businesses to succeed.
On behalf of the Economic Development Office, our sincerest thanks to all our Horizon Council members and Horizon Foundation investors for your commitment and dedication. Your efforts and support insure Lee County has the business foundation necessary to provide all our citizens with the jobs and the quality of life we’ve come to expect and enjoy in Southwest Florida.
Regina Smith
Economic Indicator Report
June Economic Snapshot (PDF)
Business Resources
Workforce
Florida Weekly Update (Agency for Workforce Innovation)
Small Business Resource Network
- This Directory is a guide to frequently accessed regulatory agencies and relevant
not-for-profit organizations as as well as professionals who have expertise with
small businesses.
Small Business Resource Network - Business Startup FAQ
Employ Florida Marketplace
(Workforce Florida, AWI) - The Employ Florida web site and toll free number, 1-866-FLA-2345,
provide a consolidated point of entry to Florida's workforce resources and services.
Enterprise Florida Event
Calendar - Listing of eFlorida's trade shows, business seminars, and trade
missions.
Lee County High Tech Center Central - Business Education
Lee County High Tech Center North - Programs
FGCU Small Business Development Center
Calendar of Events