On June 16, Lee County Commissioners unanimously approved three incentive packages expected to create more than 300 new jobs and inject nearly $6 million of capital investment into Lee County's economy. The packages are funded by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity's Qualified Target Industry Tax Refund program, which requires a 20% match by Lee County. These latest incentive packages illustrate the county's vow to retain and assist in the expansion of existing businesses as well as attract new companies looking to relocate to Lee County. Click Here to read more about the three diverse and dynamic companies that have committed to Lee County.
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| | Skyplex in Fort Myers, FL |
Skyplex is an exciting commercial development opportunity in Fort Myers, FL, offering 1,150 acres of land zoned for aviation, multi-use commercial and light industrial. It's a particularly good fit for aviation businesses with 280 acres zoned for aviation-related uses and 75 acres of ramp accessibility that can accommodate up to Category IV aircraft. Strategically positioned in the Foriegn Trade Zone adjacent to Southwest Florida International Airport, Skyplex also offers convenient proximity to Florida Gulf Coast University, Interstate 75 and other major roadways and important destinations.
Comprehensive development plans, zoning approval and major infrastructure are already in place, reducing the time and start-up costs for businesses. To learn more about Skyplex, Click Here or call 239-590-4594.
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The Labor Market 150 Index, presented by CareerBuilder and Economic Modeling Specialists Intl. (EMSI), ranks the labor markets of the 150 largest U.S. metropolitan areas quarterly. Cape Coral-Fort Myers FL is ranked 18 overall, along with other booming economies such as Houston, Raleigh and Salt Lake City. Specifically, Cape Coral-Fort Myers FL ranks 5 in the category of Employment and 18 for Quality Employment with a 5.5% unemployment rate. Click Here for detailed information about The Labor Market 150 Index. |
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| | FGCU's new Innovation Hub (I-HUB) |
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In February, Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) broke ground on its Innovation Hub, or I-HUB, which seeks to be the "world's next great research park" with a focus on innovations in energy. Construction should be completed by the end of the year on the state-of-the-art facility located on a 240-acre site adjacent to Southwest Florida International Airport (near FGCU).
The purpose of I-HUB is incubating new technologies and future-based companies. It will be home to corporations committed to sustainability with support from a robust academic and technology community. Click Here to learn more about I-HUB.
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Thank you for reading Southwest Florida QuarterLEE. Created by the Lee County Economic Development Office, this publication is a valuable resource for companies and site selectors with an interest in Southwest Florida. In each quarterly issue, we'll spot light various business clusters, cover news and reports unique to Southwest Florida, and provide information about the EDO services to expedite your project. Consider this quarterly publication your resource to help you make strategic business decisions.
Manager, Business Development
(239) 533-6804
Warren Baucom
Business Assistance Specialist (239) 533-6817 |
Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) in Estero, FL was listed in the Princeton Review "Guide to 322 Green Colleges." Princeton Review touted FCGU's commitment to environmental and sustainability for faculty, staff and students." Among its greenest features are FGCU's 15-acre solar farm, which generates enough energy to supply power two academic buildings. New facilities are built to the highest environmental standards, and the campus utilizes solar trash compactors, bike share programs, public and campus transportation and a comprehensive recycling program. Click Here to learn more about FGCU's green college profile on page 65 of the Princeton Review report.
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| | Southwest Florida is one of the fastest-growing areas in the nation |
According to population estimates by the U.S. Census Bureau, Southwest Florida is one of the fastest-growing areas in the nation. Census figures released on March 26th show Lee County added 18,177 people from July 2013 to July 2014, an increase of 2.7 percent, for a total estimated population of 679,513. According to the Fort Myers News-Press, "Improved Southwest Florida employment outlooks are also likely influencing the population gains...The Cape-Coral-Fort Myers area ranked third with an expected 3.8 increase, an addition of 8,345 jobs." Click Here for U.S. Census population estimates.
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In its most recent monthly report on Southwest Florida Regional Economic Indicators, The Lutgert College of Business finds that the regional economy continues to show moderate to fast growth, often surpassing national averages of key economic indicators including population growth and job growth. Click Here to view the March report.
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