EconomicLee Speaking

A Message from Commissioner Larry Kiker

Although Florida's Industry Appreciation Week is in September, now is the time to start identifying deserving businesses for the Horizon Council's heralded Industry Appreciation awards. These awards are announced at our annual event that celebrates Lee County's thriving business community and recognizes outstanding local companies that have positively impacted the region. This year's categories include the LocalLEE Grown Business Award, the Business Citizenship Award, the Emerging Business Leader Award and the Industry Luminary Award. Businesses are encouraged to complete an application for their own company or another for profit company in Lee County by June 26th. Click here for the application form.

Industry Appreciation celebrations are all the better when we enjoy a strong business climate in which our local companies can thrive. To that end, I traveled to Washington, D.C. this month to speak with

Commissioner Larry Kiker, Congressman Tom Rooney and County Manager, Roger Desjarlais in Washington D.C.

members of Congress about issues that impact our economy and affect economic development in our region. Transportation infrastructure, flood insurance and water quality are pressing challenges that require multi-pronged solutions from every level of government. Our Lee County contingent educated members of Florida's congressional delegation about the many ways we are working to enhance road capacity to further economic growth; implement water quality projects to combat dangerous nutrient loaded surges from Lake Okeechobee during the rainy season; and help citizens deal with the unintended consequences of well-meaning but misguided National Flood Insurance Program reforms and FEMA's inadequate flood mapping processes. In return, the federal government must play its part by returning more of Florida's tax dollars for transportation (we are a donor state); fund its portion of critical Everglades restoration projects like the C-43 Reservoir; and provide more local control of flood mapping to ensure accuracy and enact fiscally responsible flood insurance reforms that protect homeowners.

I encourage you to read this edition of EconomicLee Speaking to learn more about the many economic development initiatives underway in Lee County and Southwest Florida.

Sincerely,

Larry Kiker, Lee County Commissioner

EDO at Work

Publicity Follows Visit from Tech Journalist Michael Kassner

Three cybersecurity consultants pay it forward in Florida

Recently the Lee County Economic Development Office (EDO) hosted renowned tech journalist, Michael Kassner. The marketing effort paid off quickly with three major articles by Kassner that put a spotlight on Lee County's tech industry. Click here to learn more.

Industrial Asset Management Council (IMAC) Professional Forum

IAMC Keynote Speaker, Emmitt Smith

On April 25-29, EDO Business Manager Shane Farnsworth attended the Industrial Asset Management Council (IAMC) Professional Forum in Palm Desert, California. Click here to learn more.

The Business Issues Task Force Takes a Look at Transportation

The Business Issues Task Force is taking an in-depth look at long-term funding for Lee County's infrastructure needs. Click here to learn more.

What is the Pulse of SWFL's Economy?

Glen Salyer speaking at The News Press Regional Economic Development Summit

More than 300 business and community leaders attended The News-Press Regional Economic Development Summit on May 11 at the Harborside Event Center. Click here to learn more about the many initiatives established to promote, diversify and strengthen Southwest Florida's economy.

Now Accepting Applications for 2015 Industry Appreciation Awards

Businesses are encouraged to complete an application for their own company or another for profit company in Lee County by June 26th. Click here for applications.

Upcoming Business Events

Second-stage growth companies can learn about strategies for financing their business at GrowFL's panel discussion on June 3. The SBDC invites small business owners to the 2015 Southwest Florida Business MatchMaker on June 4. Click here for details on both of these events.

SBDC Honors Local Entrepreneurs

Horizon Council's Chris Spiro

The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) honored Gary K. Mart of Global Tech LED, LCC as its 2015 Distinguished Entrepreneur of Southwest Florida during a dinner presentation on May 19. Among the three finalists was the Horizon Council's own Chris Spiro. Click here to learn more.

Fitch and Moody's Assign Lee County Bond Ratings

Two of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commissions' "Big Three" nationally recognized credit rating organizations, Fitch Ratings Inc. and Moody's, recently assigned their ratings for Lee County. Click here to learn more about what this rating means for Lee County.

Be Part of the Commercial Corridor Revitalization Steering Committee

Committee Chair Dan Eveloff, Regions Bank

The EDO is forming the Commercial Corridor Revitalization Steering Committee to help areas of Lee County that have lagged in the ongoing economic recovery. Click here to learn more.

Horizon Council Hosts Organizational Wellness Panel Discussion

Dr. Nancy Graham, Gail Markham and Kathy Irwin attend the Organizational Wellness Panel

Creating a healthy work environment, a key factor to any organization's success, was the focus of an Organizational Wellness Panel Discussion at the April 24th Horizon Council General Membership Meeting. Click here to learn more about the panel discussion.