EconomicLee Speaking

A Message from Dennie Hamilton

Economic development, prosperity and stability require public commitment, private involvement, hard work and financial investment. The Horizon Foundation is a charitable organization that was established to enhance Lee County's economic vitality by financially supporting the efforts of the Lee County Economic Development Office (EDO) and the Horizon Council. The Foundation's recent Mid-Year Investor Update meeting detailed the latest ways our investments are paying off.

Most notably, the County recently announced three new economic development projects that will create more than 300 new jobs in our community. Two company expansions and one completely new location span the financial services, logistics and manufacturing industries. You can read more about these exciting developments in the article to the right.

On Aug. 28, the Horizon Foundation will help the EDO welcome renowned economist Mark Vitner to the Horizon Council's monthly meeting. I hope you can join us to hear what Mark has to say about global economic turmoil and the effects it may have on Southwest Florida.

Finally, in September the Foundation will be sponsoring the region's premier business recognition event. The annual Industry Appreciation Luncheon will celebrate Lee County businesses that have made a significant contribution to the local economy through growth, innovation, industry leadership or superior corporate citizenship. In addition to celebrating our business community and recognizing some outstanding companies, this year we will bestow the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award to Mr. Wayne Kirkwood for his tireless dedication to the Horizon Council, the Horizon Foundation and his commitment to economic development in Lee County.

You can read more about all of these things in this edition of EconomicLee Speaking.

Sincerely,

Dennie Hamilton, President

Horizon Foundation

EDO At Work

Pictured left to right: Glen Salyer, Wally the Green Monster and Jeff Mielke

On May 23 Lee County representatives visited Fenway Park in Boston to celebrate the partnership between Lee County and the Boston Red Sox. Click here to learn more about this exciting event for Lee County.

Gov. Rick Scott Visits Cape Coral's Marine Concepts/JRL Ventures to Celebrate the Company's Positive Economic Development Impact on Lee County

Pictured left to right: Matt Chambers, President, JRL Ventures/Marine Concepts; Bob Long, JRL Ventures/Marine Concepts Owner; Gov. Rick Scott; Commissioner Brian Hamman, Commissioner Cecil Pendergrass, Commissioner John Manning

Nearly 50 business executives, public officials and employees joined Governor Scott on May 22 to celebrate Marine Concepts/JRL Ventures' commitment to job growth in Lee County. Click here to learn more about this exceptional business in Cape Coral.

Horizon Council News

Pictured left to right: Randy Krise, Commissioner John Manning, Commissioner Larry Kiker, Bev Larson, Wayne Kirkwood and Rep. Dane Eagle

A legislative update, disaster preparedness tips for businesses, a strategic marketing plan and more were highlights at the May 22 General Membership Meeting of the Horizon Council. The Horizon Council's President's Circle met on May 20 at Chico's World Headquarters in Fort Myers for an exclusive look into Chico's newest facilities, and the Horizon Foundation hosted its annual Mid-Year Investor Update. Click here to learn more about these events.

The Southwest Florida Regional Technology Partnership Sponsors 2015 Lee County Hackathon

To celebrate National Day of Civic Hacking the Southwest Florida Regional Technology Partnership and the EDO hosted the 2015 Lee County Hackathon, June 5-7. Click here to learn more about the event.

Lee County Approves
Three Incentive
Projects Delivering
New Jobs to the Area

Special Coatings, First Family Insurance, Paramount Logistics

Lee County Commissioners recently approved three incentive packages that will create more than 300 new jobs and produce a capital investment of almost $6 million in Lee County. Click here to learn more about the three companies and the positive effect their growth will have on Lee County.

Upcoming Business Events

Horizon Council Meeting
August 28, 2015

Mark Vitner, Managing Director and Senior Economist for Wells Fargo

Mark Vitner, Managing Director and Senior Economist for Wells Fargo will be the keynote speaker at the next General Membership Meeting of the Horizon Council (Aug. 28). Vitner will discuss how turbulent international monetary and economic forces may affect Southwest Florida businesses. Click here for information on how you can attend this meeting and information on other events.

The 2015 Industry Appreciation Awards: September 18, 2015

The Horizon Council and the Lee County Economic Development Office (EDO) will honor businesses in four categories at the 2015 Industry Appreciation Awards luncheon on Friday, Sept. 18, 11:45 a.m.- 1 p.m., at Harborside Event Center. Click here for registration information.

FGCU's Lutgert College of Business Ramps Up Internship program

The Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) Lutgert College of Business continues to grow and improve its internship program. Click here to learn more about how your business might benefit from using this program.

CPR Tools, the Latest Recipient of the Gold Key/Matchmaker Grants

The EDO, in partnership with Enterprise Florida and the Small Business Development Center at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), offers assistance to small and medium-sized companies in generating or increasing their export sales. Click here for more information on the program and Lee County's latest recipient, CPR Tools.

FSW Secures $3.9 Million
in Quick Response
Training Grants

FSW, the state fiscal agent for QRT grants in Southwest Florida, has secured 3.9 million in grants for businesses in Lee, Collier, Charlotte and Glades counties, many of which were introduced as Lee County EDO projects. Click here to learn more about the event.