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How to Do Business with 
Hertz has created a dedicated email-supplierinfo@hertz.com -for businesses and individuals to propose products or services. The address is monitored by the company's procurement department and items are supplied to the appropriate department. A website was also launched to help local businesses with job openings to connect with Hertz employees' trailing spouses-go to www.swflworks.org and click on the Hertz Family Relocation Assistance Program portal. |
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New Cape Coral Businesses
117 new businesses registered for Cape Coral Tax Receipts
(Business Licenses)
in July, 2013.
Visit the EDO website's
Download Center
for listings of all new
Cape Coral business license registrations in the last six months.
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Cape Recovery
Among Nation's Best
The Cape Coral/Fort Myers market's real estate recovery ranks 2nd in the nation, thanks to strong home price increases and sharp decreases in foreclosure activity, according to a Housing Market Recovery Index report released by RealtyTrac
The index was calculated based on seven factors: unemployment rate, underwater loans percentage, foreclosure activity percent change from peak, distressed sales percent of total sales, institutional investors share of total sales, cash purchases share of total sales and median home price percent change from bottom. The seven factors were indexed for each market with national averages as a baseline. Cape Coral/Fort Myers trailed only Rochester, N.Y. and was the only Florida market in the top 20. |
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Manufacturers Set to Receive Tax Break
Starting next spring, manufacturing companies will be able to buy equipment in Florida without paying sales tax on it.
That means less revenue initially for the state, but supporters say the move will help boost the industry and create jobs in Florida.
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Local Company Draws National Visitors
Can you name the local, family-owned business in the South Cape, that is a destination for over 200 glass artists from around the world each year?
Glass artists from as far away as London, Scotland, Australia and Alaska have made multiple trips to Cape Coral to learn from Tanya Veit at the AAE Glass Art Studio. Tanya is a world renowned fused glass artist who just spent several weeks teaching her techniques in London.
Tanya is the hottest fused glass artist going these days and judging by the fact that AAE Glass sold out 7 different classes in the first 8 hours they were released and people willing to travel from around the world just to learn here in Cape Coral is a testament that her popularity is only gaining steam.
AAE Glass has classes for all skill levels, even the beginner. AAE Glass works closely with local businesses in the South Cape and is happy to promote your business for our students to enjoy while they are visiting.
Click here to visit the AAE Glass website to learn more. |
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City of Cape Coral
Economic
Development
Office
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Contact Us | |
Cape Coral Economic Development Office
Dana Brunett
Audie Lewis
Karen Ramos
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Economic Development News
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Message From Your EDO Director
 What a Difference A
Year Makes!
At this point last year I was eight months into my job here and we were working hard to recruit new businesses to Cape Coral. We called, we emailed, and we met with contacts to inform and entice them about the untapped market that is Cape Coral. We had a few small victories, but not the magnitude we desired.
Presently, we are seeing a renewed interest in the Cape from many companies looking to reach into our market. Our population is too big to ignore and now that the economy is recovering, Cape Coral is again becoming the place to be. We're making sure everyone knows that Cape Coral is "Getting Down to Business." We've stepped up our marketing efforts and have attended regional and national trade shows with the intent of adding to our insufficient retail base. We will have more to share about one our new campaigns next month!
The next step for our team is to recruit and successfully land some light manufacturing, back office and corporate uses to Cape Coral so we can start to get better paying jobs and benefits for our residents. It's a process, but we're committed to it and we will succeed. Please always remember to be an ambassador for our city and talk to visitors about the many great reasons to be here for work, play and enjoying a great way of life. Oh, and did I mention we have a lot of canals too?
Sincerely,
Dana Brunett
City of Cape Coral
Economic Development Director
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Exciting Future in Store in Cape Coral
Veterans Investment Zone
Since the first patients walked through its doors in December, the Lee County VA Healthcare Center has exceeded initial projections and is on the fast-track for future success. The comprehensive outpatient clinic for military veterans is the major anchor for the Cape Coral Veterans Investment Zone (VIZ), which is working to attract a range of compatible businesses to Cape Coral.
In addition to a robust start for the VA Healthcare Center, there's been another recent, significant development in the VIZ. The Cape Coral Army Reserve Center at Corbett Road and Diplomat Parkway is expected to be complete by the end of next month. Following 10 years of discussion and planning, the 15-acre campus will feature a 37,438-square-foot training center; a 7,652-square-foot organizational maintenance shop; and a 1,520-square-foot storage facility.
"We are hoping this becomes a hub of service right here in Cape Coral," State Representative Gary Aubuchon said at the July groundbreaking ceremony.
VA Healthcare Center
 Already, the outpatient clinic employs a staff of 450 and provides services to approximately 1,000 veterans each day. Earlier projections noted a staff of 300 with an additional 150 to be hired, and this has already taken place. Daily patient numbers are also 300 higher than previously estimated.
The state-of-the-art primary and specialty care center has augmented its comprehensive list of services: audiology; cardiac diagnostic services; cardiology; dental, dermatology; endocrinology consultation; gastrointestinal; laboratory services, mental health, minor surgery; neurosurgery consultation; ophthalmology; orthopedics; physical therapy; podiatry; primary care; pulmonary; urology; vocational rehabilitation; and women's services. Imaging services include: diagnostic radiology; CTs and MRIs; ultrasound; fluoroscopy; nuclear imaging; and vascular Doppler studies.
Occupational therapy and limited ambulatory surgery services will begin to be offered late next month.
In the spring, mammography will be available as part of the healthcare center's goal of expanding services.
Cape Coral Army Reserve Center
 Located directly across the street from the VA Healthcare Center, the Cape Coral Army Reserve Center was built according to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver Project specifications established by the U.S. Green Building Council. LEED certification verifies that a building was designed and built to achieve environmental sustainability goals and to meet high performance in key areas of human and environmental health.
The $13 million Center will be home to four Army units: Detachment 2, 810th Military Police Company, 2/485 Regiment (a training unit), the 451st Quartermaster Company and the 365th Engineer Company. It will employ 10 to 15 full-time soldiers and civilians, and will be visited by 325 soldiers in training on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
It is the first Army Reserve Center in Southwest Florida, and it will be a close partner with the Lee County VA Healthcare Center.
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Whoever Holds the Gold Makes the Rules
 By Russ Winstead, Certified Business Analyst, Small Business Development Center
Many of us have heard this old adage and it is still true today. Whoever is doing the lending makes the rules! Today, banks, credit unions and private lenders still make the rules, and the rules are always changing. Some of the many rules, regulations and offerings are: interest rates and terms, what kind of credit score you need and what types of collateral can be used to secure a loan. The world of lending is always in a state of flux.
As head of SBDC operations in the Cape, I'm always out in the world of business. Every day I work with businesses applying for loans and with lenders looking for lending opportunities. I'd like to share my perspective on the current state of lending.
The desire of the lenders to lend is high and the need from businesses to borrow is great. With this combination of needs and desire it would seem that the two would be in unison.
However, as it is sometimes true, if you really need the money the lenders might not want to lend it to you and if a business owner does not need it, he may not want additional debt.....
So it is.... Today, if you want a loan for your business and you have a good plan and a good credit score and 20% of the investment down (SBA-backed program) you can probably get a loan.
Lenders are still a bit nervous from the recent losses many took during this extended economic down turn, however they are open! But they really want to make sure that they understand HOW you are going to get their money BACK to them. I would say the key factors are Credit Score and a Good Workable Plan. A few lenders may understand some credit issues and still lend to you, but you will pay a higher interest rate.
In closing, I would suggest that you take a good look at your situation and ask yourself three questions.
- First, do I really need this loan and can afford it?
- If I were to get a loan, can I document/show that it will make a significant positive financial deference in my business?
- Would a reasonable lender see that it is a good loan and feel comfortable that they will get their money back?
If the answers to all three are YES! Then make an appointment with one of our local lenders to discuss your plan or if you're not quite sure, make an appointment with me and I will help you by reviewing it. I can be reached by phone at 239-573-2737 or by email. |
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Are You Thinking of Hiring?
 Signs are abundant that businesses are recovering from the economic downturn. Retailers, wholesalers, financial services, hospitality, healthcare, manufacturers and even construction are seeing an increase in business and both large and small businesses are thinking about adding staff.
To assist your business with any anticipated hiring needs, the Cape Coral Economic Development Office would like to introduce you to Southwest Florida Works:
Southwest Florida Works is an employment and training agency that provides no-cost job matching programs to employers throughout Southwest Florida.
How it works:
1. Contact your local Southwest Florida Works Career Center and talk to a Certified Workforce Professional to discuss your hiring needs.
2. Post job position(s) on the state's web-based labor exchange, Employ Florida Marketplace, to access thousands of job seekers.
3. Interview applicants at your business or have applicants go to one of the regional Career Centers where the staff can pre-screen applicants prior to being referred to your business
4. Determine the best candidate for your job.
5. Consider an On-the-Job Training or Internship program or simply let the Career Center know who you've decided to hire.
Southwest Florida Works can increase the productivity of your current staff and, because there is no cost for their programs, you can reduce staff costs associated with hiring a new employee - it's a Win/Win scenario for everyone.
For more information contact Peg Elmore at pelmore@swflworks.org or visit www.swflworks.org and an Account Executive will contact you. |
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A Good Business Name Conveys What You Do
A business name is important because it communicates what the business does and how it can help its customers. It represents in words what you do, and it must be vetted very carefully to ensure it says the right thing.
This article from Florida Trend offers some sound advice:
Click here for the full story. |
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