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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.
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Director's Message
The Horizon Council and the Economic Development Office (EDO) have a number of exciting initiatives underway. Task force groups are meeting regularly to focus on issues such as workforce, transportation, business climate and continued economic development efforts in diverse industries.
We are in the early stages of developing a vibrant life sciences sector and it is inspiring to see the headway we’ve made in just a short time.
Madden Research Loop, a new bioscience and technology Research Park will create a hub for scientific collaboration in Lee County. Phase one will include 275,000 square feet of space with plans for expansion. This exciting new complex will bring high-paying positions to the region, including medical managers, biochemists, biophysicists, medical scientists, epidemiologists and clinical lab technologists.
EDO Business Recruitment
The EDO recruitment team is actively pursuing targeted marketing initiatives to promote Lee County as a premier site for business success. Just this past week the recruitment team participated in a site consultant event with Enterprise Florida, the state’s economic development organization. The team also just returned from a successful trip to Philadelphia for Interphex, a leading pharmaceutical manufacturing event.
EDO Business Assistance
The Economic Development Office is also working closely with existing businesses to ensure their continued growth. Brochures are in the mail to local businesses to promote the Business Emergency Network as well as the benefits of locating in the Enterprise Zone. The Business Emergency Network is a free, confidential registry that can help businesses connect their company to needed resources during post-disaster recovery. Businesses can register online at www.LeeCountyBusiness.com.
The Economic Development Office can also help businesses decide what benefits they may be eligible for if they are in the Enterprise Zone or considering opening a business there. Call 338‑3161.
Horizon Council
The Horizon Council is accepting nominations for their annual, Industry Appreciation Awards that will be awarded on September 19th of this year. The Horizon Council celebration is part of a statewide celebration of Industry Appreciation Week, September 15-19, 2008.
Businesses are invited to nominate their own company or submit an application for another Lee County company to be recognized. Nominations must be received by April 30, 2008. Nomination forms can be downloaded at www.LeeCountyBusiness.com or can be obtained by calling (239) 338-3161. To be eligible nominees must be for profit companies located in Lee County.
Horizon Council General Membership Meeting-The next Horizon Council meeting will be held on Friday, April 25, 2008, 8:30 a.m. in the EDO conference room at 12800 University Drive, Suite 325, Fort Myers. Members of county government will be on hand to discuss the county budget.
We hope you are continuing to find our newsletter informative. We are always open to suggestions on additional information that would be useful to the business community.
If you have feedback on our newsletter please feel free to e-mail me at rsmith@leegov.com.
Best regards,
Regina Smith
Economic Indicator Report
April 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
| Continuous (multiple dates) |
Employee Training for Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and Other Computer
Classes (Business & Industry
Services, School District of Lee County at High Tech Center North) |
| Mar 11-16 |
Export Sales Mission to Monterrey & Veracruz Mexico Enterprise Florida |
| Mar 17-21 |
Tallahassee and African Sister Cities Coalition (TASCO) Seventh Annual Africa Awareness Month International Conference at Florida A&M University Enterprise Florida |
| Mar 25 |
Secret to Success in Direct Mailing Postal Customer Council |
| Mar 26 |
Export University: Want to Boost Sales by Exporting? Where: The Epicenter, St. Petersburg College. Contact: George Martinez or Sandra Campbell at 727-893-3738 or Email |
| Apr 12-14 |
2008 Korea Joint Conference, Tampa Florida FLOR/KOR |
| Apr 16 |
Florida International Summit 2008 University of Florida |
| Apr - Sep |
Americas Linkage 2008 Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce |
| May 11-16 |
Enterprise Florida Mexico trade mission. Registration deadline Mar 31 Enterprise Florida |
| May 27-30 |
2008 SBIR/STTR National Spring Conference SBIR Florida |
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