Jan 21, 2005

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
           
Contact:           Jennifer Dunn, Communications Manager
                        Lee County Economic Development Office
                        (239) 338-3161
 
Lee County posts solid 2004 Economic Results/Expansions and locations result in $55 million economic impact

Fort Myers, Fla.  (January 21, 2005)-At today's Annual Meeting of Lee County's Horizon Council, a strong economy during 2004 was the theme.  Despite the challenges of an extremely active hurricane season and recovering economy, Southwest Florida experienced exceptional growth. 
 
Employment increased, unemployment decreased, and Lee County's population exceeded the milestone of a half-million people, putting the area on the map for expansions and locations.  The latest population figures indicate an increase of 26,165 residents, a 5.3 percent increase over the prior year.  This represents the largest number of new residents to Lee County in any one year for the past two decades.
 
For 2004 Lee County topped several national lists, including a report by the Milken Institute naming Fort Myers-Cape Coral the best performing city in the nation for job growth.  While jobs are increasing so are average wages.  In addition, the number of jobs being added in sectors such as business and professional services, financial services, education and health services is a positive indicator.  The construction and tourism industries also saw record growth in 2004, as did the Southwest Florida International Airport.
 
The Economic Development office reported seven locations and five expansions in target industries, resulting in an overall first-year economic impact of $55 million.  Expansions and locations reported were based on target industries creating more than 10 jobs, absorbing over 5,000 square feet, or investing more than $1 million.  The 12 companies reported for 2004 created 497 direct and an estimated 348 indirect jobs in Lee County.
 
Local companies that expanded in 2004 were:  Breeze Newspapers, CallTech Communications, Raymond Building Supply, T3 Communications and one unannounced company.  New company locations in 2004 included:  BeSafe International, Inc., Creative Door & Millwork, Dawning Technologies, D-TAC, Harvest Pak Foods, Prestige Packaging and Shamrock Boats.
 
"We are extremely pleased with our 2004 results," stated Regina Smith, Executive Director of the Lee County Economic Development Office.  "Our ability to attract new businesses and support expanding local businesses is a result of the combined efforts of public and private sectors working together, the continued growth and expertise of our workforce and the remarkable quality of life we have to offer."
 
Overall Southwest Florida continued to be an exceptional place to live and do business in 2004.  Economic indicators suggest the Lee County economy will continue with moderate overall growth in 2005, outpacing both the Florida and National economies.
 
At the annual meeting the Horizon Council of Lee County also recognized incoming 2005 officers and new members.
 
Horizon Council Officers for the coming year are:  Chair, Robbie Roepstorff, President, Edison National Bank; Vice Chair, Bruce Gora, President, Gora/McGahey Associates in Architecture; Treasurer, Carol Hudler, Publisher, News Press; Secretary, Mark Weber, President and CEO, Southwest Florida Regional Medical Center and Horizon Foundation President, James Nulman, Attorney, Franklin, Starnes & Holt.  In addition, Lee County Commissioner Doug St. Cerny will represent the Board of County Commissioners on the Horizon Council during 2005.
 
New members joining the Horizon Council are:  Ray Faubion, Bonita Springs Chamber of Commerce; Dan Wright, Cape Coral Chamber; Melissa Waring, Estero Chamber; Robin Calabrese, Fort Myers Beach Chamber; Mike Cannington, Fort Myers Chamber; Bo Turbeville, Lehigh Acres Chamber; Jo-Ann Cicone, North Fort Myers Chamber; Russell Schropp, Real Estate Investment Society, Angie Parker, REALTOR Association of Ft. Myers and Ft. Myers Beach and Davie Vargas with the SWFL Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
 
The EDO office also unveiled new tools available for local businesses.  The EDO website, www.LeeCountyBusiness.com now includes a new online Business Directory and Real Estate Database.
 
Additional information on the 2004 Economic Development results can be found in the Annual Report, available by calling Jennifer Dunn at (239) 338-3161 or on the web at www.LeeCountyBusiness.com.
 
About the Economic Development Office:
The Economic Development Office is an office of Lee County government that works to attract new and diversified businesses resulting in high-wage, high-skilled jobs; retain and encourage expansion of existing businesses; and improve the overall business environment in Lee County.
 
About the Horizon Council:
The Horizon Council is a public-private advisory board that advises the Board of County Commissioners on Economic Development issues.  The Council has 62 members representing five cities; 10 chambers of commerce; 12 economic development and trade organizations; 10 community, education and business organizations and the remaining serve as at-large members.

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