Sep 23, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contacts:
Jennifer Dunn
Economic Development Office
(239) 338-3161
Cell (239) 851-8973
Lee County's 2005 Industry Leaders Honored at Horizon Council Celebration Awards presented at September 23 luncheon
FORT MYERS, Fla. (September 23, 2005)-Five local companies were recognized during the 2005 Industry Appreciation Week Luncheon today at the Harborside Event Center in downtown Fort Myers. Three companies were selected to receive this prestigious Industry Appreciation Award based on their exceptional level of leadership, innovation, investment and community involvement in southwest Florida. Two awards were also given for an outstanding expansion and another for outstanding newcomer to the county. Sponsored by the Horizon Council, Lee County's economic advisory board, the event recognized the following 2005 Industry Appreciation Award, Business Expansion Award and Newcomer Award winners:
Industry Appreciation Award Winners:
Executive Title Insurance Services, Inc.
Executive Title is the largest title insurance agency in Southwest Florida and a leading firm in one of the most prominent real estate markets in the United States. Over the past three years the volume of business has increased by 78% while increasing Lee County employment by over 54%. Expansion from 5 to 13 offices over the past year and plans to expand to 25 locations within 4 years is a testament to Executive Title's great business practice. Its' success can be attributed to the implementation of cutting-edge technology complimented by a highly trained and experienced staff of title examiners. The end result is a property research process that is completed within 2 hours, whereas the competition may take up to one week to complete the process. An innovative web-based communication platform unites all parties during the contract-to-closing portion of a real estate transaction and provides a central point of reference. The efficiency gained from this platform is a direct contributor to differentiating Executive Title from the competition. Even through all the success and expansion, Executive Title Insurance Services, Inc. recognizes the importance of Lee County and holds community involvement with high regard. Over the past year it's employees have volunteered for several events such as Relay for Life, March Of Dimes, Optimist International-Youth Appreciation, and the Sanibel-Captiva Optimist Club.
Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa
The tourism industry is an integral part of Lee County's economy. Within the industry the Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa has become a world-renowned leader amongst local destinations. The resort employs over 600 team members and has hired 232 employees since January 3, 2005, a 73% increase over past seasonal averages. A $40 million expansion and repair project was recently completed, which added a new Concierge hotel, Welcome Center, Wi-Fi high speed internet access, and other improvements. This construction project was successfully fast-tracked after Hurricane Charley, which saved the employee base as well as employed 1,000 additional workers from the area. As a major stakeholder in Lee County, the resort provides a significant source of business to many vendors within the county, specifically in the transportation, food, supplies, shopping, and restaurant industries. To maintain the highest customer service standards, Sanibel Harbour Resort has invested considerably in employee training as well as benefits to create the best possible working environment. Employees receive extensive training by completing a Ten-module Guest Service Training program, CPR/First Aid training, and supervisory training. Additionally, a Community Service Committee was established to meet regularly and has supported events such as Relay for Life, Lee Memorial Blood Drive, Annual Pet Supply Drive, and the annual Food Drive by the Salvation Army.
Time Warner Cable
Time Warner is a successful nationwide media provider whose presence in Lee County was established in 1996. Its product line offered within the county includes cable television, digital cable, and high-speed internet access. The combination of quality products and high standards for customer services has spurred a large expansion for Time Warner. In 2004 alone a 5,000 sq. ft. administrative call center was opened within the county, employment increased by 10%, and $4.1 million was reinvested for infrastructure expansion and repair. Furthermore, Time Warner has implemented many quality improvement programs such as flexible appointment windows to improve customer planning, customer service call monitoring for training and customer relations improvement opportunities, and improved product performance. Beginning in 2001, an 8-week summer internship for graduating high school seniors and college students was implemented. The company also offers an educational assistance policy that encourages employees to seek out industry specific courses by providing incentives. In addition, Time Warner Cable has shown a strong commitment to the community by providing voluntary services to programs such as Relay for Life, Lee Memorial Blood Drive, Holiday Festival of Lights, and Red, White & Boom. Management also proactively participates in many of the Chambers of Commerce, Counsel for Progress, and the Rotary Club.
Business Expansion Award:
Chico's
With their corporate headquarters in Lee County, Chico's is rapidly becoming an industry leader in women's clothing. The in-house production team at the Corporate Headquarters in Fort Myers designs virtually all of the company's clothing and accessories. What began as one specialty store on Sanibel Island in 1983 has exploded onto the retail scene over the last two decades. Since 1983, Chico's has grown to 750 employees locally. Their expansion that is currently underway will create an additional 398 jobs in the local market with an average wage of approximately 200% of that of the current Lee County average. They will also be making an additional 70 million dollar capital investment as part of the expansion. Chico's also understands the value and importance of the local community and has made several significant contributions to events and programs such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Relay for Life, Lee County United Way, and the Edison Festival of Lights. Substantial monetary donations to the post Hurricane Charley relief efforts of the American Red Cross of Lee County and a $300,000 scholarship program at Florida Gulf Coast University show the extent that Chico's is willing to commit itself to Lee County.
Newcomer Award:
Prestige Packaging
Prestige Packaging, Inc., a pharmaceutical packaging company, considered a number of locations, but decided to locate their company headquarters, sales, production and warehousing operations in Lee County in December of 2004. Prestige Packaging currently employs 15 full-time positions with average wages over 57% greater than that of the average annual wage in Lee County. Up to an additional 17 full-time positions will be created by the end of next year. Prestige Packaging is a subsidiary of UniFirst Corporation, one of the largest First Aid Service companies in the United States. They currently package OTC pharmaceuticals, however, the long-term plan is to establish a pharmaceutical production unit in Southwest Florida. Prestige Packaging is a model company for continued improvement in Lee County. The combination of a $5.1 million initial investment in facilities and equipment, high wage jobs, and a business practice within a targeted growth industry all will ensure significant contributions toward economic growth and diversification of Lee County.
The Horizon Council is a public-private group that works toward improving the business environment in Lee County, retaining and encouraging the expansion of existing businesses, and attracting new and diversified employment to the area. Industry Appreciation Week is part of an annual statewide celebration of industry designed to raise public awareness about the many positive contributions industry makes to the local community and to recognize many of the businesses that have benefited southwest Florida. Today's luncheon is one of the Horizon Council's major events each year.