Jan 20, 2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
Contact:  Jennifer Dunn, Communications Manager
               Lee County Economic Development Office
               (239) 338-3161

Lee County posts solid 2005 Economic Results - Expansions and locations result in $134 million economic impact

Fort Myers, Fla.  (January 20, 2006)-At today's Annual Meeting of Lee County's Horizon Council, a strong economy during 2005 was the theme.  Southwest Florida once again experienced a record breaking year.  Lee County saw tremendous growth in population, wages, new construction and airport activity.

Lee County saw a record population increase of 28,189 residents, a 5.4 percent increase over 2004, the population grew to approximately 550,000.  This represents the largest number of new residents to Lee County in any one year for the past two decades.

Lee County's growth garnered recognition in several national lists including one by Forbes magazine that ranked Fort Myers-Cape Coral 2nd among the top 150 cities for job growth. An estimated 12,271 new jobs were added in 2005.  The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics ranked Lee County the 2nd highest percentage increase in employment for the year ending June 2005.  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.

Average wages also increased 8.2 percent to $33,029.  Unemployment  continued to decrease from 3.9 percent in 2004 to an estimated 3.2 percent in 2005.

The construction industry also saw record growth in 2005, as did the Southwest Florida International Airport.

The Economic Development office reported 8 locations and expansions in target industries, resulting in an overall first-year economic impact of $134 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 8 companies reported for 2005 created 611 direct and an estimated 352 indirect jobs in Lee County.

Local companies that expanded or located in 2005 were:  Allyn International Services, Marine Concepts, Chico's FAS, Inc, Ecological Laboratories, AGI-VR Wesson, Raymond Building Supply, Sunshine Structures and an unannounced location.
 
"We are extremely pleased with our 2005 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."

At the annual meeting the Horizon Council of Lee County also recognized incoming 2006 officers and new members.

Horizon Council Officers for the coming year are:  Chair, Bruce Gora, President, Gora/McGahey Associates in Architecture; Vice Chair, Mark Weber, President and CEO, Southwest Florida Regional Medical Center; Treasurer, Carol Hudler, Publisher, News Press; Secretary, Gary Aubuchon, President, Aubuchon Homes, Inc. and Horizon Foundation President, Robbie Roepstorff, President, Edison National Bank.  In addition, Lee County Commissioner Tammy Hall will represent the Board of County Commissioners on the Horizon Council during 2006.

New members joining the Horizon Council are:  Randy Henderson, City of Fort Myers; Garr Reynolds, Town of Fort Myers Beach; Diane Lepola, Bonita Springs Chamber of Commerce; Christopher Spiro, Cape Coral Chamber; Jane Ross, Fort Myers Beach Chamber; Sandy Stilwell, Sanibel-Captiva Chamber of Commerce; Michael McCartney, Cape Coral Construction Industry Association; Brian Farrar, Lee Building Industry Association; Robert Fowler, Jr., Real Estate Investment Society; Dennis Weimer, SCORE; Jim Garinger, Southwest Florida CCIM; Daniel Baggot, Airport Special Management Committee; Matthew Smith, Tir-County Specialty Contractors; Steven Teuber, Lee County School District; Bob Koenig, At-Large Member, Robert Vice, At-Large Member and Doug Gyure will be joining the IDA.

Additional information on the 2005 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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