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Economic Development Office Hosts Annual Meeting
Feb 1, 2008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Jennifer Berg, Communications Manager Economic Development Office Hosts Annual Meeting Fort Myers, Fla. (February 1, 2008)-At today's Annual Meeting of Lee County's Horizon Council, economic diversification was the theme. The program highlighted activities from 2007 and also took a look into economic development initiatives for the coming year. Presentations were given by Regina Smith, Director of the Economic Development Office; Bruce Gora, 2007 Horizon Council Chair and Carol Hudler, 2008 incoming chair. There were also special presentations by two 2008 Task Forces Chairs on Workforce and Economic Diversification Initiatives. Steve Shimp, 2008 Infrastructure/Transportation Task Force Chair talked about the recently completed Labor Market Assessment and the importance of continuing to build a world class labor force in Lee County. Ron Inge, 2008 Economic Development/Diversification task force chair also spoke about the importance of economic diversification in Lee County. Inge said, "The choice is ours, we can continue down the path that we have been on or take it to the next level. We can pursue a change in our employment mix that will provide great employment opportunities and a more stable economic environment. We are committed to exploring the latter and will work closely with the BOCC, the cities and others to see how to make this happen. We will keep you apprised of the effort, but expect great things, our community deserves nothing less." In the past year the Economic Development office made considerable strides towards building diverse industries in Lee County. Despite the downturn in the national and local economy, target industries created an estimate 795 new jobs in Lee County. This includes 404 direct jobs and 391 indirect jobs with an estimated economic impact of almost $84 million. Smith says, "The Economic Development Office and the Horizon Council remain dedicated to building a dynamic and diverse business environment in Lee County and I believe that we are poised to accomplish this mission. Our area continues to be an attractive location with a pro business climate. We also have land and available space available and expanding infrastructure to offer businesses." Horizon Council Officers for the coming year are: Chair, Carol Hudler, Publisher, News Press; Vice Chair, John Wiest, CFO, Lee Memorial Health System; Treasurer, Gary Trippe, Chariman, Oswald Trippe and Co; Secretary, Bill Schroeder, Senior Vice President, Bank of America and Horizon Foundation President, Robbie Roepstorff, President, Edison National Bank. In addition, Lee County Commissioner Ray Judah will represent the Board of County Commissioners on the Horizon Council during 2008. New members joining the Horizon Council are: Steve Pontius, Business Climate Task Force Chair; Mayor Eric Feichthaler, City of Cape Coral; Kevin Ostrowsky, Airport Special Management Committee; Darren Robertshaw, Bonita Springs Chamber; Bill Van Duzer, Fort Myers Beach Chamber; Todd Gates, SW FL Chamber; Teri Burleigh, Cape Coral Construction Industry Association; Bob Knight, Lee Building Industry Association; Gerald Henry, Real Estate Investment Society; Jerry Stevlingson, SCORE; Dr. Robert Jones, Edison College; Dennie Hamilton, at Large Member. Additional information on the 2007 Economic Development results can be found in the Annual Report, available by calling Jennifer Berg at (239) 338-3161. About the Economic Development Office: About the Horizon Council: |