Feb
27
Reaching across the pond
Filed Under Tourism | Leave a Comment
Florida tourism initiatives seek European dollars
By JOYCE SCHENK
Business Writer
Around the world, governments are spending millions of dollars in their efforts to lure international tourists. These programs are aimed at the same pool of potential visitors targeted by Florida’s tourism industry.
Since tourism is Florida’s top revenue producer, it is vital that the state not only retain its visitor base, but
increase the numbers year by year.
At a time when the state’s economy is suffering the same downturn as the rest of the nation, tourism dollars have a huge impact. The tourism industry has calculated that investing $1 in tourism marketing generates $3.13 in sales tax for the state.
Governments around the globe are well aware of the return on money spent on tourism marketing. Dubai, for instance, is running an aggressive campaign targeting both the United Kingdom and Germany. If it succeeds, Dubai lures potential Florida visitors away from the Sunshine State’s beaches.
Feb
27
Innovation gets its wings
Filed Under Economic Development | Leave a Comment
Angel investing is guardian of SWFL economic diversity
by SARA COMITO
Associate Editor
In the 1920s wealthy patrons stepped up to rescue a struggling Broadway production. They became known as angels.
Television and moviemaking went to California, taking with it the idea of angel underwriting.
“Then when Silicon Valley exploded,” explained Tim Cartwright, president of the Gulf Coast Venture Forum, “they just borrowed that term out of the film and entertainment industry.”
Today, Southwest Florida has its own angels. And while our dramas are playing out in the economy, the GCVF is dedicated to bringing new players to the stage. Read more
Feb
27
It’s never too late to innovate
Filed Under Economic Development, Trends | Leave a Comment
Community forum fosters economic solutions
By ANNIE LINDSTROM
Business Writer
The ongoing economic downturn is not dampening the spirit or determination of the Economic Development Council (EDC) of Collier County. In the dark days of December 2008, it launched an initiative dubbed Project Innovation with the hope of rallying local leaders and businesses to “take action to power the local economy.”
The program has two simple, but critical goals, according to Tammie Nemecek, EDC’s president and CEO. The first is to create a shared vision and action plan for a strong and innovative economy, using the power of the entire community. The second is to stimulate innovation among businesses, schools, government and the community.
Feb
27
City of Cape Coral offers online business resources
Filed Under Business Builders, Economic Development | Leave a Comment
Cape Coral business owners looking for ways to grow their businesses – or facing roadblocks to growth – can find valuable resources online at www.bizcapecoral.com, the Web site of the Cape Coral Economic Development Office.
Feb
27
Stewart’s new digs
Filed Under Economic Development, Profiles | Leave a Comment
Cape Coral EDO director builds on groundwork
By ANNIE LINDSTROM
Business Writer
Cape Coral City Manager Terry Stewart has stepped into the shoes of Economic Development Director Mike Jackson, who retired at the end of 2008.
Stewart’s double duty enables the city to keep riding the economic development wave Jackson put into motion when he came aboard in 2003, despite the city’s current budget crunch.
“Cape Coral City Council members felt it was important to keep pursuing economic development here, and I have worked closely with Mike and have an understanding of the goals he was trying to accomplish,” said Stewart. “So I took on the acting economic development director role for at least a year.”
Feb
27
Firms thrive on clients’ success
By JESSICA HEHIR
Business Writer
As company after company closes its doors and one industry after another seeks monetary help from the government, one niche business market is actually thriving across America and right here in Southwest Florida.
Business coaching is the second leading growth industry in the country right now. In fact business is going so well, ActionCOACH, one of the leading companies across the globe is actively recruiting new coaches in our region. It’s positive news for anyone with a strong business background who may be a casualty of recent layoffs.
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