Jun
26
Despite difficulties, legislators choose optimism
Filed Under Economic Development | Leave a Comment
Light at the end of tunnel is not a freight train
By ANNIE LINDSTROM
Business Writer
Balancing the budget was the biggest and most difficult task state legislators faced in the 2009 session, according to two senators and four House members at the Southwest Florida Legislative Delegation Session Round-Up, held June 16 at Hodges University.
“I’ve never seen anything like this,” said Senator Garrett Richter, R-District 37, of the $6 billion deficit he and his colleagues faced. Read more
Jun
26
Economy can’t railroad this company
Filed Under Manufacturing, Profiles | Leave a Comment
2008 is UTE’s best year ever, but 2009 may be even better
By JIM BALLEW
Business Writer
In a relatively small building on the south side of Punta Gorda, staffed by no more than a couple of dozen good people, is a company that has had a tremendous impact on the railway industry. Though not widely recognized in Southwest Florida, Ultra-Tech Enterprises Inc. (UTE) has saved North American businesses and consumers untold millions of dollars and many thousands of lives.
UTE is a custom engineering design and manufacturing business serving the railway industry of the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Paul Benton, president of the company since December 1991, reports that during the international economic meltdown of the past two years, 2008 was UTE’s best year on record. And projections are encouraging that 2009 earnings will equal or exceed those of 2008, if all goes as planned. Read more
Jun
26
Governor’s office wants to show you the money
By ANNIE LINDSTROM
Business Writer
Before President Obama visited Florida earlier this year, the state expected to receive $8 to $9 billion in federal stimulus funds. After he visited, the figure rose to $11 billion. Both estimates fell short.
Over the next three years, $15.3 in federal stimulus money will be making its way to Florida. More than $14 billion, not including competitive grants, is coming from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Overall, there are $11 billion of appropriated funds, $3 billion in non-appropriated funds, and $1.2 billion in money that will go directly to local governments or individuals, according to Michelle Todd, special assistant to Governor Charlie Crist. Read more
Jun
26
Is there an upside to the downturn?
by VINCE CREW
You may lose your job, but…
You may close your business, but…
You may have to alter your standard of living significantly, but…
Your reputation, your character, your resolve to learn new lessons and remember old ones will prepare you for a tremendous life changing opportunity.
These times will force us to adjust our ways, to question our thinking, to seek security in other ways. Read more
Jun
26
Manage your staff’s performance
Filed Under Business Builders, Editorial & Guest Columns | Leave a Comment
By PAULINE CASON
Guest Columnist
Part 2 of two parts
Position Descriptions provide a foundation for developing performance plans for individual employees. They should contain indications for the level of independence, technical proficiency and professional development for the level they document. Résumés grouped within a Position Description should have experience in some of the specialties listed (not necessarily all to qualify) and the education levels required for that Position Description. Read more
Jun
26
Gartner Inc. slated to receive local and state assistance
Filed Under Economic Development | Leave a Comment
Company’s expansion to create 200 Lee County jobs
The Lee County Office of Economic Development announced that the county and state have approved financial incentives for Gartner Inc. to support its expansion plans in Fort Myers. The assistance will help the company retain 346 jobs and expand its facilities to accommodate 200 new full-time jobs over the next five years.
Founded in 1979, Gartner is the leading provider of research and analysis on the global information technology industry with 4,000 employees worldwide. It established an office in Fort Myers in 1998. Since then, it has grown to become the company’s third largest office location. Read more
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