Apr
30
Lee’s $25 million is mighty attractive
Filed Under 2007 Issues, Going "Green", Trends, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment
Countywide partnership gets big bucks to spend on biz development
By ANNIE LINDSTROM
Business Writer
It hardly seems possible but – at the moment – Lee County could be in a better position than ever before to attract new business and jobs to the area.
For the first time in its history, the Lee County Economic Development Office (EDO) has $25 million at its disposal to use to attract businesses. And the group is putting the finishing touches on its new brand: the Fort Myers Regional Economic Partnership.
The mere fact that the EDO has $25 million to work with is a positive sign to site selectors who are considering Lee County as a new home for their clients, said James Moore, director of the EDO, in an address he gave to the Cape Coral Construction Industry Association at its April meeting.
“It says we are well managed and open for business,” Moore said, adding that the county’s Moody Rating had been upgraded to A2 earlier in the day.
Apr
3
Marine industry navigating troubled waters
Filed Under Tourism, Trends | Leave a Comment
‘Optimism’ is the catch of the day
Story and photography by JIM BALLEW
Business Writer
First in a three-part series about the challenges facing the marine industry in Southwest Florida
Numerous analogies are bandied about to describe the impact of the current economic climate on the boating and fishing industry – but the most appropriate seems to be “The Perfect Storm.”
Still, marine industry leaders throughout Southwest Florida reveal a surprising level of optimism in spite of the rough economic seas. And they are adapting to the ill winds of recession to buoy their bottom lines.
Florida ranks first nationally in boat registrations. Even with the continuing economic decline of the past year, registrations statewide posted a 1 percent gain. How the marine industry fares is of significant consequence to Florida’s economy – providing more than 220,000 jobs and accounting for $18 to $25 billion of business annually, depending on what sectors are included.
The boating and fishing industry sells a “lifestyle,” and during economic downturns consumers focus their concerns on mortgage payments, education costs for the kids and putting food on the table. Add the double whammy of curtailed lending programs, not only for prospective boat buyers but also those programs that enable boat dealers to purchase inventory for the showroom floor, and the industry faces a true tsunami. Read more
Apr
3
Area banks weigh in on TARP funding, future
Filed Under Economic Development, Trends | Leave a Comment
Industry seeks to ‘build bridges’ to aid local economy
By Joyce Schenk
Business Writer
Day by day, the U.S. banking industry is undergoing greater changes than at any time in recent history. In this chaotic economic climate, the current banking picture can only be described as volatile.
One inescapable indication of the depth of the industry’s troubles is the fact that month by month, the list of bank failures is growing.
Here in Florida, such community banking entities as Ocala National Bank of Ocala and Freedom Bank of Bradenton have joined the list of failed banks.
Immokalee-based Florida Community Bank, which operates in Charlotte County, has also been the target of Federal Reserve orders. The bank has 60 days to submit a plan for correcting the deficiencies in its operations.
With all this unprecedented activity, it is difficult for the average bank customer to understand what is happening in the industry, until recently considered among the most stable and dependable segments of the business world.
Still, banking leaders are trying to strike a positive note.
Apr
3
Is your 401(k) drowning your dreams?
Filed Under Trends, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment
Local agent throws your funds a life preserver
by SARA COMITO
Associate Editor
In sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, until death do us part …
Do you remember saying those words to your 401(k)?
It’s an absurd question, of course. However, many people behave as though they’re married to their investment plan.
Yes, it’s supposed to be the golden ticket to your retirement dreams. But what if it’s not living up to its end of the bargain? In these days it’s pretty safe to say it’s not.
Dale Matteson is no marriage counselor, and he goes beyond tough love when it comes to retirement plans. If you’re not feeling the love, kick it to the curb.
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
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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