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 News and notes from Southwest Florida's fastest growing region!

NOVEMBER 2013 

 

Hertz Corporate Headquarters Design Approved, Groundbreaking Set for Nov.26
  
On November 18th, Estero Council of Community Leaders planning panel, Estero leaders approved the Hertz corporate headquarters building design. In an article published by The News-Press, Hertz's Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications, Richard Broome said, "We think the headquarters building design is completed and we are prepared to go forward with that. We are going to continue to work with the community. We hope there will be an ongoing dialogue with the community so it can work as well as it can."  CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO OF THE NEW DESIGN, and to read the full article, courtesy of The News-Press.
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From the Chairman of the Board
STAY INFORMED & GET INVOLVED!
  
This past year, Lee County voters approved a referendum by 63% to allow slot machines at the Naples-Fort Myers Greyhound Track in Bonita Springs. These machines would ignite a $90 million investment by the ownership to create a first-class entertainment destination on the corner of Bonita Beach Road and Old 41. The Bonita Springs Estero EDC strongly supports the County's positive vote to support the expansion of gaming in Lee County. This month, the Florida Senate Gaming Committee is holding hearings around the State on the topic. Our State Senator, Garrett Richter, is the Chairman of the Committee, and we need to tell him how our business community feels about this issue. SHOW YOUR SUPPORT! Please take a few minutes to READ THE FULL ARTICLE, including a
letter and talking points from Bonita Springs City Manager Carl Schwing, then fill out the State Senate Gaming Committee's online form at the bottom of this page: http://www.flsenate.gov/topics/gaming.
 
Sincerely,
Vince Modarelli
Chairman of the Board, BSEEDC
Advertising Director, Bonita Daily News / The Banner
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REGIONALISM AT ITS BEST! Southwest Florida Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), 2012-2017
 
Presented by the Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council. The purpose of the CEDS is to bring together the public and private sectors for the creation of an economic roadmap that will diversify and strengthen regional economies. The CEDS analyzes the regional economy and serves as a guide for establishing regional goals and objectives, developing and implementing a regional plan of action, and identifying investment priorities and funding sources. The CEDS integrates the region's human and physical capital planning needs in the service of economic development. An integrated economic development planning process provides the flexibility to adapt to global economic conditions and fully utilize the region's unique advantages while maximizing economic opportunities for it's residents. FULL REPORT HERE.
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WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT - Letter From The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools, Inc. to Business Leaders  
  
Dear Business Leader,
As a business leader, you are aware of the importance of having a well-educated and prepared workforce to meet the ever changing requirements to be competitive in a global marketplace. To help meet this challenge, The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools has partnered with Lee County School District to offer students and teachers the opportunity for hands-on experiences in our community. This will allow them to see for themselves the importance of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education so they are prepared for the jobs of today and tomorrow. It is almost impossible to name a business or industry that does not require STEM related skills... FULL LETTER.
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BUSINESS PORTRAIT - Lee County 
Published By Florida Trend Magazine
  
A note from Florida Trend Magazine Publisher, Andy Corty, "As Lee County celebrates its 125th anniversary, it is experiencing a resurgent economy and a healthy broadening of its traditional business base courtesy of the arrival of the Hertz corporate headquarters. This report written by Jennifer Rich covers Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Bonita Springs and Sanibel with the latest demographics, reports on major economic drivers, business assets, top employers, notable firms, promising businesses and leadership. Read on and I think you will see why Hertz and other companies are migrating to the area." FULL PUBLICATION.
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EMERGING DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY Broadband Comprehensive Plan Release
  
The Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council released the Southwest Florida Comprehensive Broadband Plan on September 27, 2013. The pilot planning area  covers Charlotte, Collier and Lee Counties. A team of community leaders worked together with SWFRPC to assess broadband gaps, identify goals, and develop strategies and tactics for the region. The plan adopts specific recommendations and action items critical to the implementation of the Plan. FULL ARTICLE.
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GREEN ENERGY - Meet Algenol Biofuels
  
On August 5, 2013 Algenol's CEO, Paul Woods said, "Algenol has taken a huge step forward adding a new process for its spent algae. Hydrothermal liquefaction and light hydrotreating will now add 1350 gallons per acre per year of the greenest diesel fuel, jet fuel, and gasoline. That's on top of the 9,000 gallons of ethanol per acre per year from the Direct to Ethanol process. What an amazing achievement from our whole team here at Algenol. I am very proud of you all." LEARN MORE - Watch the "Intro to Algenol Video."
 
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STATE NEWS - Another Record for Tourism
  
Florida has already welcomed more than 72 million visitors in 2013. Governor Rick Soctt announced on November 15, 2013 that according to preliminary estimates released by VISIT FLORIDA - the state's official tourism marketing corporation - 22.9 million visitors came to Florida in the third quarter of 2013 (July-September), an increase of 1.7 percent over the same period in 2012. These numbers represent the largest third quarter for visitation in the state's history. FULL ARTICLE.
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Kudos Are in Order: Area Businesses Making an Impact in SWFL
  
My Shower Door Named a Top 50 Florida Company to Watch By GrowFL. Florida Companies to Watch is a unique awards program that honors second-stage growth companies for their impressive employment rates and revenue growth. These companies have a reputation for generating a large portion of new jobs and strengthening Florida's economy.  FULL ARTICLE.
 
Child Care Center Earns Award. The Lee Memorial Health System Child Care Centers were recently recognized as the first hospital in the state of Florida to obtain platinum level status, the highest recognition, as Asthma Friendly Centers. FULL ARTICLE 
 
Local Web Development Company Partners with John R. Wood to Create Extensive Market Analysis Tool. Atilus, a full-service web development and Internet marketing firm has partnered with John R. Wood Realtors to create, build, and maintain an extensive market analysis and reporting tool that will provide the company with a significant competitive advantage. FULL ARTICLE.

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FLORIDA IS GREAT FOR BUSINESS!

  
 
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OUR MISSION:
To be the Bonita Springs and Estero area's economic development authority, fostering regional collaboration for the retention, expansion, creation, and attraction of jobs and businesses.
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AREA JOB BANK
In partnership with the Bonita Springs Area Chamber of Commerce, we are pleased to offer an area job bank that currently includes 65+ local opportunities!
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THANK YOU TO OUR INVESTORS:

 

INDUSTRY TEAM:
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CORPORATE TEAM:
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ENTERPRISE TEAM:
  
  
American House Senior Living Communities

BUSINESS TEAM:

 

Nova Wealth Management

 

Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A.

 

Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa

 

Bonita Banner

 

FineMark National Bank & Trust

 

The News-Press Media Group

 

Shaw Development, LLC

 

Florida Community Bank

 

Oakbrook Properties

 

Ted Todd Insurance 

INVESTORS:

 

Andrew DeSalvo 

Bonita Springs Area Chamber of Commerce 

Bonita Springs-Estero Association of Realtors 

Coconut Point 

D3 Glass 

Estero Chamber of Commerce

Estero Council of Community Leaders 

Golden Remodeling, Inc. 

Marjorie Rubacky

Mr. Handyman

Rosier Insurance 

Owen-Ames-Kimball Company 

Law Offices of John D. Spear, P.A.

Premier Commercial Properties

FRIENDS:

 

Angel Eyes UAV, LLC

Bonita Community Health Center, Inc.

CNLBank, Southwest Florida

Nelson Marine

Off the Hook Comedy Club

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TRADE & LOGISTICS STUDY 2.0, Courtesy of the Florida Chamber Foundation
See what our great state of Florida has to offer and why we are fast becoming a hub for international trade.
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REGISTER TO VOTE!
Election season is upon us and 2013 marks the end of term for many regional and state elected officials.

View the seats up for reelection. Make sure you are registered to vote so that you can be an active participant in determining the future of our region. Pick up voter registration information at the Chamber's Visitor Center or register online for your respective county, Lee County or Collier County.

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UPCOMING PUBLIC MEETINGS:
To see the content of the below meetings, click on the organization's name to view their individual event calendars.
 
11/20 at 9:00 a.m.
12/4 at 5:30 p.m.
12/20 at 9:00 a.m.
  
12/3 at 9:00 a.m.
12/11 at 5:00 p.m.
12/16 at 5:00 p.m.
     
12/13 at 3:00 p.m.
  
11/22 at 8:30 a.m.
12/06 at 8:00 a.m.
  
11/26 at 9:30 a.m. 
12/3 at 9:30 a.m.
  
11/21 at 9:00 a.m.
12/19 at 9:00 a.m.
  
Office: 25071 Chamber of Commerce Drive   Bonita Springs, FL 34135
Mailing: P.O. Box 368325   Bonita Springs, FL 34136
239-333-2332   Fax: 239-992-5011   www.BonitaEDC.com   info@BonitaEDC.com