16
months and 6 days later only 121 of the over 3,500 businesses
impacted by the storms of 2004 are not open and 31 businesses
are not open and unclear if they will reopen. Many of the businesses
are still under repair and/or construction, but the progress that
has been made is truly amazing!
The telephones have not stopped ringing in the Economic Development
Office, not only with inquiries about moving to Charlotte County,
but existing businesses seeking assistance, whether it be in workforce
training or needing additional space. Additionally, the EDO is
focused on increasing the number of company expansion, providing
business information and referrals to local companies. This past
year, six new businesses were assisted adding 68 direct jobs with
average wages of $38,441 and capital investments of $13 million.
In a year following devastation that Charlotte County has never
before seen, a remarkable feat!
Making the decision to open a new facility or relocate a company
is a long and tedious process, not one that happens overnight.
Several large companies are considering a Charlotte County location
and the decisions are predicated on events outside of our control,
whether it is the awarding of a contract to open a new location
or the timing of the market to justify a new facility. Requests
for information are voluminous and very site specific.
With
new developments on the horizon, it is exciting as we look forward
to rebuilding our community
As we pause this Holiday Season to reflect on this past year and
count our blessings, we send our wishes for a wonderful Holiday
and Happy, Healthy New Year!
Betty Williams is Economic Development Manager for Charlotte
County's Economic Development Office. E-mail: PureEconomics@charlottecountyfl.com
