The
key to sustaining Florida’s economy is diversification of
its economic base, while focusing on value added job opportunities.
Diversified business and industry brings new money into the economy,
expands the tax base and provides increased support for the variety
of infrastructure Southwest Florida needs to sustain and enhance
our quality of life.
The
Economic Development Office works to attract new and diversified
businesses resulting in high-skill, high-wage jobs; retaining
and encouraging expansion of existing businesses and improving
the overall business environment in Charlotte County. The EDO
also serves as staff to the Industrial Development Authority and
Enterprise Charlotte.
The
EDO’s staff of economic development professionals provides
an array of in-depth services. Some of the services available
for new and existing businesses are:
Business
Assistance: The Economic Development Office has a proactive existing
business outreach program that focuses on increasing the number
of company expansions, and providing business information and
referrals to local companies. Another focus of the EDO team is
to disseminate information and facilitate meetings with government
agencies that can provide assistance to local companies.
Financial
Assistance: Working with state and local agencies, the EDO can
provide information on such funding sources as the Small Business
Administration and Enterprise Bonds. In addition, the EDO assists
with the Charlotte County Industrial Development Authority’s
Industrial Revenue Bond Program.
Business
Incentive Assistance: Provides information on Florida incentive
programs such as the Qualified Target Industry, Incumbent Worker
Training and Quick Response Training.
Employee
Training & Recruitment Assistance: The EDO acts as a liaison
between new and expanding businesses and local education and training
providers. The EDO also works with the Workforce Development Board
of Southwest Florida and Career Service Centers to develop customized
employee training and employment programs.
Demographic
and Statistical Information: The EDO’s research staff provides
economic information on Charlotte County and Southwest Florida
on such topics as demographics, utilities, taxes, education, labor
availability, labor costs and support services. Customized research,
based on a company’s specific needs, can also be provided.
To
learn more about Charlotte County’s economic diversification
and business assistance efforts visit www.PureEconomics.org. Or,
visit www.eflorida.com to learn more about the state’s economic
development initiatives.
Betty Williams is economic development manager for the Charlotte
County Economic Development Office (www.PureEconomics.org). You
can call her at (941) 627-3023 or e-mail her at PureEconomics@charlottecountyfl.com.
