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Holly D. Smith
Just drive through Lee County and it’s evident by the bustling construction, new buildings opening and increased traffic that the area is booming, and statistics overwhelmingly support that conclusion.
According to the US Census Bureau and US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Lee County’s population has grown by 3.3% annually and is currently estimated at 802,178. On average, there are 90 new residents moving to Lee County every day. Business growth continues as well, with approximately 43,000 businesses now operating in Lee County. Job growth is up 5% over last year and Lee County has enjoyed explosive growth in every business sector, including health care, life sciences, logistics, manufacturing and technology. In fact, Lee County is the fifth most economically diverse county in Florida, according to Florida Atlantic University.
To continue this successful track, a thriving Lee County business climate is dependent upon support from community partners as well as the private sector. As members of the Horizon Foundation, local business “visionaries” commit financially to Lee County’s economic future. The nonprofit Horizon Foundation privately funds the Horizon Council, a public-private board that advises Lee County’s Board of County Commissioners and the Lee County Economic Development Office on economic development issues. The groups’ mission is to improve the business environment by retaining and encouraging the growth of existing businesses while also attracting new, diversified employers. Known as the “voice of business” in Lee County, this trifecta partnership of the Horizon Council, Horizon Foundation and Lee County Economic Development Office has created a business-friendly environment that continues to attract top talent, new companies and entrepreneurs from around the globe.
Given the growth we’re experiencing, one of the greatest areas of focus for businesses in Lee County has been workforce development. Since 2010, Lee County averaged 10,000 to 15,000 new jobs a year. In 2020, though, there were 20,000 new jobs added to the local economy. The momentum continued after Hurricane Ian, too, with Lee County adding 18,800 jobs in the six months following the storm. Currently, Lee County has approximately 20,000 job openings, but only 8,000 job hunters. We are encouraged by several new initiatives, including micro-credentialing, which is aimed at helping students and employees learn or advance their skills for employment and growth opportunities.
After the Lee County Economic Development office gave a $1 million grant to cover the cost of micro-credentialing courses for Lee County residents, funding that was provided by the American Rescue Plan Act, several Horizon Foundation investors, including Scotlynn, stepped up to offer micro-credentialing or digital badge courses and guarantee interviews upon completion. These programs are offered through the area’s higher education institutions, including Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida Southwestern State College and Hodges University, at no cost to students. Micro-credentialing is helping close the gap between skilled workers and employment opportunities in our region.
This is just one example of Horizon Foundation members collaborating and demonstrating their support for Lee County’s business community. As Lee County continues to grow, so must the investment in our economic development. Annually, more than 100 business leaders invest through the Horizon Foundation to fund Lee County’s proprietary employment database, a real estate website, site selection and relocation marketing to attract new business, and multiple marketing and business technologies aimed at supporting existing businesses while attracting new ones to the market. In turn, investors receive access to these tools as well as multiple marketing and networking opportunities. More importantly, they have a voice and a role in the economic prosperity of Lee County.
By investing today, business leaders are guaranteeing the success of what’s on the horizon.
To learn more about becoming a Horizon Foundation investor, visit HorizonCouncilFoundation.com/Investors.
Holly D. Smith is president of the Horizon Foundation, a Sanibel City Council member and the former mayor of Sanibel.
