Stretching
from Central Florida to the Space Coast, the East
Central Region accounts for a significant portion
of the technological advances and economic growth in the
state. Located in the central portion of the state, which
spans across Interstate 4, the East Central region of Florida
has experienced some of the fastest economic growth in the
state, especially around its main urban centers Orlando,
Daytona Beach and Melbourne.
Infrastructure:
With a location centered on and near the Atlantic seaboard
of Florida, the region is in the middle of major space,
air, sea, highway and rail corridors. The Orlando International
Airport is consistently recognized for excellence in customer
service and the region is served by six other airports and
extensive rail systems that help transport freight across
the nation. Many of the Space Coast transportation hubs
are part of Foreign Trade Zone 136, enabling qualified businesses
to defer or eliminate U.S. Customs' duties on imported goods.
Modern utilities systems — and backup systems —
enable providers to deliver uninterrupted service to customers
across the region at highly competitive prices.
Industry:
From high tech manufacturing and high-end customer support
centers, to corporate headquarters and agri-centers, Central
Florida’s industry mix includes companies of all shapes
and sizes. While the area around Orlando is known as a booming
technology hub, the Space Coast region is famous for its
strong ties to the space industry. Home to NASA’s
Kennedy Space Center, Spaceport Technology Center, and several
providers of space-enabled services, the area is at the
forefront of space research. Overall, more than 50% of Florida’s
high-tech companies are located in Central Florida.
Workforce:
Central Florida’s workforce is fast-growing, young,
well-educated and diverse. The region is home to the University
of Central Florida (UCF), one of the largest and fast-growing
state universities in the nation, and several other distinguished
universities and colleges. Additionally, the region’s
nearly 1.6 million-strong workforce takes advantage of plenty
of training programs designed to keep it on the cutting-edge
of industries such as digital media, modeling and simulation,
aviation and aerospace, biotechnology, etc.
Quality
of Life: The exceptional business opportunities
in the Central Florida/Space Coast region are matched only
by its excellent quality of life. And, as home to several
of the world’s most renowned entertainment parks,
beaches and golf courses, as well as first-rate museums,
and the professional basketball team Orlando Magic, the
area is unique in the wide range of activities it can offer.
Living where many people vacation does have its advantages!
The East Central Florida region includes the MSAs of Deltona-Daytona
Beach-Ormond Beach,
Orlando-Kissimmee and Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville.
East Central Florida: Economic Indicators
Indicator
East Central
Population, 2006 3,084,557
Labor Force, 2006 1,595,070
Total Employment, 2006 1,545,041
Unemployment Rate, 2006 3.1%
Personal Income, 2005 ($Billions) $93.0
Per Capita Personal Income, 2005 $30,874
Number of Foreign-Affiliated Companies, 2007 277
Cost of Living Index, 2006 (U.S. Average=100) 104.2
Median Home Price, 2006 $234,067
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