Located
on the Gulf shores of Florida, the Southwest
region is comprised of Charlotte, Collier and Lee Counties
and is home to the urban centers of Ft. Myers and Naples.
Infrastructure:
The region offers new and expanding transportation networks,
including the Interstate 75 corridor connecting it to Tampa
to the north, and Miami to the east. A recent $438 million
expansion was completed at Southwest Florida International
Airport, doubling the capacity of the airport. In addition,
both Southwest Florida International Airport and Page Field
(general aviation airport) are designated as Foreign Trade
Zones.
Industry:
Some 600+ technology businesses call this region home, as
do many retail, tourism and healthcare industry outfits.
Florida Gulf Coast University and the emerging Florida Gulf
Coast Technology and Research Park, are drawing new businesses
to the area, and providing existing firms with the resources
they need to innovate and grow.
Workforce:
In 2005, Southwest Florida had a labor force of 505,000
or 5.6% of the state’s total labor force, which continues
to grow at a faster rate than the national average. Unemployment
rates are low, and underemployment allows businesses to
offer good jobs and draw from a deep labor pool.
Quality
of Life: The Southwest region is known for the
beauty of the renowned resort islands of Sanibel and Captiva
and the easy-going yet cosmopolitan lifestyle of Naples.
It is also home to charming towns like Punta Gorda and Fort
Myers, ranked by Forbes magazine as two of the Best Places
for Business and Careers.
The Southwest
Florida region includes the MSAs of Cape Coral-Ft. Myers,
Punta Gorda and Naples-Marco Island.
Southwest
Florida: Economic Indicators
Indicator
Southwest
Population, 2006 1,040,431
Labor Force, 2006 504,465
Total Employment, 2006 489,386
Unemployment Rate, 2006 3.0%
Personal Income, 2005 ($Billions) $39.8
Per Capita Personal Income, 2005 $39,502
Number of Foreign-Affiliated Companies, 2007 64
Cost of Living Index, 2006 (U.S. Average=100) 102.7
Median Home Price, 2006 $325,600
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