University partners with Lee, Collier groups to spur growth

Economic development leaders from Lee and Collier counties have formed an alliance with FGCU to better attract and grow businesses in Southwest Florida.

This past week, representatives from the Horizon Council, Lee’s public/private economic development partnership; the economic development arm of the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce; and FGCU signed a memorandum of understanding they will work together in the alliance.

Jim Moore, director of Lee County’s Economic Development Office, said there was momentum for a regional alliance for economic development about 5-6 years ago, but it lost focus amid the economic downturn. Lee’s Economic Development office is a county government agency, but provides staffing for the public/private Horizon Council.

“I’ve always been a big believer in regionalism and, in Southwest Florida, you cannot have a regional effort without Lee and Collier coming together,” Moore said. “When site selectors or business executives are looking for a place to do business, political boundaries don’t matter. They look at resources on a regional basis.” More here.