Year after Collier economic council folded, county-chamber partnership takes shape

By LAURA LAYDEN

NAPLES — Like a giant jigsaw puzzle, Collier County's new strategy for growing jobs is falling into place piece by piece.

It's a strategy that has unfolded over the last year since the county's Economic Development Council went out of business, following a firestorm of criticism about the public-private partnership whose longtime mission was to diversify the local economy and create high-paying jobs.

The council's last day of business was Sept. 30 of last year, the end of its fiscal year. The Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce scrambled to pick up some of the pieces, continuing programs that recognize local businesses and help them grow. More here.