REIS meeting focuses on Lee County's business incentives

Lee County efforts to attract new business and grow existing businesses are attracting national attention and providing significant competitive advantages for economic recovery.

James W. Moore, director of Lee County's Economic Development Office, will provide the Real Estate Investment Society with an overview of innovative marketing efforts and incentive programs at the Jan. 13 REIS luncheon meeting.

The EDO just launched the FIRST (Financial Incentives for Recruiting Strategic Targets) Initiative, a $25 million incentive fund that can provide capital for business expansion and relocation. The program is in addition to a varied menu of local and state incentive programs, bonds, workforce training, tax credits and refunds that are coordinated by the EDO.

In 2008, Lee County EDO worked with neighboring economic development agencies to organize the Southwest Florida Regional Development Corporation, to help maximize marketing efforts for the region. The EDO Web site also maintains an inventory of available commercial properties as a resource for site selectors and acquisition agents. Following the presentation, Mr. Moore will respond to questions of specific interest to the real estate investment and development industry.

The meeting is sponsored by Haag Douglas Realty, and will begin promptly at 11:45 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 13, in the Osprey Room at Pelican Preserve's Clubhouse, on Treeline Avenue at Colonial Boulevard. Admission is $25 for members and $35 for guests, which includes lunch. Reservations are required by Jan. 8 and may be made at the REIS Web site: www.reis-swfl.org.