County launches campaign to enhance business in Lee

It’s a decades-old question: Is it what you know or who you know that proves more beneficial? Well, in the case of a new grass-roots campaign recently launched by the Fort Myers Regional Partnership (Lee County’s Economic Development Office), both who and what you know could benefit our local business climate — and just may help to boost the overall quality of life in Lee County.

“Economic development is not just about businesses and their bottom lines. It’s about our community as a whole. It ultimately enables us to create higher paying jobs, more vibrant schools, enrich our arts and recreational programs, and improve our quality of life,” said Jim Moore, executive director for the Fort Myers Regional Partnership, on the team’s new campaign.

“We’re taking a unique approach to building and promoting our area’s economic diversity by raising awareness from the inside, out,” he said. “Who better to champion our region than those people who already enjoy living and working here, and who know firsthand all the benefits of being in Lee County.”

The Fort Myers Regional Partnership is encouraging local residents, employers and individuals to play an active role in boosting the economy and thus ensure a brighter future for Lee County.

“Share any business leads or ideas that could prove beneficial to the region with our office,” Mr. Moore said. The campaign is actively supported by numerous local businesses and professionals — many of whom appear in the county’s new marketing campaign that includes print, TV, radio, billboards and other forms of advertising in the local community.

Renowned Southwest Florida artist Ikki Matsumoto also lends his support. His signature style is the central design for the partnership’s upcoming poster campaign that will see Mr. Matsumoto’s artwork displayed on posters in nearly every business in Lee County. The posters highlight the partnership’s grass roots call-to-action and offer a limited edition of Mr. Matsumoto’s painting as an incentive for qualified leads that result in an expansion or location of a high-wage, high-skill company.

The partnership’s poster campaign will be rolled out in the comings weeks, and a county-wide marketing campaign has already been launched that touts the committee’s new branding and its positioning of “Together, We Mean Business.”

“Bringing new business to Lee County benefits all of us, and everybody knows somebody who would enjoy the benefits of doing business here. Or perhaps you have an idea that you’re confident could bring new business to Lee County. Either way, we’re encouraging everyone to share their knowledge to benefit our community,” Mr. Moore said.

So if you know someone or have a great idea, visit www.Together4Business.com to submit comments. If it helps bring a new business to Lee County, you’ll receive a signed and numbered limited edition print by renowned Southwest Florida artist Ikki Matsumoto, along with the satisfaction of helping your community grow.

The Fort Myers Regional Partnership works to attract new and diversified businesses resulting in high-wage, high-skilled jobs; retains and encourages the expansion of existing businesses and improves the overall business environment in Lee County. Lee County is a thriving business community with a highly regarded airport, significant corporate development and ample real estate opportunities. The area is attracting, retaining and growing high-value businesses with a unique blend of an outstanding business climate and superior quality of life. For more information, visit www.FortMyersRegionalPartnership. com. 