Orlando 101

“From rolling hills and orange groves to a downtown core that boasts $1.8 billion in current development, Metro Orlando truly offers a variety of lifestyle options that meet just about everyone’s needs,” says Ray Gilley, president and chief executive officer of the Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission.

Gilley says companies of all types and sizes find that Central Florida’s unparalleled “livability” enhances employee recruitment and retention. “The region’s amenities—natural and man-made— make this a great place to live and work.”

Jacob V. Stuart, president and chief executive officer of the Central Florida Partnership, which includes the Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce, adds that the emergence of the region as a medical destination adds yet another dimension to its appeal.

The University of Central Florida College of Medicine, the Burnham Institute for Medical Research, Nemours, a new Veterans Administration hospital and an array of new businesses supporting those ventures will boost the economy for years to come, Stuart notes.

And although the economic downturn may impact completion dates, a $1 billion project has been okayed to construct a new events center and a new performing arts center as well to renovate the Citrus Bowl Stadium.

“Plus, a commuter rail system is within reach,” says Stuart. “That will enhance transportation across the region for residents and visitors alike.”?

For more information about Orlando as a business destination, visit www.orlandoedc.com or www.orlando.org.

Orange County
Regional Government
(407) 836-3111
www.orangecountyfl.net
Business Organizations
Orlando Regional Chamber of
Commerce
www.orlando.org
Orlando Downtown Development Board?
www.downtownorlando.com
Orlando/Orange County
Convention and Visitors Bureau?
www.orlandocvb.org
Metro Orlando Economic
Development Commission
www.orlandoedc.com
Orange County Public Schools
www.ocps.k12.fl.us

Seminole County
Regional Government
(407) 665-0311
www.seminolecountyfl.gov
Business Organizations
Seminole County Regional Chamber of Commerce
www.seminolebusiness.org
Seminole County Convention and Visitors Bureau
www.visitseminole.com
Seminole County Economic
Development
www.businessinseminole.com
Seminole County Public Schools
www.scps.k12.fl.us

Lake County
Regional Government
(352) 343-9800
www.lakecountyfl.gov
Business Organizations
South Lake Chamber of Commerce
www.southlakechamber-fl.com
Visit Lake County
www.lakecountyfl.gov/visitors
Lake County Public Schools
www.lake.k12.fl.us

Osceola County
Regional Government
(407) 343-2275
www.osceola.org
Business Organizations
Kissimmee/Osceola County
Chamber of Commerce
www.kissimmeechamber.com
Kissimmee Convention &
Visitors Bureau
www.floridakiss.com
Osceola County Economic
Development Department
www.osceola.org
Osceola County School Board
www.osceola.k12.fl.us

Polk County
Regional Government
(863) 534-6000
www.polk-county.net
Business Organizations
The Greater Bartow Chamber of Commerce
www.bartowchamber.com
Central Florida Visitors &
Convention Bureau
www.sunsational.org
Central Florida Development
Council of Polk County
www.cfdc.org www.polk-fl.net

Volusia County
Regional Government
(866) 345-0345
www.volusia.org
Business Organizations
The Chamber-Greater Daytona Beach and Halifax Area
www.daytonachamber.com
Chamber of Commerce of West Volusia
www.chamberofcommerceofwestvolusia.com
Daytona Beach Convention and
Visitors Bureau
www.daytonabeachcvb.org
West Volusia Tourism Advertising Authority
www.escapetothesoutheast.com
Volusia County Department of
Economic Development
www.floridabusiness.org
Volusia County Schools
www.volusia.k12.fl.us

Economist Offers a Glimmer of Hope for 2009
While the verdict is still out whether the housing market will return to anything approaching typical this year, and while the world waits for the effects of President Barack Obama’s economic stimulus effort to take hold, Sean Snaith, director of the Institute for Economic Competitiveness at the University of Central Florida, does hold out some hope for improvement.

“The new stimulus package should start to pull us out,” says Snaith, “although 2009 may not be a pretty year for Florida.” He believes housing starts will hit bottom in the second quarter.

Snaith adds that there is some good news on the existing-home side of the equation, both locally and statewide. For example, the Florida Association of Realtors reports that nine of Florida’s metropolitan statistical areas have posted year-over-year sales increases for five straight months.?
The median price for an existing home, which is down locally 29 percent from 2007, is also shoring up demand.??

Based on his analysis, Snaith’s long-term prediction is for continued overall improvement in 2010 and for solid growth to resume in 2011. “Every sign of recovery is a little step closer to growth,” he notes.