A c c o r d i n g t o t h e U S

C e n s u s B u r e a u a n d U S Bureau of Labor Statistics, the county's population has grown by 3 3% annually and i s c u r r e n t l y e s t i m a t e d a t

802,178 On average, there are 90 new residents moving to Lee County every day. Business growth continues as w e l l , w i t h a p p r o x i m a t e l y

43,000 businesses now opera t i n g i n t h e c o u n t y J o b

Holly D Smith Guest Commentary growth is up 5% over last year and Lee County has enjoyed explosive growth in every business sector, including health care, life sciences, logistics, manufacturing and technology In fact, the county is the fifthmost economically diverse county in Florida, according to Florida Atlantic University

Do

Share your opinion at fortmyersbeachtalk.com Previous Web Poll Results Do you think Donald Trump will be found guilty of the charges relating to his possession of classified documents? ∫ Yes, he will be convicted, 46% ∫ No, he will be aquitted, 22% ∫ No, there will be a hung jury, 29% ∫ Unsure, 3% Current Web Poll Question

To continue this successful track, a thriving Lee County business climate is dependent upon support from community partners, as well as the private sector As members of t h e H o r i z o n F o u n d a t i o n , l o c a l b u s i n e s s

C o u n t y E c o n o m i c Development Office on economic development issues The groups' mission is to improve the business environment by retaining and encouraging the g r o w t h o f e x i s t i n g b u s i n e s s w h i l e a l s o a t t r a c t i n g n e w , diversified employers. Known as the “voice of business” in the county, this trifecta partnership o f t h e H o r i z o n C o u n c i l , Horizon Foundation and Lee County Economic Development Office has created a business-friendly environment that continues to attract top talent, new companies and entrepreneurs from around the globe

Given the growth we're experiencing, one of the greatest areas of focus for businesses in Lee County has been workforce development Since 2010, the county averaged 10,000 to 15,000 new jobs a year In 2020, though, there were 20,000 new jobs added to the local economy The momentum contin- a r, $ 6 2 C i rc u l a t i o n ( 2 3 9 ) 5 7 4 - 1 9 3 6 C l a s s i fi e d / D i s p l a y A d ve r t i s i n g ( 2 3 9 ) 5 7 4 - 1 1 1 0 Customer service hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a m to 5 p m , except major holidays Letters to the editor must be typed or hand printed Your name and phone number must be affixed to the copy In the event of an advertising error, we are responsible only for the first incorrect insertion of the ad itself We are not responsible for any credit or reimbursement after 30 days from publication Postal Information: Third class postage paid at Fort Myers Beach, FL Permit 521 Postmaster: Send address changes to the Beach Observer 19260 San Carlos Blvd Fort Myers Beach FL 33931 The Observer and Bulletin is published every Wednesday 19260 San Carlos Blvd Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931 Phone: (239) 765-0400 Fax: (239) 765-0846 Web: fortmyersbeachtalk com We want your opinion u e d a f t e r H u r r i c a n e I a n , t o o , w i t h L e e County adding 18,800 jobs in the six months following the storm Currently, the county has approximately 20,000 job openings, but only 8,000 job hunters. We are encouraged by several new initiatives, including microcredentialing, which is aimed at helping students and employees learn or advance their skills for employment and growth opportunities

A f t e r t h e L e e C o u n t y E c o n o m i c Development Office gave a $1 million grant to cover the cost of micro-credential courses for Lee County residents, funding that was provided by the American Rescue Plan Act, s e v e r a l H o r i z o n F o u n d a t i o n i n v e s t o r s , including Scotlynn, stepped up to offer micro-credentialing or digital badge courses and guarantee interviews upon completion These programs are offered through the area's higher education institutions, including F l o r i d a G u l f C o a s t U n i v e r s i t y , F l o r i d a SouthWestern State College and Hodges University, at no cost to students. Micro-credentialing is helping close the gap between skilled workers and employment opportunities in our region

This is just one example of Horizon Foundation members collaborating and demonstrating their support for Lee County's business community As the county continues to grow, so must the investment in our eco-

See WORKFORCE, page 5