Celebrating 2019 Economic Development Week

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) designated the week of May 6 – May 11 as Economic Development Week 2019. This week celebrates the achievements of economic development efforts locally and globally and raises awareness of economic development programs that support job creation, businesses retention and expansion, and an overall prosperous economy and quality of life.

Did you know that

• 25,576 Companies employ our workers in Collier County
• From 2013 to 2018, jobs increased by 17.9% in Collier County, FL from 138,052 to 162,751. This change outpaced the national growth rate of 8.2% by 9.7%.
• The Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island MSA ranked 1st in the state in industry diversification

 
Here is a recap of some of the diverse businesses in Collier County that we visited during Economic Development Week!

​Pravada owner Marlene Thompson gave Commissioner Andy Solis (District 2) along with Chamber staff members a tour of the facility. Pravada is a private label skincare manufacturer who has been in the community for five years and has grown from five to 23 employees with more plans to expand in the future. Part of successful economic development is the engagement of local representatives in the business community. Collier County local officials are always open to engaging with businesses and advocate for the business community.  

​Hawthorne Suites by Wyndam Naples is one of our many beautiful lodging establishments. The hospitality industry in Collier County is one of our largest industries and offer visitors and locals the comfort, class and top of the line service that make Collier County a premier travel destination. 

​Naples Daily News (NDN) is the main daily newspaper of Naples, Florida, and Collier County and has a circulation of more than 40,000. Thanks to the NDN, citizens can stay up-to-date on all of the exciting events, news and updates in Collier County. 

​Founded in 2009, ArgoTrak is devoted to providing customers with high quality, cost effective GPS tracking solutions. A family owned business that has been named to Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing US companies, ArgoTrak adds to the unique and diverse economy in Collier County. 

​Fuse Global Cuisine is a place where diners can enjoy a culinary experience like no other. Chef and Co-owner Gregory Scarlatos his partner and Co-owner Monika Czechowska provide guests with combination of different flavors from various cultures is what makes this restaurant unique. 

The Gold Center, Inc. is one of only nine Authorized Purchasers in the entire world for the United States Mint. The Gold Center, Inc. is also a buyer of precious metals and stones offers a unique collection of fine jewelry. They also celebrated the opening of their second location with a ribbon cutting this week. Welcome to Collier County! 

​The successes of our local economic development could not be achieved without the help of our economic development partners, including The Collier County Office of Business and Economic Development, SCORE Naples, FSBDC at Florida Gulf Coast University, CareerSource SWFL and many others.
 
Thank you to our local businesses who were involved and to all of our businesses who help shape our economy in Collier County every day. 

Want to share your story as a Collier County business? Contact madeline@napleschamber.org