Boost to the local economy...
Rental car giant Hertz Global Holdings is building a new world headquarters in Estero, Fla., the company's CEO told The (Fort Myers) News-Press Monday. Hertz CEO Mark Frissora said after a nine-month selection process, "It was kind of an easy decision: Everything pointed to Lee County." In exchange for approximately $19 million in economic stimulus money from Lee County, the state and FPL, Hertz will relocate from its present headquarters in Park Ridge, N.J., spending $50 million to build its headquarters and bringing at least 700 jobs paying an average $102,000 a year. "This is a major victory for our state," Gov. Rick Scott told The News-Press in an exclusive interview. "What happened just reinforces this state is a great place to do business. Lee County is a great place to do business." Frissora said although he and Scott have homes in Naples, they didn't't know each other before the negotiations for the relocation began and the headquarters' proximity wasn't a factor. More to the point, he said, was Southwest Florida's workforce, prospects for growth and major tourist and airline industries. Also important to the decision, Frissora said, was that Hertz is in expansion mode -- having merged last year with Tulsa-based Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group. It was a quality-of-life issue, he said: Getting talented Dollar Thrifty workers to relocate to New Jersey would have been a tough pitch. As many as 120 Tulsa employees may move here, and possibly some from European operations in locations such as Dublin, Ireland.
Southwest Florida Fun Fact...
Some of our countries greatest inventions originated along the shores of the Caloosahachee River in Ft. Myers at the Thomas Edison Estate. The light bulb, phonograph and microphone to name a few all had ties to Southwest Florida. Additionally, Henry Ford, founder of Ford Motor Company, took up residence during the winters right next door to the Edison Estate. Today, these properties are preserved as a museum for all to enjoy. edisonfordwinterestates.org
Have any Family or Friends interested in Southwest Florida?
I would be more than happy to send them information or include them in this mailer. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you or any friends or family have questions or would like to learn more about beautiful Southwest Florida.
|