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Many are excited about the recent announcement stating Hertz’s move to Southwest Florida. The News-Press recently captured some of the comments made by community leaders in the Naples, Estero and Bonita Springs area regarding the decision. Here’s what they had to say…
Mike Reagen, president and CEO of the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce:
“I think everyone benefits from this,” he said. “I think it’s absolutely wonderful. It shows that Southwest Florida is open for business. “That’s exactly the kind of economic development we want,” he said.
Overall, he said Southwest Florida will benefit from having global money brought into the local economy. Plus, the Hertz relocation will send a signal to other national organizations that Southwest Florida is recovering from the period of high foreclosure rates and economic struggles seen during the recession.
Tim Rose, president of the Fort Myers-based independent franchise of Arthur Rutenberg Homes:
“I’m excited,” he said. “Anytime we can get new jobs in our area, it’s fantastic.”
Rose said he believes the additional jobs will create supplemental employment. For instance, delis may open around the new headquarters to feed its employees and additional staff may need to be hired to clean the building. He said it also sets a nice tone for the area that Southwest Florida is attracting Fortune 500 companies. And although the relocation of Hertz won’t likely provide a boom for the construction industry, Rose said it will definitely have a good impact on the industry – and the overall economy.
Joni Norton, consulting partner at Markham Norton Mosteller Wright & Co., P.A.:
“Other businesses will feel it could be a good time to grow in Southwest Florida as well,” she said
Norton said having Hertz move into the region will bring economic benefits including an increase in real estate taxes and the possible enticement of other large businesses to Southwest Florida. It could also bring a positive energy to the area. Many local businesses put their plans on hold during the recession. But with Hertz moving to Estero, she said businesses might take this as a positive sign and decide to expand their operations.
Ted Todd, a senior account agent with Allstate and owner of Bonita Springs-based Ted Todd Insurance:
“From what I’ve heard, it’s higher-than-average paying jobs, so that’s exceptional,” he said.
Todd said Hertz will help bring money into the local economy and attract new people to the area. Plus, this news brings excitement to Southwest Florida. When traveling through large metropolitan areas, he said it’s common to see corporate headquarters upon corporate headquarters. With a few exceptions, Todd said this isn’t too common in Southwest Florida – not yet, anyways.
Debi Montenieri, president of the Estero Chamber of Commerce:
“It’ll be a tremendous boost for the economy in Estero and Southwest Florida in general,” Montenieri said.
Through her connections with the community and county government, Montenieri said she had heard that a “mystery company” was looking into Estero. She’s glad Hertz chose the area and hopes it will join the chamber. Hertz will benefit the economy in Estero and Southwest Florida by giving a boost to housing – as the new employees will need somewhere to live – and improving employment. It will also boost other community businesses as these new residents will make purchases in malls, grocery stores, etc.
Dan Regelski, director of the Small Business Development Center at Florida Gulf Coast University:
“I just think it’s extremely intelligent – the location as well,” Regelski said.
Regelski said he’s always seen the Estero and Bonita Springs market as the soul of Southwest Florida. It has many growing businesses, is close to Florida Gulf Coast University, is near I-75 and is located by an airport. Plus, he said it has a sound and stable city government with a city manager and mayor who are supportive of planned economic development and growth.
By relocating to Estero, he said Hertz will be able to take advantage of all these attributes. Plus, it will be near FGCU and can take advantage of its intern programs and recent graduates.
Jeff Tumbarello, director of the Southwest Florida Real Estate Investment Association:
“Anything that can diversify our job base can do nothing but help,” Tumbarello said.
Tumbarello said it will bring a lot of white-collar jobs to the area, which is something Southwest Florida lacks. He said the area mainly has service and construction jobs. It’s also symbolic. Some have said that Southwest Florida would never attract a major company like Hertz. The fact that a Fortune 500 company decided to move its headquarters to Estero is an endorsement of the area
For more information and to view the formal release and video, click HERE!
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Naples, Bonita Springs, Marco Island, Estero FL Real Estate
