Naples - Marco Island
Mercato work-space business opens Oct. 1
• Venture X, a members-only workspace, is expected to open Oct. 1 at the Mercato in North Naples.
• The idea behind the business arose after cofounder, David Diamond, visited technology hot-spots in Silicon Valley and New York. With no similar business in the area he filled the void with his co-founders through a West Coaststyle co-workspace. • As a modern co-working site, Venture X will facilitate collaboration, networking, classes, and community events to foster success. Source: The Naples News, September 19, 2012
Naples City Council notebook: Four Corners makeover to begin in April
• Council agreed to begin construction on the Four Corners crosswalk project in April, which will cross U.S. 41. • Once permits are approved by the Florida Department of Transportation work will begin on the $200,000 capital improvement project.
• Final costs will not be known until bids for the project have gone out. Source: The Naples News, August 22, 2012
It’s Your Business: Naples Publix on schedule for early December opening • The new 56,000-square-foot “hybrid” Publix at 1981 U.S. 41 N. is on track to open in early December.
About 30 people filled out applications in hopes of receiving one of the 1300 jobs that will be created if slot machines are permitted at the racetrack.
• In order for the racetrack to have the casino games, a county ordinance will need to be approved through a countywide referendum. State legislatures would also need to sign off.
• If it receives approval, a new entertainment center will be built. This would create at least 900 construction jobs, and after completion in 18 months the entertainment center will create 500 jobs ranging from bartending to security to technology. Source: The Naples News, September 13, 2012
Building block: Housing construction picking up locally, nationally
• Following a national trend, builders are pulling more permits and starting more new singlefamily homes in Lee and Collier counties than they have during the last four years.
• Prices have gone up and there has been strong sales absorption, indicating 2012 will be a much stronger year than 2011.
• Metrostudy, a real estate research and consulting firm, reports that in the most desirable neighborhoods in Lee and Collier counties the recovery has taken hold, while others are in “static.” Source: The Naples News, July 19, 2012
• The new store, No. 1,434, will feature natural and organic products, a soup bar, salad bar, and a Pacific wok. • This new Publix will replace the store No. 76, which work crews razed earlier this year. Source: The Naples News, September 18, 2012
Dog track shows off potential jobs if slot machines get approved • The job preview at the Naples-Fort Myers Greyhound Track received a modest turnout.
Institute for Economic Competitiveness
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