Workforce collabora� on feeds business growth in Hendry

Manufacturing has been growing in Hendry County in recent years, thanks in part to a collabora� ve effort by leadership, educa� onal facili� es, and developers. Tradi� onally known for its agricultural commodi� es, it may surprise people to learn that there is an ac� ve manufacturing community in Hendry producing products that include everything from pharmaceu� cal equipment to space explora� on devices.

With major projects on the horizon, county leadership recognized the need for industry diversifi ca� on. To make Hendry invi� ng and sustainable for manufacturing growth, a holis� c approach took into considera� on policy reform, workforce development programs, and fast paced permi� ng. This has led to a signifi cant increase in exis� ng business expansions, reloca� ons into the county, site readiness, and a pipeline of skilled workers.

Industrial parks in the county have seen a considerable increase in interest since 2020. The Jack Paul Industrial Park in LaBelle and Long Hammock in Clewiston offer almost 1,000 acres combined of space along major state highways. As the Airglades Interna� onal Airport project con� nues to develop, the county along with exis� ng land- owners, has been rezoning proper� es along U.S. 27 from agriculture to commercial which will create opportunity for commercial and industrial growth along the highway. This rezoning will allow proximity for expor� ng products throughout the State, the Americas, and the Caribbean.

In the City of Clewiston, marke� ng efforts contributed to increased ac� vity which helped complete the sale of all remaining city-owned proper� es within the Commerce Park Industrial District (CPID) in 2021, including addi� onal lots created by the subdivision of a larger 10-acre tract. This is a milestone achievement for the city as the development of the proper� es is expected to be impac� ul with the poten� al crea� on of an es� mated 300 new jobs, private investment projected in the $30-40 million range.

To prepare for the growing workforce needs the manufacturing community is crea� ng, Hendry County’s Workforce Educa� on and Adult School is focusing on helping adults transi� on into high demand careers. They provide industry-standard cer� fi ca� ons and state of the art equipment.

The State of Florida recognized Hendry County’s Workforce Educa� on and Adult School programs as having the highest growth in the State in 2021. This year, the school was awarded $783,613 from the State, a signifi cant improvement from the $125,000 that was allo�ed 5 years ago. This includes an 83% growth in their workforce programs. The welding program is one of the most ac� ve programs at the school and educators o�en partner with local businesses to ensure the graduates are workforce ready upon gradua� on.

As Hendry con� nues to grow and develop, we con� nue to build partnerships that will provide opportuni� es for businesses, working residents, the County, and the region. Working with the SRMA not only provides that opportunity, but it allows our manufacturers the resources and networks to be successful on a larger scale.

Keitha Daniels is the Director for the Hendry County Economic Development Council. She has worked for the Board of County Commissioners over the past seven years with a focus in economic development. To contact her, email keitha@hendryedc.com