FHERO Guide

FLORIDA’S HEARTLAND

A BUSINESS LOCATION AT THE CENTER OF EVERYTHING

Immokalee DeSoto

Immokalee

DeSoto | Glades | Hardee | Hendry | Highlands | Immokalee | Okeechobee

DeSoto

Immokalee

Published by Passport Publications & Media Corporation

CONTENTS 4 DeSoto County 8 Glades County 12 Hardee County 16 Hendry County 20 Highlands County 24 Okeechobee County 28 Immokalee Florida’s Heartland |

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TO FHERO WELCOME Florida’s Heartland FLORIDA HEARTLAND ECONOMIC REGION OF OPPORTUNITY

DESOTO • GLADES • HARDEE • HENDRY • HIGHLANDS • OKEECHOBEE BELLE GLADE • IMMOKALEE • PAHOKEE • SOUTH BAY

Welcome to the Florida Heartland Economic Region of Opportunity (FHERO). FHERO represents six counties and four cities in their efforts to support the expansion and retention of existing businesses and advance community and economic development through the Heartland Region of Florida. FHERO underpins all economic development activities and strategies with the goal of developing high-wage and high-skill jobs.

Our location puts you at the center of everything you need to succeed. That starts with easy access to Florida’s fast-growing population of more than 20 million.

Major markets from Miami to Orlando to Tampa are quickly reached on state and interstate highways. There is Class 1 rail service from CSX. Businesses can fly people and products out of eight international airports and ship domestically or globally through seven international seaports nearby. The Okeechobee Waterway connects the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, while the Port of Manatee on the Gulf offers direct access to the enhanced Panama Canal. In the FHERO region, you can enjoy 250-plus days of sunshine a year in beautiful rural settings an hour away from the urban offerings of the east and west coasts.

Whether your business is agriculture, manufacturing or distribution and logistics, you can choose from abundant acreage and shovel-ready sites that are modestly priced.

The region has well-established commerce parks, all within 100 miles of nearly 11 million people—half of Florida’s fastgrowing population. Whether you're visiting here for business or vacation, we welcome you to experience the country atmosphere of a truly unique corner of Florida.

Terry Burroughs, Chairman Florida Heartland Economic Region of Opportunity

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A Location at the

CENTER OF EVERYTHING A central Florida location, a low-cost environment and an appealing rural lifestyle are among the reasons businesses in a wide range of industries are investing in the Florida Heartland Economic Region of Opportunity. This dynamic region includes DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands and Okeechobee counties as well as the community of Immokalee and the cities of Belle Glade, Pahokee and South Bay. With a location in “the center of everything,” companies can enjoy substantially lower operating costs, while gaining convenient access to state, national and international markets through: n 7 deepwater ports n 8 international airports n 2 regional airports n 9 municipal airparks n 3 railroads n 3 major interstates plus Florida’s Turnpike It’s an area well situated for quickly receiving, producing and distributing goods and services regionally and globally.

Attractive Business Assets Other business assets include: n Available workforce of 125,000 n Countless acres of available land n Expansive “shovel-ready” sites n Two foreign-trade zones n Expedited permitting n Highly rated vocational education centers n Colleges and universities n High-quality health care services Tax and Financial Incentives Florida also ranks as one of the best states to run a business because of its pro-business state tax policies.

Tax benefits include: n No corporate income tax on limited partnerships or subchapter S-corporations n No state personal income tax n No corporate franchise tax on capital stock

n No state-level property tax assessed n No property tax on business inventories n No property tax on goods-in-transit for up to 180 days n No sales and use tax on goods manufactured or produced in Florida for export outside the state n No sales tax on purchases of raw materials incorpor-ated in a final product for resale, including non-reusable containers or packaging n No sales/use tax on co-generation of electricity n Rural Jobs Tax Credit for each qualified job creation Other incentives are available to qualifying businesses, including target industry, workforce training, infrastructure and Opportunity Zone benefits.

Enjoy the Good Life!

Today, the Florida Heartland is just what the doctor ordered: sunshine, clean air, low stress and lots of inviting recreational options where families can stay fit and have fun together. Enjoy the good life in the center of everything.

CONTACT Florida Heartland Economic Region of Opportunity 304 N.W. Second St., Room 123 Okeechobee, FL 34972 863.697.6325 flaheartland.com

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DeSoto

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES in DeSoto

Immokalee

DeSoto County at a Glance City: Arcadia Area: 639 square miles

DeSoto County is home to Florida’s first universal solar plant, major distribution facilities, the scenic Peace River and an inviting historic downtown in Arcadia, the county seat. Agriculture, manufacturing and tourism are among the county’s major business sectors.

Arcadia is situated at the intersection of two major state highways, offering swift movement, inbound or outbound, and fast arrival at domestic and global destinations. It is located an hour east of Sarasota and Bradenton and an hour north of Fort Myers. Walmart chose Arcadia as the site for a major distribution center, which now employs more than 500 associates.

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Target INDUSTRIES n n n n n

Agriculture Logistics & Distribution Alternative Energy Tourism Health Care

BUSINESS ASSETS DeSoto County has much to offer businesses in a wide range of industries. The area’s key business assets include the following: Industrial Land DeSoto County has multiple industrial sites suitable for manufacturing, distribution or other types of businesses.

360-Degree Highway Network Businesses enjoy uncongested highway access to all parts of the state on I-75, I-4, I-95 and on the expanded U.S. 17 Corridor.

In the agriculture sector, DeSoto has more than 4,000 available acres ideal for citrus growers and processors, as well as for cattle, nurseries and other natural products.

Peace River Citrus Processing, Bethel Farms and Sorrells Brothers Packing Co., Inc. are leaders in this sector.

Businesses can also take advantage of the DeSoto County Enterprise Zone, a 20-square-mile area targeted for economic growth. Qualifying companies can take advantage of these and other incentives designed to encourage private investment and create new employment opportunities for area residents.

In recent years hotels, restaurants and retail stores have found DeSoto County to be fertile ground for business.

Many new housing developments are in the final stages of planning and approval, and the county’s population could double in the next decade.

Dual Rail Accessibility CSX and Seminole Gulf Railway connect to Florida’s statewide rail network, stretching from Jacksonville to Tampa, Palm Beach to Pensacola.

General Aviation Airports It’s easy to fly in and out via Arcadia Municipal Airport and Punta Gorda Airport.

Education DeSoto County is home to a large, modern satellite campus of South Florida State College.

Health Care DeSoto Memorial Hospital offers comprehensive health and wellness services.

Water DeSoto County businesses have unrestricted access to water through a 6 billion-gallon reservoir.

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SUCCESS Stories

Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo First held in 1928, Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo is Florida’s largest and longest-running rodeo event. From its pioneer beginnings, it has evolved to a major event, drawing top cowboy athletes from throughout the nation. The March event, known as

“The Granddaddy of ‘em All,” brings more than 30,000 spectators, contestants and visitors to DeSoto County every year. It represents the region’s agricultural heritage and is a source of great pride for the community.

Sun Bulb Company Sun Bulb Company is a third-generation, family-run wholesale grower and supplier of plant supplies.

Around since 1956, Sun Bulb was founded by A.P. and Mildred Hollingsworth in the garage of their family home in Arcadia. In the beginning stages, Sun Bulb Company focused on producing flower bulbs. As time went on, the organization grew into a business that sells plant food, orchids and pots for wholesale nationally and internationally. Sun Bulb’s orchids are also exported to Canada and Central America.

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DESOTO County

A Charming Lifestyle From rodeos to county fairs and festivals, DeSoto County offers a rewarding lifestyle quite different from large urban centers. It also attracts new residents who appreciate convenient access to the soft beaches of the Gulf of Mexico. In addition, the Peace River traverses the county and provides opportunities for camping, fishing, canoeing, rafting and other water/wilderness activities.

Arcadia has a friendly small-town flavor that reflects the county’s history of agriculture. With more than 400 buildings and homes on the National Register of Historic Places, residents can enjoy historic charm and turn-of-the-century architectural beauty.

It’s a charming lifestyle that appeals to people of all ages!

CONTACT DeSoto County Economic Development Office 201 E. Oak Street Arcadia, FL 34266 863.993.4800 teamdesoto.com

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BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES in Glades

DeSoto

Immokalee

Americas Gateway Logistics Center

Ecommerce, manufacturing, agriculture and logistics businesses are all thriving in Glades County, which includes the west side of Lake Okeechobee. The county is primed for growth, with large-scale sites to accommodate a variety of industrial and distribution uses, along with the largest Opportunity Zone in Florida.

A prime business location is Americas Gateway Logistics Center, a 770-acre master-planned mixed-use industrial park with additional acreage available to expand as an “inland port.”

Glades County at a Glance City: Moore Haven Area: 987 square miles

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The site offers space for heavy and light industrial users, as well as commercial space on four-lane U.S. 27. The site is also served by the South Central Florida Express rail line, which connects with both CSX and Florida East Coast Railroad.

Located two and a half hours south of Orlando, two hours north of Miami and almost equidistant from Fort Myers and West Palm Beach, the site offers access to Florida markets south of the I-4 corridor within a four-hour dray and international markets via four South Florida ports and international airports.

Attracting Manufacturing Companies

Target INDUSTRIES n n n n

Marine Manufacturing Logistics & Distribution Agriculture

Wedgworth’s Inc.

Traditionally, manufacturing in Glades County has been centered on companies with their roots in agriculture. The state's largest custom fertilizer company, Wedgworth’s Inc., with headquarters in Belle Glade, produces 150,000 tons of fertilizer yearly at its plant in Moore Haven. Central to Wedgworth’s decision to relocate its production facility was ready market access from a site with four-lane highway frontage, potable water and rail.

Quikcrete operates a mortar mixing and bagging plant in Ortona. Additional manufacturers in Glades County include Vulcan Materials, which produces sand for Florida golf courses as well as road and bridge projects; Oldcastle Greenleaf, a leading producer of mulch; and Cemex, which produced the redi-mix for the Port Miami tunnel at the Glades County plant.

In 2020, Wedgworth’s Inc. began construction on a new fertilizer manufacturing and bagging plant in Moore Haven that will produce bagged and specialty fertilizer blends. “We’re very pleased to announce the opening of a new location in Moore Haven,” said Dennis Wedgworth, CEO of Wedgworth’s Inc. and Wedgworth Farms. “This allows us to further expand our manufacturing capabilities and meet the growing needs of the specialty fertilizer market.”

With its unique position as the midway point on South Florida’s Okeechobee Waterway, connecting Stuart on the east coast to Fort Myers on the west coast via Lake Okeechobee and the Caloosahatchee River, Glades County offers a variety of available sites for the marine industry sector.

Other manufacturers have also capitalized on Glades County’s business advantages. Scotts Miracle-Gro acquired Lykes’ 7L Brands Mulch plant and its trademarked eucalyptus mulch, and is expanding to include new warehousing for its Miracle-Gro line of potting products. Its Palmdale site serves much of southern Florida south of Orlando.

Marine Industries

For instance, River Forest Yachting Center in Ortona boasts more than 100,000 square feet of climate-controlled storage buildings, 1,000 feet of linear dock, a two-acre deepwater basin, an 82-ton marine travel lift capable of transporting boats with up to 22-foot beams, two acres of concrete pad for outdoor storage, and a clubhouse complete with meeting space, galley kitchen and ship store. River Forest completed construction of an additional 50,000-square-foot climate-controlled storage facility at the Ortona site in 2019 and is planning a new basin to serve more yachtsmen.

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SUCCESS Stories Burma Spice Ed Brakus, a tech industry veteran, founded Burma Spice, a seller of gourmet exotic spices, in Santa Clara, California, in a garage and on a shoestring budget.

Soon, Brakus had the 800-square-foot house stuffed floor-to-ceiling with spices, bottles, packing materials and three employees. Needing to expand out of the garage, Brakus started searching the country for a location for Burma Spice’s first dedicated facility. He researched more than 50 US. locations.

“A number of spots in Florida started looking attractive, so we narrowed our scope to focus in on the state,” said Brakus. “One day I found a fixer-upper in Moore Haven. It needed more than a new coat of paint, but the fact that I could buy a 4,000-squarefoot facility for $60,000 made it the most beautiful building I had ever seen. For less than one year’s rent in some major metropolitan areas, we could set up shop with no rent overhead.”

As an ecommerce company selling food products, Burma Spice has continued to thrive in its new location. “Looking back on it now, the first three years in Moore Haven saved our little business about $250,000 in operating expenses,” said Brakus. “Our location in Glades County was our No. 1 best option for a quick path to profitability.”

Maxant Aluminum Products owner David Reed shows Ashley Bell the company’s product line.

Maxant Aluminum Products In 2016, David Reed, who publishes a yachting magazine in Fort Lauderdale, decided to purchase Maxant Buttons, an aluminum button manufacturer in Georgia. He searched for a site near Fort Lauderdale, but without the coastal price tag, and chose Moore Haven. Soon, the company began manufacturing and selling two-part aluminum buttons on Amazon and other e-commerce sites.

Fourteen months later, Reed acquired a second aluminum manufacturing company in Orlando, and renamed the business Maxant Aluminum Products. It took two 18-wheelers and two flatbed trucks to relocate the equipment and materials to Moore Haven, but the acquisition allowed Maxant to greatly expand its aluminum product line and more than triple its business.

Owner Ed Brakus reviews the finished Burma Spice product line with Ashley D. Bell, regional administrator for the U.S. Small Business Administration, during a 2017 visit to Glades County.

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In February 2020, owner and serial entrepreneur David Reed acquired a third distressed aluminum manufacturing company and expanded the Maxant product line to include ATV parts. “The owner had manufactured ATV parts for 20 years and, at 72, was looking to retire,” Reed said. “It was a great opportunity for us to build on our custom aluminum product line.”

GLADES County

Fisheating Creek

An Appealing Rural Lifestyle ALTHOUGH NAMED FOR the Everglades, Glades County consists mostly of pinelands and prairies, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy boating and fishing.

Residents can spend the day on Lake Okeechobee, the Bass Fishing Capital of the World, or bicycle or hike the Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail. Boaters can also access the Atlantic Ocean or the Gulf of Mexico via the Okeechobee Waterway.

Historic downtown Moore Haven offers an inviting mix of new and old, including the Glades County Courthouse, a Florida Heritage Site. The city is also home to the Chalo Nitka Festival and Rodeo, a celebration of local history and Seminole Indian culture.

To the north is the Fisheating Creek Wildlife Management Area with 18,272 acres of lightly touched Florida wilderness, dry plains, forested wetlands and floodplain marsh, accessible from Lakeport or Palmdale. It’s an ideal spot for ecoadventures, hunting, fishing and camping—and another example of Glades County’s welcoming rural lifestyle.

CONTACT Glades County Economic Development Council 998 U.S. 27 Moore Haven, FL 33471 863.946.0300 gladescountyedc.com

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BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES in Hardee

DeSoto

Immokalee

Hardee County Commerce Park

Hardee County offers entrepreneurs an inviting opportunity to enjoy rural values and natural beauty with plenty of support for many types of ventures. Agriculture, manufacturing, distribution and logistics companies can choose from abundant acreage and shovel-ready sites that are modestly priced.

A successful “Shark Tank” startup clearly demonstrates Hardee County’s ability to provide an inviting platform for small and midsize ventures in a wide range of industries. Relocating and existing businesses can take advantage of myriad incentives and support services, including incubator and accelerator programs for small businesses. The county’s Industrial Development Authority has partnered with the Economic Development Authority to create a hybrid incubator and accelerator program to serve businesses at different stages of development. A joint project resulted in turning an unused building into a space dedicated to entrepreneurial growth, from initial concept to independent business success.

Hardee County at a Glance

Cities: Wauchula, Bowling Green, Zolfo Springs Area: 638 square miles

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The Hardee Commerce Park is a major job creation engine for the regional economy. Covering 264 acres, the park is served by the Hardee County Utility Department, and the county sheriff maintains an outpost in the park, creating additional security for tenants. Broadband service is available along with natural gas.

Target INDUSTRIES n n n n n

Agriculture & Agribusiness Manufacturing Global Logistics & Distribution Aviation & Aerospace Medical Services & Health Care

Florikan is an award-winning privately held agri-tech business focused on evolving plant nutrition through advanced fertilizer technologies. Florikan serves the major markets of professional ornamental horticulture, landscape & turf, and specialty agriculture in North America and select export markets.

Incentives for New Business Investment Hardee County welcomes new business investment, including incentives for qualifying companies. The Economic Development Council (EDC) is committed to the growth and expansion of local businesses and the attraction of new businesses to Hardee County.

The council strives to provide the highest level of assistance to businesses to encourage economic investments.

The Hardee County Industrial Development Authority (HCIDA) offers support for relocating companies as well as new businesses. Incentives are provided on a case-by-case basis, typically tied to job creation and

salary range. HCIDA can also offer a “build to suit” option with an “option to purchase” on buildings, allowing for the company to apply a percentage of lease payments toward the purchase price.

BUSINESS ASSETS n n n n n

U.S. 17, offering convenient north-south access to major markets Wauchula Municipal Airport Hardee Commerce Park Peace River Business incubators and accelerators

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SUCCESS Stories Innovar Structures LLC – Affordable Housing Sarasota-based Innovar Structures LLC is investing in Hardee County to help meet Florida’s growing need for affordable housing. The company leased a former Winn-Dixie supermarket and is repurposing the 55,000-square-foot space for a modular housing factory.

Innovar takes metal shipping containers and turns them into freestanding or stacked housing units that can be delivered to sites throughout the region. Each unit can be customized to meet different customers’ requirements. The company might also produce “tiny homes” on wheels, as well as accessory dwelling units.

R.Riveter – Handbags and More Several years ago, military spouses Lisa Bradley and Cameron Cruse launched a new venture, R.Riveter, inspired by World War II cultural icon Rosie the Riveter.

In 2016, Bradley and Cruse made a successful appearance on “Shark Tank,” and accepted an offer from billionaire investor Mark Cuban.

What began as an entrepreneurial dream quickly grew to become a network of military spouses, known as Riveters, scattered across the country, selling handbags and more. When the company ran out of space in North Carolina, R.Riveter moved to Wauchula in 2019 and is retrofitting a 20,000-squarefoot facility on Main Street for manufacturing as well as retail shopping.

“R.Riveter and the mission of our company was greatly impacted by our facility opening in Hardee County and the economic development funds available for job creation and assistance with our relocation,” said Erica Scheipsmeier, vice president of operations. “We are thankful to be a part of this community.”

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From left, Lisa Bradley, Mark Cuban, Cameron Cruse

HARDEE County

Enjoy the Outdoors in a Historic Pioneer Setting IT’S EASY TO GET CLOSE to nature in Hardee County. Paynes Creek Historic State Park offers canoeing, kayaking and fishing, while Pioneer Park has a hiking trail, playground and camping, along with fishing opportunities. With 1,200 acres and four lakes, Hardee Lakes Park is another ideal location for outdoor activities.

Peace River Explorations makes its home in the renovated Wauchula Train Depot, which features an art gallery, gift shop and education center. Other attractions include Solomon’s Castle, the home, galleries and workshop of internationally renowned artist Howard Solomon, and the Cracker Trail Museum in Pioneer Park in Zolfo Springs. This “Pioneer Village” includes the museum, a cane grinding shed, blacksmith shop, cabin, locomotive engine, smokehouse and wagons. An annual outdoor festival, Pioneer Park Days, showcases antique tractors, engines and farm equipment, with more than 200 exhibits each year.

CONTACT Hardee County Economic Development 107 E. Main St. Wauchula, FL 33873 863.773.3030 hardeebusiness.com

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BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES in Hendry

DeSoto

Immokalee

Situated in the heart of Florida, Hendry County has a well-deserved reputation as a place with friendly people and successful businesses. It is close to the state’s major metropolitan markets, but far enough away to provide a more relaxed quality of life.

For manufacturing, distribution and agriculture businesses, Hendry County offers easy access to nearly half of the state’s fast-growing population, including Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Orlando and the Gulf Coast. When completed, Airglades International Airport (AIA) in Clewiston will provide a first-of-its-kind international airport and transportation and logistics hub to the region. It will support the warehousing, distribution centers and other businesses that support the perishable cargo industry.

Hendry County at a Glance

Cities: LaBelle, Clewiston Area: 1,190 square miles

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Agriculture is one of the region’s leading industries, including citrus production and cattle ranches. For example, Hato Potrero Farm Inc. built a processing plant to combine dairy products with the flavors of Latin America.

In manufacturing, there is a strong group of companies producing “Made in Hendry” products. One example is Hato Potrero Farm Inc., whose processing plant combines dairy products with the flavors of Latin America to produce its YoGusto brand yogurt sold in Walmart, Publix, Winn-Dixie and other stores.

Target INDUSTRIES Business Assets Relocating and expanding businesses can take advantage of Hendry County’s many business assets, including the following:

n n n n n

Agriculture & Agribusiness Manufacturing Global Logistics & Distribution Aviation and Aerospace Medical Services / Health Care

Highway Connectivity U.S. 27 and S.R. 80 (four- and six-lane divided highways with connectivity to the I-4 corridor, Southeast and Southwest Florida) Two Airports LaBelle Municipal Airport and Airglades International Airport Rail Service A short-line railroad (SCFE) that moves freight via CSX and FEC A Trained Workforce Hendry ranked No. 1 as the top earner of industry certifications in rural districts in the state in 2019. Another asset is the Glades County Regional Training Center, which has the capacity to offer new training programs.

Multiple Sites Hendry features plentiful and affordable land for businesses.

Utilities Electric and natural gas service is readily available, along with water for industrial uses.

Promise Zone Hendy has been designated a federal Promise Zone Community. That includes providing free technical training to high school students so they are prepared for a career in the trades.

Health Care Hendry Regional Medical Center is a 25-bed critical access hospital that incorporates modern technology, including telehealth services, with state-of-the-art medical staff to care for patients. It also has a corporate health program.

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SUCCESS Stories Airglades International Airport Hendry County is flying into the future with Airglades International Airport (AIA), the first privatized hub for perishable cargo in the United States. Strategically located on U.S. 27 approximately 87 miles west of Miami, the airport, once completed, will include a new 10,000-foot runway and a one-stop perishable cargo complex to serve Latin American cargo hubs. The result will be shorter flight times for cargo airlines, reduced travel distances and less congestion for semi-trailer trucks.

Other perishable users, Customs/USDA inspectors, importers and growers will also gain a streamlined logistics chain, as the new project will consolidate Customs locations for timely product inspection and result in shorter wait times on the tarmac. A game changer for Hendry County, Airglades will help diversify the region’s economy by adding global trade, air commerce and logistics to its existing portfolio.

“It’s going to bring a lot of very positive growth to this rural area,” said Marilyn DeVoe, VP of Operations. “It’s a win-win for everybody and will make a significant difference in how we receive and process goods not only in South Florida, but also dramatically reshape the efficient flow of time and temperature-sensitive goods from Latin America producers to U.S. consumers.”

Direct Industrial Products and Machining, Inc Direct Industrial Products and Machining is an industrial supply company and fabrication/machine shop in

LaBelle. “We chose Hendry County because it’s easy for us to reach both Florida coasts,” said Mark Chapman, president. “We also wanted to be part of the beloved ‘small town’ America, and take advantage of potential growth opportunities.”

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The company opened in 2011 in Clewiston with a small warehouse, and primarily sold steel. Since then, Direct Industrial moved to LaBelle, where it now has an 18,000-square-foot warehouse and retail showroom, as well as a steelyard.

“We have increased our inventory to include steel, pipe, valves, fittings, bolts, PPE, as well as welding supplies and small hand tools,” said Chapman.

“We have one of the largest vertical mills in Southwest Florida, and a machining and fabrication shop. Recently, we added a mobile welding and fabrication team to further support our clients. In the future we would like to expand to have a larger retail store and/or multiple locations.”

HENDRY County

An Inviting Place to Live

NESTLED BETWEEN LAKE OKEECHOBEE and the pristine wetlands of the northern Everglades, and sitting on the edge of the Caloosahatchee River, Hendry County offers untouched natural beauty and welcoming communities. With direct access to lakes, rivers, streams and creeks, there are many ways to enjoy boating, fishing, kayaking and canoeing. Hendry also has miles of trails, parks and paths.

Hendry County is home to artisan markets, galleries and crafts workshops that capture the most beautiful aspects of southern Florida. The Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center brings world-class entertainment in the region, while the Firehouse Community Theatre has been entertaining residents for more than two decades. The LaBelle Heritage Museum includes a fossil exhibit, artifacts and a look at the region’s pioneer life, while the Clewiston Museum focuses on the city’s history.

Ranked No. 1 in Florida for clean air, Hendry County offers the right atmosphere for family living as well as business success.

CONTACT Hendry County Economic Development Council 644 S. Main St. LaBelle, FL 33935 863.675.6007 hendryedc.com

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BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES in Highlands

DeSoto

Immokalee

Sebring Regional Airport and industrial park

Highlands County at a Glance

Highlands offers an advantageous business climate in a central location with leaders committed to streamlined services and low business costs — including NO impact fees.

Businesses can draw from a robust labor pool, including a

Cities: Sebring, Avon Park, Lake Placid Area: 1,106 square miles

large commuting workforce of more than 125,000 dedicated workers. Highlands is home to South Florida State College and is in close proximity to five other colleges and universities.

Highlands has a growing population of over 105,000 residents and is conveniently positioned in the heart of Florida, nearly equidistant to surrounding major metros and within a twohour radius of more than 86 percent of Florida’s population (> 18 million people).

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Target INDUSTRIES Many Attractive Business Locations

n n n n n n

Manufacturing Logistics & Distribution Aviation Value-Added Agriculture Health Care & Life Sciences Tourism

Gulf Coast Supply & Manufacturing

A MAJORITY OF HIGHLANDS COUNTY’S INDUSTRIAL BUSINESSES are centralized at the Sebring Regional Airport and Multimodal Logistics Center. The 2,000-acre airport and commerce park has two runways and competitive lease rates tailored to each business’ needs. The airport and commerce park features an industrial rail spur and full infrastructure, including utilities, and is also a designated Foreign Trade Zone and a Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). The airport and commerce park is home to a variety of domestic and international businesses including aviation and manufacturing—spanning plastics, stone and granite, metal roofing, food products, wood products and more.

For example, specialty manufacturer CitraPac recently completed a 37,000-square-foot facility at the Sebring Regional Airport & Commerce Park for production of its frozen fruit snacks, Fruit Pearls, which are distributed nationwide. The project brought with it $14 million in capital investments and the potential for up to 240 jobs at full production.

Other industrial business and development areas span the county, including Bear’s Den, with several fertilizer and chemical companies in Lake Placid at the intersection of U.S. 27 and S.R. 70. Plastirex, an international plastics manufacturer, is located in Avon Park, just south of Nucor Steel Florida’s new $250 million micro-mill site. Nearby, the 120-acre North Highlands Industrial Site underwent Duke Energy’s prestigious Site Readiness Program in 2019. The site offers CSX rail connectivity and newly extended city water and wastewater utilities.

BUSINESS ASSETS n n n

n n

n n

NO county impact fees.

A large skilled regional workforce, from college students to retirees.

South Florida State College (SFSC), which offers more than 70 degrees and programs in high-demand fields to match workforce needs including a new Advanced Manufacturing Program.

Sebring Regional Airport, which serves corporate aircraft as well as freight.

A 2,000-acre commerce park at the airport that includes a Foreign Trade Zone and other financial benefits.

Avon Park Executive Airport, a general aviation facility.

Affordable sites, with room for new development and growth.

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SUCCESS Stories Sugar Sand Distillery As Florida’s only estate-grown sugarcane farm distillery, Sugar Sand Distillery is an entrepreneurial success story. Lake Placid resident Don Davies opened the business in April 2018, bringing a lifetime of business knowledge to the state’s growing craft distillery industry.

“During the inception of Sugar Sand Distillery, I worked with Highlands County Economic Development and was able to utilize Florida’s sales and use tax exemption on manufacturing machinery and equipment,” said Davies.

“This allowed us to save thousands of dollars to be further injected into the business.”

Nestled in the middle of a 10-acre sugarcane farm, Sugar Sand Distillery is a true farm-to-bottle operation producing small-batch rum, gin, vodka, limoncello and moonshine. The distillery was born from a desire to incorporate the love of farming with the love of producing true handcrafted spirits.

An excellent example of agri-tourism, Sugar Sand Distillery offers tours including tastings and regularly holds events including food trucks and other community-minded experiences. In spring 2020, the company redirected its production processes to manufacture hand sanitizer to assist in the need for protective products during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bernie Little Distributors A longstanding, successful business, Bernie Little Distributors has been serving the region for more than 35 years. The Anheuser-Busch wholesale facility, which owns distribution rights for a multi-county area, has received numerous awards over the years, including national Wholesale Distributor of the Year.

In late 2019, with the assistance of Highlands County Economic Development (HCED) and Highlands County Development Services, Bernie Little Distributors was able to identify and close on a 40-acre site in Sebring that was ideal for its latest expansion. Today, plans are in the works to build a new, state-of-the-art warehouse to replace the existing Sebring facility. Located on the newly completed Sebring Parkway, the 70,000-square-foot distribution facility will have convenient access to the major roadways necessary for efficient delivery. It will allow the company to retain its workforce and inject an estimated $9 million in capital investment into the community.

“My team and I worked with Highlands County Economic Development and the Development Services Department to identify multiple potential development sites, and ultimately narrowed it down to one in the center of Highlands County,” said Joe Little, president and CEO. “We look forward to another successful 35 years of business and partnership in Highlands County!”

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SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY is a way of life in Highlands County. Peaceful communities, beautiful natural surroundings and an appealing arts and cultural scene are among the attractions of a Highlands lifestyle.

Sebring named one of the best under-theradar family destinations in the U.S. – Vacation Idea Dream Vacation Magazine Highlands is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, with 113 lakes and waterways, 16 golf courses and the world-renowned Sebring International Raceway. The Avon Park Air Force Range contains 82,000 acres of recreational land open to hunters, hikers and birdwatchers.

Highlands is also home to two state parks and Archbold Biological Station, a noted site for environmental research.

Highlands County offers quality health care with two full-service hospitals and three campuses that provide emergency, surgical, inpatient and outpatient services as well as an

extensive network of providers. The Highlands County School District is committed to excellence, with innovative academic programs at every grade level.

Lake Placid named “America’s Most Interesting Town” because of its “unique variety of nature, culture, and fun.”

– Readers Digest Magazine

HIGHLANDS County

Old-Fashioned Southern Hospitality in Beautiful Natural Surroundings

Highlands has also cultivated a dynamic arts community that features the world-famous Lake Placid Murals. Leading institutions include the South Florida State College Theatre of Performing Arts and its Museum of Florida Arts and Culture, the Highlands Art League and the Allen Altvater Cultural Center.

Highlands County named the second-best place to own a home in Florida.

– SmartAsset

CONTACT Highlands County Economic Development 501 S. Commerce Ave. Sebring, FL 33870 863.402.6906 highlandsbusiness.com

Florida’s Heartland |

23

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

in Okeechobee

DeSoto

Immokalee

Located just 30 minutes away from Florida’s Turnpike and I-95, Okeechobee has long served as the driving force in the dairy and agricultural business, as well as a world-renowned fishing destination. Okeechobee is also home to several international businesses specializing in everything from roof tile manufacturing to online automobile auctions to using fermentation to help produce renewable chemicals for industries across

Okeechobee County at a Glance

City: Okeechobee Area: 892 square miles

24

Florida’s Heartland

the world.

The rich soil surrounding Lake Okeechobee has made it ideal ground for dairy farmers and cattle ranches. As a result, Okeechobee County is home to more than 297,000 acres of farmland with almost 500 farms, including nurseries/greenhouses and citrus crops as well as some of the largest cattle ranches in the country.

Okeechobee County is also a prime location for global logistics and distribution. The region is centrally located, with easy access to multiple metropolitan areas and a strong transportation network including seaports, airports, railroads and roadways. The region is home to several logistics and distribution centers and remains committed to new development.

Target INDUSTRIES n n n n n n

A Variety of Business Assets Along with tracts of farmland for agriculture and agribusiness, Okeechobee County has two industrial parks. The Airport Industrial Park, with almost 100 acres, is home to more than a dozen companies, including aeronautical and non-aeronautical businesses. The available lots are all shovel-ready with roads, power,

Agriculture Health Care & Life Sciences Logistics & Distribution Manufacturing Tourism Aviation

water and high-speed broadband service. About half of the park also has natural gas, which can be extended if needed. The Okeechobee Commerce Center is a 124-acre park in the City of Okeechobee with all of the necessary infrastructure as well as CSX rail service. In addition, the county has plenty of wide-open spaces that could easily be developed for industrial use.

Indian River State College has a campus in Okeechobee to help educate workers for future growth in the region. It was honored with a 2019 Aspen Award and has also been recognized as the most affordable college in the United States.

From pediatrics to end-of-life care, the county’s health care providers serve a broad spectrum of patient needs. At the center of Okeechobee County’s health care infrastructure is Raulerson Hospital, serving Southeast Florida for more than 40 years. Founded by HCA Healthcare in 1979, and named after one of the county’s pioneer families, Raulerson is part of a 14-hospital network that employs 18,000 in East Florida.

Florida’s Heartland |

25

SUCCESS Stories Williamson Cattle Company

FPL Energy Center To meet Florida’s growing energy needs, Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) built the Okeechobee Clean Energy Center, a high-efficiency power-generating facility fueled by clean, U.S.-produced natural gas. It is located on FPL-owned property in northeast Okeechobee County. The new facility — one of the cleanest, most efficient of its kind in the world — will also provide enormous economic benefits for the area. The facility has a generating capacity of approximately 1,750 megawatts — enough to deliver power around-the-clock to more than 350,000 homes. The property also features a 74.5 MW solar energy center that was completed in Spring 2020. The site comprises nearly 300,000 photovoltaic solar panels that generate enough zeroemissions energy to power approximately 15,000 homes. The company plans to expand its solar portfolio in Okeechobee County over the next few years — bringing even more clean energy to the area.

Charles Composites

26 | Florida’s Heartland

Williamson Cattle Company (WCC) is a family-owned multigeneration agribusiness that raises beef cattle and citrus in Okeechobee County. The areas north and west of Lake Okeechobee are home to many large cattle ranches. WCC was the first ranch east of the Mississippi River to receive the prestigious National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Environmental Stewardship Award. “The subtropical environment here allows ranchers to grow grass year-round,” said Wes Williamson, president of Williamson Cattle Company. “The same environment that is conducive to raising beef cattle is a great environment for wildlife as well.”

Charles Composites supplies a comprehensive line of active and passive, metallic and non-metallic environmental enclosure solutions for communications and power distribution applications. It’s part of the Charles Industries family, a diversified manufacturing and technology company founded in Schaumberg, Illinois in 1968. “Our composites facility has gone through many changes since our opening in 2013,” said Jen Sinclair, human resources manager. “We are very proud of our associates and their commitment to deliver quality solutions to our customers. Florida Power & Light, AT&T and Verizon, as well as many other service providers, are all critical users of the enclosures we produce. Our advanced composite solutions provide the best total value in terms of cost and safety for our customers.”

OKEECHOBEE COUNTY offers a beautiful rural setting that’s just one hour from the urban offerings of West Palm Beach. It sits on the north shore of Lake Okeechobee, which is the largest lake in Florida and the second-largest body of freshwater in the contiguous United States.

The lake is also a key driver in the county’s economy, drawing visitors and residents alike on the strength of its unparalleled opportunities for anglers. It’s no wonder the lake has become known as the Bass Fishing Capital of the World.

The lake is accessible through 154 miles of manmade channels, locks and levees that form that Okeechobee Waterway, while the famous Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail—a favorite among runners, bicyclists and motorists—winds around a 100-foot dike surrounding the lake.

At least seven rivers, streams, creeks and sloughs flow into the lake, which provides flood and risk management, agricultural irrigation, salinity and regional groundwater control, and water supply for municipalities and industries throughout the surrounding region.

A unique recreational resource for residents and visitors, the “big lake” is the centerpiece of Okeechobee County’s appealing rural lifestyle.

OKEECHOBEE County

The Bass Fishing Capital of the World

CONTACT Okeechobee County Economic Development Corporation 2229 N.W. Ninth Ave., Building B, Room 141 Indian River State College—Dixon Hendry Campus Okeechobee, FL 34972 P.O. Box 2505 Okeechobee, FL 34973 863.357.2334 ocedcorp.com

Florida’s Heartland |

27

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

DeSoto

in Immokalee

Immokalee

Immokalee is Collier County’s agricultural center and one of the most vital suppliers of the nation’s winter fresh fruits and vegetables. Some of the leading agribusinesses in the nation are located in Immokalee, while small and midsize farms along with the local food movement provide additional opportunities for value-added agricultural products.

Immokalee at a Glance

Eastern Collier County Area: 23.3 square miles

In addition, there is great access to food and agricultural brainpower with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Research Center and IFAS Extension, located in Immokalee.

Other business assets include Immokalee Regional Airport. This countyowned general aviation airport is situated on 1,333 acres of land 35 miles northeast of Naples and less than 10 miles from the growing town and University of Ave Maria. The airport has abundant shovelready land available for development, including a 400-acre industrial park with a 60-acre Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) and Federal Opportunity Zone designation.

Immokalee Technical College (ITECH) offers career and technical education programs, including upscale training for employers who need to fill skilled positions.

ITECH programs include accounting, cybersecurity and health care.

Immokalee Regional Airport

28 | Florida’s Heartland

IMMOKALEE

Arthrex

SUCCESS Stories

Arthrex, a global medical device company headquartered in Naples, has a state-of-the-art 490,000square-foot manufacturing facility at the Ave Maria Industrial Park. The park is located in a Collier County Innovation Zone. The 960-acre Innovation Zone was created to provide targeted incentives for the area.

Additional master-planned developments are anticipated in rural eastern Collier County, which will enhance economic development opportunities in Immokalee.

Located within 10 miles of the Immokalee Regional Airport, Ave Maria is a 4,000-acre, master-planned community centered on Ave Maria University. Named the fastest growing new home community in Collier County for the past six years, Ave Maria now has an estimated 10,000 residents. When complete, it will include up to 11,000 homes, and 1.7 million square feet of retail, office and business park uses.

Turbo Services Inc. located its testing facility in Immokalee in 2011. The company repairs and overhauls Pratt & Whitney FT4 turbine engines.

Target INDUSTRIES n n n n n n

Agriculture Health Care & Life Sciences Logistics & Distribution Manufacturing Tourism Aviation

Culinary Accelerator

CONTACT

The Florida Culinary Accelerator @ Immokalee is a hightech, state-of-the-art commercial shared kitchen and production space that provides assistance with nutrition, food safety, food testing and business plans. University of Florida Food Laboratory is located at the accelerator to provide onsite food testing to determine products’ nutritional values and more. The facility offers shared-use cooking and food processing space, and dry and cold storage for a broad array of products.

The Immokalee Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) works closely with the Collier Economic Development Office (EDO) to provide assistance for business recruitment and expansion. Call 239.285.8270 or 239.867.0028, or visit collieredo.com

Florida Culinary Accelerator @Immokalee

Florida’s Heartland |

FHERO FLORIDA HEARTLAND ECONOMIC REGION OF OPPORTUNITY

DESOTO • GLADES • HARDEE • HENDRY • HIGHLANDS • OKEECHOBEE BELLE GLADE • IMMOKALEE • PAHOKEE • SOUTH BAY

FLORIDA HEARTLAND ECONOMIC REGION OF OPPORTUNITY 304 NW 2nd Street, Room 123, Okeechobee, FL 34972 863.697.6325 | flaheartland.com