"Each year there are more and more opportunities for growth," says Tammie Nemecek, executive director of the Economic Development Council of Collier.  "With the addition of the engineering program at Florida Gulf Coast University, the construction of Ave Maria University in Immokalee, and the completion of several important roadway projects all coinciding in 2005, this year is clearly one of the best for local businesses."

"With the development of the Immokalee Trade Port and Airport, more foreign businesses view Southwest Florida as a distribution point."  She cites the example of Skytruck, which manufactures airplanes in Poland.  "They are often referred to as the Hummer of cargo planes."  The company is looking for a site at the trade port for finishing and distributing planes to clients in North and South America.

Corporate leaders are choosing the Naples area because they no longer want their entire operation in one location.

"The future of Naples is really promising.  Today the local economy is diversifying like never before," says Nemecek.  The number of baby boomers will continue to increase, and that will further build commerce here, experts say.  Naples offers a strong work force, excellent standard of living and a place not only accessible but also desirable for relocation.