Hispanic Influence

Kissimmee/Osceola County

New residents and new employers are pouring into the area. The county has 16 development of regional impact projects in the works, which proves it's no longer living in Orange County's shadow, says Maria Grulich, Osceola County director of economic development. "We're going to be a major component in the area," she says. "We're going to have a little more say-so in our destiny. We're really coming into our own." ... The area is developing a reputation for innovative technology because of several projects that have gained national recognition, including St. Cloud's citywide free wireless service and the Gaylord Palms Resort's in-room network for convention-goers. ... The county is working with schools and colleges to beef up the supply of qualified workers for the new businesses moving in, making sure the degrees offered at the University of Central Florida, for instance, match the qualifications needed in the workforce. ... Housing prices -- the median price in central Florida is now almost $250,000 -- remain a concern because some new residents can't afford to buy. ... Watch for Osceola County and its cities to get more aggressive in the regional transportation discussion with surrounding counties, not only to keep residents and commuters moving along on the roadways, but also to ensure new warehouses and other businesses can get their products in and out, Grulich says.

Lake County

New residential and commercial construction projects are springing up all over the county, but the fastest growth is in the south around Minneola, Groveland, Mascotte and the area known as Four Corners, where Lake intersects with Orange, Polk and Osceola counties. As housing prices climb, more people are buying farther away rather than moving within Lake County, says Greg Mihalic, Lake County director of economic development and tourism. Affordable housing is at a premium, and more workers are spending in excess of 50% of their income for housing. Add to that a long commute for about 28% of Lake's residents who still travel out of the county for employment, Mihalic says, and it underscores the need for more high-wage jobs in Lake. ... The county has been working on a new comprehensive plan for growth over the next 20 years. ... About 79% of the county's assessed value comes from residential properties, with the rest made up of commercial, industrial and agricultural. This year, balancing the county's assessed property values is a front-burner issue. An optimal balance would be 60/40, Mihalic says.

New Companies

? Casmin Inc., a truss manufacturer based in Leesburg, has received a $470,870 Quick Response Training grant from Workforce Florida, administered by Lake-Sumter Community College, to help assimilate workers into 465 new jobs. Casmin is now the fifth-largest employer in Lake County, with offices in Lady Lake, Mount Dora and Tavares as well as Ocala in Marion County.

? Restor Telecom has grown from 20 employees to 53 since 1999, when a group of key managers purchased the company and moved it to Leesburg from Orlando. The telecommunications repair company tests and refurbishes circuit boards for companies such as Verizon. Headed by CEO and President Lisa Somerville, the company expects to add 10 more jobs this year. "In most situations, we've been able to hire people from Lake County, generally people who've been commuting either to Ocala or Orlando," says Chief Technology Officer John Somerville. Another source of employees: The Villages, where retirees from other states seek part-time jobs. The company has used an Incumbent Worker Training Program from Workforce Florida Inc. to keep its staff's skills up to date.

Tags: Central