Seminole County

Robust Activity: Even in a tight economy, Seminole County is thriving with robust activity, including $79.2 million in capital investment, 757,000 square feet of space newly occupied and the lowest unemployment rate in central Florida. With a wealth of Class A office space, and more being created, the county prides itself on a workforce of high-wage professionals in the financial technology —“fi-tech” — industry.

Job Growth Expected: In a $15-million project, the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) is moving its global headquarters to a new building in Lake Mary that is expected to open in mid-2009. IIA currently employs 160 and plans to add another 140 jobs over the next 10 years.

Sumter County

Strategically Located: One of the few places in Florida that still has abundant large tracts of land available, Sumter County sits at a strategic point between Tampa Bay, Gainesville and Orlando.

Trucking arteries Interstates 75 and 95, Florida’s Turnpike and U.S. Highway 27 all run through the rural county, along with U.S. Highway 301 and State Road 44, providing easy access and an opportunity to capitalize on the growth of the surrounding metropolitan areas. And with the high price of fuel these days, a location like this one is sure to draw the attention of economy-minded businesses serving central and south Florida. Economic development officials call Sumter “as good as you can get for distribution.”

Tags: Space Coast, Business Florida