According to the State of the Workforce Central Florida 2006 survey of almost 500 employers in Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Sumter counties released in November:

• 52% of employers cite a lack of available skilled workers as their biggest challenge
• 84% cite improving K-12 education as one of the two most critical issues for the state; 79% cite a need for more support for existing businesses
• 40% have employees who need specialized training
• 60% plan to expand in the next year; 55% in next three years