Lake County's strategic development has attracted an impressive array of manufacturers and distribution centers. Available land and a pro-business attitude contribute to the county's success in attracting new and expanding businesses.

The county-owned Christopher C. Ford Commerce Park serves as a model for efficient permitting. Other key assets are Lake Technical Center and Lake-Sumter Community College, both of which prepare citizens for the challenges of the job market. The University of Central Florida, Troy State University and St. Leo University also provide higher education for an increasingly skilled workforce.

Large distributors, such as Domino's Pizza, Sprint North Supply, Circuit City, and Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, have found the county's central location a significant business benefit. Convenient access to Florida's Turnpike allows for easy and efficient distribution throughout the state and the Southeast.

An emerging industry in Lake County has been sports medicine and technology. South Lake Hospital's 150-acre all-in-one campus is home to the National Training Center, which is designed to meet the needs of all ages and at all fitness levels, from residents in the local community to national and international athletes. Together the Central Florida Sports Commission and National Training Center partner to develop triathlon training programs and events throughout central Florida.

Another emerging market for Lake includes agra-technology. Companies such as Agri-Starts III, Inc., Florida Food Products, Inc. and Seninger Irrigation, Inc. call the county home. Creation of the 80-acre Eustis Commerce Park has attracted high-wage, high-value tenants such as U.S. Nutra and Traymax, Inc.

As one of the top economic development groups in the world, the Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission (EDC) generates new business investment, technology industry growth, international trade, and film and television production for Lake County and the rest of the four-county Metro Orlando region. The EDC also works to ensure that companies remain and expand here.

Taxes

Test Scores (Average)

Housing (MSA)

2002

Each WEEK Metro Orlando Welcomes AN ESTIMATED:
$508 million in retail sales
1,275 new adult residents
549,407 air travelers
531 residential building permits
$689 million total buying income
103 new businesses
3314 new jobs
866,000 visitors

Source: Orlando Sentinel Market Book - 2005

Leesburg Regional Airport
Located 30 miles northwest of Orlando, the Leesburg Regional Airport features a 5,000 foot asphalt runway. The airport, accommodates general aviation and corporate pilots with 24 hours a day services which include FBO facilities, fuel, flight instruction, maintenance, refurbishing, navigational aids, industrial space, hangar space, and open tie-down space. The airport also features a recently added U.S. Customs and border protection inspection. For those interested in starting a business in this thriving area, land is available for aeronautical industries and commercial frontage is available for other development.