In the midst of an ailing economy and high unemployment rate, there is some good news for residents of Broward County. Over the past year, at least a half of dozen businesses have not only saved jobs within the county, they have offered new jobs as well.
This has resulted in substantial monetary investments in a county that has been hit hard by a rising unemployment rate.
According to the Broward Alliance, more than 1000 new jobs have been created and nearly 500 jobs have been saved by the six companies. Collectively, these companies are responsible for investing nearly $140 million into Broward County within a year. Those companies are:
- Florida Heat Pump/Bosch
- Midnight Express Boats
- Solar Transportation Solutions
- Point Blank Solutions
- S&B Industry Foxconn Technology Group
- Research in Motion
Each of the six businesses mentioned above, along with 700 others, have received assistance from the Broward Alliance.
As Florida’s unemployment rate approaches 10%, an infusion of jobs in Broward County is welcomed by the residents. Earlier this year, Motorolla announced it would cut 4000 jobs nationwide. This news followed layoffs in Spring of 2008. Many of the same South Floridians that were once laid off by Motorola are being sought after by Research in Motion, one of the six companies mentioned above.
The Role of Broward Alliance
As nearby states work hard to attract new businesses, it is imperative that Florida work even harder to remain competitive and continue attracting small and large corporations. The Broward Alliance works to “attract new companies to Broward, support local businesses with workforce training and education, and provide information on sources of capital and economic stimulus funds,†said outgoing chairman, Ray Ferrero Jr.
Although it’s competing against states like Georgia and Tennessee that have significantly more capital to invest in their efforts, the Broward Alliance has made some headway attracting new businesses to Florida. The Alliance plans to streamline its activities for 2010 and will seek out more collaborations with the Broward County business community and the Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce.
