Page 36 - March-2015-Life-in-Naples-Magazine

by John S. Cox, CCE, CEcD, IOM VICShaIsOing tNhe
President & CEO
WHO?
Arthrex is one of the top 100 fastest growing companies in
the United States for the past 10 years and its mission, “helping
surgeons treat their patients better,” reflects a global strategy to plan is taking care of your existing
change the world for the better.
Ranked the No.1 eye hospital in the nation for the past decade
by U.S. News & World Report, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute
has a global reputation of being the very best in ophthalmic
research, educational training, clinical trials, diagnostics and
equipment innovation.
With a deep, rich suite of machine-to-machine (M2M)
network services, KORE Telematics offers true global
connectivity, with high-quality integration solutions for
customers from all industries.
Azimuth Technology, LLC, believes it is their responsibility
to bring manufacturing back to America. That is why they
pride themselves in their commitment to our country and our
people. Headquartered in Naples, FL, Azimuth Technology,
LLC specializes in precision contract manufacturing for various
industries including defense, aerospace, oil/gas, and more.
WHAT?
The common themes here of course are VISIONary, state-
of-the-art, best-in-class, technology based and globally driven
companies either headquartered in Naples or with significant
corporate collateral in Collier County employing thousands of
resident workers and generating economic base which enriches
the entire community. These are leading businesses and there
are dozens more just like them operating here and starting up
here every day. While they lead our economy they also lead
our communities by providing dollars, value and volunteers for
our common future. They invest in us. And for that reason the
community must invest in them and indeed in all of our local
businesses.
WHY?
The Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce is known for the
companies it keeps. The truth is our existing industries are some
other county’s best prospects. I’ve been the guy who has landed
at someone’s regional airport, rented a car, driven to a community
and called on industries asking them to consider relocating.
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Since that is true, I can assure you
the same thing happens in Naples.
The single most important function
of a local economic development
businesses first.
SO WHAT?
Companies who leave take
economic base with them.Corporate
banking deposits leave town.
Employees either relocate or drive further from home to work.
The talent pipeline constricts and our brightest minds (including
our own kids and grandkids) follow jobs somewhere beside here.
Per capita income and average wages go down and there is less
disposable income to be reinvested through individual spending.
Instead of balancing tax burdens on businesses and residential
property, government taxes increase on families as the only
means of keeping up growth. The community is poorer for it.
HOW?
How do communities help existing businesses stay healthy
and grow? Low crime rates. Low tax rates. Flexible and business
friendly regulatory environment. High educational attainment.
A strong philanthropic presence. A desirable quality of life. An
awareness of what our weaknesses are and more importantly
a commitment to resolving those weaknesses together. Many
voices speaking as one regarding our ability to determine and
achieve collaborative goals creating a collective impact. Speaking
truth to power. Good government and good business working
together to create a positive climate for growth.
Leading Communities chase the vision allowing them to
attract and grow other leading businesses. That circle of life
spirals up over time creating a sustainable community. That’s
what we are after. Leaders chase the vision not the money.
Leaders chase the vision not the problem. Leaders chase the
future not the past. Leaders chase the opportunity not the
threat. Leaders chase the strength not the weakness. Have you
had a vision check-up lately?
Life in Naples | March 2015