Overview

Orlando enjoys the distinction of being the world's foremost vacation spot.

Agriculture, manufacturing, construction, finance and professional services are all vital elements of the region's economy.

The last decade has seen enormous growth and expansion in Metro Orlando. Led by rapid growth in business, medical and financial occupations, the service industry now accounts for nearly one in every three jobs. The retail/wholesale industry ranks second in total employment in the region.

Metro Orlando ranked among the top twelve markets for apartment development in the country

Local Industry

There are over 4,500 manufacturers and distributors providing jobs for Central Florida's work force. 70% to 80% of the regions new jobs come from existing business. The Economic Development Commission of Mid-Florida, Inc. (EDC) established a proactive industry retention program to help existing companies prosper and expand. This program serves local companies by identifying sources of employee training, research and government assistance, which aids them in the generation of new jobs and the investment of new capital.

High Technology

Manufacturing

There are almost 3,000 manufacturers in the region.

Metro Orlando's list of manufacturing facilities boost some of the biggest names in manufacturing in the country. Lockheed Martin ,active in defense and aerospace products; Siemens Stromberg-Carlson assembles electronic switching equipment for telephones;and Cirent Semiconductor formerly AT& T (micro electronics). Some others of note are FMC Corp. (aircraft loading equipment); Frito Lay (snack foods);Mercury Marine (electronic components); Wheeled Coach (ambulances); and Quaker Oats (Gatorade).

Warehouse/Distribution

Corporate/Regional Headquarters

A number of Fortune 500 companies have found Orlando the right place to set up corporate, regional and divisional headquarters. Among them are, AAA, The American Automobile Association has its' national headquarters in Heathrow, Seminole County. The international headquarters of Tupperware Home Parties is located in Osceola County. The Campus Crusade for Christ relocated its international headquarters to Orlando, Orange County. Others that have offices here are AT&T, Dardens Restaurant Group, Dixon Ticonderoga, Sun Trust, and Westinghouse Electric Corp.

Film and Television Production

The region has the largest base of vendors and support businesses outside of the East and West coast strongholds, New York and Los Angeles. There are 13 sound stages and almost 4,000 miles of locations that have been used for filming throughout the world.

Metro Orlando has a Film & Television Office which markets and promotes the development of feature film, television and commercial productions in the region. This office is a liaison for acquiring essential services necessary for a successful production. It goes into action the minute a production company arrives in Orlando.
Their services include:

• location photo library;
• tours that help you become familiar with the area;
• Orlando Filmbook, a guide of support services and crew information;

The Guide and current production news can be accessed via the Web at film-orlando.org .

Sports/Recreation

The Orlando Area Sports/Recreation Commission, unique public/private partnership works to attract large-scale amateur and professional sporting events to the area in conjunction with entities such as the Florida Citrus Sports/Recreation Association.

Tourism and Conventions

Orlando runs neck and neck with Las Vegas in total number of hotel rooms. Orlando has more than 85,000 rooms, and employs well over 120,000 people in the tourist/entertainment trade.

There are 3 major meeting facilities in Orlando.

• The largest, the Orange County Convention Center, has over one million square feet and still expanding.
• Orlando Centroplex which has a 71,000 square foot Expo Center, 2,500 seat Bob Car Performing Arts Center, and the 17,300 seat Arena (O-rena)
• The Tupperware Convention Center has 35,000 square feet of exhibit space and a 2,000 seat theater

Agribusiness

International Business Development

In 1995 the Metro Orlando International Affairs Commission (MOIAC) was formed. It is the regions umbrella organization for international activities. Participating groups include the Economic Development Commission of Mid-Florida(EDC), Greater Orlando Aviation authority, Greater Orlando Chamber of Commerce, Canaveral Port Authority, Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc., the governments of Orange, Seminole, Lake and Osceola counties, the city of Orlando and area private industry. MOIAC promotes and aids local companies in international business activities.

The Economic Development Commission of Mid-Florida, 407-422-7159, publishes an international resource directory and participates with the US Department of Commerce, and Enterprise Florida formerly the Florida Department of Commerce.