While Lake County might not be the next Silicon Valley, the technology industry is quietly playing a vital role in the growth of the county’s economy. From manufacturing to healthcare, software to agriculture, the sector has far reaching impacts both countywide and regionally.
“It is true that Lake County does not yet have a bellwether technology giant like Google driving the industry locally, however technology thought-leaders and companies are in fact becoming more prominent in our community,” said Robert Chandler, Lake County’s Economic Growth Director. “We are seeing a significant increase in the utilization of advanced technologies within our existing businesses and we’re building the infrastructure to attract future high-paying jobs in the high-tech sector.”
That’s why Lake County is launching the “Summer Tech” campaign during the month of July. The multi-layered marketing approach seeks to bring awareness to the importance of technology in Lake County, and will be promoted in print publications and interactively through social media on Lake County’s Economic Development’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/LakeCountyEcoDev. The initiative highlights innovations by tech-driven companies such as Steamroller Studios, Data Graphics and GW Schultz Tools, educational institutions focusing on manufacturing workforce training and grassroots organizations teaching kids to code.
Technology has been an integral component of Central Florida’s economic development for more than half a century, but only recently has Lake County begun to benefit from the industry’s notable regional growth. High-tech industries such as custom computer programming services, software publishing and computer facilities management are expected to increase in Lake County within the next five years, as are STEM- (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) related careers in math, physical and life science operations, according to data provided by the Orlando Economic Partnership.
Lake County’s technology growth is driven by the local economy as well as the massive tech boom enjoyed by the city of Orlando.
“As one of the fastest growing tech communities in the country, Orlando’s tech revival will, without question, positively benefit and contribute to the growth of Lake County’s tech industry,” said Chandler.
The county plans to introduce a number of initiatives that will solidify Lake County’s positioning as a destination for technology-driven companies.
“Lake County Economic Growth is committed to ensuring that the county has the infrastructure and workforce necessary to sustain a thriving technology industry by working with our municipalities, workforce partners like Lake Technical College, Lake-Sumter State College and the Lake County School Board, as well as other stakeholders,” said Robert Chandler.
