Lunch and Learn on Feb. 11.

   KISSIMMEE – If you were to compare the business of industrial recruitment to fishing, the first task would be to use the right equipment.
   Osceola County’s economic development toolbox includes a variety of incentives, partners and gear. If incentives are the bait, then the hook is Osceola County’s greatest resource – its land and people.
   On February 11, the Osceola County Economic Development Department is holding a “Lunch and Learn” to help property owners and real estate professionals attract companies that are looking to relocate or expand in Osceola, by preparing their property information using the proper format..
   “Even in tough economic times there are still deals to be made,” said Economic Development Administrator Maria G. Toumazos. “But to seal the deal we must present property in a simple, consistent and easy to view way.”
    Just like a job resume, a property submittal should be customized to highlight and match a property’s attributes to what the client is seeking. On many projects those requirements are set by the client through Enterprise Florida Inc. -- the public-private partnership that serves as the Florida’s statewide economic development agency.
    So, when Enterprise Florida forwards leads to the county, it expects property submissions to meet client requirements and to fit a particular format, Toumazos added.
    Even in the current economic downturn, Osceola County continues to receive a steady number of projects from the state. The package returned to Enterprise Florida is crucial in getting a property on the short-list so that it is considered by the prospect, she said.
    “We are reaching out to all our real estate professionals, but we also hope that anyone who has developable property will participate,” Toumazos said. “This is a way to get plugged into these property searches and market your property to companies that are looking to relocate or expand.”
     Later this year, Osceola plans on rolling out a free, web-based property search database that will make it easier to market commercial and industrial property. In addition, Toumazos is hoping to discuss any new, innovative ways that the county can work with private landowners to market their property.
     “We would like for you to come prepared to discuss what opportunities you may have that are unique to your property. Please start brainstorming so you can bring some great ideas with you.” Toumazos said. “This is the perfect time for us all to be creative, so that we can land the kinds of deals that will create new, high-wage jobs for Osceola County.”
     To RSVP call 407-742-4200 or e-mail jbra2@osceola.org.
• What: Lunch and Learn

• Who: Property owners and office and industrial real estate professionals
• Where: Osceola Heritage Park, County Extension Office, 1921 Kissimmee Valley Lane, Kissimmee 34744
• When: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Feb. 11
• Why: To increase the success rate on property submissions to the state
• How: Insight from Osceola County Economic Development Professionals
*Seating is limited please RSVP. Lunch provided.