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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

IT Research Company, Gartner Inc., Invests $28 Million To Expand Fort Myers, Florida, Operations Center

05/06/2014
Gartner Inc., an information technology research and advisory company, will invest $28 million to expand its operation center in Fort Myers, Florida, with plans to add 400 jobs by the end of 2019.

A provider of research and analysis on the global information technology industry, Gartner opened an office in Fort Myers in 1998. Since then, it has grown to become the company’s second largest office location worldwide. In 2012, Gartner consolidated its Fort Myers operations into a newly constructed 120,000 square foot facility and projected growth of 400 new jobs. Gartner is on pace to meet that commitment, employing more than 600 at the end of the last quarter, Governor Rick Scott’s Office said.

“Gartner is honored to have the State of Florida as a strategic partner, sharing our vision for economic growth and expansion. We look forward to adding new talent to our growing workforce in the local area,” said Chris Lafond, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Gartner.

Governor Rick Scott said, “Gartner’s expansion creating 400 more jobs in Fort Myers is great news for Florida families. Gartner considered moving to other states, but chose Florida because of its perfect climate for business. Florida has created more than 563,000 private-sector jobs since December 2010 and we are thrilled that Gartner is creating even more opportunities for families in our state to succeed.”

“Florida’s IT sector continues to grow and impact the state’s economy thanks to companies like Gartner because of Florida’s resources, including a top-ranked workforce, expansive infrastructure and strategic partnerships, Gartner has the opportunity to thrive in our state. We continue to work toward making Florida’s IT industry the best in the country and look forward to seeing Gartner’s success.” said Gray Swoope, President/CEO of Enterprise Florida.

This project was made possible through the close partnerships between Enterprise Florida, the Lee County Economic Development Office, CareerSource Florida and the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity.

“Florida’s economy is continuing to grow due to the innovative and bold policies of this administration. Our technology industry is growing and creating high-wage, high-skill jobs for Floridians. We are excited that Gartner is expanding in Florida and employing more of our citizens,” said Jesse Panuccio, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity.

“Lee County working in partnership with Enterprise Florida fortifies our joint efforts to create to high-paying employment opportunities – something we all are striving for,” said Lee County Commission Chairman Larry Kiker.

As part of the project, CareerSource Florida offered Gartner, Inc. performance-based partial reimbursement grants for employee training through the Quick Response Training program. QRT grants are structured to be flexible and responsive to the training needs of new or expanding businesses.

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