Join us in welcoming Diversified CPC International to the community. Diversified CPC is a global leader in the production of specialty gases, aerosol propellants, alternative fuels, NGL refrigerants, and foam blowing agents. The company recently signed a 25-year lease that includes almost four acres of land and an existing 6,000 square foot office building and warehouse at Sebring Multimodal Logistics Center. The Sebring facility will be an advanced distribution terminal that serves the Caribbean. Read more here.

COUNTY APPROVES $45M BOND ISSUE

County commissioners have approved a $45 million bond issue for the rehabilitation of Harder Hall. The Tax Equity Fiscal Responsibility Act (TEFRA) resolution county commissioners approved Tuesday, June 5 authorized the Highlands County Industrial Development Authority (IDA) to issue industrial revenue bonds on behalf of South Florida Senior Living (SFSL) LP, which will convert the 1920s-era hotel into a combination of independent-, assisted- and memory-care living units. The IDA will consider the issue at its board meeting on July 11. Read more here.

FOUR OPPORTUNITY ZONES SELECTED IN HIGHLANDS COUNTY

Florida’s recommended opportunity zones have been officially designated and four zones have been selected in Highlands County. These zones include Census Tract 9603 (Avon Park), Tract 9601.03 (Spanning Avon Park and Sebring), Tract 9612 (Sebring), and Tract 9617 (Lake Placid). According to a press release from Florida Governor Rick Scott, "Low Tax Opportunity Zones enhance local communities’ ability to attract businesses, developers and financial institutions to invest in targeted areas by allowing investors to defer capital gains taxes through investments in federally established Opportunity Funds." Additional details are available here. 

Search for available sites within Highlands County's Opportunity Zones via our online Sites & Buildings database.

HIGHLANDS COUNTY ONE OF LEAST EXPENSIVE PLACES TO LIVE IN U.S.

A recent article by Business Insider examined newly released data on personal income and the cost of living from the Bureau of Economic Analysis. The article identified the top 10 most and least expensive metro areas in America. The Sebring MSA, which covers the entire county, made the top 10 of least expensive places to live in the U.S.

Not only is Highlands County the least expensive place to live, but a study conducted by Site Selection Group found that operating costs in Highlands County are 10 to 15 percent lower than nearby metro areas. Pair these cost savings with our charming downtowns, 113 lakes, 16 golf courses, and close proximity to most of Florida's largest metros, it makes for a great life in Highlands County. Read the full article here. 

HIGHLANDS COUNTY FEATURED IN NATIONAL PUBLICATION

Highlands County's attractive business climate and ideal location recently captured the attention of Business In Focus Magazine, a national publication with a monthly circulation of nearly a half million business leaders. The six-page feature highlights the many advantages that are available to businesses in Highlands County. Read the full story starting on page 72.

NOEL RECOGNIZED FOR HELPING LOCAL BUSINESSES ACCESS MILLIONS IN DISASTER LOANS

Congratulations to our local Florida SBDC at USF Business Consultant Michael Noel for receiving a Valor Award for his outreach during Hurricane Irma.

Michael played an integral role in helping local businesses damaged by the storm access interest-free loans through the Florida Emergency Bridge Loan program. In total, the SBDC helped 29 Highlands County businesses secure more than $2.7 million in disaster loans. Find out more about the Florida Disaster Bridge Loan and other business disaster resources at vh7p.safarinautique.com/disaster.