City forum to show what VIZ has to offer
It’s been over a year since much of the land surrounding the Veterans Outpatient Clinic was dubbed the “Veterans Investment Zone” by the city’s Economic Development Office, part of an effort to drum up both interest and development in the area.
On Wednesday, Nov. 9, from 4-7 p.m., the EDO will be hosting a forum to further highlight what the VIZ has to offer. And according to Business Development Coordinator Christy Vogt, there’s plenty.
“We want to make sure people know how much Cape Coral has to offer, that it’s a destination for large businesses and not just a housing community,” she said. “We want them to know there’s a large work force and sustainability here.”
It’s the second year for the forum, one that will be hosted on the VA Clinic grounds.
“We want to make sure everyone knows where the clinic is, that it’s a real place and get a lay of the land,” Vogt added. “Hopefully people will drive around and see what else is looking good.”
Presentations are scheduled to be made by VA Clinic Associate Chief of Staff Dr. Ajay Dhawan, Patriot Plaza Project Director Chuck Smith, North American Properties Director Shawn McIntire and Councilmember Bill Deile, a retired army colonel.
Patriot Plaza is a project currently in development that fronts Pine Island Road and will likely be the first of many mixed use facilities featuring medical, office and retail components.
“This could turn out to be a major medical corridor,” Vogt added.
The clinic is expected to add 100 jobs upon opening and then another 150 as it grows, according to Vogt.
Tours of the nearly completed VA Clinic should also be available to groups of 10 – 15 people at a time, according to Vogt.
Dana Brunett, the city’s new Economic Development director, will also be on hand to introduce himself and “hobnob,” Vogt said.
Everyone is encouraged to come out and see what the clinic and the Veterans Investment Zone will mean to the future of Cape Coral.
“This is for veterans, for residents, for anyone who wants to come out and see that this is going to be a major employer,” Vogt said.
The VA Outpatient Clinic is located at 2489 Diplomat Parkway, East.
For more information, contact the Cape Coral Economic Development Office at 574-0444.