The manufacturer of automated grocery checkout systems launched its business in Jacksonville in 1994, recently hired 50 additional workers, and now employs a total of 100.

The firm moved into a 35,000 square foot building in Jacksonville last November, and plans to locate its administrative offices in another facility nearby.

"It was primarily a lifestyle and quality of life decision," said Steve Urban, plant manager for Productivity Solutions, of the decision for the company to stay in the town where it started. "We've had no trouble finding the type of workers we need, and it's a great place to live."

Productivity Solutions isn't the only business that likes calling Florida home. In 1995, one of every 10 jobs created in the United States was generated in Florida.

Tax Structure Sets Pro-Business Tone
It takes more than sun and sand to keep CEO's of companies happy.

Florida's business climate, in particular the tax structure, is one of its biggest draws. The state has no corporate income tax, personal income tax, inventory tax, statewide property tax, or sales tax on groceries, medicine or fuel.

Those business advantages make for a diversified economy, and contribute to Florida's status as one of the the national leaders in the electronics and medical equipment industries.

Omnipoint Expands
Omnipoint, the largest publicly traded personal communications services company in the country, opened a customer service call center in Fort Lauderdale in August of 1998.

The center opened with 125 employees and now has over 200 workers. The company expects to add another 100 workers within the next year.

The Cedar Knolls, N.J.,-based company, which already had one call center in Bethlehem, Pa., found that Florida was an easy choice for the second facility.

"We already had our Southeast headquarters in Hallandale (Fla.)," said Steve Berman, spokesman for Omnipoint. "Since we were already in Florida it made the most sense to open our second facility here.

"We had some other options within the state and other states, but Fort Lauderdale just made the most sense in a lot of ways."

While Omnipoint's new site was renovated to handle a call center, the city housed the company in an old school.

"We were able to start the training of our employees," said Berman. "They went way beyond the call of duty in helping us out."

Property Plus
The development environment in Florida means an abundance of property is available, accelerating companies' moves.

HomeSide Lending, Inc., will move into a new office building in Jacksonville in August.

The 140,000 square foot, three-story structure is being constructed next to its existing headquarters. The second phase will be finished in October 1999.

The site is part of the St. Joe Company's commercial development holdings, which include sites throughout the state.

NCCI Expands in Boca Raton
NCCI, Inc., one of the largest providers of workers' compensation information in the country, is consolidating its three sites in Boca Raton, Fla.

"We knew we wanted to centralize the company, but we didn't want to move from the state," said James Wolfe, chief communications officer for NCCI. "We were very anxious to keep our work force in place, and our new site allows us to do that."

NCCI's new building was designed with workers' convenience in mind.

"One of the things our employees were anxious about was being able to stay in routines they had developed," said Wolfe. "This new site is close to our old ones, and people can continue to take their kids to the same day care, those types of things."

Quick Response Training
The Quick Response Training Program provides customized training for new or expanding businesses that meet certain requirements.

Companies must create permanent, full-time jobs, produce exportable goods or services, and employ Florida workers who require customized training.

One company using the program is ClosetMaid, a manufacturer of home storage products.

The firm is expanding its site in Ocala and is receiving a $27,000 grant to help train 41 new employees at Central Florida Community College.

Other companies that have received training through the Quick Response program include Xerox, Charles Schwab, USF&G and Martin Marietta Information Systems.

For Business or Pleasure
Florida has long been known for its year-round warm weather, beaches and tourist attractions. But with it's competitive tax structure, strategic position for international distribution, and strong labor pool growth, the Sunshine State may soon be better known for its business climate.