Company's investment part of $750 million annual economic impact on Florida wconomy.
FT. MYERS, FLA. – Enterprise Holdings, operator of the Enterprise Rent-A-Car, National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car brands, announced plans to better serve customers by relocating and renovating its rental facilities at Ft. Myers International Airport.
“We believe the $3.4 million we’re investing in this improved facility will spur market growth and create more jobs in Lee County,” said Rob Wilson, vice president and general manager overseeing operations for Enterprise Holdings in Ft. Myers. “What’s more, customers of all three of our brands will experience added convenience and improved vehicle selection, in addition to the service quality they’ve come to expect.”
These improvements – part of a massive reallocation project facilitated by the Lee County Port Airport Authority – will give the Enterprise, National and Alamo brands premier placement in the center of the facility, along with nearly 40 percent of the total space. Enhancements include a new customer-service building, availability of high-end cars, electronic tablets to streamline the rental process, self-service kiosks and a National Car Rental Emerald Experience gateway. The project is scheduled for completion in November 2013.
“I am pleased that Enterprise continues to invest in the Southwest Florida community,” said Senator Lizbeth Benacquisto, whose Florida Senate district includes Ft. Myers. “We expect the improvements the company is making to its airport facility will continue to spur growth and create more jobs in the region.”
Statewide economic impact
Enterprise Holdings’ investment in Ft. Myers is just one component of its estimated $750 million annual impact on Florida’s economy. Since opening its first Florida location in Orlando more than 40 years ago, the company has grown to nearly 450 rental offices and more than 5,000 employees across the state.
“We are proud of our longtime partnerships throughout Florida,” noted Wilson. “Enterprise’s $750 million represents a recurring investment in facilities, local vendors and businesses, people and important community organizations, year after year, not just a projected one-time expenditure.”
Every year, Enterprise Holdings’ key contributions in Florida include:
- 1,500 new employees, including graduates recruited from more than 30 local universities
- $185 million in state and local taxes
- $130 million in annual vehicle purchases through local dealerships
- $1.5 million raised by employees for the United Way’s 34 Florida chapters, with 50 percent of donations matched by Enterprise Holdings Foundation
- Nearly $1 million granted to local Florida nonprofit groups such as Impact Florida, Junior Achievement of South Florida, Golden Retriever Rescue of Southwest Florida and the Urban League of Broward County.
Overall, Enterprise Holdings, through its regional subsidiaries, operates the largest fleet of vehicles in the world through a global network of more than 8,200 airport and neighborhood locations. In addition, Enterprise Holdings’ annual revenues place it near the top of the travel industry, exceeding all other rental car companies, and most airlines, cruise lines, hotels, tour operators and online travel agencies.
Sustainable practices
Enterprise Holdings’ hiring and purchasing numbers in Florida reflect the company’s overarching commitment to implementing sustainable practices throughout its businesses and supply chain. For example, during its most recent fiscal year Enterprise Holdings made $21.7 million in companywide purchases from diverse suppliers based in Florida, including $3.3 million in purchases from certified Minority and Women-Owned businesses. In addition, Enterprise operations throughout the state have reduced energy and water use by 20 percent and 34 percent respectively, with an objective of reducing the company’s overall energy use and related costs 20 percent by 2015.
This long-term, sustainable commitment to the Sunshine State also includes offering sustainable local transportation options, such as the expanded fleet of electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids that has helped the company play a key role in the Drive Electric Orlando initiative. Additionally, the company’s hourly car-sharing service, Enterprise CarShare, currently operates eight programs throughout Florida’s largest cities.
“The investments we make in our neighborhoods here in Florida not only help us grow and improve our business, but also make a positive difference in people’s lives,” said Wilson. “By creating jobs, providing sustainable transportation alternatives and stimulating growth through our business and philanthropic efforts, we’re not just serving our customers – we’re strengthening Florida’s communities.”
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
