Enterprise Holdings reports it plans to invest $3.4 million into improving, relocating and renovating its rental facilities at Ft. Myers International Airport. Enterprise Holdings operates the Enterprise Rent-A-Car, National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car brands.
The enhancements include a new customer-service building in a more centralized location, availability of high-end cars, electronic tablets to streamline the rental process, self-service kiosks and a National Car Rental Emerald Experience gateway.
Enterprise notes its investment in Ft. Myers is just one component of its estimated $750 million annual impact on Florida’s economy with a strong record of growth - to nearly 450 rental offices and more than 5,000 employees across the state.
“We believe the $3.4 million we’re investing in this improved facility will spur market growth and create more jobs in LeeCounty,” 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, Enterprise said. The project is scheduled for completion in November 2013.
“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 says, its 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 ofSouth Florida, Golden Retriever Rescue of Southwest Florida and the Urban League of Broward County
“I am pleased that Enterprise continues to invest in the Southwest Florida community,” said State 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.”
Enterprise Holdings’ hiring and purchasing numbers in Florida reflect the company’s commitment to implementing sustainable practices throughout its businesses and supply chain, they note. For example, Enterprise said that 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.
Enterprise Holdings also said its long-term, sustainable commitment to the state includes offering sustainable local transportation options, such as the expanded fleet of electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids that has helped the company in its role in the DriveElectric Orlando initiative. Additionally, the company’s hourly car- sharing service, Enterprise CarShare, currently operates eight programs throughout Florida’s largest cities.
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