The Gulf Coast is once again home to some of the nation's boomiest of boomtowns, at least according to Inc. magazine. Mark Vitner, Wachovia Corp.'s senior economist, told a group of executives in Fort Myers recently that Florida will grow by 600 to 700 people per day for the foreseeable future. The nation's largest technology trade association, AeA, says Florida - the land of sunshine and low unemployment - is the fourth largest and second fastest growing cyberstate by tech employment.Florida's high-tech industry added a net 10,900 jobs for a total of 276,400 tech positions in 2005, the latest year available. Financial Florida, an economic development arm devoted to recruiting and retaining non-depository financial services firms for the state, held a kick-off event in Tallahassee April 25. Earlier in April, OSI Restaurant Partners Co-founder and Chairman Chris Sullivan was one of 10 business people to receive the 2007 Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans award, which is given to those who overcome adversity and humble beginnings to achieve great success through the American free enterprise system.Steve Lux is true to his word: In an interview with the Review earlier this year, the recently hired chief executive of Lakewood Ranch-based cultured diamond manufacturer Gemesis Corp. said his game plan was to raise the credibility of the finished product, which is sold directly to jewelry designers.
