The Real Estate Investment Society (REIS) is expanding the “2014 Real Estate Symposium,” to include updates on Fort Myers redevelopment opportunities and development in Cape Coral’s Veterans Investment Zone. The half-day workshop will be September 12th at Florida Gulf Coast University and is designed to help local governments, landowners, developers, lenders, attorneys, planners, brokers, and design and construction professionals understand the dynamics of Southwest Florida’s real estate market. The Symposium is presented by REIS in cooperation with the Lutgert College of Business at Florida Gulf Coast University, ULI Southwest Florida (Urban Land Institute), and American Planning Association, Florida Chapter.

The fast-paced program will feature insight from government, economic development, and business leaders. Panel discussions and Q&A sessions will address specific issues. Mike Preston, Vice President of Governmental Affairs with Enterprise Florida, will deliver the keynote address.

The area “Business Outlook” will be presented by Lee County Commissioner Brian Hamman. “Regional Economic Drivers” will include: the I-Hub project, with Rich Galvano, CCIM, of Galvano Development; Southwest Florida International Airport, with Mark Busalacchi, of Lee County Port Authority; Fort Myers redevelopment, with Fort Myers City Manager Billy Mitchell; and Veterans Investment Zone, with Dana Brunett, Cape Coral Economic Development Director.

“Local Government – Adapting to Changing Times” will be addressed by: Roger Desjarlais, Lee County Manager; Nick Casalanguida, Collier County Growth Management Division Administrator; Carl Schwing, Bonita Springs City Manager; and Don Stilwell, Fort Myers Beach Town Manager.

“Southwest Florida’s Real Estate Market” will be discussed by: Al Dougherty, of the Town of Babcock Ranch and Kitson-Babcock; Mitch Hutchcraft, of Consolidated Citrus; Bill Bullock, of Minto Communities; and Don Eslick, of Estero Council of Civic Leaders. Economic Development Directors Rick Michael, of Lee County, and Bruce Register, of Collier County, will speak about “The Headquarter Hunt – Attracting New Business.”

The Symposium will begin with registration at 7:30 a.m. and the program at 8:00 a.m. Friday, September 12th, at Florida Gulf Coast University. Admission is $25 for members of REIS, ULI and APA, $15 for active college students, and $45 for all other interested persons. Admission includes a campus parking pass and refreshments. Continuing Education Credits for professional engineers, certified planners, and attorneys are pending approval. Seating is limited and reservations are required by September 10th. Reservations may be made online at www.reis-swfl.org.

ROETZEL is the title sponsor of the workshop. Conestoga-Rovers & Associates is the gold sponsor. Silver sponsors are Waldrop Engineering, Chris-Tel Construction, Achieva Credit Union, and Maxwell, Hendry & Simmons. REIS is an independent professional organization, dedicated to assisting members in the effective utilization of real estate through networking, education, public service, and a common voice on pertinent issues. REIS information and program schedule are available at www.reis-swfl.org.