Regional Economic Research Institute

Robust Regional Research for a Strong Regional Economy

Tracking trends, interpreting impact, and forecasting the future.

The Regional Economic Research Institute (RERI) studies the regional and state economy and conducts on-demand economic research of issues pertaining to Southwest Florida. Economic Research includes areas such as economic development and forecasting, economic impact analysis, surveys, among others. If you are a decision-maker in need of relevant data and analysis, the RERI can help assist you.

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Learn more about RERI news, research, customized services, or resources.

News and Events

Research

Customized Services

Resources

Regional Economic Indicators

MARCH 2021

Airport Passenger Activity

Down 40 percent from January 2020 to January 2021.

Tourist Tax Revenues

Down 8 percent from December 2019 to December 2020.

Taxable Sales

Up 6 percent from October 2019 to October 2020.

Unemployment Rate

Up 2.6 points from December 2019 to December 2020.

Single-family Building Permits

Up 37 percent from January 2020 to January 2021.

Single-family Home Sales

Up 35 percent from January 2020 to January 2021.

Single-family Home Prices

Up 15 to 22 percent from January 2020 to January 2021.

Residential Active Listings

Down 51 percent from January 2020 to January 2021.

Regional Economic Indicators: March 2021 Report

Recent Publications

Top 100 Employers in Southwest Florida

August 02, 2021 / RERI Research Team / Tag: reports

The Regional Economic Research Institute updated the Top 100 Employers of Southwest Florida list for 2021. The list provides information on which companies support the most jobs in the five-county region, and is a valuable source of information for residents, businesses and policymakers. This year, the list also includes information on which industries and counties the company operates in.

Collier EBCS: First Quarter 2021 Report

February 11, 2021 / RERI Research Team / Tags: Collier County, Executive Business Climate Survey

The RERI has published the Collier County Executive Business Climate Survey Report for the first quarter of 2021. The goal of the survey is to capture the assessment of and expectations for the local economy, the workforce, and industry of business owners in Collier County. The RERI uses this information to create the Executive Business Climate Index for Collier County, which FGCU has been tracking since the first quarter of 2020.

Lee EBCS: First Quarter 2021 Report

February 11, 2021 / RERI Research Team / Tags: Executive Business Climate Survey, Lee County

The RERI has published the Lee County Executive Business Climate Survey Report for the first quarter of 2021. The goal of the survey is to capture the assessment of and expectations for the local economy, the workforce, and industry of business owners in Lee County. The RERI uses this information to create the Executive Business Climate Index for Lee County, which the Horizon Council and FGCU have been tracking since 2012.

RERI Newsletter

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About Us

Learn more about the Regional Economic Research Institute, including its vision and mission.

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Staff

Meet the staff of the Regional Economic Research Institute.

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Advisory Council

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About Us

The Regional Economic Research Institute was established in 2005 to serve as the economic development unit of the Lutgert College of Business Dean’s Office. The RERI studies, analyzes and reports on the regional economy encompassing Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties. The Institute finances its day-to-day operations, including paying its students, through contracting for research projects and studies, and donations.

In its many regular and occasional publications, and custom economic research, the RERI focuses on areas such as economic development and forecasting, economic impact analysis, secondary data analysis and surveys. The RERI often partner with different economic development organizations and chambers of commerce in our region, and works closely with the Lucas Institute for Real Estate Development and Finance, the Small Business Development Center, the Southwest Florida Leadership Institute, all of which are housed in the Lutgert College of Business at FGCU, as well as the Institute for Entrepreneurship.

Vision

Robust regional research for a strong Southwest Florida economy.

Mission

To create knowledge on social and economic topics for Southwest Florida business and community leaders while providing FGCU students with opportunities to gain valuable research and communication skills.

Name	TITLE	ORGANIZATION
Peg Elmore	Director of Business Services	CareerSource Southwest Florida
Lois Knox	Regional Director	Florida SBDC at Florida Gulf Coast University
Margaret Wuerstle	Executive Director	Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council

Support the RERI

The RERI finances its day-to-day operations, including paying our students through contracting for research projects, generous donations, and the sponsorship of our regular publications.

Learn more about how you can help support the RERI today!

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Questions/Comments?

Regional Economic Research Institute

10501 FGCU Boulevard South
Lutgert Hall 3316
Fort Myers, Florida 33965

(239) 590-7370

reri@fgcu.edu