Media Contact:
Jennifer Berg, Marketing and Communications Director
Fort Myers Regional Partnership, Lee County's Economic Development Office
(239) 338-3161
Fort Myers, Fla. (July 7, 2010) The Fort Myers Regional Partnership, Lee County’s Economic Development Office, announced today that the county has approved financial incentives for Interop Technologies to support its expansion plans, creating 15 new jobs in Lee County over the next year. As part of the expansion, Interop will receive $75,000 in incentives from the Lee County Job Opportunity program. The expansion will have an estimated $2.1 million economic impact to Lee County over the next year.
“Interop Technologies is the type of business we continue to see more of in Southwest Florida,” stated Jim Moore, executive director of the Fort Myers Regional Partnership, Lee County’s Economic Development Office. “They are technically-savvy, require an educated workforce and are looking for a robust business climate and an outstanding quality of life for their employees.”
"Interop Technologies is excited about the growth we are experiencing, which stems from the innovative and powerful solutions we provide to mobile operators and service providers. At the same time, we're happy to be able to contribute to the economic health of Lee County and provide jobs to qualified candidates who are interested in our industry," said Patricia Heath, CFO, Interop Technologies.
Interop Technologies is synonymous with the history of wireless communication. The company was founded in 2002 by John Dwyer, current president and CEO. Interop Technologies Chairman Jim Dwyer, an iconic figure in the wireless industry, was an integral part of the company’s formation.
John is a 20-year veteran of the wireless industry, having held several positions at Ameritech Cellular and serving as chief operating officer for Wireless One Network until its successful sale to AT&T in 2000. Jim was a founding member of the Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association and served on the board of directors from 1984 through 2000 and as chairman of the board in 1995 and 1996.
Under the leadership of John Dwyer, Interop Technologies provides core wireless solutions for messaging, device management and connectivity gateways. In addition to the knowledge John and Jim bring to the company, Interop Technologies benefits from a senior management team comprised of executives with decades of
experience as wireless operators and suppliers.
The company has grown from the original network operations center (NOC) and data center based in Fort Myers, Florida, to a new corporate headquarters, also in Fort Myers, and a second redundant NOC, data center and office located in Dallas, Texas. The company has increased in size from the original six team members to more than 100 employees. Innovative ideas and industry foresight continue to propel the company forward and encourage future growth.
About Interop Technologies
Interop Technologies (www.interoptechnologies.com) provides core wireless solutions for messaging, device management, and connectivity gateways. The company’s unmatched deployment flexibility enables operators of all sizes to compete immediately, and 4G-ready architecture makes migration to next-generation technology simple. With a lengthy history in the wireless service provider business, Interop is a trusted partner to operators worldwide. Interop provides the world’s fastest SMSC, a massively scalable MMSC, next-gen 4G messaging solutions, “one-click fix” SCOPE™ Device Management, a state-of-the-art Common Short Code Gateway, and a WAP Gateway with comprehensive toolset. Interop is headquartered in Fort Myers, FL, with offices in Dallas, TX, and São Paulo, Brazil.
About Fort Myers Regional Partnership
The Fort Myers Regional Partnership works to attract new and diversified businesses resulting in high-wage, high-skilled jobs; retains and encourages the expansion of existing businesses and improves the overall business environment. Lee County is a thriving business community with a highly regarded airport, significant corporate development and ample real estate opportunities. The area is attracting, retaining and growing high-value businesses with a unique blend of an outstanding business climate and superior quality of life. The county is home to five vibrant cities--Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Cape Coral, Fort Myers Beach, and Sanibel--and is the heart of Southwest Florida.
The Partnership continues to promote and build the region through ongoing efforts from its proactive team of domestic and international recruiters, research staff and community liaisons, as well as through its partnerships with the Horizon Foundation, the Horizon Council and the Lee County Industrial Development Authority. The county is also actively promoting its FIRST Initiative program which currently offers $25 Million in business location or expansion incentives. For more information, visit www.25MillionReasons.com
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