FORT MYERS REGIONAL PARTNERSHIP ANNOUNCES EXPANSION OF 21ST CENTURY ONCOLOGY

FORT MYERS, Fla. (January 20, 2011) The Fort Myers Regional Partnership, Lee County’s Economic Development Office, announced today that the county has approved financial incentives totaling $140,000 with the State of Florida approving $160,000 for a total of $300,000 for 21st Century Oncology’s expansion within Lee County.

In more than 20 years of service, 21st Century Oncology has grown to include more than 90 radiation therapy centers clustered into regional networks across the United States and affiliations with other medical specialties that are involved in the continuum of care for cancer patients. Headquarted in Fort Myers, 21st Century Oncology has more than 350 employees locally and approximately 2,000 employees nationwide.

“Our Lee County offices were the location of choice for our expansion to manage the influx of out-of-state billing, collections and support services with the planned relocation of a billing and collections facility located in another state,” noted Jeffrey A. Pakrosnis, treasurer of 21st Century Oncology. “Certain Nevada and Kentucky locations were also considered for relocation, however, the resources, business environment and incentives available in Lee County and the State of Florida made it the logical and beneficial choice for our strategic growth plans.”

This expansion creates an additional 40 jobs over the next two years at an average wage of $47,000 with an economic impact of $2.7 million.

The company also continues to expand the number of medical centers it operates as well as its affiliations with other medical specialties. Additionally, 21st Century Oncology is making investments in similar medical centers in international locations which is necessitating further expansion of its corporate headquarters headcount to adequately provide human resources, accounting, finance, tax, corporate administration, business development and management services to the new centers.

“In addition to the increase of job opportunities for our local workforce, 21st Century Oncology’s expansion sets the stage for global exposure for our region as a health sciences technology hub. Lee County has the infrastructure and business support system in place now for tomorrow’s success,” stated Jim Moore, executive director of the Fort Myers Regional Partnership, Lee County’s Economic Development Office. “Expansion is a fundamental component of our united mission to diversify and strengthen our local economy.”

About 21st Century Oncology
21st Century Oncology, LLC through its administrative services company, 21st Century Oncology Management Services, Inc. and other affiliates, is a leading developer and operator of radiation therapy centers. These centers, which are freestanding and hospital-based, provide a full spectrum of radiation therapy services to cancer patients. In its over 20 years of operation, 21st Century Oncology has developed an operating model which enables its centers to deliver high quality, cost effective patient care. In addition, the Company has affiliations with other medical specialties that are involved in the continuum of care for cancer patients. Currently, 21st Century Oncology operates more than 90 radiation therapy centers clustered into regional networks in Alabama, Arizona, California, Delaware, Florida, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Nevada, North Carolina, Rhode Island, South Carolina and West Virginia. For more information, visit http://www.21stCenturyOncology.com.

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 incentive programs including the Lee County Job Opportunity Program and the FIRST Initiative program which currently offers $25 Million in business location or expansion incentives.
For more information, visit http://www.25MillionReasons.com.

Media Contact: Jennifer Berg, Marketing and Communications Director
Fort Myers Regional Partnership, Lee County's Economic Development Office
12800 University Drive Suite 300
Fort Myers, Florida 33907
238-338-3161

This release was published on openPR.