Orlando ranks 36th in the nation for high-tech employment, according to the trade group AeA. The city is the nation's fourth fastest-growing em-ployment market, and Orlando has added 42,900 new jobs this year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. To fuel the rapid growth and fill high-paying technical jobs, county officials see education as a top priority. Orange County Chairman Richard T. Crotty reports the county is ranked as the fifth best place in the nation to raise children. Crotty hopes to make it the top-rated spot. "To do that means making education the top priority," says Crotty.
      While Orlando is home to many world-class tourist attractions, county and city officials hope to attract many high-tech firms and help local businesses grow. "We must diversify our economy," adds Crotty. The city of Orlando has also committed to attracting high-tech entrepreneurs. In 1999, the city along with Orange County and the Economic Development Corporation of Mid-Florida put together an advisory committee to expand and strengthen the tech business base in the area. The Metro Orlando Technology Strategy was formed. The strategy will provide business with economic analysis, site assessment and marketing for the Orlando region.
      The effort may be paying off. Mitsubishi Power announced in April the construction of a $40 million machining facility for power plants. County officials expect the site to add a $14 million annual payroll to the area and employ 300. The company will also move its Western Hemisphere corporate headquarters to Seminole County. These record deals with Mitsubishi Power have earned the Mid-Florida Economic Development Commission the 2001 Deal of the Year by the Florida Economic Development Council.
      Orange County officials have offered a tax incentive package to RF Microdevices. The firm will take over the Cirent Semiconductor facility. Nepheron Pharmaceuticals an-nounced last December they are expanding their plant in Orange County. The company expects to employ nearly an additional 100 employees.
      Rental and vacancy rates in the Orlando area remain stable. According to Reis, the first quarter 2001 vacancy rates for the Orlando area are at 9.4 percent and are expected to increase to 11 percent by year-end. Asking office rental rates in the area are at $19.43 per sq. ft.