Since our February and March, 2010 job fairs, we have received a tremendous amount of media coverage related to employment opportunities. A combined 5,200 individuals turned out for our job fairs, serving as an overwhelming reminder of the enormous economic and employment challenges our area faces.

The most common misconception regarding construction employment opportunities at Encore is that the entire project is getting ready to come out of the ground or that vertical development is starting. We recognize the critical need to spread accurate information related to the development of Encore to help applicants gain perspective into how and when jobs will be created.

Prior to obtaining the first permit, 40 to 50 jobs were created for the predevelopment work.  With receipt of the first permit for Site Clearing and Grading, 25 construction jobs were created and have been filled. The next anticipated permit for Site Improvement will create an additional 80 to 90 jobs in variable capacities over the next year.

The vast majority of construction jobs will be created when buildings are permitted and start coming out of the ground. The Development Team’s goal is to begin the first building before the end of 2010 with a second building to follow at the beginning of 2011.

It is worth noting that the employment and economic impact of Encore extends outside of Tampa area. In addition to traditional, on-site construction jobs, Encore helps create U.S. jobs for manufacturers, suppliers, truck drivers, hospitality/food service workers, architects, engineers, and many other disciplines.