Community Renewal Good Stories - Miami

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EZ Fosters Business Development in South Florida

Miami-Dade, Florida, EZ

LEASA Industries Expands Facilities and Jobs
LEASA Industries Company is close to completing construction of a 30,000-square-foot facility expansion that was made possible by a $1.6 million equity investment by the Miami-Dade Empowerment Trust, which administers the Miami-Dade EZ. "The Empowerment Trust is making it possible for us to continue leading our industry while making a positive impact in the local community," commented L. George Yap, president and CEO of LEASA Industries.

As one of the largest growers of bean and alfalfa sprouts and the largest producer of tofu in Florida, the expansion was needed to accommodate LEASA's rapidly growing sales that totaled nearly $5 million in 2002. Located in the Poinciana Industrial Park, this expansion is expected to create 65 new jobs for residents of the Miami-Dade EZ.

Chili's Brings Flavor and Jobs to Bayside Marketplace
Thanks to a $500,000 investment from the Miami-Dade Empowerment Trust's Venture Capital Fund, Chili's Bar & Grill opened a restaurant in Bayside Marketplace. Not only will Chili's enhance this major tourist attraction, but it will also create at least 100 jobs in the central business district of the Miami- Dade EZ.

"This is a really great opportunity for Chili's to complement the attractions offered at Bayside for tourists and local residents. At the same time we are hiring residents from economically distressed areas such as Overtown and Wynwood," added a Chili's spokesperson.

For more information on programs in the Miami-Dade EZ, contact Director of Empowerment Zone Initiative Karen Moore at (786) 469-2219.