2008-05-28 17:45:16 - It's a tremendous boost for this region,' said Livingston. 'The Orlando-Kissimmee metro market has posted strong growth indicators for each of the past six years and Southern Business and Development has named us the ‘Major Market of the Year' every year since 2001,' he said.

Livingston said economic diversity is Orlando-Kissimmee area's strong suit.

'Orlando's market is the most diverse in the south, with thriving enterprises in such segments as aviation, manufacturing, digital media, film and television, conventions, entertainment, tourism, distribution, simulation, photonics and optics, software, and now life sciences,' he said.

East Orlando's Technology Way life sciences cluster---including the Burnham Institute for Medical Research

and the UCF College of Medicine---is raising the bar for Florida growth and development, Livingston said.

'Three hospitals and several research labs are in the construction phase now, and that's getting a lot of attention behind the scenes in board rooms across the country,' Livingston said.

'Population growth and job creation remain strong despite a national economic slowdown, and a 60+ mile light rail system on the drawing boards from Volusia County to Osceola County could be running within three years. Those are prime ingredients for sustained, widely beneficial regional growth,' Livingston said.

'Housing affordability is now also a plan for Central Florida,' Livingston added. 'This is a positive fallout from the burst of the housing bubble.'

About NAI Realvest
NAI Realvest, with offices in Orlando, Daytona Beach, Clermont and Lake Wales, is a fully integrated commercial real estate operating company specializing in brokerage, development, investment, leasing and management, consulting and research services in the U.S. and worldwide. NAI Global is an international commercial real estate network with over 375 offices spanning the globe. Since 1978, clients have built businesses on the power of NAI Global's expanding network. Extensive services include multi-site acquisitions and dispositions, sublease, tenant representation, lease administration and audit, investment services, due diligence and related consulting and advisory services. To learn more, visit www.nairealvest.com.

For more information, please contact:
George Livingston, Chairman NAI Realvest 407-875-9989 glivingston@realvest.com
Janice Paiano, Marketing Director NAI Realvest 407-875-9989 jpaiano@realvest.com
Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142