Collier County moves in new direction after economic development director resigns

NAPLES, Fla.- Hired by county leaders to bring industry and new jobs to the area, Collier County’s Economic Development Director Bruce Register announced his resignation.

In a letter to the county manager, Register said he was resigning because of discussion about his pay. County staff will be stepping in until a replacement is found.

With Register’s position now open, county leaders say it’s time to take Collier County in a new direction.

“The role of Collier County government is to create an environment that is essentially an economic development petri dish,” said Collier County Commissioner Georgia Hiller, who is also the economic development chairwoman.

Hiller says it’s imperative Collier County continues to be an area companies want to move to.

“We have a great deal to offer, doors are open and we are ready to help any business that wants to come here and wants to be successful,” said Hiller.

Commissioner Penny Taylor says Register’s resignation allows the county to focus on diversifying and retaining companies like Arthrex that are already in Collier County.

“We don’t need another Arthrex,” said Commissioner Taylor. “We need different employees.”

WINK News was unsuccessful in reaching Register for comment.