Builders face labor shortage

NAPLES — A survey of business conditions in Collier County found a majority of construction firms are having trouble finding qualified staff.

In a recent business-climate survey by Hodges University, 67% of construction firms that responded say they're having trouble securing a viable workforce. That compares with 40% in banking and finance facing similar workforce challenges, 32% of those in the legal and accounting industry, 31% in health care and 25% in retail.

Construction has rebounded significantly in Collier County and other parts of the Gulf Coast. Many construction workers and supervisors left the region during the recession, creating a labor shortage in the recovery.

The survey found most Collier County businesses are optimistic about current economic conditions. Most expect the local economy to improve over the next year and about 59% of respondents plan to add staff in 2014.