FORT MYERS, Fla. - After a hard blow to the job market, the housing market tanking, and businesses closing up shop, locals say the economy has turned a corner.

We went to the Lee County Business Expo to get a pulse on the state of our market. It was very clear businesses are hiring, people are starting to invest, and even feeling confident enough to start their own businesses.

Three dozen businesses set up displays, shook hands and swapped cards at the annual expo.

"Things are starting to happen and people are taking more action," Chamber of Commerce President Armando Nargi said.

With Florida's unemployment at 10.8%, finally below 1 million,  it's the lowest in more than a year and half. And it's showing.

"There's a more positive attitude, there's more interaction of business, and so far this year, the show is not even half over, and we've already exceeded last year's attendance," Nargi said.

Those participating in the event said the decline business and home sales has slowed while confidence is on the rise.

"A lot of people starting their own businesses, and they are working a lot of hours doing it, but it's a good thing," New York Life Insurance Agent Jan Harr said.

"We do see a trend now where a lot more people are trying to get in homes and we're giving mortgages, the banks are giving mortgages," Mortgage Professional Frank Grisafi said.

Danielle Zonca said she's proof things are looking up.

"I was recently laid off, in the beginning of May, got out there sending out resumes, everything like that, and I am now employed in less than a full month," Zonca said. "It was pretty shocking."
    
Those are all good signs, but recovery will be slow and steady. Nargi says there is still work to be done.
  
"We need to recruit other businesses from other area of the country to find out this is viable economical resource and they can do business here," Nargi said.