GOVERNOR CRIST URGES BUSINESS LEADERS TO HELP ACCELERATE FLORIDA’S ECONOMY
August 15, 2008
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GOVERNOR’S PRESS OFFICE
850-488-5394
WEST PALM BEACH – Governor Charlie Crist today, continuing his focus on strengthening Florida’s economy, met with Palm Beach County business leaders to discuss his new economic stimulus plan, “Accelerate Florida: Extending Florida’s Economic Horizons.” As part of the plan, the Governor is directing all state agencies to speed up billions of dollars in approved construction and capital outlay projects. He also is gathering the input of business leaders and experts across the state, through visits like the one in Palm Beach and through a series of think tanks aimed at shaping our economy for the future. The Governor wants to know what state agencies should be doing, or not doing, so that businesses and industries here can realize their full potential.
“Government has a responsibility to its citizens, but government cannot do it alone,” Governor Crist said during the discussion at the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches. “Private businesses large and small are vital to the economic engine of Florida. State agencies need to put away their red tape so that businesses can get on the road to success and innovation.” Governor Crist listened to the group’s ideas on how government can continue to nurture a business friendly environment.“Florida must continue to nurture a climate that allows entrepreneurs and business owners to succeed and provide jobs for Floridians,” Governor Crist said. “As we move Florida’s economy forward, we must be sure to continue to listen to the people who are on the ground, running banks and restaurants and all the businesses that make Florida such a wonderful place to live and visit.”
According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, in 2007 Florida had an estimated 1,942,200 small businesses and was ranked as the third most efficient state in fostering the birth of new businesses, propelling growth in gross state product, state personal income, and total state employment. The Tax Foundation in 2007 ranked Florida as having the nation’s fifth most “business friendly” tax codes. Additionally, the Small Business Survival Index ranked Florida as the fifth friendliest state in the nation for entrepreneurship.
Representatives from some of Palm Beach County’s top business organizations shared suggestions with the Governor based on their business experience and expertise. On hand were members of the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches, including Chamber Chairman Clint Glass, Senior Vice President of Balfour Beatty Construction.
Other business leaders attending Friday’s discussion were:
• Dennis Grady, Chamber CEO
• Sean Alveshire, Client Services Administrator, Stiles Corporation
• Don DeWoody, Principal, Compass Realty Advisors, Inc.
• Chuck Gerardi, General Manager, The Palm Beach Post
• Rick Gonzalez, President, REG Architects
• Pedro Guilarte, President, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
• Robin Henderson, VP and Relationship Manager, Wachovia Bank
• Mike Jones, President, Economic Council of Palm Beach County, Inc.
• Wendy Sartory Link, Managing Partner, Ackerman, Link & Sartory, P.A.
• Cathy McKenzie, Area Director External Affairs, AT&T Florida
• Mark Nosacka, Chief Executive Officer, Good Samaritan Medical Center
• Paul Nunley, President, Black Chamber of Commerce
• Carey O’Donnell, President & Owner, Carey O’Donnell PR Group
• Bob Kanjian, Palm Beach County Commissioner
About Accelerate Florida
Accelerate Florida is an economic stimulus plan that will speed up billions of dollars in construction and other capital projects, creating literally thousands of new jobs and improving the state’s schools, roads and waterways. Going back a decade and moving into this budget year, Florida has $28.6-billion in unspent taxpayer money for these projects.
Accelerate Florida includes the creation of seven Accelerate Florida Think Tanks. Over the coming weeks, business leaders and experts will explore how government can encourage entrepreneurialism and innovation to flourish in Florida. The think tanks will address areas including higher education; transportation; workforce; international trade and foreign investment; growth management and housing; small business, minority business and manufacturing; and rural economic development.