GOVERNOR CRIST CONTINUES FOCUS ON FLORIDA ECONOMY IN 'ACCELERATE FLORIDA' MEETING WITH TALLAHASSEE BUSINESS LEADERS
October 1, 2008
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TALLAHASSEE – Governor Charlie Crist today, as part of his ongoing series of meetings around the state with local business owners, met with Tallahassee business leaders to discuss his new economic stimulus plan, “Accelerate Florida: Extending Florida’s Economic Horizons.” The Governor also emphasized his continued focus on increasing international trade and building on Florida’s tourism success.
“Government has a responsibility to its citizens, but the state cannot do it alone,” Governor Crist said during the discussion at the Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce. “Private businesses of all sizes are crucial to the economic engine of Florida. Through Accelerate Florida, state agencies will put away their red tape so that businesses can get on the road to success and innovation.”
As part of the Accelerate Florida plan, the Governor is directing all state agencies to speed up some $30 billion 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 Tallahassee 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 Florida businesses and industries can realize their full potential.
Governor Crist listened to the group’s ideas on how government can continue to nurture a business friendly environment. He also visited a Chamber business, the Hilton Garden Inn on Appalachee Parkway, and met with management and staff and hotel guests.
“I really appreciated how much the Governor listened to us and to our needs,” said Carrie McNeill, owner of Cole Couture Boutique. “He is enthusiastic and supportive and dedicated to doing whatever he can to help us succeed.”
“Florida must continue to foster an environment where tourists feel welcome, and where business owners can 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 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.
“Florida’s record of welcoming new businesses and nurturing the businesses we already have is strong,” said Dr. Dale Brill, Executive Director of the Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development. “Moving forward, the Governor and this administration are committed to strengthening that record and expanding Florida’s innovation economy.”
Representatives from some of Tallahassee’s top business organizations shared suggestions with the Governor based on their business experience and expertise. On hand were members of the Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce, including Chamber President Sue Dick and Senior Vice President Angela Hardiman-Cole; and Beth Kirkland, Executive Director of the Tallahassee Economic Development Council.
Other business leaders attending Friday’s discussion were:
· Mike Wallenfelsz, Blue Ribbon Cleaners
· William Dickerson, Dickerson Landscaping
· Hal G. Transou, Tri-Eagle Sales
· Glenda Thornton, Foley & Lardner
· Carrie McNeill, Cole Couture
· Jenny Wells, Imagine That! Gift Baskets
· Kim Williams, Marpan Recycling
· Karen Lambert, Cabot Lodge
· Bobby Bostwick, Sperry & Associates
· Les Akers, Legacy Toyota
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.
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