GOVERNOR CRIST LAUDS HISPANIC BUSINESS’ CONTRIBUTION TO FLORIDA ECONOMY
October 14, 2008
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TALLAHASSEE – Governor Charlie Crist today, as part of his ongoing series of meetings with local business owners, met with Hispanic business leaders from around Florida to discuss his new economic stimulus plan, “Accelerate Florida: Extending Florida’s Economic Horizons.” The Governor also emphasized his commitment to expanding international trade and building on Florida’s tourism success.
“Private businesses large and small are crucial to the economic engine of Florida, and throughout our state’s history Hispanic-owned businesses have contributed to both our culture and our economy,” Governor Crist said during the discussion at the Capitol. “Through Accelerate Florida, state agencies will eliminate red tape so that businesses can move quickly and efficiently toward success and entrepreneurial innovation.”
As part of the Accelerate Florida plan, the Governor is directing all state agencies to speed up billions 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, to remove unnecessary bureaucracy and allow Florida businesses and industries to realize their full potential.
Governor Crist listened to the group’s ideas on how government can continue to nurture a business-friendly environment.
“Florida must continue to foster an environment where business owners have the support and opportunities they need to succeed and provide jobs for Floridians,” Governor Crist said. “As we continue working to expand Florida’s economy for the future, we must listen to the people who are running the businesses that make the Sunshine State a beautiful place to live and visit.”
According to the most recent figures available, there were 266,688 Hispanic-owned businesses in Florida in 2002, an increase of 38 percent from 1997. There were 39,955 Hispanic-owned businesses with paid employees in the state in 2002, employing a total of 222,516 people. The total annual payroll for those firms with paid employees in 2002 was $5.9 million. And total sales for Hispanic-owned businesses in 2002 were nearly $41 million.
“The history of Florida’s economy has been written by people of diverse backgrounds and experiences,” said Dr. Dale Brill, Director of the Governor’s Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development. “The success of Hispanic businesses throughout this state represents the realization of dreams pursued by a relentless entrepreneurial spirit.”
Hispanic business leaders shared ideas with the Governor based on their business experience and expertise. On hand were Representative Marcelo Llorente and Ramon Ojeda, president of the Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando.
“These businesses exemplify that the American dream is alive and well in this great state,” said Representative Llorente. “Certainly the Legislature will be a willing partner to work with the Governor and his administration to get government obstacles out of the way so that businesses in Florida can prosper.”
Other business leaders attending Tuesday’s discussion were:
· Jose Morales, J2 Engineering in Tampa
· Kevin Govin, MarkMaster Inc. in Tampa
· Pedro Munilla, MCM in Miami
· Tony Caravia, Exterior Walls in Orlando
· Luis Melendez, Lou’s TV and Radio Repair in Tallahassee
About Accelerate Florida
Accelerate Florida is an economic stimulus plan that will speed up billions of dollars in construction and other capital projects, creating new jobs and improving the state’s schools, roads and waterways.
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.