GOVERNOR CRIST PROMOTES FLORIDA SMALL BUSINESS MONTH IN MIAMI

October 20, 2009

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GOVERNOR’S PRESS OFFICE
(850) 488-5394

MIAMI – Governor Charlie Crist today highlighted Florida Small Business Month by attending the Greater Miami and the Beaches Hotel Association annual meeting. During his visit, Governor Crist applauded the economic benefits of the tourism industry and the continuing contributions of Florida small businesses to the state.

“As the tourism capital of the world, small businesses play a vital role in making the Sunshine State a preferred destination,” said Governor Crist. “When Floridians and visitors to our beautiful state spend with local businesses, their dollars go to employee wages and to state and local taxes, which strengthen Florida’s overall economy.”

Governor Crist was joined by Stuart Blumberg, president of the Greater Miami Hotel Association and Senator Durrell Peaden during the annual meeting. Governor Crist emphasized his commitment to keeping Florida as business-friendly and tourism-friendly as possible. This year, the American City Business Journal ranked three Florida cities among the top 20 best areas for small business vitality, while the Tax Foundation has ranked Florida as having the nation’s fifth most “business friendly” tax code. Last year, the Small Business Survival Index ranked Florida the fourth friendliest state for entrepreneurship and also as one of the best states for personal income tax rates.

Throughout October, the Governor will highlight the impact Florida’s small businesses have on the economy and examine opportunities to help small businesses grow. Florida is home to more than 1.9 million small businesses, many of which are represented in the hospitality and construction industry. Statewide, the hospitality and construction industry contribute more than $84.3 billion to Florida’s gross state product, with nearly 128,000 businesses employing more than 1.47 million Floridians.