Statement from Governor Rick Scott Regarding the Appointment of Chris Thompson to Brand USA

Sep 27 • 8 Views • View Comments

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Statement from Governor Rick Scott Regarding the Appointment of Chris Thompson to Brand USA

Tallahassee, Fla. – Florida Governor Rick Scott today issued the following statement upon the announcement of Chris Thompson’s departure as president and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA and appointment as president and CEO of Brand USA:

“Tourism is directly linked to Florida’s employment situation: for every 85 tourists that visit Florida, another job is created. Every dollar the state invests in tourism advertising returns more than $11 to the state in tourism-related taxes within 60 to 90 days of the campaign’s end.

“Today, Brand USA announced that VISIT FLORIDA’s Chris Thompson will become their new president and CEO effective November 1, 2012. Last year under Thompson’s leadership at VISIT FLORIDA, Florida welcomed a record 87.3 million visitors, and we are on pace for another record-breaking year. In his three years as the head of VISIT FLORIDA, Chris has proven to be a strong organizational leader and coalition builder. His expertise in fiscal responsibility, his ability to work well with government stakeholders and his keen understanding of the transparency required in a public-private partnership have made VISIT FLORIDA a model for destination marketing organizations worldwide. His appointment to lead Brand USA is a direct reflection on the success of VISIT FLORIDA and will provide a tremendous opportunity to project those achievements onto a national stage.”

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