Health care, climate, low taxes & housing are big drivers of where Baby Boomers will live after retirement

~New survey finds one in three Boomers may move to another state~

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Where will Baby Boomers go to retire? A revealing new survey of this massive generation of imminent retirees is looking for a place where taxes and housing costs are low, the climate is good and quality health care is readily available.

Other considerations that are important to Boomers are the availability of diverse recreational activities and supportive senior services, arts and cultural opportunities, proximity to the beach and the availability of life-long learning educational experiences.

That’s the picture painted by the first major survey in 10 years of retirement relocation preferences of the 78 million-strong Baby Boom generation, released today by the Consumer Federation of the Southeast. And it comes just as the first Boomers, born in 1946, reach the age of eligibility for full Social Security retirement benefits.

According to the survey, conducted for the Consumer Federation of the Southeast by Mason-Dixon Polling & Research, a full third of Baby Boomers are open to moving across state lines to find the assets they are looking for, including a mid-size town that welcomes a diverse population. … Continue Reading

Statement From Governor Scott Regarding Recommendations from the Assisted Living Workgroup

Tallahassee, Fla. – “The Assisted Living Workgroup has developed important, practical recommendations that will protect residents in Florida’s assisted living facilities (ALFs). Their work has been incredibly valuable in identifying ways that we can better protect the safety and well-being of individuals living in ALFs.

“We have a duty to protect the people who rely on the services provided by ALFs, and I thank the workgroup for undertaking this important task to put the safety of residents first.  Because of the workgroup’s recommendations, the Agency for Health Care Administration has been able to move forward and implement changes to increase standards among facilities to allow for more effective oversight and increased accountability.  While tremendous progress has been made already, we will ask the workgroup to continue to examine issues related to ALFs over the next year.”

Veteran Communicators Join Ron Sachs Communications

TALLAHASSEE – Ron Sachs Communications is pleased to announce the addition of two veteran communications professionals to the firm, deepening the industry’s most seasoned and experienced management team. Together they have almost four decades of experience at the highest levels of state government and public relations.

Longtime state government communications director Jon Peck and communications and legislative strategist Dia Kuykendall join Ron Sachs Communications as senior account managers, working with the firm’s diverse roster of clients. … Continue Reading

Nestlé Waters North America Madison Employees Present Lee Elementary School with Check for New Playground Equipment

Lee, Fla. — Leaders from the Madison County School District, teachers, staff and students from Lee Elementary School joined employees from the Nestlé Waters’ Madison Plant to present its principal, Robin Hill, with a donation of $17,000 to support school improvements including an upgrade to the school’s playground.

“Nestlé Waters is proud to support our local schools, which help the children of many of our plant employees to learn and succeed in the classroom,” said Rob Fisher, plant manager of the Nestlé Waters, N.A. Madison Bottling Plant. “We thank the teachers and staff of Lee Elementary School for providing our children with a foundation for success.” … Continue Reading

Florida Nonprofit And Business Groups Laud Sen. Hays For Filing Important Citizens Legislation

Tallahassee, Fla. – Leaders from nonprofits and business groups statewide today expressed their approval of Senate Bill 1784 (Sen. Alan Hays, R – Umatilla).

Jose Gonzalez, Vice President of Government Affairs, Associated Industries of Florida
“We applaud Sen. Hays for unfalteringly working to reform the overextended state-run Citizens Property Insurance Corp.  He truly understands how important it is that we make changes to Citizens in order to better protect the business community, as well as all Floridians, from the ‘hurricane taxes’ that will be added to our business, homeowners and automobile policies in the wake of the next major storm or series of storms.  With five months until the start of the 2012 hurricane season, the Florida Legislature would be wise to support SB 1784.” … Continue Reading

Local Lodge of the Odd Fellows Installs 2012 Elected Officers

TALLAHASSEE – Leon Lodge No. 5 of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows today installed their elected officers for 2012. Installed were
Reggie Harmon as Noble Grand, Michael Rodes as Vice Grand, Harold
Grant as Treasurer, Hans Meyer as Financial Secretary, and Peggy Jo
Moffitt as Recording Secretary. … Continue Reading

AIF Announces Tom Feeney as New President/CEO

TALLAHASSEE – Associated Industries of Florida (AIF) today announced Tom Feeney as its new president and CEO. In addition to managing the day-to-day operations of the organization, he will work closely with elected officials and policymakers to further cultivate a pro-business climate in Florida. He will assume his duties on January 1, 2012. … Continue Reading

Florida Voices Premieres Today as Daily Source for Public-Affairs Opinion, Thought Leadership

New-media website features prominent Florida columnists, daily round-up of state commentary, facilitated roundtable of diverse opinion leaders and a syndication service to state newspapers

TAMPA – (Dec. 12, 2011) A dynamic new-media website that will elevate the statewide conversation on politics and public life debuts today — and the entrepreneurial initiative of two veteran journalists promises to make Florida Voices a go-to opinion page. The new media project also boasts a hall-of-fame lineup of top journalists who will write columns about all matters facing Florida.

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Associated Industries of Florida Announces 2012 Legislative Priorities

~Organization’s legislative priorities aim to protect Florida’s business community~

TALLAHASSEE – With the start of the legislative session less than a month away, Associated Industries of Florida (AIF) today released their 2012 Legislative Priorities publication, which outlines the issues for which the statewide business organizations plans to advocate. As “The Voice of Florida Business Since 1920,” AIF determines its legislative agenda based on the issues of the greatest interest or concern to its members. This session, AIF’s priorities include everything from workers’ compensation to job creation to insurance reform to tax fairness. … Continue Reading

Prominent Business Leader Opens New Public Affairs Consulting Firm

New Strategic Public Affairs Firm to be based in Florida’s Capital City

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. ­– Outgoing Associated Industries of Florida CEO Barney Bishop announced today that he is opening a government relations firm based in Tallahassee, Barney Bishop Consulting, LLC.  The firm will provide government relations counsel and representation on local, state and national issues, with a particular focus on business issues, including space, transportation, energy and oil exploration, and economic development.

Bishop, a Florida native who has led AIF since January 2005, moved to Tallahassee in 1983, and has an unparalleled network of relationships and a deep understanding and appreciation of the state’s diversity.  In addition to political consulting, he expects to be an active force in political campaigns. … Continue Reading

Tiny Apalachicola Throws Big Stone In David-Vs.-Goliath Battle Against Progress Energy

APALACHICOLA, Fla. – Residents and business owners of this small Gulf Coast town filed suit in state court today against utility giant Progress Energy seeking an emergency injunction against the construction of massive power poles in the historic downtown district.

Members of the Apalachicola Area Historical Society as well as several businesspeople and city residents sued Progress Energy after the corporation refused to discuss alternatives such as burying the utility lines or finding another route. On Nov. 16, the Apalachicola City Commission asked Progress Energy for a 90-day halt in construction so other solutions could be found, but the company has refused to stop work. … Continue Reading

Statement from Governor Rick Scott Regarding American Airlines Bankruptcy Filing

“Today I spoke with American Airlines Vice President Kevin Cox regarding the company’s decision to file for Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. I know this was a difficult decision for the company, and it is certainly difficult news for the Floridians who are employed by the carrier. Kevin has assured me that American Airlines is continuing to provide regularly scheduled flights and services throughout the reorganization process and will maintain its presence at the 12 airports in Florida, which offer flights to 116 destinations worldwide. I am relieved that the company will continue operations throughout this process, and I am optimistic that this reorganization will better position American Airlines to be a profitable company and enable them to add jobs in Florida.”

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Ronald A. Brisé Elected Chairman of the Florida Public Service Commission

TALLAHASSEE — Commissioner Ronald A. Brisé was unanimously elected Chairman of Florida’s Public Service Commission (PSC) today to serve a two-year term beginning January 2, 2012.

“I look forward to serving as Chair and working with my colleagues on behalf of Florida’s citizens,” said Commissioner Brisé.  “I want to work toward ensuring the protection of the public interest, as that should be our goal all of the time.” … Continue Reading

Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater’s Department of Financial Services Named Florida’s Agency of the Year

TALLAHASSEE—Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater’s Department of Financial Services (DFS) will be recognized by the Department of Management Services’ (DMS) Office of Supplier Diversity (OSD) as the State of Florida’s Agency of the Year for supporting Florida’s minority business community during the past fiscal year. … Continue Reading

Crystal Springs Preserve Officially Dedicates An Education Pavilion and Boardwalk–Style Eco-Trails

CRYSTAL SPRINGS, Fla. – Crystal Springs Preserve held a dedication ceremony today for its two newest additions to the 525-acre sanctuary, The Wilderness Pavilion and Alligator Eco-Trails. Nestlé Waters North America has been a strong supporter of the Preserve for the past seven years and the construction was made possible by the generous donations from Publix Super Markets Charities and The Community Foundation of Greater Lakeland. The Preserve, its facilities and staff are entirely devoted to environmental education and the preservation of Florida’s natural environment. … Continue Reading

Tiny Florida Town Declares Its Own Death In Battle With Utility Giant Progress Energy’s Massive Poles

APALACHICOLA TO PROGRESS ENERGY: BURY THE LINES, NOT OUR TOWN, AS MOCK FUNERAL IS SET FOR SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19

APALACHICOLA, Fla. – A David-vs.-Goliath battle is unfolding in a small artsy fishing village in Florida’s Panhandle, where residents and business owners say if they lose, it will mean the death of quaint and historic Apalachicola’s downtown district.

To call attention to its struggle against Progress Energy and the power company’s plan to install 100-foot power poles through the downtown area, Apalachicola will stage a mock funeral for itself on Saturday, November 19th – in what is considered an eerie look into the town’s immediate future. Located 75 miles southwest of Tallahassee on Florida’s Gulf Coast, the popular tourist town, known for oysters, fishing and the arts, is fighting an 11th-hour battle against Progress Energy, whose power pole installation plan through the tree-lined city is now approaching the heart of downtown. … Continue Reading

Lance Lozano, Chief Operating Officer, Florida United Businesses Association Regarding Support for Destination Resort Development

“The Florida United Businesses Association (FUBA) and its thousands of members support bringing job creating destination resorts to Florida.  The Destination Resort Act will generate more than 45,000 construction jobs and potentially 100,000 full time jobs.  Various industries including construction, hospitality, restaurants, retail, convention and gaming will all benefit and hire new workers.

The impact of destination resorts would be enormous in helping lift the state’s unemployment burden, and will play a critical role in helping our state recover from these tough economic times.  Florida is at a crossroads with too many Floridians remaining jobless.  We believe this legislation will be a major step forward in putting hard working Floridians back to work.  FUBA endorses the Destination Resort Act.”

Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Honors America’s Veterans Through “Operation Outdoor Freedom”

Commissioner Putnam Launches Program Inviting Wounded Veterans and
Active Service Members of the U.S. Military to Enjoy Florida State Forests

Tallahassee, FL – Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam and Jim Karels, Director of the Florida Forest Service, launched Operation Outdoor Freedom, a program of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Florida Forest Service to invite wounded service members and veterans to enjoy recreational activities at Florida State Forests. The program formalizes a Department tradition of hosting wounded service members and veterans at Florida State Forests through a partnership with the Wounded Warrior Project.

“As we recognize the selfless service of American veterans this Veterans’ Day, we are reminded of the men and women who put their lives on the line for a cause greater than themselves,” said Commissioner Putnam. “Operation Outdoor Freedom is a salute to their service.”

… Continue Reading

Governor Scott Appoints Lisa Herndon to Fifth Judicial Circuit Court

Tallahassee, Fla. – Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Lisa D. Herndon of Ocala to the Fifth Judicial Circuit Court.

Herndon, 46, has been an assistant state attorney with the State Attorney’s Office for the Fifth Judicial Circuit since 1997 and with the Tenth Judicial Circuit from 1990 to 1997. In addition, she briefly practiced with Daniel Hightower P.A. in 2003 and with Teresa Nightingale P.A. in 1996. Herndon received a bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida and a law degree from the Mercer University Walter F. George School of Law.

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Nestlé Waters Employees Volunteer at Crystal Springs Preserve

-Employees and Their Families Conduct a Habitat Restoration in the Hillsborough River -

Zephyrhills, Fla. — On Friday, October 21, the Student Conservation Association (SCA), a national leader in youth service and stewardship, joined Nestlé Waters North America employees in Zephyrhills, FL for a joint “Employee Volunteer Day” service project at the Crystal Springs Preserve. The sunny, chilly morning was the perfect setting for some 30 volunteers – employees, retirees, friends, and family from ages nine to retired – to spend a few hours helping to improve the aquatic habitat at the Crystal Springs Preserve, a 525-acre sanctuary devoted to environmental education and dedicated to the preservation of Florida’s natural environment. … Continue Reading