Florida Chamber Supports Petition Opposing Federal Water Rule

EPA Rule Will Have a Devastating Impact on Florida’s Economic Recovery

Tallahassee, Fla. (October 12, 2011) –In the spirit of President Obama’s “We The People” initiative aimed at allowing Americans to petition their government, the Florida Chamber of Commerce praises the more than 5,500 Floridians who signed a petition urging the federal government to stop its costly Florida-only water quality regulation.

The petition, signed by Floridians concerned about Florida’s economy and private sector job growth, urges President Obama to stop the federal Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Florida-only numeric nutrient criteria (NNC) rulemaking and instead allow the state of Florida to manage its own water quality regulations.

“Florida’s agriculture, tourism and global market attractiveness are based on our natural environmental assets,” said David Hart, Executive Vice President of the Florida Chamber of Commerce. “That is why the Florida Chamber supports science-based water quality standards that protect our state’s natural resources, as well as Florida’s right to govern and establish rules on our state’s unique water bodies.”

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Florida Chamber of Commerce: Anticipated Passage of Colombia, Panama, South Korea Free Trade Agreements

TO: Interested Media

FROM: Edie Ousley, Public Affairs Director

DATE: October 3, 2011

SUBJECT: Anticipated passage of Colombia, Panama, South Korea Free Trade Agreements

For your planning purposes, the Florida Chamber of Commerce and the Florida Chamber Foundation have a number of resources available related to trade and logistics and the pending Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).

Available from the Florida Chamber Foundation is the Trade and Logistics Study which, among other things, sites the following:

The Florida Chamber of Commerce has a played an active and vocal role in the passage of the three FTAs. The Florida Chamber believes this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform Florida’s economy and become a global hub for trade. Additionally, it will play a leading role in the Florida Chamber’s efforts to double Florida-origin exports within five years, create more than 20,000 new jobs, and generate more than $1.5 billion in international trade opportunities for Florida.

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Florida Chamber of Commerce Statement Re: Florida’s August Unemployment Figures

TALLAHASSEE, FL (September 16, 2011) – Mark Wilson, President and CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, today issued the following statement regarding August unemployment figures.

“While the unemployment rate remains unchanged at 10.7 percent, Florida continues to grow private sector jobs. Florida added nearly 10,000 new jobs last month and is on pace to add over 100,000 by the end of the year.

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Florida’s Top CEOs, Small Business Owners, Elected Leaders to Attend Future of Florida Forum, September 19-21

Florida Chamber Foundation to Unveil First Draft of the State’s First-Ever Strategic Plan

TALLAHASSEE (September 15, 2011) – Florida’s leading CEOs, small business owners and elected leaders will convene in Orlando on September 19-21 for the Florida Chamber Foundation’s Future of Florida Forum to focus their energy and talents on securing Florida’s future through a vibrant economy. During the three-day meeting, the Florida Chamber Foundation will unveil its first draft of the state’s first-ever strategic plan – a component of Project 2030.

WHO: The 2011 Future of Florida Forum agenda boast a “Who’s Who” style list of featured speakers discussing topics important to Florida’s economy. Chief among those speakers and topics are:
· Governor Rick Scott
· Florida Secretary of Commerce Gray Swoope
· WorkForce Florida CEO Chris Hart, IV
· Department of Economic Opportunity Executive Director Doug Darling
· Education Summit – Three education-related panels with the following featured speakers: Education Commissioner Gerard Robinson, State University System Chancellor Frank Brogan, Sen. Anitere Flores, Rep. Erik Fresen, Rep. Kelli Stargel, Rep. Mike Horner, Workforce Florida CEO Chris Hart, IV, and representatives from the Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida, Jacksonville State College, WorkSource, and STEMflorida Business Council
· Energy Summit — Two energy-related panels featuring representatives from Florida Power and Light, Florida Petroleum Council, Gulf Power, Florida Energy Consortium, Florida Solar Energy Center, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and Rep. Seth McKeel
· Targeted Industry Focus Sessions – Health care, manufacturing and mortgage foreclosure and property tax
· New Opportunities in Aviation/Aerospace – Featuring Jim Kemp, Assembly Test & Launch Operations Director for the Orion Program; Frank DiBello, Space Florida President and CEO; Scott Henderson, SpaceX Director of Mission Assurance; and John Mulholland, vice President and Program manager of the Commercial Crew Programs at Boeing.
· “Just the Facts” Panels – Gaming and immigration

WHAT: The 2011 Future of Florida Forum

WHEN: September 19-21, 2011

WHERE: Disney’s contemporary Resort, 4600 World Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

The complete agenda is available at 2011 Future of Florida Forum. Complimentary conference registration is available to working members of the media; contact Juli Puckett at jpuckett@FlFoundation.org or Edie Ousley at eousley@flchamber.com to register.

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CONTACT: Juli Puckett, 850-521-1217 or jpuckett@FlFoundation.org or
Edie Ousley, 850-521-1231, 850-251-6261 or eousley@flchamber.com

Florida Chamber Endorses Terry Fields for Senate District 1 Special Election

TALLAHASSEE, FL (September 2, 2011) – The Florida Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce its endorsement of Terry Fields (D) in the Senate District 1 special election race.

Fields, a former member of the Florida House of Representatives and the Jacksonville City Council, understands the important role Florida’s businesses play in the health of the state’s economy and the need to create a business climate that will help transition Florida’s economy.

“Terry Fields is an advocate for business, an advocate for children and an advocate for his community,” said Marian Johnson, senior vice president of Political Operations for the Florida Chamber of Commerce. “His strong track record demonstrates that he can cut across party lines to help ensure children garner the best education possible, and his commitment toward public-private partnerships will help the district garner high-wage jobs.”

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Florida Chamber of Commerce Launches Online News Program Featuring Florida’s Elected Officials and Opinion Leaders

~Introducing The Florida Chamber’s “Bottom Line”~

Tallahassee, FL – The Florida Chamber of Commerce today launched a new weekly public affairs online television program — “The Bottom Line.” The Web-based program, featuring key major figures from Florida’s corridors of power, will be produced weekly and will focus on Florida’s most important current political, legislative and economic issues, according to Florida Chamber President and CEO Mark Wilson, who will regularly provide perspective on the program.

“’The Bottom Line’ will bring together some of Florida’s most influential decision makers and provide Floridians with the opportunity to hear about the current and future state of Florida’s economy,” said Wilson.  “This is a dynamic forum for Florida’s business and government leaders to present solutions to some of the most pressing issues of our time. “

The program, which can be viewed at www.FloridaChamber.com is being produced for the Florida Chamber by Ron Sachs Communications and will be co-hosted by Ron Sachs, President of Ron Sachs Communications and Alia Faraj-Johnson, the firm’s Executive Vice President. … Continue Reading

Florida Chamber Statement Re: Gov. Rick Scott’s State of the State Address

TALLAHASSEE, FL (March 8, 2011) – The Florida Chamber of Commerce today released the following statement from Mark Wilson, President and CEO of the Florida Chamber, regarding Governor Rick Scott’s State of the State address.

“Tonight, Governor Scott delivered a State of the State address that recognizes the need to reduce the size of government, reign in costly regulations, and pay good teachers more.

“It’s refreshing to have a Governor who says the same things after the election as he did before the election.

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FL Chamber Exposes WI-Style Protests in Central Florida

TALLAHASSEE, FL (March 3, 2011) – Government unions bring their Wisconsin-style bully tactics to three Central Florida lawmaker offices today –Rep. Chris Dorworth (R-Heathrow), Rep. Scott Plakon (R-Longwood), and Rep. Jason Brodeur (R-Oviedo). … Continue Reading

Statement Re: Governor Scott’s Selection of Gray Swoope to Lead Enterprise Florida

TALLAHASSEE, FL (February 28, 2011) – Mark Wilson, President and CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, today issued the following statement regarding the selection of Gray Swoope to lead Enterprise Florida.

“As Florida’s business and community leaders focus on returning Florida to the number one state for private sector job creation and innovation, Governor Rick Scott’s selection of Gray Swoope, one of the nation’s leading economic development professionals, is a big win for Floridians and a perfect fit for Florida’s future.

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Job Creation & Economy Remain Top Issue Among Floridians

Florida Chamber of Commerce Survey Results Show

TALLAHASSEE, FL (February 9, 2011) – Floridians continue to rank job creation and the economy as their most important concern, according to results from a Florida Chamber of Commerce statewide survey.

Topping the list of priority concerns among Floridians:
· Job creation/economy – 46.07%,
· Education/schools – 11.48%,
· Health care – 9.51%, and
· Property taxes – 5.90%.

The survey of 610 Floridians was conducted January 29 through February 2 by Cherry Communications and has a 4% margin of error.

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Florida Chamber Statement Re: Gov. Rick Scott’s Proposed ‘Jobs Budget’

TALLAHASSEE, FL (February 7, 2011) – The Florida Chamber of Commerce today released the following statement from Mark Wilson, President and CEO of the Florida Chamber, regarding Governor Rick Scott’s proposed FY 2011-2012 budget.

“Over the next two years, Florida has a generational opportunity to completely reset our economy. … Continue Reading

Florida Chamber of Commerce to Unveil 2011 Legislative Agenda During Annual Capitol Days in Tallahassee

Members of the Florida Chamber of Commerce will unveil their 2011 Florida Business Agenda on Wednesday, February 9 in conjunction with the Chamber’s annual pre-legislative session conference – Capitol Days, February 7-9.

In addition to unveiling its 2011 legislative agenda, Chamber members attending Capitol Days will hear presentations from Governor Scott, members of the Florida Cabinet members of the Florida Legislature, and much more.

WHO:              Allan Bense, Chair, Florida Chamber of Commerce
Mark Wilson, President and CEO, Florida Chamber of Commerce
Members of the Florida Chamber of Commerce

WHAT:           Unveil 2011 Legislative Priorities – the Florida Business Agenda

WHERE:         Florida Senate, Senate Chamber Doors, 4th Floor
The Capitol

WHEN:           Wednesday, February 9
11:30 a.m.

To learn more about Capitol Days, visit www.floridachamber.com.

FL Chamber News: Lawmakers Commit to Insurance Reform

ORLANDO, FL, (January 28, 2011) – During a bipartisan panel discussion on Friday in Orlando, state lawmakers joined together in tackling major reforms needed in Florida’s insurance system.  Both Republican and Democratic lawmakers agreed that consumers need more choices by encouraging increased competition in the marketplace, and issues such as sinkholes, cost drivers, bad faith and fraud need to be addressed. … Continue Reading

Concerns Over Sinkholes, Fraud and Over-Regulation Addressed at Florida Chamber’s Insurance Summit

ORLANDO, FL (January 27, 2011) – Even if state legislators enact major reforms this spring to address an explosion of questionable sinkhole claims, two or three private insurers will likely go insolvent from the crush of claims they have already received, Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty told a gathering of insurance industry officials and public policymakers today.

McCarty made his comments at the Florida Chamber of Commerce’s 4th Annual Insurance Summit, taking place today and Friday at the Disney Contemporary Resort. More than 250 people are gathered at the two-day event to discuss steps needed to restore competition and choice for consumers in the homeowners’ insurance market in Florida, concerns over the solvency of private insurers, and ways to reduce taxpayer exposure in state-run Citizens Property Insurance Corporation and the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund.

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FL Chamber Applauds Gov.’s Econ Dev Announcement

TALLAHASSEE, FL (January 27, 2011) – Moments ago, Florida Governor Rick Scott shared with the Enterprise Florida Board of Directors his plan to work with the Legislature toward streamlining economic development – including the reintroduction of the Department of Commerce. Governor Scott said that the state must develop clear relationships based on a single point of contact and coordination at the state level spanning project management and workforce elements. … Continue Reading

Columbia County Becomes First “Six Pillars Community” in Florida

The Florida Chamber Foundation will host a press conference to announce Columbia County as the first Six Pillars Community for Florida tomorrow, January 28, 2011, at 10:30a.m., at the Columbia County High School Career Center.

In order to become a Six Pillars Community, a municipality in Florida must complete a 10-step process focused around the Six Pillars for Florida’s Future framework. This framework serves as an organizing force for strategic planning at local, regional and state levels. It provides a means of harnessing fragmented viewpoints into a common and consistent conversation so that thoughtful and productive planning can take place.

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Florida Chamber to Host Annual Insurance Summit

Yesterday, the Florida Chamber of Commerce issued a news release urging the Florida Senate Banking and Insurance Committee to pass SB 408 (sponsored by Sen. Garrett Richter, R-Naples) and help right the ship on Florida’s property insurance market. Lawmakers and industry experts will continue the discussion on important insurance-related issues, like those found within SB 408, at the Florida Chamber’s Annual Insurance Summit later this week.

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FL Chamber Urges Passage of Insurance Bill SB 408

TALLAHASSEE, FL (January 25, 2011) – With Florida only one major hurricane away from a fiscal crisis, the Florida Chamber of Commerce today urges the Florida Senate Banking and Insurance Committee to pass SB 408 and help right the ship on Florida’s property insurance market. … Continue Reading

FL Chamber…Immigration Critical to Florida’s Economy

TALLAHASSEE, FL (January 24, 2010) – Immigration is critical to Florida’s economy, and further immigration restrictions will have a negative economic impact, leading economic development professional Dr. Dale A. Brill, President of the Florida Chamber Foundation, today told members of the Florida Senate Immigration Workshop. … Continue Reading

FL Chamber…New Immigration Research Review To Be Released to FL Senate

TALLAHASSEE, FL (January 24, 2010) – During a presentation today before the Florida Senate Immigration Workshop, leading economic development professional Dr. Dale A. Brill will provide a research review– Immigration and Florida’s Economy.

Brill is President of the Florida Chamber Foundation – the research arm of the Florida Chamber of Commerce. Brill will be joined by Adam Babington, Vice President of Government Affairs for the Florida Chamber of Commerce. Babington will provide legislators with the Florida Chamber’s policy perspective on immigration during the workshop.

WHO:
Dale. A. Brill, Ph.D., President of the Florida Chamber Foundation
Adam Babington, Vice President of the Florida Chamber of Commerce
WHAT:
Immigration and Florida’s Economy – Research Review Presentation
WHEN:
Monday, January 24, 2011
2:45 p.m.
WHERE:
Florida Senate
Immigration Workshop
Pat Thomas Committee Room
412 Knott Building
Tallahassee, FL

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Florida Chamber of Commerce: Established in 1916 as Florida’s first statewide business advocacy organization, the Florida Chamber of Commerce is the state’s largest federation of employers, chambers of commerce and associations, representing more than 139,000 employers. The Chamber works within all branches of government to affect those changes set forth in the annual Florida Business Agenda, and which are seen as critical to the continued improvement of Florida’s business environment. Visit www.FloridaChamber.com for more information.

Florida Chamber Foundation: The Florida Chamber Foundation is a research organization and problem solver, working in partnership with state business leaders to advance and fund activities in public policy research that promote the future of Florida. The Foundation’s Six Pillars serve as a visioning platform for moving Florida forward. The Foundation’s work focuses on: 1) Talent supply and education, 2) Innovation and economic development, 3) Infrastructure and growth leadership, 4) Business climate and competitiveness, 5) Civic and governance systems, and 6) Quality of life and quality places. For more information, visit www.FLFoundation.org.