Soup Du Jour

Healthcare, housing and prosperity the focus of discussions in Jacksonville

The Florida Chamber Foundation today released preliminary recommendations on the future of Florida’s Quality of Life during its Florida 2030 Quality of Life & Quality Places Rollout. Florida 2030 is a three-year research project that seeks to identify the challenges and opportunities facing Florida between now and 2030 and create a blueprint for Florida’s future.

“We are proud to support the Florida Chamber Foundation and the Florida 2030 project,” said Wells Fargo Florida Business Banking Division Manager and Florida Chamber Foundation Board of Trustee Ergetu Merete as he kicked off the Quality of Life and Quality Places rollout discussion. “As business and community leaders, we must pay attention to how we can help create vibrant and prosperous communities that not only drive economic growth in Florida, but also attract and retain top talent in our state.”

Discussion at today’s statewide rollout centered on the challenges a growing and aging population could bring to Florida’s healthcare, the need for sustainable and affordable workforce housing, as well as pointed conversations on how business can lead the way in creating paths toward prosperity.

Florida is moving in the right direction. Florida’s GDP recently topped $1 trillion — which makes our state the 17th largest economy in the world, ahead of Saudi Arabia, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Argentina. Consider also:

• Florida’s strong healthcare system means Florida is ranked 12th overall for well-being in the nation, including ranking 1st for social well-being and 4th for purpose, yet 13.1 million Floridians have at least one chronic disease. How will Florida use innovation to bridge the gap for an aging and growing population?
• While Florida’s poverty rate is improving, 21.3% of Florida’s children and teenagers live in poverty. How can Florida pave pathways to economic prosperity for all zip codes?

To view, download and share the recommendations released today on Quality of Life & Quality Places, visit www.Florida2030.org. There, you will also be able to view, download and share the Trends & Indicators for the Future Report, which outlines Florida’s challenges and opportunities for 2030.

“Today, Florida’s economy is the 17th largest in the world — but what will it take to move our economy into the top 10 spot? And more importantly, how can we work together to ensure Florida doesn’t lose ground?” said Tony Carvajal, Executive Vice President of the Florida Chamber Foundation. “Florida 2030 provides a comprehensive look at what Florida needs to get right in order to become and remain a place marked by global competitiveness, prosperity and high-paying jobs, and vibrant and sustainable communities. Florida’s future will face challenges, but it also means we have unique opportunities to succeed.”

The Florida 2030 preliminary research recommendations are being released statewide and the full report will be released at the 2018 Future of Florida Forum September 26-27 in Orlando. Media are welcome to attend and should RSVP to kbustamante@flfoundation.org.

Where does your county stand on prosperity, housing starts and more? Visit www.TheFloridaScorecard.org. For a deeper analysis of these numbers, click here to request more data.

The Florida Chamber Foundation is the business-led, solutions development and research organization working in partnership with state business leaders to secure Florida’s future. The Foundation’s “Six Pillars” serve as a visioning platform for developing the first-ever long-term strategic plan for the state. The Foundation’s work focuses on: 1) Talent Supply & Education, 2) Innovation & Economic Development, 3) Infrastructure & Growth Leadership, 4) Business Climate & Competitiveness, 5) Civic & Governance Systems, and 6) Quality of Life & Quality Places. Founded in 1968, the Foundation is a crucial voice for improving the state’s pro-business climate to enable Florida to grow and prosper. Visit FLFoundation.org for more information.