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Gov. Scott Announces $1 Million Investment to Connect Hurricane Maria Evacuees with Jobs

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Also Announces FEMA Case Management Agreement and Housing Information Request

Governor Rick Scott joined a town hall in Kissimmee with Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rosselló and announced the following:

  • A $1 million investment in 12 of Florida’s local workforce development boards to assist families displaced by Hurricane Maria seeking employment;
  • Following Governor Scott’s request to the federal government, FEMA will now provide case management services for families displaced by Hurricane Maria now in Florida; and
  • At the Governor’s direction, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) today sent letters to local housing authority officials and community leaders to identify local and federal resources so there is better coordination in the joint local, state and federal response to housing needs for Puerto Rican families in Florida. See one of the letters HERE.

Governor Scott said, “Today, I was proud to attend a town hall with Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rosselló and announce a $1 million investment for 12 of Florida’s local workforce development boards to continue to assist families displaced by Hurricane Maria seeking employment. To date, the CareerSource Florida network helped more than 7,600 Puerto Ricans find jobs in Florida and this investment will connect even more individuals with great jobs. I was also proud to announce today that following my request, FEMA has agreed to provide case management services to Puerto Rican families in Florida. These services will assist families on an individual basis with planning for their recovery needs.
“Finally, today, at my direction, DEO sent letters to local housing authority officials and community leaders to help identify resources and to help assist in coordinating a joint local, state and federal response to housing needs for families displaced by Hurricane Maria. We look forward to receiving this information and continuing this important work with our local and federal partners to find housing solutions. Florida is the most welcoming state in the nation and we will continue to do everything possible to help the Puerto Rican families recovering from Hurricane Maria in our state.”
Executive Director of DEO Cissy Proctor said, “The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity and our partners continue to work diligently with communities across the state to provide assistance to displaced Puerto Rican jobseekers and families. We are currently assessing housing and employment services so that we can better meet the needs of those who came to Florida for help after the devastation of Hurricane Maria.”
CareerSource Florida President and CEO Michelle Dennard said, “The CareerSource Florida network is a resource for all Floridians seeking new or better careers, and we are here to help make those connections for Hurricane Maria survivors looking to begin new lives. Our network of dedicated workforce professionals continues to work tirelessly to assist Floridians and businesses recovering from Hurricane Irma, new arrivals fleeing the devastation of Hurricane Maria, and any individual who needs employment assistance.”
Representative Bob Cortes said, “I’d like to thank Governor Scott and our many partners across the state for their continued efforts to support Puerto Rican evacuees coming to Florida and still working to rebuild months after Hurricane Maria. I’ve seen the devastation on the island first-hand and heard directly from evacuees in communities across the state. Many of these families lost everything, and finding job opportunities is a huge step forward in rebuilding their lives. The best assistance for any family going through a tough economic time is a job for the parents. Our Florida model should serve as an example for the entire country.”
Representative Rene Plasencia said, “As fellow Americans, and now fellow Floridians, our priority is connecting displaced Puerto Ricans with every resource they need to thrive in our state. With this additional funding, CareerSource will have the capacity to help hundreds of more families. We will continue to work with Governor Scott and our federal, state and local partners to address the needs of Puerto Rican evacuees to ensure full recovery for every family.”
Representative David Santiago said, “I’m proud to join Governor Scott and leaders across the state standing united for Puerto Rico and the full recovery of its families following Hurricane Maria. With over 254,000 job openings across the state, Florida is full of opportunities for evacuees to find a job to help support their families.”
The funds, allocated by CareerSource Florida and distributed by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, are designated for employment services to assist evacuees in the five counties served by CareerSource Central Florida: Orange, Osceola, Lake, Sumter and Seminole counties. CareerSource North Central Florida, CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion, CareerSource Flagler Volusia, CareerSource Brevard, CareerSource Tampa Bay, CareerSource Pinellas, CareerSource Research Coast, CareerSource Palm Beach County, CareerSource Broward, CareerSource South Florida and CareerSource Southwest Florida also received funds to provide career assistance to evacuees. More than 7,600 individuals displaced by Hurricane Maria have sought services through the CareerSource Florida network’s local career centers thus far, primarily in the Orlando area, Miami and Fort Lauderdale.
The types of services for individuals displaced by Hurricane Maria that will be provided by the 12 local workforce development boards through this additional funding may include some or all of the following:

    • Individual career consulting services
    • The creation of a Specialized Job Development Team
    • Extended hours at our Career Services Centers
    • Increase access to English for Speakers of Other Language services
    • Hiring events
    • Increased partnerships with community-based organizations
    • Surveys to assess employment needs
    • Social media and/or direct email and/or texting and/or paid outreach

Governor Scott’s announcement follows two recent roundtables to discuss Puerto Rico relief efforts held in Doral and Orlando. CareerSource Central Florida and CareerSource South Florida are providing employment services at Multi-Agency Resource Centers in the Orlando area and Miami International Airport to Puerto Rican families displaced by Hurricane Maria. Several local workforce development boards have held recruiting fairs and workshops to assist Floridians and others impacted by Irma and Maria. For additional information about employment opportunities, please visit employflorida.com, available in English and Spanish.

Gov. Scott: Orlando Area Continues to Lead State with Most Jobs Created in the Last Year

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ORLANDO, Fla. — Today, Governor Rick Scott announced that the Orlando area had the highest job creation in the state, adding 39,500 new private-sector jobs in the last year for the fourth month in a row. The unemployment rate in Orlando was 3.5 percent, down 0.9 percentage point from one year ago. Statewide, Florida businesses created 13,900 new jobs in November and the unemployment rate remained at 3.6 percent, the lowest rate in more than a decade. Since December 2010, Florida businesses have created 1,465,800 new private-sector jobs. 

Governor Scott said, “I am proud to announce that Orlando led the state with the most jobs created this past year, adding more than 39,000 new jobs for families. We are proud to see job creators continue to grow in Central Florida and look forward to another great year of more opportunities being created so families can succeed in Florida.”

Orlando led the state in job growth over the year in the following industries:

  • Professional and business services with 10,200 new jobs;
  • Financial activities with 5,600 new jobs; and
  • Manufacturing with 5,100 new jobs.

In November, the Orlando area remained second among state metro areas in job demand with 37,783 job openings. Orlando also remained the second-highest metro area in demand for high-skill, high-wage STEM occupations with 11,033 openings.

In the last year, 199,000 people entered Florida’s labor force, a growth of 2.0 percent. This rate is nearly three times the national labor force growth rate of only 0.7 percent. In November, 16,990 Floridians were placed in jobs by CareerSource Central Florida and the state’s other 23 local workforce boards. 

To view the November 2017 employment data visit www.floridajobs.org/labor-market-information/labor-market-information-press-releases/monthly-press-releases.

Gov. Scott: Florida Businesses Created Nearly 14,000 Private-Sector Jobs in November

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Gov. Scott: Florida Businesses Created Nearly 14,000 Private-Sector Jobs in November

Unemployment Rate Remains at 10-Year Low of 3.6 Percent

NAPLES, Fla. — Today, Governor Rick Scott announced that Florida businesses created nearly 14,000 private-sector jobs across the state in November. The state’s unemployment rate also remained at a 10-year low of 3.6 percent. Since December 2010, Florida businesses have created 1,465,800 jobs. Florida’s annual job growth rate of 2.5 percent continues to exceed the nation’s rate of 1.6 percent.

 Governor Scott said, “I am proud to announce that Florida’s unemployment rate is at a 10-year low and that nearly 14,000 jobs were created for families across the state last month. As we near the end of the year, it is important to reflect on how far our state has come and how we must continue to fight every day to build on this success. Over the past seven years, we have turned around Florida’s economy which has allowed us to make record investments in education, transportation and environmental protection. I look forward to kicking off 2018 by working to continue cutting taxes, supporting job creation and education opportunities, and doing all we can to help secure Florida’s future for every family. Florida is a national leader in job creation and the rest of the nation should follow our lead.”

As of November, Florida’s unemployment rate had dropped 7.1 percentage points since December 2010, faster than the national decline of 5.2 percentage points. In the last year, 199,000 people entered Florida’s labor force, a growth of 2.0 percent, which is nearly three times the national labor force growth rate of only 0.7 percent.

Cissy Proctor, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, said, “Florida is ending the year on a good economic note as the unemployment rate remains at a 10-year low of 3.6 percent and businesses continue to recover from Hurricane Irma. More people are entering the labor force and jobs are being created in diverse industries. The Sunshine State remains the best place for families to live the American Dream.”

Other positive economic indicators include:

  • Private-sector industries gaining the most jobs over-the-year were:
    • Construction with 41,800 new jobs;
    • Professional and business services with 41,000 new jobs;
    • Trade, transportation and utilities with 33,500 new jobs;
    • Financial activities with 15,500 new jobs; and
    • Education and health services with 15,200 new jobs.
  • Florida job postings showed 254,611 openings in November 2017.
  • In November, Florida’s 24 regional workforce boards reported 16,990 Floridians, including 944 veterans, were placed in jobs.

To view the November 2017 employment data visit www.floridajobs.org/labor-market-information/labor-market-information-press-releases/monthly-press-releases.

Gov. Scott Announces Danfoss to Create 120 New Jobs in Leon County

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NAPLES, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott announced that manufacturer Danfoss Turbocor Compressors will be building a new facility in Tallahassee and will add 120 new jobs. The new facility will expand the company’s existing footprint within Innovation Park in Tallahassee, which includes the engineering and manufacturing operations of Danfoss and its brand-new Application Development Center that opened earlier this year.

Governor Scott said, “I’m proud to announce that Danfoss will be building a new facility and creating 120 new jobs for families in Leon County. Florida manufacturers like Danfoss help create job opportunities across our state, and we permanently eliminated the sales tax on manufacturing machinery and equipment last year to make it easier for these businesses to continue growing in Florida.” 

The new jobs will include full-time research and development positions within advanced manufacturing. Construction is expected to begin in early 2018 and is expected to be completed in 2019. Danfoss is the pioneer of oil-free, magnetic bearing, variable speed technology and manufacturer of high-efficiency electronic components, controls, compressors, and variable frequency drives for air-conditioning, heating, and refrigeration systems.

Ricardo Schneider, president, Danfoss Turbocor Compressors, said, “The investment in this new facility signifies Danfoss’ commitment to bringing new, innovative technologies to the market, and to partnering with our customers to engineer high-efficiency, reliable, environmentally-responsible solutions. In Tallahassee, we have the tremendous opportunity to collaborate with world-class researchers in aerodynamics, power electronics, and magnetic technologies at Florida State University. We are excited and proud to grow our capabilities here and further build on the success and potential of our relationship with great local partners like FSU.”                    

Danfoss Danfoss engineers technologies that enable the world of tomorrow to do more with less. It meets the growing need for infrastructure, food supply, energy efficiency and climate-friendly solutions. Its products and services are used in areas such as refrigeration, air conditioning, heating, motor control and mobile machinery. The company is also active in the field of renewable energy as well as district heating infrastructure for cities and urban communities. Its innovative engineering dates back to 1933 and today Danfoss is a world-leader, employing more than 25,000 employees and serving customers in more than 100 countries. Read more about Danfoss at www.danfoss.com

Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI) is a partnership between Florida’s businesses and government leaders and is the principal economic development organization for Florida. EFI facilitates job growth through recruitment and retention, international trade and exporting, promotion of sporting events, and capital funding programs to assist small and minority businesses. EFI launched “Florida – The Future is Here” to promote the state as the nation’s premier business destination.

Leon County Office of Economic Vitality is an economic development model that ensures accountability, transparency, citizen engagement and professional management of economic development projects. The Office of Economic Vitality aims to develop programs and initiatives while simultaneously leveraging ideas, innovations and intellectual capital through the continuous coordination of the community’s economic development partners.

Gov. Scott calls special session to fight for students and jobs

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Governor Rick Scott today signed the budget for the 2017-18 fiscal year and vetoed $410 million in legislative projects that do not provide a great return for Florida families. Additionally, Governor Scott vetoed the Florida Educational Finance Program (FEFP) funding portions of the budget. Governor Scott is also vetoing HB 5501 which decreased funding to VISIT FLORIDA by over 60 percent. The Governor’s full budget veto list will be released later today.
Governor Scott is calling a special session to discuss the following measures beginning on June 7, 2017 and ending on June 9, 2017 (click here to view the proclamation):
Funding for Florida’s K-12 students through the FEFP: Governor Scott is calling on the Legislature to provide an additional $215 million to K-12 education than previously authorized. This would increase the per student funding by $100.
Florida Job Growth Grant Fund: Governor Scott is proposing to establish the new Florida Job Growth Grant Fund to promote public infrastructure and individual job training which will encourage more businesses to choose Florida as a destination to grow jobs.  Governor Scott is calling on the Florida Legislature to fund it at $85 million.
Increase VISIT FLORIDA Funding: Governor Scott has been focused on funding VISIT FLORIDA at $76 million in order to bring more tourists and support for Florida small businesses. The Governor is calling on the legislature to pass legislation that funds VISIT FLORIDA at a total of $76 million and includes comprehensive transparency and accountability measures at the organization.
Governor Scott said, “Florida’s students deserve the very best and we must always do everything possible to provide them with the resources they need to get a great education. It is my goal that a total of $215 million more is allocated to the FEFP which is a $100 per student increase over current year funding during the upcoming legislative session. Our students are the future of our great state and I know Speaker Corcoran is committed to our students, parents and teachers and ensuring Florida offers a world-class education to students at all levels.
“In addition to our common focus on ensuring a world-class education for Florida’s students, Speaker Corcoran understands the importance of ensuring future economic growth for Florida’s economy. Today, I am announcing that I intend to veto HB 5501 relating to Enterprise Florida and VISIT FLORIDA. While I believe very strongly in these programs and their ability to help bring more jobs to Florida, there needs to be a new bill relating to these organizations and how they operate.
“During the special session, I am calling on the Florida Legislature to consider new legislation that funds Visit Florida at $76 million. Additionally, I am proposing to establish the new Florida Job Growth Grant Fund to be funded at $85 million to promote public infrastructure and individual job training which will encourage more businesses to choose Florida as a destination to grow jobs. I have fought for jobs since my very first day in office and I do not intend to stop and this new fund will give our state the tools we need to compete with other states and nations for jobs.  Like the Legislature, I strongly believe in transparency, accountability and a strong return on investment for any taxpayer dollars used. There needs to be legislation that allows us to market our state for tourism and grow jobs while maintaining these important principals. I look forward to working with the legislature during the upcoming special session to achieve these important goals for Florida families.”
Speaker Richard Corcoran said, “I am proud to stand with Governor Scott as we fight for continued strong job creation, giving every child a competitive and world class education, ensuring Florida competes as a tourist destination, and faithfully stewarding taxpayer dollars — goals that unify us.
“The Florida Job Growth Grant Fund will create both public infrastructure and job training and put taxpayers in the driver’s seat.  All Floridians know that Governor Scott is committed to jobs. His willingness to work with us on this new model for economic development demonstrates that commitment and is greatly appreciated in the House. It’s truly a model for the rest of the nation wrestling with ending corporate welfare. In addition, this special session will secure Florida’s place as the premier tourist destination in America while ensuring that VISIT Florida is completely open, accountable and transparent to the taxpayer.
“The people of Florida should be proud today that you can have leaders with competing opinions and still compromise to meet common goals — government in Florida is working and the biggest winners are all Floridians.”

ICYMI: Panama City News Herald: Gov. Scott touts tourism, jobs at PCB stop

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Gov. Scott touts tourism, jobs at PCB stop
Panama City News Herald
John Henderson
February 14, 2017
Gov. Rick Scott told local business and tourism officials Tuesday a proposal to eliminate the state’s tourism marketing and economic development agencies could devastate the local economy.
…
The roundtable attracted a standing-room-only crowd at Capt. Anderson’s, with a wide range of local officials — including business owners, economic development leaders, tourism leaders and city and county elected officials — saying they supported Scott’s effort to keep the agencies.
…
Scott said Enterprise Florida, which provides incentive payments for new companies to locate here or expand, has gotten a great return on the state’s investment.
Dan Rowe, executive director of the Bay County Tourist Development Council and a member of the Visit Florida Board of Directors, said the area already is seeing that return. He said the $30 million he secured for marketing this area after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill was invaluable in helping the area recover and demonstrated “the power of destination marketing.”
Jorge Gonzalez, president of The St. Joe Co. who also is on the board of Enterprise Florida, also spoke in favor of the agencies.
…
Former Florida House Speaker Allan Bense re-emphasized both agencies are working and creating jobs.
“In this particular case, if we do away with Enterprise Florida and Visit Florida, it would be the worst catastrophe to hit the state of Florida,” Bense said.
Jennifer Adams, the executive director of the Gulf County Tourist Development Council, said tourism is an integral part of Gulf County’s economy, as well.
…
State Sen. George Gainer, R-Panama City, said he supports Scott’s position.
…
“Tourism drives the economy of our coastal communities in Northwest Florida and offering economic incentives to businesses looking to relocate to our state is what helps create new jobs,” Gainer said in an afternoon news release. “Eliminating funding for these two vital programs is (short-sighted) and another example of some of the bad ideas that come out of Tallahassee.”
Bill Dozier, chairman of the Bay County Commission, praised Scott for his economic development efforts.
“We appreciate what you are doing for jobs in Florida,” he said. “You have been able to lay the groundwork to bring so many jobs here. And for us to be competitive throughout the United States, to be able to attract jobs here. We need all the incentives that are going on. We don’t need to abolish it.”

Gov. Scott’s “Fighting for Florida’s Future” budget invests in programs that add jobs for Florida families

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Governor Rick Scott announced his 2017-2018 “Fighting for Florida’s Future” Budget recommendations today, which include $1.2 billion for the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity to invest in economic development programs that add jobs. The “Fighting for Florida’s Future” Budget also includes an $85 million investment in economic incentives to help Florida outcompete other locations for new economic opportunities and job wins, and $76 million for VISIT FLORIDA to continue Florida’s record tourism by marketing the state across the globe.

Governor Scott said, “While Florida has made great strides over the past six years, we are competing every day with other states and nations to attract growing businesses that will invest in our families and communities. Job creation helps the poorest, most disadvantaged families find the opportunities they need, and we must do all we can to secure a bright future for Florida by diversifying the economy and supporting business growth. By making these critical investments today, we are ensuring Florida remains the best place for our children and grandchildren to succeed.”

Cissy Proctor, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, said, “The ‘Fighting for Florida’s Future’ Budget will help Florida continue to be a national leader in economic development and job growth. Our investments in tax cuts, critical infrastructure and strong communities have helped cultivate an environment that fosters innovation and job creation all across the state. This budget will ensure we can continue these important investments on our mission to make Florida the best place in the nation to live, work, visit, do business and raise a family.”

The “Fighting for Florida’s Future” Budget includes:

$85 million for the Economic Development Toolkit to Make Florida More Competitive for Jobs

The “Fighting for Florida’s Future” Budget invests $85 million in Florida’s economic development toolkit, including business incentives, which will help attract new businesses and job creation to the state. A strong economic development toolkit that includes incentives will help Florida outcompete other states for job wins that result in a strong positive impact in communities across the state.

The budget also includes $23.5 million for Enterprise Florida operations.

Chris Hart, President and CEO of Enterprise Florida, said, “The ‘Fighting for Florida’s Future’ Budget will ensure Florida can remain competitive in our efforts to win new jobs and investments all across the state. This budget has the tools we need to grow jobs and create new opportunities for hardworking Floridians and their families.”

$76 million for VISIT FLORIDA to Promote Florida as the #1 Tourist Destination

The “Fighting for Florida’s Future” Budget invests $76 million for VISIT Florida to market the state around the globe, resulting in record numbers of visitors and an incredible economic impact to the Sunshine State. For every dollar invested in VISIT FLORIDA, taxpayers saw a return of $3.20, and VISIT FLORIDA received more than $133 million in private matching funds.

Ken Lawson, President and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA, said, “Through the ‘Fighting for Florida’s Future’ budget allocation, VISIT FLORIDA and our local tourism marketing partners will continue to promote the state’s diverse destinations to visitors all across the globe, creating jobs and generating vital state and local tax revenue that benefit all Floridians. On behalf of the statewide tourism industry, I would like to thank the Governor for his strong leadership and his recognition of VISIT FLORIDA’s ability to deliver a significant return on the state’s investment in tourism marketing. With a renewed focus on transparency and accountability, VISIT FLORIDA is committed to realizing our vision of establishing Florida as the No. 1 travel destination in the world.”

$23 million to Train Florida’s Workforce to be the Top Workforce in the Country

This funding includes $20 million for Quick Response Training and $3 million for the Incumbent Worker Training Program to provide customized training and upgrade the skills in the state’s workforce to keep Florida businesses competitive.

Britt Sikes, Chairman of the CareerSource Florida Board of Directors and General Manager, Enterprise Accounts Division, DEX Imaging, said, “Florida has one of the world’s most talented and trained workforces, which helps our state grow existing businesses and attract emerging and evolving businesses. To continue meeting the needs of top employers in high-skill industries such as advanced manufacturing, aerospace and defense, engineering, information technology and cybersecurity, it is critical that we invest in developing Florida talent.”

$19.5 million for Space Florida to Keep Florida First in Space

This funding will help diversify our economy by attracting high-skill, high-wage jobs and ensure Florida remains at the forefront of the globe’s aerospace launch and manufacturing industries.

Frank DiBello, President of Space Florida, said, “Space Florida is committed to investing in the state’s strong aerospace industry and ensuring the continuing growth of this unmatched high-value industry. The ‘Fighting for Florida’s Future’ Budget shows our commitment to economic diversification and the development of a skilled workforce that can meet the needs of Florida’s aerospace companies.”

$1.8 million for Community Development and the Competitive Florida Partnership

This funding provides disadvantaged and rural communities with the support and resources needed to diversify their local economies and encourage new business investment.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING…

Syd Kitson, Chairman of the Florida Chamber Board of Directors and CEO of Kitson and Partners, said, “Governor Scott’s ‘Fighting for Florida’s Future’ Budget shows a commitment to diversifying Florida to ensure we have the nation’s strongest economy. This budget will help Florida businesses continue to grow jobs and develop the next generation of the state’s workforce.”

Tom Feeney, President and CEO of the Associated Industries of Florida, said, “Florida businesses depend on the state’s talented workforce and critical infrastructure to grow and continue investing in our state’s communities. The ‘Fighting for Florida’s Future’ Budget has the right investments that will help us put more Florida families on the path to prosperity through a new job.”

Bill Herrle, Executive Director of the National Federation of Independent Business/Florida (NFIB), said, “Small businesses across Florida will benefit from the smart investments in the ‘Fighting for Florida’s Future’ Budget. The Governor’s commitment to cutting taxes and bureaucratic red tape has helped create a strong business climate in Florida that helps our small businesses create jobs.”

Randy Miller, President and CEO of the Florida Retail Federation, said, “Gov. Scott’s strong budget recommendations will help Florida’s retail businesses and consumers across our state prosper. Our state’s more than 270,000 retailers are excited about the investments in the ‘Fighting for Florida’s Future’ Budget that will position Florida for sustained growth.”

About DEO
The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity combines the state’s economic, workforce and community development efforts. This new approach helps expedite economic development projects to fuel job creation in competitive communities. For more information, including valuable resources for employers and job seekers, please visit www.floridajobs.org.