Economic Development Task Force

The Florida Chamber and the Florida Chamber Foundation have an active history in the formation of the state’s economic development programs. In order for our state to remain globally competitive, it’s time that we once again examine our state’s private-sector job growth efforts and where we must go from here.

The Economic Development Task Force will provide direction, definition and clarity to Florida’s economic development future for today and looking forward to 2030, using the Six Pillars framework as its guide. Focus areas will include talent, innovation, infrastructure, business climate and costs of doing business, government systems and quality of life.

The Economic Development Task Force is chaired by Glenda Hood, Founding Partner of TriSect, LLC, and Leerie Jenkins, Jr., Chairman, President and CEO of Reynolds, Smith and Hills, Inc.
Prior to founding TriSect, LLC, Glenda Hood served as Florida’s Secretary of State, where she was instrumental in crafting the State’s Strategic Plan for Economic Development. Before her role as Secretary, Glenda served three terms as the first woman (and youngest ever) elected Mayor of the City of Orlando.

Leerie T. Jenkins, Jr. has been with Reynolds, Smith and Hills, Inc. for more than 28 years in various capacities and has served or is serving proudly on the board or as a member of the following organizations: the Florida Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Florida, the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce, the Jacksonville Economic Development Commission (JEDC) and the Florida Council of 100.

The Economic Development Task Force will:

• Host monthly conference calls to discuss the future of Florida’s economic development,
• Survey membership, thought leaders, and industry experts on where we must go as a state,
• Hold a one-day, invitation-only summit open to Task Force members,
• Provide recommendations, both short term and long term, to improve Florida’s competitiveness, and
• Drive change by advocating for Florida’s success in the future.

The Florida Chamber of Commerce’s remains committed to leading Florida to a new and sustainable
economy, has been and will continue to be at the forefront of solving issues that impact the competitiveness and future of Florida’s business climate.

Contact Carolyn Johnson at 850.521.1235 to learn how you can get involved.