Get the help your business deserves at  the 20th Sterling Conference on May 29-June 1 at the JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes.
This is where best practices, networking, and learning converge for the ultimate business experience.

This year, the Sterling conference includes the Florida STEM Manufacturing & Education Forum on May 31. The Forum connects education and manufacturing to grow jobs and drive Florida’s economy.

To register for the conference or STEM Forum, go to www.flstem.com or call (850) 922-5316.

Scott will be joined on the trip by first lady Ann Scott, three staffers from their offices, along with more than 60 officials from various government offices and private businesses on the excursion, focused on increasing opportunities for companies from Spain — Florida’s 34th largest trading partner — to invest, grow and create jobs in Florida.

Lane Wright, Scott’s spokesman, said the governor will be able to personally address any problems that business leaders in Spain say they have breaking into or expanding in the Florida marketplace.

“Whether or not they have any problems that need to be solved, just the fact that the governor of the state of Florida is coming and visiting shows we’re serious about creating jobs,” said Wright, who will be among the mission passengers that depart Sunday from Miami International Airport for the nearly nine-hour American Airlines flight to Madrid.

There are already an estimated 400 Spain-based companies working in Florida, which has one of the largest number of Spanish expatriates in the United States.

Enterprise Florida spokesman Stuart Doyle said the overseas missions are worthwhile as a means to strengthen business and economic ties between Florida companies and the targeted nation.

“This mission to Spain has a goal of recruiting more foreign direct investment for Florida,” Doyle declared in an email. “With trade missions, sales for participating companies are factored in.”

At $793.6 million a year in trade, Spain is wedged between Taiwan and Jamaica on the list of Florida’s trading partners.

Among the companies and outfits sending people on the mission, are: Florida Power & Light, Enterprise Florida, the Economic Development Commission of Florida Space Coast, Holland & Knight, Florida Realtors, Dosal Tobacco Corp., Jax USA Partnership, Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance, Florida Humanities Council, Florida Crystals Corp., and Greenberg Traurig.

“Florida holds a unique, historical relationship with Spain. On the eve of the 500th anniversary of Juan Ponce de Leon to Florida, Team Florida’s mission to Spain will allow state business leaders to connect with the 12th largest economy in the world and one of Florida’s top 50 trading partners,” Edie Ousley, Chamber vice president of public affairs, responded in an email.

“As the Florida Chamber continues marching toward the goal of doubling Florida-origin exports by 2015, the mission to Spain will help create economically beneficial business opportunities to increase foreign direct investments in Florida.”

Other state officials on the trip hosted by Enterprise Florida include: Florida Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island; Florida Secretary of State Ken Detzner; Space Florida President Frank DiBello; and Florida Secretary of Transportation Ananth Prasad.

For Scott, this would be his fifth international mission since taking office a year ago.

Scott headed four trade-related trips last year, each with Enterprise Florida, visiting Panama in March, Canada in June, Brazil in October and Israel in December.

Brazil is Florida’s largest trading partner, at $15.5 billion a year. Panama stands 20th and Canada is 31st, according to Enterprise Florida.

Among Florida’s top exports to Spain are medical supplies, cars, aircraft and aircraft parts, and yachts and other vessels.

The top imports from Spain include non-crude oil, ceramics, wine and olive oil.

You are invited to participate in a discussion on what Florida needs to do to be more globally competitive. What are some of the state barriers including laws and regulations that keep Florida companies from pursuing business opportunities internationally? What can we do as a state to encourage Florida business to do more internationally? What are some of the things that need to be done at the federal level that will facilitate more global business.

What’s in it for you? Feedback from meeting like this over the past several years has resulted in improved state export finance coverage and removal of duplicate security regulations at our ports.

Please join us and share both your concerns and ideas for making Florida more globally competitive.  Register Here.

For more information, please contact Leslie Snyder (850) 521-1206.

Related Resources

Agenda (PDF Document)
Orlando Sentinel: Fla. Becoming Global Hub for Trade (PDF Document)

Tallahassee, FL (May 15, 2012) – State University System Chancellor Frank Brogan and Florida Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Mark Wilson discuss higher education governance, aligning goals and resources in the latest edition of The Florida Chamber’s Bottom Line.

A leading advocate in education reform, the Florida Chamber understands that a talented workforce is Florida’s best economic development tool toward ensuring businesses can successfully compete in the global marketplace.

“Economic development is all about talent and a skilled workforce,” said the Florida Chamber’s Wilson. “The future of America and the future of private-sector jobs is going to be based largely on our education system and higher education system.”

In this brief interview, Brogan and Wilson discuss:

• The future of higher education,
• Accountability and aligning higher education goals and resources, and
• The Blue Ribbon Task Force on State Higher Education Reform.

During the 2012 Legislative Session, lawmakers passed 22 Florida Chamber-backed bills, including a higher education governance and STEM emphasis bill that creates a critical link between high-wage jobs of the future and student outputs from Florida universities.

The Florida Chamber’s Bottom Line is a web-based program featuring key figures from Florida’s corridors of power. Serving as host is Alia Faraj-Johnson. View this brief program by clicking The Florida Chamber’s Bottom Line.

You are invited to participate in a discussion on what Florida needs to do to be more globally competitive. What are some of the state barriers including laws and regulations that keep Florida companies from pursuing business opportunities internationally? What can we do as a state to encourage Florida business to do more internationally? What are some of the things that need to be done at the federal level that will facilitate more global business.

What’s in it for you? Feedback from meeting like this over the past several years has resulted in improved state export finance coverage and removal of duplicate security regulations at our ports.

Please join us and share both your concerns and ideas for making Florida more globally competitive.  Register Here.

For more information, please contact Leslie Snyder (850) 521-1206.

Related Resources

Agenda (PDF Document)
Orlando Sentinel: Fla. Becoming Global Hub for Trade (PDF Document)

You are invited to participate in a discussion on what Florida needs to do to be more globally competitive. What are some of the state barriers including laws and regulations that keep Florida companies from pursuing business opportunities internationally? What can we do as a state to encourage Florida business to do more internationally? What are some of the things that need to be done at the federal level that will facilitate more global business.

What’s in it for you? Feedback from meeting like this over the past several years has resulted in improved state export finance coverage and removal of duplicate security regulations at our ports.

Please join us and share both your concerns and ideas for making Florida more globally competitive.  Register Here.

For more information, please contact Leslie Snyder (850) 521-1206.

Related Resources

Agenda (PDF Document)
Orlando Sentinel: Fla. Becoming Global Hub for Trade (PDF Document)

You are invited to participate in a discussion on what Florida needs to do to be more globally competitive. What are some of the state barriers including laws and regulations that keep Florida companies from pursuing business opportunities internationally? What can we do as a state to encourage Florida business to do more internationally? What are some of the things that need to be done at the federal level that will facilitate more global business.

What’s in it for you? Feedback from meeting like this over the past several years has resulted in improved state export finance coverage and removal of duplicate security regulations at our ports.

Please join us and share both your concerns and ideas for making Florida more globally competitive.  Register Here.

For more information, please contact Leslie Snyder (850) 521-1206.

Related Resources

Agenda (PDF Document)
Orlando Sentinel: Fla. Becoming Global Hub for Trade (PDF Document)

Funding highlights from 2010, 2011, and 2012 made possible by Senate President Haridopolos and House Speaker Cannon, include:

• $82.1 million appropriated for the Space Industry, $51.1 million to Space Florida
• Key Financing Funds
• Business Development
• $19 million for Launch Complex 36 & 46
• $7.5 million for Exploration Park, $31 million through FDOT for Space Infrastructure
• $20 million in space-related tax credits (Space business incentive tax credits and Research and development tax credits)
• Reorganized Space Florida to assure a business minded Board of Directors (SB2156 in 2011 session)
• Added additional liability protection for spaceflight companies in the United States (SB652 in 2011 session)
• Added Cecil Spaceport as a “spaceport territory” allowing key infrastructure investment (HB59 in 2012 session)
• Refined policy definitions to allow for more streamlined partnership with FDOT for key spaceport funds (SB634 in 2012 session)

“We are extremely thankful to President Haridopolos and Speaker Cannon for all of their hard work and support involving Florida’s Space Industry,” noted Space Florida President Frank DiBello. “They have given our industry the opportunity for consistent growth.”

“The Florida Chamber believes it is critical that Florida maintain its legacy as a leader in space,” said David Hart, Executive Vice President, Florida Chamber of Commerce. “We thank both Speaker Cannon and President Haridopolos for their commitment to Florida’s space industry and for recognizing the importance of this innovative sector to Florida’s economy.”

About Space Florida: Space Florida was created to strengthen Florida’s position as the global leader in aerospace research, investment, exploration and commerce. As Florida’s aerospace development organization, we are committed to attracting and expanding the next generation of space industry businesses. With its highly trained workforce, proven infrastructure and unparalleled record of achievement, Florida is the ideal location for aerospace businesses to thrive – and Space Florida is the perfect partner to help them succeed. www.spaceflorida.gov.

According to the CEO survey, Texas remains in first place as the best state in which to conduct business. Texas earned perfect scores in the areas of taxation and workforce quality, but received four out of five points for its living environment. Texas currently leads the U.S. in total job creation with a net employment gain of 245,700 from March 2011 to March 2012. Similarly, Florida claims an above average net employment increase of 89,800 over-the-year, with a 1.7 percentage point drop in its jobless rate over the same period. Turning to the worst performing state, California once again received last place for its business environment. Although California earned high ratings for its living environment, the state’s taxation and regulatory policies received the lowest possible rating.

Tallahassee, FL (May 8, 2012) – In addition to publishing grades earned by all 160 legislators on the Florida Chamber of Commerce Report Card, the Florida Chamber presents special awards to legislators who went above and beyond in their support of private-sector job growth. Recognizing legislators who fought for the passage of pro-jobs, pro-business legislation, the Florida Chamber today named House Speaker Dean Cannon as the 2012 Most Valuable Legislator, honored 42 members of the Florida Legislature with Distinguished Advocates awards and recognized Rep. Chris Dorworth as recipient of the Chairman’s Award.

The Florida Chamber’s Most Valuable Legislator award is the business community’s premier legislative award honoring a single lawmaker for their outstanding legislative leadership on free enterprise issues. The Florida Chamber’s Distinguished Advocate award recognizes lawmakers that helped ensure consideration of the business community’s legislative priorities, and furthered the Florida Chamber’s goals of strengthening job creation, advancing Florida’s economic recovery and helping to position our state to once again be the No. 1 job creator in the nation. The Florida Chamber Chairman’s Award acknowledges a lawmaker for their efforts to create a more business friendly environment.

“Early during the 2012 legislative process, the Florida Chamber encouraged lawmakers to build on efforts to transition Florida to an innovation-based economy by putting the long-term health of Florida ahead of short-term politics,” said Mark Wilson, President and CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce. “The Florida Chamber is pleased to present the Most Valuable Legislator award and Distinguished Advocate award to lawmakers who have the courage to put free enterprise principles for job creation above special interests.”

During the 2012 Legislative Session, lawmakers passed 22 Florida Chamber-backed pro-business, pro-jobs bills and defeated dozens of anti-business bills. All 160 legislators earned grades on the Florida Chamber’s 2012 Legislative Report Card based on their actual pro-jobs, pro-business votes cast during the 2012 session.

2012 MOST VALUABLE LEGISLATOR:

The business community’s premier legislative award, Most Valuable Legislator, goes to House Speaker Dean Cannon for his outstanding leadership to strengthen Florida’s economy, establish predictability and stability with Florida’s business climate and support private-sector job creation. During his two-year term as the leader of the Florida House of Representatives, Speaker Cannon ran the chamber with precision and purpose.

“Speaker Cannon is a champion of free enterprise and understands government doesn’t create jobs – government creates the right environment for the private-sector to create jobs,” said Anthony Connelly, chair, Florida Chamber of Commerce and Senior Vice President &CFO, Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, U.S.

“During the 2012  Legislative Session we worked hard to send a signal of stability and predictability to Florida’s private-sector job creators by crafting a balanced budget that does not raise taxes and passing critical tax relief and incentive packages to support existing and attract new private-sector jobs,” said House Speaker Dean Cannon. “We are grateful to the Florida Chamber for their ongoing support of this effort and for their commitment to growing Florida’s business community.”

Previous recipients of the Florida Chamber’s Most Valuable Legislator award include: Sen. Ellyn Bogdanoff (2011), Sen. John Thrasher (2010), Sen. Garrett Richter (2009), Rep. Dennis Ross (2008), Rep. Stan Mayfield (2007), Rep. Don Brown (2006) and Rep. Allan Bense (2005).

2012 CHAIRMAN’S AWARD

The 2012 Chairman’s Award recognizes Rep. Chris Dorworth for his efforts to improve Florida’s regulatory environment as Chair of the House Rulemaking and Regulation Subcommittee. Under Rep. Dorworth’s leadership, lawmakers eliminated 270 duplicative, costly and antiquated rules and regulations to directly improve Florida’s business climate, and set the stage for successful passage of legislation giving the Governor authority over state agency department heads he supervises.

“Rep. Dorworth is a valuable advocate for the business community,” said Anthony Connelly, chair, Florida Chamber of Commerce and Senior Vice President & CFO, Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, U.S. “His leadership will enable businesses to continue to create new jobs for Floridians, and it is my honor to name him the recipient of this year’s Chairman’s Award.”

2012 DISTINGUISHED ADVOCATE AWARD RECIPIENTS:

Florida Senate:

Sen. JD Alexander (R-Lake Wales) – Championed several Florida Chamber-backed priorities and sponsored legislation that significantly reduces assessments on homeowner and business insurance policies in the aftermath of a major hurricane. He also developed and passed a pro-jobs, balanced budget without raising taxes and fees on businesses.

Sen. Ellyn Bogdanoff – (R-Fort Lauderdale) Sponsored Florida Chamber-backed unemployment comp legislation saving Florida’s job creators $549 million over two years.

Sen. Anitere Flores – (R-Miami) Sponsored Florida Chamber-supported legislation that allows certain funds from plans participating in the state’s managed care program to help fund graduate medical education institution residency programs, and she prevented the Florida Chamber-opposed E-Verify mandate from coming up in committee.

Sen. LizBeth Benacquisto – (R-Fort Myers) Sponsored a significant Florida Chamber-backed education bill to expand the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program to provide more children with private scholarships to quality education programs.

Sen. Nancy Detert – (R-Venice) Sponsored Florida Chamber-backed legislation creating a statewide Environmental Resource Permit Rule with single point-of-entry into Florida’s environmental permitting process, which reduces the cost of doing business in Florida while protecting our valuable environment. She also championed legislation that would have helped level the playing field for Florida’s small businesses by closing the internet-only sales tax loophole while remaining revenue-neutral.

Sen. Don Gaetz – (R-Destin) Sponsored Florida Chamber-backed legislation to enhance regulatory reform efforts by giving the Governor authority over the state agency department heads he supervises “at all times.” He also led the charge to ensure Florida’s universities are aligning their strategies and focus with the employment needs of a knowledge-based economy by establishing the critical link between the high-wage jobs of the future and student outputs from Florida’s universities.

Sen. Alan Hays – (R-Umatilla) Sponsored Florida Chamber-backed legislation that would have reduced rising workers’ comp rates for businesses by $62 million if the Florida Senate President would have allowed members to vote on it.

Sen. Andy Gardiner – (R-Orlando) Sponsored Florida Chamber-supported legislation that gives 21^st century technology options for students in public schools by allowing students entering grades K-5 to participate in Florida Virtual School’s full-time virtual instruction programs and full-time virtual charter schools.

Sen. Bill Montford – (D-Tallahassee) Crossed party lines and supported Florida Chamber-backed issues such as auto insurance/PIP reform and tax relief for Florida’s businesses.

Sen. Steve Oelrich – (R-Gainesville) Filed and passed Florida Chamber-supported legislation to help return Citizens to the insurer of last resort, keep private insurance companies solvent after a hurricane and reduce assessments on customers of private insurers in the event of a hurricane.

Sen. John Thrasher – (R-Jacksonville) Supported the Florida Chamber’s agenda as Rules Chair by making sure key bills were heard in committee and advancing to the floor.

Sen. Garrett Richter – (R-Naples) Stood strong with the Florida Chamber on important legal reform legislation that attempted to eliminate junk science in Florida’s courts just as our federal courts have done; this expert witness bill would have strengthened the integrity of Florida’s courts and empowered judges to serve as gatekeepers when considering proposed expert testimony. He was also a leader in the Senate for strong PIP auto insurance reform.

Sen. Steve Wise – (R-Jacksonville) Championed Florida Chamber-backed legislation that, had it passed, would have supported teachers through improved professional development options and benefits provided by professional associations. He also sponsored and passed legislation that builds on Florida’s efforts to attract spaceflight businesses and commercial space companies to Florida by adding Cecil Airport to Space Florida’s master planning program.

Florida House of Representatives:

Rep. Ben Albritton (R-Bartow) – Sponsored Florida Chamber-backed legislation to reform Florida’s property insurance market by returning Citizens to the insurer of last resort, keeping private insurance companies solvent after a major storm and reducing assessments on customers of private insurers in the event of a hurricane.

Rep. Mack Bernard – (D-West Palm Beach) Supported Florida Chamber-backed workers’ comp reform that would have lowered costs on businesses by $62 million and sponsored the key amendment which passed on the House floor.

Rep. Jim Boyd – (R-Bradenton) Sponsored an important Florida Chamber-backed bill reducing auto insurance/PIP fraud, abuse and attorney’s fees.

Rep. Gary Aubuchon – (R-Cape Coral) Fought for free enterprise and job creation by supporting Florida Chamber-backed priorities through committee and the House floor as chair of the Rules and Calendar Committee.

Rep. Michael Bileca – (R-West Palm Beach) Sponsored Florida Chamber-supported empowerment bill aiming to increase education options for parents and students.

Rep. Jeff Brandes – (R-St. Petersburg) Filed Florida Chamber-backed legislation that would have ensured teachers have options as it relates to professional development. He also sponsored a bill reforming local government pension systems.

Rep. Jason Brodeur – (R-Sanford) Sponsored Florida Chamber-supported legislation that protects Florida’s decision not to tax service fees for booking travel to Florida.

Rep. Steve Crisafulli – (R-Merritt Island) Sponsored Florida Chamber-backed legislation creating a statewide Environmental Resource Permit Rule with single point-of-entry into Florida’s environmental permitting process, and which reduces the cost of doing business in Florida while protecting our valuable environment.

Rep. Eric Eisnaugle – (R-Orlando) Championed a Florida Chamber-supported exemption increase on tangible personal property valued between $25,000 to $50,000, which will save job creators $20 million a year if passed by voters on the November ballot.

Rep. Denise Grimsley – (R-Sebring) Developed and passed a Florida Chamber-supported pro-jobs, balanced budget without raising taxes or fees on businesses.

Rep. Bill Hager – (R-Boca Raton) Championed Florida Chamber-backed CAT fund legislation that would have reduced assessments on homeowners and businesses following a storm, prepared Florida to financially weather a hurricane and stabilized Florida’s insurance market.

Rep. Doug Holder – (R-Sarasota) Sponsored Florida Chamber-backed unemployment comp legislation saving job creators $549 million over two years.

Rep. Mike Horner – (R-Kissimmee) Sponsored Florida Chamber-backed legislation leveling the playing field on sales tax collection for Florida’s brick and mortar businesses by closing a loophole that gives out-of-state online retailers an advantage over Florida businesses.

Rep. Matt Hudson – (R-Naples) Sponsored Florida Chamber-supported workers’ compensation reform legislation to save businesses $62 million in rate increases.

Rep. Dorothy Hukill – (R-Port Orange) Sponsored a Florida Chamber-supported bill to eliminate individual company limits for economic development incentives on businesses creating high-wage jobs in targeted industries such as defense and aerospace, and she worked diligently to move the important economic development legislation through the House of Representatives.

Rep. John Patrick Julien – (D-North Miami Beach) Supported Florida Chamber-backed pro-business legislation such as workers’ comp reform and the Florida tax credit scholarship program.

Rep. Carlos Lopez-Cantera – (R-Miami) Was an integral part of the leadership team in executing a Florida Chamber-backed business-friendly agenda and remained focused on putting free enterprise principles ahead of special interest.

Rep. Bryan Nelson – (R-Apopka) Supported Florida Chamber-backed efforts that made significant reforms to Florida’s auto insurance market and Citizens Insurance.

Rep. Jimmy Patronis – (R-Panama City) Sponsored Florida Chamber-supported legislation to streamline Florida’s regulatory process, eliminate costly duplicative regulations, expand the use of general permits and protect Florida’s environment.

Rep. Kathleen Passidomo – (R-Naples) Sponsored Florida Chamber-supported legal reform legislation to eliminate Florida’s reputation as a haven for bad-faith insurance lawsuits.

Rep. Scott Plakon – (R-Longwood) Sponsored a Florida Chamber-backed bill that would have clarified in Florida statues that Internet cafes are illegal in Florida.

Rep. Steve Precourt – (R-Orlando) Led Florida Chamber-supported legislative efforts to provide substantial tax relief for businesses, including manufacturers, and also provide additional tax relief by raising the corporate income tax exemption from $25,000 to $50,000.

Rep. Lake Ray – (R-Jacksonville) Sponsored Florida Chamber-backed legislation building on Florida’s efforts to attract spaceflight businesses and commercial space companies to Florida by adding Cecil Airport to Space Florida’s master planning program; he was a key player in strengthening Florida’s role as a global hub for trade.

Rep. Robert Schenck – (R-Spring Hill) Stood strong with the business community on Florida Chamber-supported legislation that would have made important reforms to the workers’ comp system by reducing rising rates for businesses and lowering the cost by $62 million.

Rep. Kelli Stargel – (R-Lakeland) Sponsored a Florida Chamber-backed education bill giving 21^st century technology options to students in public schools and allows students entering graded K-5 to participate in Florida Virtual School’s full-time virtual instruction programs and full-time virtual charter schools.

Rep. Will Weatherford – (R-Wesley Chapel) Led efforts to support Florida Chamber-backed unemployment compensation tax relief by reducing the tax increases by approximately $50 per employee, saving employers $549 million over two years.

Rep. Ritch Workman – (R-Melbourne) Sponsored Florida Chamber-backed legislation that helps ensure Florida remains a global leader in spaceflight activity by providing flexibility to Space Florida and strengthening the state’s aviation and aerospace industries to result in more economic activity and job creation.

Rep. Trudi Williams – (R-Ft. Myers) Sponsored Florida Chamber-supported efforts to create regulatory certainty for utilities that invest in alternative water projects by extending their permit duration to 30 years.

Rep. Dana Young – (R-Tampa) Filed important Florida Chamber-supported legislation creating regulatory certainty for utilities to invest in water treatment plants and piping systems to encourage the use of reclaimed water by its customers.

View grades for all 160 legislators on the Florida Chamber Report Card.