News

Autonomous Florida Partner Jacksonville Transportation Authority Wins ITS World Congress 2021 Local Government Award for the Americas

Autonomous Florida, a program of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, is proud to announce that one of its Steering Committee partners, Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) received the Local Government Award for the Americas at the 2021 ITS World Congress in Hamburg, Germany. The Award recognizes local governments from across the world for mobility innovation and collaboration. “Now is the time to prepare Florida for the next generation of transportation, and Florida’s business community is at…

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Florida Institute for Political Leadership Hosting Online Campaign School & Community Leadership Training for Southeast Florida October 5 – 7

WEST PALM BEACH, FL – The Florida Institute for Political Leadership (FIPL), an initiative by the Florida Chamber of Commerce, is hosting a virtual Campaign School & Community Leadership Training for Indian River, St. Lucie, Martin, Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade & Monroe Counties October 5 – 7, from 5:30pm – 8:00pm. This no-cost and nonpartisan 3-day program is open to everyone and recommended for elected officials, current or future candidates, campaign workers, and anyone interested…

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Small Business Spotlight – Cindy Zimmerman of SS Designs

Have a Conversation with Cindy Zimmerman, President & CEO of SS Designs What does your business do? SS Designs is a woman-owned, second-generation custom apparel company specializing in designing and decorating quality Softline products. Our customers consist of international corporations, theme parks, destination events, retail and restaurant chains, financial institutions, automotive companies and more. With our large-scale production infrastructure, established global distribution channels and trendsetting in-house creative department, we partner with customers across the world…

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Prosperity Perspectives

I am often asked the question, “how does the Florida Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Project fit into the Florida Chamber Foundation’s efforts in the Florida Equality of Opportunity Initiative?” On the surface, the answer seems simple, our movement is working to ensure every Floridian has an equal opportunity at earned success. By working with Florida’s top DEI leaders to develop a DEI business toolkit, tailored to the needs of small to mid-size organizations, we can…

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Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce Hosting Online Campaign School & Community Leadership Training September 21-23

FORT WALTON BEACH, FL – The Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Florida Institute for Political Leadership (FIPL), an initiative by the Florida Chamber of Commerce, is hosting a virtual Campaign School & Community Leadership Training September 21 – 23, from 5:30pm – 8:00pm (CST). This no-cost and nonpartisan 3-day program is open to everyone and recommended for elected officials, current or future candidates, campaign workers, and anyone interested in serving…

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Florida Chamber 2021 Most Valuable Legislator, Senate President Wilton Simpson, Confirmed to Speak at 2021 Florida Chamber Annual Meeting & Future of Florida Forum

Florida Senate President Wilton Simpson will address Florida’s business community during his discussion on “Building a Post-Pandemic Florida” at the 2021 Florida Chamber Annual Meeting & Future of Florida Forum, October 27-28 at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Orlando. Join us and don’t miss this opportunity to hear directly from Florida’s Senate President. “Senate President Wilton Simpson is a proven leader dedicated to championing free enterprise, planning for the opportunities and challenges that come with…

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Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody Confirmed to Speak at 2021 Florida Chamber Annual Meeting & Future of Florida Forum

Attorney General Ashley Moody will address Florida’s business community and share her vision for the future of Florida during her discussion on “Preserving a Crime-Free Environment for Florida Business to Thrive” at the 2021 Florida Chamber Annual Meeting & Future of Florida Forum, October 27-28 at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Orlando. Join us and don’t miss this opportunity to hear directly from Florida’s Attorney General. “Attorney General Ashley Moody is a proven leader who…

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Florida Chamber Names Frank Walker Executive Vice President of Government & Political Relations

The Florida Chamber of Commerce today announced Frank Walker has been promoted to Executive Vice President of Government & Political Relations, overseeing the Chamber’s extensive legislative and political operations. “As we ramp up the Florida business community’s advocacy efforts to continue growing Florida’s economy and investing in Florida’s future, Frank Walker is the right leader to represent the interests of Florida’s job creators in Tallahassee and D.C.,” said Florida Chamber of Commerce President & CEO…

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Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to Keynote Florida Chamber’s 2021 Annual Meeting & Future of Florida Forum

Florida became a national model to relaunching our economy in spite of the COVID-19 pandemic. This is largely attributed to the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis to follow the facts and not the fear to reopen Florida safe and smart, while protecting our most vulnerable populations. Governor DeSantis will address Florida’s business community and share his vision for the future of Florida at the 2021 Florida Chamber Annual Meeting & Future of Florida Forum, October…

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Small Business Council Spotlight – Ray Blacklidge of American Traditions Insurance Company

Have a Conversation with Ray Blacklidge, Shareholder, Executive VP, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, of American Traditions Insurance Company What does your business do? Since 2006 American Traditions Insurance company has provided insurance coverage for homeowners, condo owners, renters, and manufactured homes in the state of Florida. We strive to offer best-in-class customer service and claims processing while providing Florida residents property insurance coverage. What’s your biggest concern as a small business owner/operator? In the…

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Ret. Lieutenant Colonel David Gillespie named Florida Chamber Foundation as Executive Vice President

The Florida Chamber Foundation continues its planned growth, and after a national search, today announced Ret. Lieutenant Colonel David Gillespie has joined the team as Executive Vice President. In this role, David will lead the Florida Chamber Foundation to secure Florida’s future through the management and execution of the 39 goals of the Florida 2030 Blueprint, including coordinating key stakeholders to ensure Florida’s goal of becoming a top 10 global economy. “Florida is at a…

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Aaron Kinnon Promoted to Vice President of Investor Relations and Engagement for the Florida Chamber of Commerce and Florida Chamber Foundation

The Florida Chamber of Commerce and the Florida Chamber Foundation continue to grow and today announced the promotion of Aaron Kinnon to Vice President of Investor Relations for the Florida Chamber and Florida Chamber Foundation. In his new role, Aaron will lead Florida Chamber investor services, engagement and growth and will expand the Florida Chamber Foundation team to ensure it continues providing premium engagement opportunities for members as we work to lead Florida to a…

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Florida Chamber Foundation’s New Orlando Metro Skills Report Identifies and Evaluates Workforce Skills Gaps in the Orlando Metro Market, where 448,201 Net New Jobs Need to be Created by 2030

As Florida’s economy continues to grow and diversify, talent is key. Florida currently has more jobs looking for people than people looking for jobs. Solving our future talent needs now is the right path. In Florida, we have 545,200 open jobs looking for people and only 530,000 Floridians actively looking for jobs. Future economic development and diversification depends on matching the right skills with the right job opportunities. Targeting workforce development to regional skills gaps…

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Florida Chamber Foundation’s New Miami Metro Skills Report Identifies and Evaluates Workforce Skills Gaps in the Miami Metro Market, where 433,313 Net New Jobs Need to be Created by 2030

As Florida’s economy continues to grow and diversify, talent is key. Florida currently has more jobs looking for people than people looking for jobs. Solving our future talent needs now is the right path. In Florida, we have 545,200 open jobs looking for people and only 523,000 Floridians actively looking for jobs. Future economic development and diversification depends on matching the right skills with the right job opportunities. Targeting workforce development to regional skills gaps…

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Florida Chamber Foundation’s New Fort Myers Metro Skills Report Identifies and Evaluates Workforce Skills Gaps in the Fort Myers Metro Market, where 103,446 Net New Jobs Need to be Created by 2030

As Florida’s economy continues to grow and diversify, talent is key. Florida currently has more jobs looking for people than people looking for jobs. Solving our future talent needs now is the right path. In Florida, we have 528,300 open jobs looking for people and only 523,000 Floridians actively looking for jobs. Future economic development and diversification depends on matching the right skills with the right job opportunities. Targeting workforce development to regional skills gaps…

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