Florida Chamber of Commerce Endorses Jimmy Patronis for Florida’s Chief Financial Officer

“CFO Patronis is concerned about fiscal accountability as well as protecting Floridians from shady activities that have led to rising home and auto insurance rates.”

– Mark Wilson, Florida Chamber of Commerce

TAMPA, Fla. (May 9, 2018)— Against the backdrop of the historic La Segunda Bakery in Ybor City, the Florida Chamber of Commerce today endorsed Jimmy Patronis for Chief Financial Officer. The announcement was made by Florida Chamber CEO Mark Wilson, Mike Sheely of Allstate Insurance, and Representative Jackie Toledo.

A fourth generation Floridian, Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis is a public servant that’s focused on Floridians.

“I am so grateful for the support of the Florida Chamber of Commerce in my bid for another term as Chief Financial Officer,” said CFO JIMMY PATRONIS. “I look forward to continuing to work with the Florida Chamber to further Governor Scott’s legacy of tax cuts and job creation. This will ensure all businesses, both large and small, have a friendly climate to grow our economy. Together, we must keep fighting for Florida businesses and the opportunities job creators provide for the families in our state.”

Florida’s Chief Financial Officer is one of four cabinet members that regularly votes on issues impacting all Floridians. Florida’s CFO oversees the Department of Financial Services, the Division of Consumer Services, the Division of Investigative and Forensic Services, and more. It’s focused on protecting consumers from fraudulent insurance and financial activities, supporting first responders, protecting job creators and their identities, securing Florida’s “AAA” bond rating and more.

During his time in public service, CFO Patronis has been a member of the Public Service Commission, the Florida Ethics Commission, and recently the Constitution Revision Commission. He served eight years in the Florida House of Representatives, consistently earning an “A” grade on the Florida Chamber’s Legislative Report Card.

As a partner in his family’s historic Captain Anderson’s Restaurant, CFO Patronis understands the important role this Cabinet level position plays in helping to keep Floridians protected during their times of need and ensuring Florida’s businesses continue to grow.

“Jimmy Patronis is a Floridian, born and raised in Panama City, Florida, who understands the needs of Florida’s families,” said JACKIE TOLEDO, Florida House of Representatives, District 60. “He is the leader that Florida needs to move forward for the next eight years.”

Florida needs a leader who can help keep us on the path of fiscal accountability, help reduce fraud that’s raising insurance rates, and ensure that Floridians have the resources they need to make informed financial decisions.

“CFO Patronis is especially concerned about protecting Floridians, and that’s a priority we can all support,” said MIKE SHEELY, Field Senior Vice President, Allstate Insurance Company. “I am proud to stand by the Florida Chamber’s endorsement of Jimmy Patronis as Florida’s Chief Financial Officer.”

“From ensuring that Floridians have the tools they need to make smart financial decisions to promoting an environment where businesses in Florida can continue to grow, Jimmy Patronis is on the front lines ensuring Florida continues to prosper,” said MARK WILSON, President & CEO, Florida Chamber. “We are proud to endorse Jimmy Patronis as Florida’s next Chief Financial Officer.”

Also joining the event was Copeland More a fourth-generation purveyor for La Segunda Bakery.

# # #

Established in 1916 as Florida’s first statewide business advocacy organization, the Florida Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business and the state’s largest federation of employers, chambers of commerce and associations aggressively representing small and large businesses from every industry and every region. The Florida Chamber works within all branches of government to affect those changes set forth in the annual Florida Business Agenda, and which are seen as critical to secure Florida’s future. The Florida Chamber works closely with its Florida Political Operations and the Florida Chamber Foundation. Visit www.FloridaChamber.com for more information.