Governor Crist Highlights Budget Proposals and Strategies to Grow Florida’s Innovation Economy at ‘Florida’s Future Summit’
Feb 5, 2010
Florida Economic Development Council President and Chief Executive Officer Amy Evancho served as a panelist at the February 5, 2010 “Florida’s Future Summit.” The event featured a keynote speech by Florida Chamber Foundation President, Dr. Dale Brill. Florida Governor Charlie Crist made a special appearance at the event, after which the following press release was issued:
Governor Crist Highlights Budget Proposals and Strategies to Grow Florida’s Innovation Economy at “Florida’s Future Summit”
~ Emphasizes talent development, tax relief and business incentives ~
FORT LAUDERDALE – As part of his ongoing focus on growing Florida’s economy through job retention and creation, workforce training and economic development, Governor Charlie Crist today highlighted his proposed economic budget strategies at the “Florida’s Future Summit” in Fort Lauderdale. Hosted by the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward Economic Development Alliance at Nova Southeastern University, the summit emphasized the importance of increasing South Florida’s focus on economic drivers such as workforce, innovation, infrastructure, global competitiveness, quality of life, and streamlined civic and government systems.
“My focus continues to be on strengthening Florida’s economy and creating jobs for the people of our state,” said Governor Crist. “The talent of our workforce is the formula to Florida’s economic success, and I am committed to building a workforce ready to step into the innovation, knowledge-based economy of the 21st century.”
During his remarks, Governor Crist highlighted his commitment to growing the state’s innovation economy, ensuring a competitive business climate, building a world-class workforce, and establishing Florida as a pre-eminent global trade hub. He also reiterated his economic budget priorities which include $307.5-million for targeted economic development initiatives and incentives to help increase Florida’s competitiveness in key business sectors, including digital media and information technology, aviation and aerospace, defense, biotechnology, tourism, sports, and film and entertainment through the Governor’s Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development (OTTED).
Recently, Governor Charlie Crist also proposed additional strategies for growing jobs, businesses and economic opportunities through $100 million in tax relief to families and businesses. Governor Crist recommended a $9.7-billion investment in economic development, which includes infrastructure, workforce development and incentives for small businesses. Governor Crist also recommended continued investments to assist individuals, businesses and communities as Florida’s economy recovers.
For more information on the Governor’s economic budget proposals, go to Incentives to Build Florida’s Innovation Economy and Bold Job-Growth Strategies.