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Orlando, Inc. Business Partner Members joined Florida Chamber of Commerce Board Members for a Post-Legislative Briefing sponsored by Florida Hospital,a Member of the Central Florida Partnership..   In celebration of their efforts, the event recognized elected officials for their willingness to support Legislation that creates jobs and positions for Florida to be competitive on the global stage.  An educational component focused on the outcome of Legislation and how it will impact business.

Orlando, Inc. Board Member, Pat Engfer, General Manager of the Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport, hosted the group of nearly 100 to her “home.”   Attendees were also welcomed by Orlando, Inc., President Leslie Hielema who introduced Mark Wilson, President of the Florida Chamber who stressed the importance of the strong relationship between Orlando, Inc. and the Florida Chamber.  “A relationship surrounding a shared agenda of critical economic drivers is vital to not only the success of the region, but the state, as we look to compete globally,” stated Hielema.  

“It’s hard to believe, but this year could have been worse.” Mark Wilson, Florida Chamber President told the crowd.  Entering another deficit year for the State budget, the beginning of this year’s Legislative session, which lasted from March 2nd to April 30th, didn’t instill widespread hope in the business community.  As much as we would liked legislators to have a greater focus on providing the tools necessary for the business community to create jobs, thus pulling our economy out of a recession, they were also dealing with a total of 2100 lobbyists all fighting for different agendas.  In addition, 2,477 bills were filed, of which 301 passed. 

What’s important is the realization that we are no longer the “cheap” state to move to.  We are now the 19th most expensive and our economic strategy has to align with this trend.  To ensure this alignment, the Florida Chamber has laid out the six Economic Pillars, also supported by Orlando, Inc.  They are: Talent/World Class Education, Innovation and Economic Development, Infrastructure, Business Climate and Competitiveness, Civic and Governance Systems, and Quality of Life.  The purpose of the Post-Legislative Briefing was to highlight the “grades” received by our Legislators outlining their support of Legislation surrounding these Economic Pillars.    

A sample of important Legislation included SB4 which raises graduation standards; SB1752 (includes the film and entertainment tax credit, etc.) which helps to further diversify Florida’s economy by encouraging creation of high-wage jobs by removing barriers to economic growth and providing incentives to Florida businesses; HB1B that created a comprehensive statewide rail policy for Florida; CS/HB7033 to lower the cost of the unemployment compensation tax on Florida employers; SB1178 that will allow Legislators to consider all factors when deciding how to invest taxpayer dollars; and the Florida Forever Program that will preserve the natural beauty that enhances our quality of life and attracts millions of visitors every year.   

Celebrate we must since several members of the Central Florida Legislative Delegation received the “Distinguished Advocate Award” including: Senators Thad Altman, Carey Baker, Mike Haridopolos and Andy Gardiner, as well as Representatives Chris Dorworth, Chris Eisnaugle, Mike Horner, Dorothy Hukill and Scott Plakon. 

Click here to view the full report.

Attendees were also directed to recent polls which outline the unpredictability of this fall’s races.  Of the 160+ Legislative seats, 143 will be on the ballot.  It will be an unprecedented year in Florida politics and that much more of a reason to get out and vote for those elected officials that will help drive our economy forward. 

Access www.orlando.org for a list of pro-business candidates endorsed by BusinessForce.