News

Ira Anderson, Lakeland Economic Development Council Chairman and Partner with Crow Horwath LLP

“This recognition of Florida’s economic development is well-deserved. Over the last few years, Florida has worked diligently to create a state of opportunity. The state’s convenient tax structure, amazing workforce, infrastructure and quality of life have attracted businesses and families around the world. With major companies such as Amazon expanding in Florida, it’s obvious that Florida is one of the best business climates in the nation.”

Larry K. Williams, President & CEO, The Miami-Dade County Beacon Council

“This recognition is a testament to the state’s excellent business climate. Enterprise Florida continues to demonstrate world-class leadership to ensure Florida is the best place for business. The partnerships Miami-Dade County has with the business community, the public sector and Enterprise Florida create an effective system to bring jobs and investment to our community.”

Rick Weddle, President and CEO, Orlando Economic Development Commission

“We are proud of this record accomplishment in bringing projects to the state in partnership with Enterprise Florida. Orlando’s abundant and talented workforce, world-class educational and research institutions and entrepreneurial ecosystem make it an ideal location for companies looking to expand or relocate, and we look forward to continuing to create more and better jobs of the future for our community.” 

Jerry Mallot, President, JAXUSA Partnership

“The Florida economy is thriving, which in turn allows our local economy to grow and add new jobs and capital investment. The business climate in Florida continues to improve and has allowed us to work closely with the State and our local partners in the Jacksonville region to announce 23 new projects and well over 3,000 new jobs in the last year.”

Lynda Weatherman, President & CEO, Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast

“The combination of Gov. Scott’s visionary approach to job creation and our own innovative programs and aggressive business development efforts have helped the Space Coast grow and diversify our economy over the last year through business attraction, retention and expansion. We have seen success in multiple areas, from high-tech manufacturing to aerospace and aviation, led by Northrop Grumman and Embraer, who announced two projects over the last year that will generate 1,600 high-paying jobs and more than $130 million in capital investment. But no matter the company, no matter the industry, it is Florida’s outstanding business climate — low operating costs; a deep, skilled workforce; a tax structure that helps companies succeed — that they all talk about. Add to those strengths our top-notch schools and universities, great cost of living and unparalleled quality-of-life amenities, and you can see why the Space Coast and all of Florida have been among the national leaders in project development and job growth.”

Scott Luth, Senior Vice President of Economic Development for the Greater Pensacola Chamber

“Greater Pensacola has seen a steady increase in its job growth over the last year. Navy Federal Credit Union announced an expansion of its Heritage Oaks campus that will create 1,500 jobs in Escambia County. We have also seen diverse growth in several other sectors, including Information Technology and Manufacturing, with expansions announced at GBSI and iGate/CHCS and with West Fraser reopening the McDavid lumber facility.”

Glen Salyer, Executive Director of Lee County Economic Development Office

“Florida’s business friendly environment is attracting the attention of world-class companies like Hertz and Gartner. Our competitive tax structure, talented workforce, robust infrastructure and tremendous quality of life allow us to partner with these dynamic businesses to enhance the State’s growing economy.”

Bob Swindell, President and CEO, Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance

“Many people know of Florida as a place that grows oranges, has great beaches and welcomes visitors from all over the world. What they are surprised to learn is that it is also a top ranked business state with pharmaceutical manufacturing, technology and aerospace and aviation companies, among other high tech industries. Many companies in these industries have located or expanded in Greater Fort Lauderdale this past year, taking advantage of our skilled, diverse workforce, highly ranked K-12 schools and universities, favorable tax climate, and outstanding location for international business.  We welcome companies to become surprised about why they should do business in Florida.”

Dennis Cason, President, Suwannee County Chamber of Commerce

“Many factors influenced the 2013 decision by Klausner Lumber One, LLC to locate their first North American state-of–the-art sawmill in Florida, creating 350 jobs with a $130 million capital investment.  One of the most important factors was the cooperative efforts of state, regional, and local agencies and organizations. The Florida Catalyst Sites were established in 2008 as a strategy for economic development in Florida’s rural areas. and the Department of Economic Opportunity has worked diligently to support the concept.  Enterprise Florida, Inc. promoted the state and applied important technical and financial incentives to the project and our EFI representative supported us every step of the way.   The fourteen counties of the North Florida Economic Development Partnership (NFEDP) have supported the catalyst site from the beginning and the NFEDP personnel have tirelessly given ongoing technical assistance to Suwannee County.  Locally, the Suwannee County Board of County Commissioners had the vision to understand the importance of job growth for our region, built on our natural resources, and the Suwannee County Economic Alliance served as the project’s biggest advocate.”