Governor Scott Building Up Florida Manufacturing Jobs
FLORIDA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
“The impact of manufacturing on Florida’s economy can’t be understated since more than 17,000 companies employing more than 300,000 Floridians provide products, equipment and items that we use every day,” said Mark Wilson, President and CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce. “We need to attract and grow manufacturing jobs if we want Florida to be more competitive. To that end, the Florida Chamber has called for the doubling of Florida-origin exports over the next five years. As we work to secure Florida’s future, the Florida Chamber commends Governor Scott for continuing to position Florida as an economic development leader. Governor Scott clearly understands that more competitive manufacturing will allow Florida ports to export more products that are made in Florida.”
ASSOCIATED INDUSTRIES OF FLORIDA
“As the state affiliate for the National Association of Manufacturers, AIF shares Governor Scott’s vision of making Florida the world’s premier business destination. We are eager to help the Governor improve Florida’s business climate and create an economic environment that fosters job creation,” said Tom Feeney, President & CEO, Associated Industries of Florida. “As the ‘Voice of Florida Businesses’ and representing more than 10,000 employers across the state, we look forward to assisting our members with ways their businesses can tap into the increased productivity that will result from this tax relief proposal for Florida manufacturers.”
NATIONAL FEDERATION OF INDEPENDENT BUSINESSES
“Florida’s small businesses will play an important role in ensuring the success of Governor Scott’s goal to increase manufacturing and exporting in Florida,” said Bill Herrle, Executive Director, National Federation of Independent Business/Florida. “By recommending this proposal, the Governor is taking another step in making Florida the top state for businesses and job creation. The NFIB supports this bold proposal and is eager to continue assisting our members with the resources and guidance they need to be successful.”
FLORIDA PORT COUNCIL
Doug Wheeler, President of the Florida Ports Council said, “Governor Scott’s commitment to growing Florida’s economy is evident by his desire to make Florida’s ports more accessible and competitive than ever before. The most effective way to increase Florida’s exports is to increase its manufacturing output. Florida is currently the fourth largest export state in the nation, with 15 deepwater seaports that play a vital role in our state’s economy. In 2011, Florida’s international trade was a record $149 billion. Cargo-related activity at Florida seaports generates more than 550,000 direct and indirect jobs and contributes $66 billion in economic value to the state. With changes to the Panama Canal, unmatched access to Latin America and the Caribbean and continued investment in ports, Florida is uniquely positioned to lead the nation in both the volume and value of trade moving through these ports.”
FLORIDA TRUCKING ASSOCIATION
“Increasing the productivity and output of Florida’s manufacturing industry means more products that will require the assistance of Florida’s vital trucking industry and its hard working and dedicated members statewide,” said Florida Trucking Association President & CEO Mary Lou Rajchel. “Governor Scott’s continuing goal of creating more jobs is great for Florida, and we look forward to the important role that the Florida Trucking Association and its members will play.”
SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
“Florida’s small businesses are key to Florida’s economy, creating four out of every five new jobs and accounting for 85% of the total businesses in the state,” said Jerry Cartwright, the State Director of Florida’s Small Business Development Council. “Hearing of the Governor’s focus on manufacturing and exporting is great news, as it means an increased role for Florida’s small businesses which currently comprise almost 96 percent of the state’s exporting firms, producing more than 67 percent of total exports. This also means the potential creation of even more small businesses and the jobs and positive economic impact that come with them. The SBDC looks forward to meeting the critical needs and continuing to provide the foundation for the development of new small business enterprises that are created as a result of the Governor’s proposal.”
MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION OF FLORIDA
“Governor Scott and the Florida Legislature have been steadily improving the business climate for manufacturers in Florida. Each step taken toward complete elimination of the sales tax on manufacturing machinery and equipment moves Florida into a more competitive position, allows for more growth in this industry, and eliminates the pyramiding, or duplication, of taxes throughout the manufacturing process.” Nancy Stephens, Executive Director, Manufacturers Association of Florida
FLORIDA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
“Increasing Florida’s production and overall economic development will lead to a more diversified economy, job creation and an improved business climate,” said Amy Evancho, President and CEO, Florida Economic Development Council. “We support Governor Scott’s vision of making Florida a world class business destination, and Florida’s Economic Development Council will continue to support our statewide network of economic development professionals who play a vital role in moving Florida manufacturing forward.”
TRANSPORTATION BUILDERS ASSOCIATION
“Florida’s transportation system will play a central role in supporting Governor Scott’s proposal of increasing the state’s total exports via a focus on manufacturing,” Bob Burleson, President of the Florida Transportation Builder’s Association. “The potential increase in manufacturing and exporting will lead to more opportunities for workers currently employed in our industry as well as new jobs for those unemployed but eager for work. The Florida Transportation Builder’s Association is confident that Florida’s current integrated transportation system will show how effective and efficient the state is at delivering goods and products globally.”
FLORIDA UNITED BUSINESS ASSOCIATION
“Small businesses are the backbone of Florida’s economy and vital to the success of any statewide proposal. The Governor’s proposal of moving Florida manufacturing forward is great news for businesses and will result in more jobs and more opportunities for the state’s small businesses,” said Lance Lozano, Chief Operating Officer of the Florida United Businesses Association.
FLORIDA RETAIL FEDERATION
“The Florida Retail Federation is dedicated to making Florida one of the best places in the United States to do business, and Governor Scott’s proposal, which focuses on reducing taxes, increasing the state’s production capacity and ensuring that businesses succeed, has the support of the FRF,” said Rick McAllister, President and CEO of the Florida Retail Federation.
Community of TAMPA
Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn said, “Manufacturing means exports, and that is why it is so critical to Florida and to our economy. I support eliminating the sales tax on manufacturing equipment. This sends a clear signal to manufacturers throughout the state that we support you, and that we want you to grow your business and create jobs.”
Community of ST. PETERSBURG
St. Petersburg Mayor Bill Foster said, “Manufacturing affects nearly every business in our community. From the plants where goods are made, to the trucks they’re shipped in, to the store that sells them, manufacturing plays critical role in our community. The Governor’s proposal supporting manufacturing businesses will have a positive effect on most businesses in our community, and I look forward to helping in any way possible to get this done.”
Community of ORLANDO
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said, “For our community to succeed, we have to ensure we’re providing quality manufacturing jobs. The elimination of the sales tax burden combined with Florida’s prime location, business climate and quality of life would dramatically increase our community’s chances of being chosen as the location for these manufacturers who are creating the jobs. Governor Scott and his team have put together a great initiative to grow and support jobs, and I encourage our legislators to support this plan.”
Community of MIAMI
Miami Mayor Carlos Gimenez said, “Our community has seen great gains in terms of employment, and Governor Scott’s proposal to remove the productivity tax from manufacturing businesses would support the sort of job creation initiatives families depend on.”
Manufacturing Company
Hannes Hunschofsky, President, HOERBIGER Corporation of America, Inc. said, “Advanced Manufacturing is capital-intensive, and every break that government can provide is an added incentive to keep desirable jobs in Florida and in the US. For 2013 HOERBIGER Corporation of America, Inc. has an investment budget of $3.6 million. Half of that dedicated to high-tech machinery which will ultimately bring higher-level jobs with it. Because of the Governor’s support we are planning to further expand our locations in Pompano Beach, FL. and to invest about $ 20 million over the next 5 years.”
