DEO Executive Director Jesse Panuccio said, “Florida’s economy has experienced a remarkable turnaround under Governor Scott’s pro-growth policies and budget priorities. The ‘Keep Florida Working’ budget does just that. This budget helps keep Floridians working by expanding private-sector opportunities and gives everyone in our state a chance to live their own piece of the American Dream.”

President & CEO of Enterprise Florida Bill Johnson said, “I congratulate Governor Scott on the signing of his ‘Keep Florida Working’ budget. There was a great deal of work done by the Governor and Legislature to get this important budget passed, and they should be commended for their efforts. Economic development has become increasingly competitive across the United States and around the world. EFI’s business development toolkit is vital to the work we do to compete and share Florida’s business story. We know Florida has the resources companies need to be successful – a large and diverse workforce, an expansive multi-modal infrastructure, and unique access to global markets – but for Florida to compete for game-changing economic development projects, we must be able to provide the same support and resources offered by our competitors. We are thankful to the Legislature for their attention toward Florida’s job creation efforts, and I’m hopeful that our leaders will continue to prioritize economic development so we can bring more high-skill, high-wage jobs to our state.”

Tom Feeney, President and CEO of the Associated Industries of Florida, said, “Thousands of individuals and families across Florida have benefitted from Governor Scott’s policies prioritizing job growth in this state. This budget continues the pro-growth initiatives put in place to increase opportunities for those who live and work in Florida.”

Mark Wilson, President and CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, said, “The Florida Chamber thanks Governor Scott for building on Florida’s economic success by signing a budget that puts money back into the pockets of Floridians and positions Florida to be even more competitive in the future. While everyone doesn’t always get what they want, Governor Scott believes that growing the economy is the best way to grow Florida.”

CareerSource Florida Board Chairman Britt Sikes, general manager of DEX Imaging’s Enterprise Accounts Division, said, “On behalf of our business-led board, I thank Governor Scott and the Florida Legislature for their ongoing commitment and significant investments in education and workforce development. These strategic investments are critical to building Florida’s reputation as a global leader for talent, meeting the needs of business now and in the future, and supporting the economic growth of our communities.”

CareerSource Florida President/CEO Chris Hart IV, said, “Governor Scott’s strong and continued support of Florida’s workforce development system is further demonstrated through his signing today of the ‘Keep Florida Working’ budget for Fiscal Year 2015-2016. With key investments in education and training, including CareerSource Florida’s Quick Response Training program to sharpen the skills of new and existing employees and boost the global competitiveness of Florida businesses, the Governor and Legislature have again well-positioned our state for continued growth and prosperity.”   
  

Carol Dover, President and CEO of Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, said, “This budget supports Florida’s thriving hospitality industry, which is the number one job creator in the state. We commend Governor Scott for his leadership in signing a strong budget that assists so many Floridians. The hospitality and tourism industry will continue to have the tools to make it best place in the nation to live, work, and play.”

Rick McAllister, President and CEO and the Florida Retail Federation, said, “Florida’s retailers sincerely thank Governor Scott and the Legislature for coming together to develop a low-tax budget that will help Florida’s small businesses and families. This budget will foster growth for all of our businesses as Florida continues to be the national model for economic success.”

Will Seccombe, President and CEO of VISIT Florida, said, “I would like to thank Governor Scott and the entire Florida Legislature for putting together a budget that reflects their visionary leadership and support of the Florida tourism industry. The tremendous growth in Florida tourism is directly tied to the fact that our elected leaders recognize the economic impact of tourism and our industry’s ability to create jobs for Floridians.”

Doug Wheeler, President and CEO of the Florida Ports Council, said, “Florida’s 15 ports contribute billions of dollars in economic impact to the state’s economy, fueling business growth, job creation, and economic diversification. Governor Scott’s recognition of the importance of Florida’s ports is evident in the state’s budget signed today, and this infrastructure funding will further enhance opportunities for growth.”

Bill Herrle, Florida Executive Director of the National Federation of Independent Business, said, “Small businesses are the backbone of the state’s economy and Florida’s 2015-16 state budget will only help to support and grow Florida businesses. We applaud Governor Scott and his dedication to Florida’s job creators.”

Frank DiBello, President & CEO of Space Florida, said, “Governor Scott’s signing of the ‘Keep Florida Working’ budget is further evidence that Florida is the right destination for companies seeking the supportive business environment, high-skilled workforce, and depth of supply chain to drive their next-generation products in space and aerospace.”

Steve Auger, Executive Director of the Florida Housing Finance Corporation, said, “We appreciate the Governor’s commitment to providing affordable housing options for all Floridians through the signing of this budget. Through partnership with the state, this funding helps to ensure that communities in Florida are great places in which to live, work, and do business.”
 

Bob Swindell, Chairman of the Florida Economic Development Council, said, “We are excited about the ‘Keep Florida Working’ budget signed by Governor Scott. This pro-growth budget will help Florida’s economy continue to prosper. Governor Scott continues to show that Florida is committed to being the most business-friendly state in the nation.”

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