Staff Writer
Super Bowl XLIV concluded Sunday evening, but the real high-profile event for local and statewide businesses begins in three weeks, says one local official of a state business-friendly organization.
“The real Super Bowl starts March 2,” said Mike Jennings, chair of the Associated Industries of Florida. “Associated Industries (of Florida) is the voice of business and we’ll go to the mat for you.”
Jennings was speaking to other members of the organization during its pre-session briefing last week at the River Club, where officials detailed some of their stances on upcoming business-related issues. Everything from business regulation and economic development to energy and workforce education were featured, as each related to the group’s overall pressing message for the need for more Florida jobs.
In addition to AIF’s priorities, two legislative decision makers were in attendance and spoke to the group about some of their focus for the upcoming legislative session.
State Rep. Steve Wise told members of his opposition to Amendment 4, his proposal to fix construction lien laws and potential support for HM 19, commonly referred to as the Florida 10th Amendment Resolution, that would limit the scope and exercise of the federal government. The chair of the education appropriations committee, Wise also discussed the costs and results of children in the school system who have failed a grade two or more times and the lack of enrollment numbers available when the governor crafts his budget (due February).
Following Wise, State Rep. Lake Ray discussed the need for businesses to become involved with ports and his efforts to shape port policy. Getting plans through the Florida Department of Environmental Protection standards in a timely manner, he said, is crucial to keeping the state’s port industry competitive with some of its northern neighbors.
“We have a chance to make that change right now,” he said, adding. “I’m tired of seeing empty cargo containers.”
Ray also touched on AIF’s focus on jobs promoting economic growth and the need for education to help make a transition.
“If we’re going to change the economy, we’re going to have to do it in several different ways,” he said.
Calling the present unemployment situation “unparalleled times,” Jose Gonzales, AIF vice president of governmental affairs, mentioned both the upcoming discussion on the unemployment compensation tax rate on businesses and AIF’s jobs package that would help small businesses get capital they need.
While the session figures to be a grueling one, AIF officials are optimistic about their efforts for business. As for the economy itself, it was Ray who might have given attending members optimism with a remark on its cyclical nature.
“There’s nothing new in the state of Florida that we haven’t seen before,” he said.
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