Florida Chamber Applauds Passage of Students with Unique Abilities Bill

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Edie Ousley, 850-521-1231 or 850-251-6261
eousley@flchamber.com

TALLAHASSEE, FL. (April 1, 2015) – The Florida Chamber of Commerce today applauds Senate President Andy Gardiner and Senator Don Gaetz on the passage of a bill empowering students with unique abilities to pursue their dreams.

As Florida continues on the path to become the number one job creating state in the nation, Florida has an opportunity to help encourage individuals with unique abilities to reach their full potential. The Florida Chamber has long-championed education reforms for a globally competitive workforce, and SB 602, sponsored by Senator Gaetz (R-Destin) is a top priority for the Florida Chamber.

The Florida Chamber believes that businesses can help unlock talents of individuals with unique abilities. Mark Wilson, President and CEO of the Florida Chamber, in an editorial published in newspapers in Florida said:

“Right now, an encouraging conversation is taking place in Tallahassee to help empower individuals with unique abilities to pursue their dreams, and thus provide job creators with a greater ability to unlock an untapped talent pool. And it couldn’t come at a better time. Over the next 15 years, Florida will add six million new residents and need to fill two million new jobs.

“Finding and keeping a talented workforce is among the chief concerns of Florida Chamber member businesses. Broadening the scope from which employees are hired can help expand our existing workforce and provide even greater diversity and access to necessary skills and experience.”

The Florida Chamber Foundation is currently partnering on a research project to learn more about the best practices of hiring persons with unique abilities. Initial findings will be released during the Florida Chamber Foundation’s 2015 Education Summit scheduled for June 9. If your company would like to provide input, please email Tracey Lowe at tlowe@flfoundation.org.

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The Florida Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business and the state’s largest federation of employers, chambers of commerce and associations, aggressively representing small and large businesses from every industry and every region. The Florida Chamber works within all branches of government to affect those changes set forth in the annual Florida Business Agenda, and which are seen as critical to secure Florida’s future. The Florida Chamber works closely with its Political Operations and the Florida Chamber Foundation. Visit www.FloridaChamber.com for more information.