News

Florida Chamber Endorses Ron DeSantis as Florida’s Next Governor

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (September 27, 2018)— Today, the Florida Chamber of Commerce announced its endorsement of Ron DeSantis as Florida’s next governor during a press conference held in conjunction with the Florida Chamber Foundation’s Future of Florida Forum. Florida’s economy is among the envy of the nation.  This year alone, Florida surpassed a $1 trillion-dollar economy, maintained an unemployment rate lower than the national average, and welcomed over 16 million visitors.  Voters continue to tell us that…

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Florida Chamber of Commerce Announces Additional State House and Senate Endorsements Ahead of General Election

16 Pro-Jobs Candidates Receive the Business Community’s Support   TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (September 13, 2018)— The Florida Chamber of Commerce today announced additional 2018 candidate endorsements in competitive races for the Florida House and Senate. Today’s 16 endorsements are part of a larger Florida Chamber effort to help elect candidates that support private-sector job creation and economic growth. “As we saw during the primary election, election outcomes can be unpredictable, but it’s our job to make sure…

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Florida Chamber Foundation Releases Business Climate & Competitiveness Recommendations from Florida 2030 Report

BRADENTON, Fla. (Sept. 13, 2018) – The Florida Chamber Foundation today released preliminary recommendations on the future of Florida’s business climate and competitiveness during its Florida 2030 Business Climate & Competitiveness Rollout. Florida 2030 is a three-year research project that seeks to identify the challenges and opportunities facing Florida between now and 2030 and create a blueprint for Florida’s future.   “I believe that Florida is moving in the right direction, but it is vitally important…

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New Florida Chamber of Commerce Poll Shows Andrew Gillum With Slight Lead in Florida’s Race for Governor

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (September 12, 2018) – In our first statewide poll since the primary election, the race to become Florida’s next Governor is starting off as a close one. In the Florida Chamber of Commerce’s most recent statewide poll, Andrew Gillum (D-Tallahassee) leads Ron DeSantis (R-Palm Coast) by four percent. The Florida Chamber poll which interviewed 514 likely voters, was conducted September 6-9 —immediately after Lieutenant Governors were chosen— and has a margin of error…

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Florida Chamber Foundation Releases Quality of Life Recommendations from Florida 2030 Report

Healthcare, housing and prosperity the focus of discussions in Jacksonville   JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Aug. 22, 2018) – The Florida Chamber Foundation today released preliminary recommendations on the future of Florida’s Quality of Life during its Florida 2030 Quality of Life & Quality Places Rollout. Florida 2030 is a three-year research project that seeks to identify the challenges and opportunities facing Florida between now and 2030 and create a blueprint for Florida’s future.   “We are proud…

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Third Quarter Small Business Index Survey Reveals Businesses Still Need a Skilled Workforce

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (July 23, 2018) – Florida job creators continue to grow increasingly concerned about workforce quality, according to the latest Florida Chamber of Commerce Small Business Index Survey. This is the sixth quarter in a row in which employers are concerned about finding skilled workforce to meet open job demands. Small businesses are also concerned about economic uncertainty – likely a signal that recent activities with tariffs and international trade are causing some concern. This…

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Florida Chamber of Commerce Announces Additional State House and Senate Endorsements

20 Pro-Jobs Candidates Receive the Business Community’s Support   TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (July 19, 2018)— The Florida Chamber of Commerce today announced additional 2018 candidate endorsements in competitive races for the Florida House and Senate. Today’s 20 endorsements are part of a larger Florida Chamber effort to help elect candidates that support private-sector job creation and economic growth. This is the second round of legislative endorsements for the 2018 election cycle. Additional rounds of House and Senate…

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BREAKING: Florida’s Economy Hits New $1 Trillion GDP Milestone

Florida Chamber Foundation Finds Florida’s Economy Just Became a $1 Trillion Economy for the First Time in History If Florida was a nation, it’d be the 17th largest economy in the world and would be larger than nations such as Saudi Arabia, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Argentina   TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (July 13, 2018) – Florida’s economy hit a new milestone today when the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) topped $1 trillion, the Florida Chamber Foundation’s Chief…

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Florida Chamber of Commerce Cautions That Trade Tariffs Could Put Florida’s Economy At Risk

“Economic momentum gained from Florida’s long-term strategic focus on growth and diversification, and the recent tax reforms would be at risk – hurting jobs and consumers.” – Alice Ancona, Florida Chamber Director of International Strategy and Policy   The increasing prospect of a trade war could put Florida’s economy at risk and negatively impact consumers, families and jobs, the Florida Chamber of Commerce said today. The Florida Chamber has long-been a leader in promoting fair…

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Florida Chamber of Commerce Endorses Jimmy Patronis for Florida’s Chief Financial Officer

  “CFO Patronis is concerned about fiscal accountability as well as protecting Floridians from shady activities that have led to rising home and auto insurance rates.” – Mark Wilson, Florida Chamber of Commerce   TAMPA, Fla. (May 9, 2018)— Against the backdrop of the historic La Segunda Bakery in Ybor City, the Florida Chamber of Commerce today endorsed Jimmy Patronis for Chief Financial Officer. The announcement was made by Florida Chamber CEO Mark Wilson, Mike Sheely…

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Florida Chamber of Commerce Endorses 60 Pro-Business, Pro-Jobs Candidates for the Florida House and Senate

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (May 7, 2018)— The Florida Chamber of Commerce today made its first-round of 2018 candidate endorsements in competitive races for the Florida House and Senate. Today’s 60 endorsements are part of a larger Florida Chamber effort to help elect pro-jobs, pro-business candidates that support private-sector job creation and economic growth. Additional rounds of House and Senate endorsements are expected in the coming months. “Electing pro-jobs, free-enterprise focused candidates to office can and does…

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Florida Chamber of Commerce Doubles Down On Infrastructure and Growth Leadership Efforts

Infrastructure Coalition to Serve as Unified Voice of Business Preparing for Florida’s Future Growth   TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (May 4, 2018) – The Florida Chamber of Commerce today announced a reinforced undertaking of its long and steady infrastructure and growth leadership efforts. The Florida Chamber’s Infrastructure Coalition will serve as the unified voice of business preparing for Florida’s future growth.   “With 26 million people expected to call Florida home by 2030, a growing Florida means a…

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Florida Chamber of Commerce Endorses Adam Putnam for Florida’s Next Governor

“Adam Putnam knows Florida best, and I know without a doubt he believes in free enterprise and economic opportunity for every single Floridian.” – Mark Wilson, Florida Chamber of Commerce   ORLANDO, Fla. (May 3, 2018)— The Florida Chamber of Commerce today endorsed Adam Putnam for Governor. The announcement was made during a press conference in Orlando joined by business leaders from across Florida, including Will Weatherford, Weatherford Capital; Tracy Duda Chapman of A. Duda…

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Florida Chamber of Commerce Celebrates World Trade Month

Encourages Renewal of NAFTA  TALLAHASSEE Fla. (May 1, 2018)— The Florida Chamber of Commerce is celebrating May as World Trade Month and is reinforcing the important role global trade plays in creating jobs, growing opportunities for small businesses and increasing foreign direct investment. Despite the flurry of trade actions on exports and imports, the Florida Chamber remains committed to Florida succeeding as a global hub for trade, in order to ensure we remain competitive in…

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Florida and Ontario Chambers of Commerce Call for Strengthening Cross-Border Trade

Chambers Advocate for Continued Relationship Between Florida and Ontario   TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (April 30, 2018)–  The Florida Chamber of Commerce (Florida Chamber), Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC), Canada-Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce, and Canada-Florida Chamber of Commerce, are partnering together in support of continued cross-border trade agreements between Florida and Ontario. The chambers are actively encouraging the renewal of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) during the current renegotiation process.   “With nearly 500…

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