News

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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Florida Chamber of Commerce Unveils ‘Autonomous Florida’

Connecting Business Advocates to Make Florida the Autonomous Capital of North America TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (April 27, 2018) – The Florida Chamber of Commerce today announced a new chapter in Florida’s leadership in autonomous vehicles: Autonomous Florida. This innovative program will build on the business community’s successes to position Florida as the state to research, deploy, and grow the next chapter of transportation mobility.   “Florida is nationally known for its welcoming approach to autonomous vehicles,…

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Workforce Quality Remains Top Small Business Concern In Latest Florida Chamber of Commerce Small Business Survey

  Survey Also Shows Good Signs for Future Expansion of Florida’s Economy   TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (April 23, 2018) – Florida job creators continue to be plagued by workforce quality concerns, according to the latest Florida Chamber of Commerce Small Business Index Survey. This is the fifth 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…

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Latest Florida Chamber of Commerce Water Education Video Highlights Kissimmee River and Science-Based Research Solutions To Securing Florida’s Water Future

TALLAHASSEE, FL. (April 17, 2018) – Building on efforts to secure Florida’s water future, the Florida Chamber of Commerce today is releasing the latest in a series of water education videos that demonstrate the importance of following science-based research solutions. Securing Florida’s Water Future: Kissimmee River features research produced by Florida Atlantic University – Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute Research Professor Dr. Brian LaPointe. The Kissimmee River basin extends south from Orlando to Lake Okeechobee and encompasses…

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Florida Chamber Names Senator Kathleen Passidomo as 2018 Most Valuable Legislator

  PALM BAY, Fla. (April 12, 2018) – Today, the Florida Chamber of Commerce announced Senator Kathleen Passidomo as the 2018 Most Valuable Legislator (MVL), for her commitment to securing Florida’s future. The announcement and presentation of the MVL was made during the Florida Chamber’s Board of Directors meeting taking place in Palm Bay, Florida.   The Florida Chamber’s Most Valuable Legislator award is the business community’s premier legislative award honoring a single lawmaker for…

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Florida Chamber Unveils 2018 Legislative Report Card

Highlights 15 Distinguished Advocates of the 2018 Legislative Session TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (April 5, 2018) – Following the 2018 Legislative Session, the Florida Chamber of Commerce today is releasing grades earned by all members of the House and Senate on the Florida Chamber’s 2018 Legislative Report Card. Lawmakers earned higher grades this session with their renewed focus on certain competitiveness issues like cutting red tape, chipping away at Florida-only taxes, funding for economic development, tourism marketing…

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Florida Small Business Owners Concerned About Workforce Quality 

  TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (January 22, 2018) – Ask a Florida small business owner what keeps them up at night and they’ll likely point to the latest Florida Chamber of Commerce Small Business Index Survey, which shows workforce quality and government regulations as the top concerns of Florida’s job creators for the second straight quarter. “Businesses are telling us, loud and clear, that in order to grow, they need access to a talented workforce,” said Dr. Jerry…

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Overall Voters Feeling Good About Florida’s Direction, But Undecided In 2018 Governor’s Race

TALLAHASSEE, FL (January 11, 2018) – A majority of Florida voters believe Florida is headed in the right direction, according to the latest statewide political poll released by the Florida Chamber Political Institute (FCPI). In its first statewide poll of the New Year, 56 percent of likely voters believe Florida is headed in the right direction. Although the majority of voters approve of Florida’s direction, the views differ based on party. Republicans are especially optimistic…

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