Florida Chamber of Commerce Makes Fourteen More Endorsements in House Districts 18, 30, 31, 42, 43, 44, 48, 76, 77, 78, 80, 84, 103, and 107
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Florida Chamber of Commerce Makes Fourteen More Endorsements in House Districts 18, 30, 31, 42, 43, 44, 48, 76, 77, 78, 80, 84, 103, and 107
TALLAHASSEE, FL (Updated August 14, 2020) – The Florida Chamber of Commerce is continuing to unite Florida’s business community to help make Florida more competitive, and today endorsed Sam Garrison, former Rep. Bob Cortes, Keith Truenow, Fred Hawkins, Kristen Arrington, Bruno Portigliatti, Julio Rocha, Adam Botana, Mike Giallombardo, Jenna Persons, Lauren Melo, Dana Trabulsy, Tom Fabricio, and Christopher Benjamin in their respective campaigns for the Florida House.
The Florida Chamber interviewed candidates in legislative battles all over Florida and these bipartisan candidates have committed to securing Florida’s future by focusing on free enterprise principles and job creation for local businesses, while working to fix Florida’s broken and unfair legal system.
“The Florida Chamber works to ensure Florida maintains a pro-business, pro-jobs climate, safeguarding the strength of our economy,” said Mark Wilson, President and CEO, Florida Chamber of Commerce. “We trust these candidates will support priorities and policies where local business owners can thrive as Florida continues to lead as the best state in the nation for jobs and smart growth.”
The latest Florida Chamber statewide poll of likely Florida voters shows that 71 percent support COVID-19 liability protections for businesses that are working hard to protect the health and safety of employees and customers, and they believe the Florida Legislature should pass legislation to provide these safe harbors for job creators.
“These strong candidates will work tirelessly to create jobs and move Florida in the right direction,” said Nick Catroppo, Vice President of Political Operations, Florida Chamber of Commerce. “The Florida Chamber is proud to stand with them and we look forward to working with them in the Florida House.”
The Florida Chamber stands alongside the following candidates, putting its full 100-plus years of combined political experience behind getting them elected.
District 18: Sam Garrison
“I’m proud to receive the endorsement of the Florida Chamber of Commerce. Strengthening our state’s economy and getting Floridians back to work safely is my top priority. I’m grateful for their partnership and support!”
District 30: Former Rep. Bob Cortes
“I’m honored to receive the backing of the Florida Chamber and look forward to championing policies that will help our economy rebuild.”
District 31: Keith Truenow
“I am humbled by the support of the Florida business community and its chamber of commerce. I will always work to support Florida’s businesses both big and small especially in the aftermath of COVID-19.”
District 42: Fred Hawkins
“I’m proud to stand with Florida’s business leaders big and small as we face the enormous task of economic recovery following the Pandemic. My focus, like the Florida Chamber’s, has always been to get people back to work and get Florida’s economy working again.”
District 43: Kristen Arrington
“I am honored to receive the Florida Chamber’s support on behalf of businesses across the state. This is one more indication that my vision of a strong transportation and education system is critical to the future of Osceola County.”
District 44: Bruno Portigliatti
“I’m honored to be endorsed by the Florida Chamber and look forward to standing with them to advance Florida’s position as a global leader in commerce and continue to fight for free enterprise. As someone who understands the challenges that come with owning and operating businesses, I pledge to be a zealous advocate for our business community and to provide economic opportunities for all Floridians.”
District 48: Julio Rocha
“The way for Florida to come out of the economic crisis created by COVID-19 is by job creation. Businesses across the state are hurting financially and we need to provide the economic incentives and economic stimulus to create jobs, decrease unemployment and get the Florida economy back on track. The endorsement of the Florida Chamber will help me achieve that goal.”
District 76: Adam Botana
“As a small businessman, I’m proud to have the support of the Florida Chamber and the thousands of job creators they represent. It is critical right now that we support our business and get our economy back up and running in a safe and responsible manner.”
District 77: Mike Giallombardo
“The biggest challenge Florida faces is rebuilding our economy in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is an honor to know I have earned the trust and support of the Florida Chamber of Commerce and the business community they represent. I look forward to working closely with Florida’s business leaders to get Floridians working again and our economy back on track.”
District 78: Jenna Persons
“As a small business owner I’m proud to have the support of the Florida Chamber of Commerce and look forward to advocating for Florida’s job creators in the State House.”
District 80: Lauren Melo
“I am grateful for the support of the Florida Chamber of Commerce. As a longtime small business owner myself, I know how important it is to get our economy back up and running. When elected to the House of Representatives I will work with Governor DeSantis and the business community to help restart our economy.”
District 84: Dana Trabulsy
“As a local small businesswoman, I know the great work our Chambers of Commerce do in promoting local businesses, advocating for commonsense, pro-business public policy, and helping Florida job creators grow their businesses and employ Floridians. I am honored to have the endorsement of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, whose members help support our state’s economy and make Florida the best place in the world to do business.”
District 103: Tom Fabricio
“The Florida Chamber of Commerce has always been essential in keeping Florida’s economy strong. They understand the impact the business climate has on families and communities, and it’s a true honor to have their support. I look forward to working with them to ensure that our state remains a place where, employers and employees alike are able to pursue the American Dream.”
District 107: Christopher Benjamin
“I am honored to be endorsed by the Florida Chamber of Commerce. Now more than ever; due to COVID-19 we see small businesses shutting their doors and letting go workers. So it is extremely important to support job creators as we work to create more jobs and get Florida’s economy moving in the right direction again.”
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Established in 1916 as Florida’s first statewide business advocacy organization, 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 Florida Political Operations and the Florida Chamber Foundation. Visit www.FloridaChamber.com for more information.