Capitol Days Provides Access and Influence for Chamber Leaders
For two days this week, Tuesday and Wednesday, February 23 - 24, 2010, business, civic and government leaders gathered in Tallahassee for the Florida Chamber's Capitol Days. This annual tradition provides access to key elected and appointed officials through the influential leadership of the Florida Chamber of Commerce. Representing Orlando, Inc., was Leslie Hielema, President of Orlando, Inc., and Vice President of Advocacy, Mike Ketchum; along with Board Members, Al Stimac, Metal Essence, Inc.; and Randolph E. Berridge, Florida High Tech Corridor Council, Inc.; along with supporters, David A. Odahowski, Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation, Inc.; Edward L. Schons, University of Central Florida; and Diane Pickett Culpepper, Bright House Networks.
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Upper Left: Shown at the Florida Chamber's Capitol Days are (Left to Right) Former Speaker of the House of Representatives and newly elected Chair of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, Allan G. Bense, GAC Contractors, Inc.; Mike Ketchum, Vice President of Advocacy, Orlando, Inc.; and Leslie Hielema, President, Orlando, Inc. Upper Right: Susan Pareigis, President of The Florida Council of 100, presents at a panel at the Florida Chamber's Capitol Days. She is joined by Dr. Eric J. Smith, Commissioner of Education and Patricia Levesque, Executive Director, Foundation for Florida's Future. For more pictures of the Florida Chamber's Capitol Days, "click here."
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Upper Left: The Florida Chamber's Capitol Days were held Tuesday and Wednesday, February 23 – 24, 2010, in Tallahassee. Shown (Left to Right) Mike Ketchum, Vice President of Advocacy, Orlando Inc., Leslie Hielela, President of Orlando, Inc., and Mark Wilson, President, Florida Chamber of Commerce. Upper Right: Also in attendance from Central Florida were (Left to Right) David A. Odahowski, Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation, Inc.; Randolph E. Berridge, Florida High Tech Corridor Council, Inc.; Diane Pickett Culpepper, Bright House Networks; Al Stimac, Metal Essence, Inc.; Edward L. Schons, University of Central Florida; Leslie Hielema, President of Orlando, Inc., and Vice President of Advocacy, Mike Ketchum. For more pictures of the Florida Chamber's Capitol Days, "click here."
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A Series of Meetings, the Exchange of Ideas, and Thoughtful Conversations
Florida Chamber's Capitol Days involves a series of meetings with the Florida Chamber Foundation Board of Trustees, Florida Chamber Policy Council, Florida Chamber Political Council, Florida Community Development Partnership Trustees, Florida Association of Chamber Professionals Board, Floridians for Better Transportation Board, Florida Chamber Small Business Council, and the Florida Chamber Political Institute. Plus, the Florida Chamber's Capitol Days involves a General Assembly and Reception at Florida's Capitol. In addition, there was a Networking Breakfast and Special Briefings along with an Address by Governor Charlie Crist.
Work of Florida Chamber and Orlando, Inc., Guided by Florida's Economic Drivers
The program was guided by Florida's six (6) Economic Drivers: Talent & Education, Innovation & Economic Development, Infrastructure & Growth Leadership, Business Climate & Competitiveness, Civic & Government Systems and Quality of Life. They are designed to advance prosperity and high-paying jobs; help build vibrant and sustainable communities; and prepare our workers for increased global competition. So you will know, this important work is authored by the Florida Chamber Foundation and supported by the Florida Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise Florida, and the Florida Council of 100, along with the Central Florida Partnership and the Tampa Bay Partnership. Specifically, Orlando, Inc., is also in support of Florida's six (6) Economic Drivers: with a special emphasis on Talent & Education and Innovation & Economic Development; both of these drivers are in direct support of Business, Innovation and Growth (B.I.G.), the platform of work being advanced by Orlando, Inc., under the leadership of Leslie Hielema, President, and Martin Rubin, CEO of Smart City Telecom and Chairman of Orlando, Inc.
Florida 2010 Business Agenda Presented at Capitol Days
The highlight of the Florida Chamber's Capitol Days was the presentation of the 2010 Business Agenda; outlining the effort needed "to lead Florida to a new and sustainable economy." According to Mark Wilson, President of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, "Free enterprise is being challenged at every level and there is no longer any doubt that the economic pillars of Florida have changed forever. However, these challenges and changes, combined with a business community that is prepared for economic transition, present the perfect opportunity for significant pro-business policy decisions to come from our lawmakers in Tallahassee this year. Government doesn't create jobs – however, its leaders can and should do everything in their power to send a strong signal that Florida is open for business." For a copy of the 2010 Business Agenda, "click here."
Guiding Principles Designed to Strengthen Our Economy and Create Jobs
During the Florida Chamber's Capitol Days, much of the conversation centered around solutions to strengthen our economy and help create jobs now. Steve Halverson, Chair of the Florida Chamber of Commerce and President of The Haskell Company, spent time talking about the core guiding principles when it comes to "moving Florida ahead." He referenced: a robust free enterprise system with limited intrusion by government in the marketplace; fair and predictable laws and regulations that promote economic development and do not impose unreasonable costs on businesses or their customers; a best-in-class education and workforce development system that will enable all Floridians to compete in the 21st century global economy; a simple, fair and globally competitive tax structure; fiscal responsibility, public accountability and transparency in government; a reliable and sustainable infrastructure to support the health and prosperity of all Floridians; a constructive and positive labor environment in Florida that generates jobs; and a unified, responsible business community that acts in the long-term interest of our state."
Traveling to Tallahassee Confirms Important Work of Orlando, Inc.
Working with the Florida Chamber of Commerce, Orlando, Inc., (Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce) is leading the way in engaging entrepreneurs and growth companies, providing cutting-edge data, and sharing innovative ideas. By advancing the concepts of Business Innovation and Growth (B.I.G.) through each stage of business, Orlando, Inc., is helping its investors make solid business connections enabling them to grow and flourish. By identifying business solutions that will drive economic vitality, investors will fuel the economic growth engine of the Central Florida region. Focus on our foundational industry sectors as well as our emerging sectors will address economic diversification needed for sustained growth. Toward this end, the Florida Chamber's Capitol Days helped us focus our message and share with others how we will advance our work turning "Ideas to Results."
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