Urges Incentives To Build Florida's "Innovation Economy"
Florida Governor Charlie Crist (picutred,
right) addressed the board of directors of Enterprise Florida
Inc. Thursday during the group’s annual meeting in
Tallahassee to announce his $307.5-million economic-incentive
budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2010-11. The Governor, who chairs
the board, highlighted his commitment to growing the state’s
innovation economy, ensuring a competitive business climate,
building a world-class workforce, and establishing Florida as a
pre-eminent global trade hub.
“The successes we are seeing in Florida’s
biotechnology business hub show us that we must continue our
efforts to attract and retain companies in Florida’s
innovation sectors,” Governor Crist said.
“Florida’s business friendliness, talented workforce,
beautiful environment and pleasant climate make the Sunshine State
an excellent location for companies seeking to grow economic
opportunities.”
Governor Crist’s recommended budget will increase
Florida’s competitiveness in key business sectors, including
information technology, aviation and aerospace, defense,
biotechnology, tourism, sports, and film and entertainment through
the Governor’s Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic
Development (OTTED). Governor Crist directed Chris Hart, who was
recently appointed to a dual role as OTTED director and CEO of
Workforce Florida, to increase efforts to grow key Florida
businesses and high-tech, high-wage jobs.
Governor Crist proposed $32.6 million for Space Florida. In
response to the federal policy decision to end the space shuttle
program and to initiate new human space exploration missions beyond
earth’s orbit, Governor Crist proposed $20 million to Space
Florida to fund business recruitment activities, including the
following:
He proposed an additional $10 million in financing for space
industry job retention and business expansion. The fund would be an
internal source of financing and investment funds to provide
additional opportunities for expanding space businesses and to
establish sustained industry growth.
There is also $3 million to provide assistance to emerging space
businesses pursuing opportunities in Florida, and $3.2 million to
provide support to workforce development programs and technical
training initiatives
In addition, Governor Crist recommended $12.6 million to assist
in the development and management of state-of-the-art facilities
for space businesses that will create high-technology, high-wage
jobs. This funding will enable Space Florida to invest in a
technology and commerce park that utilizes Florida’s space
assets, refurbish Launch Complex 46 to promote commercial use, and
renovate facilities to attract businesses and foster the growth of
a sustainable and world-class aerospace industry in Florida.
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