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.

FMI: http://flgov.com/otted_home