Florida’s Future Summit

Approximately 200 Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County business and community leaders heard about the six drivers that can prepare South Florida for accelerated economic growth at the Florida’s Future Summit on February 5, 2010. The Summit was presented by the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward Economic Development Alliance (formerly The Broward Alliance) and its Partner Council. The drivers, which include the categories of workforce, innovation, infrastructure, global competitiveness, civic and government systems, and quality of life, were adopted in October 2009 at the Future of Florida Forum, organized by the Florida Chamber of Commerce. Also called the six pillars, they serve as a visioning platform for moving Florida toward 2030 in creating sustainable job growth and success.

Governor Charlie Crist pointed out that several economic factors are showing improvement in Florida in recent months including higher sales tax revenue, increasing home sales and a positive in-migration of people moving to Florida. The Governor commended those in attendance for taking a leadership role in proactively setting the stage for Florida’s future success by addressing the issues that will contribute to its economic competitiveness now and in the future.

Dr. Dale Brill, who was recently named president of the Florida Chamber Foundation, stated that there will be an additional 5-7 million residents of Florida by 2030 and that the six drivers must be focus areas of Florida’s business and government leaders if the state is to have prosperity and high paying jobs, vibrant communities and be able to compete globally. Dr. Brill had previously served as the Director of the Florida Governor’s Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development.

Bob Swindell, interim president and CEO of The Alliance, talked about the need for South Florida’s business community to rally behind the six pillars for Florida’s Future. “If we focus on these six categories of business and economic development, as a state and locally, we can have the greatest impact in attracting the types of jobs and capital investment that will contribute to a strong economy in Broward County and the entire state in the future,” said Swindell.

In addition to Governor Crist and Dr. Brill, other business leaders who participated in the conference as panelists and speakers included Amy Evancho, president and CEO of the Florida Economic Development Council; Gloria Katz, executive director and founder of the Broward Smart Growth Partnership; Mason Jackson, president and CEO of WorkForce One; and Stella Tokar, president and CEO of the Miramar Pembroke Pines Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Ray Ferrero, Jr., chancellor of Nova Southeastern University, who served as host of the Summit, welcomed the participants and talked about the significant improvements that have been made in the K-20 education system in Broward County and statewide. Talent supply and education are key factors in a business’ decision to relocate. Chancellor Ferrero said it is imperative the business leaders in attendance know about the improvements that have been made in education, as well as letting those companies who may be considering Greater Fort Lauderdale as a location for their business know about the strengths of our diverse workforce and our PreK-20 education system.