News
Speaker Rubio Announces 2008 Legislative Priorities
House Speaker Marco Rubio has released his priorities for the 2008 Legislative Session. Included in the Speaker's priorities are:
• Implementing meaningful revenue caps on state and local government
• Looking closely at presumption of correctness
• Cutting red tape and streamlining the permitting process
• Making homeowners insurance affordable for Floridians
• Managing Florida's environmental challenges
• Achieving mandate-free healthcare.
Speaker Rubio also includes the need for a world-class curriculum to achieve world-class talent, the tremendous opportunity we have in the space industry, and the need for R&D tax credits and matching grants for commercialization.
To read Speaker Rubio's entire memo to the Florida House of Representatives, click here.
The Florida Chamber is encouraged to see several of our priorities focused on investing in Florida's economy included in the Speaker's recommendations. To find out more about Florida's 2008 Business Agenda, click here.
Source: Florida Chamber of CommerceExport Sales Mission to Mexico
Enterprise Florida is conducting an Export Sales Mission to Monterrey and Veracruz, Mexico, May 11-16. Mexico is the state's third largest market for Florida-origin exports. Limited to 15 participants, the program includes three days of personalized appointments with Mexican companies, pre-screened according to company's own objectives.
Since the implementation of NAFTA, Mexico's imports from the U.S. have increased exponentially. Last year alone, Florida-origin exports to Mexico increased nearly 30% to $3.1 billion. With the overwhelming amount of trade between the United States and Mexico, there are abundant market opportunities for Florida firms in Mexico.
The sign-up deadline is March 31. Interested companies from qualified target industries may be eligible for scholarship dollars from the Pensacola Bay Area Chamber of Commerce to offset participation cost. For a brochure, hard copy or electronic, please contact Enterprise Florida's Regional Manager for International Trade Andrea Moore at 850.595.5416.
Property Insurance Update
Property insurance was identified by Pensacola Chamber members as one of the most pressing issues we are facing. We have included excerpts of information from the Florida Chamber to update as we approach the 2008 Legislative Session. Last week was the last interim committee week prior to the start of the 2008 Legislative Session scheduled to begin on March 4. While bills continue to be filed for consideration this session, the member bill filing deadline for the 2008 Legislative Session is noon on Tuesday, March 4, 2008.
Property Insurance Update
The Florida Chamber's commercial property insurance legislation was filed as HB 1001 by Rep. Richter (R - Naples). The Senate sponsor is Sen. Bennett (R - Bradenton). The goal of this legislation is not only to lower insurance costs by creating an option for business owners to not pay assessments from homeowners in Citizens but also to increase awareness of the state's over reliance on assessments on policyholders after a hurricane. I have attached the bill to this email for your review. Click here for a Property Insurance Legislation Tracking Chart.Senate Select Committee
The Senate Select Committee on Property Insurance Accountability met for the third time last week to hear presentations from the Office of Insurance Regulation's reinsurance consultant, the Florida Commission on Hurricane Loss Projection Methodology, and AIR Worldwide, which maintains one of the five hurricane models found acceptable by the Methodology Commission.The reinsurance expert confirmed that capital markets continue to be concerned about the path Florida is heading down and continues to demand a market based return on capital invested in Florida property insurance. The Methodology Commission explained its process and how models are developed, reviewed, and found acceptable. From the AIR Worldwide presentation, the Senate Committee confirmed that the standard model (as contrasted with the "short term" model) is viewed as more credible.The Results are In
Thank you for providing us with your thoughts on the Chamber's recent Membership Survey. Your feedback is essential to our operation. The results are in and are being compiled. We plan to share them with you in the near future. Thank you to all those who participated.
Branding Pensacola Banners Available
Our award-winning Chamber branding campaign has been a huge success and we are in a new phase of the rollout! You have probably noticed our colorful banners around the downtown area and we now have 40 sets of banners available for our members to post at your businesses. Help us promote all of the wonderful things about Pensacola that we know and love. Please call 850.438.4081 and we will coordinate delivery or pick-up for you.
Employee Skills Training Grants Available
Florida's Great Northwest has $2.75 million in grant funding to support training expenses for newly-created high skill, high wage positions in Northwest Florida. The funding is provided through the U.S. Department of Labor WIRED (Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development) grant awarded in 2006 which funds Florida's Great Northwest's WIRED Northwest Florida Initiative.
Grants ranging from $500 to $5,000 per qualified position are available to businesses within the targeted industries of Aerospace & Defense, Life Sciences, Information Technology, Renewable Energy and Construction Services (commercial, infrastructure or industrial) that create and sustain new positions that meet specified wage and benefit requirements. The maximum grant award is $500,000.
Since the program's inception in 2006, eight companies in Northwest Florida have applied for and been awarded a total of $947,000 to assist with training expenses related to personnel expansion.
For more information please call 850.337.3469. Grant information, including guidelines and application, can also be found on the web at FloridasGreatNorthwest.com.
Florida's Great Northwest is a regional economic development organization serving 16 counties in Northwest Florida from Pensacola through Tallahassee. Its primary mission is the creation of high-wage, high-skill jobs, branding and marketing, as well as support of the local economic development organizations in the region.
Chamber Events
Gopher Club Breakfast ~ Tuesday, March 11
The next Gopher Club Breakfast will be Tuesday, March 11 from 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. at the Pensacola Civic Center. The program will feature the International Paper Wetlands Restoration Project. Dr. Mike Steltenkamp, environmental manager at the Pensacola Mill, will present a comprehensive overview of this project, IP's path forward and how the mill and this project impact the community.
This month, Gopher Club is sponsored by International Paper. The cost to attend is $12 for Chamber Members. Please RSVP to Azalea Webb by March 7. [RSVP]
Hospitality Roundtable Luncheon
The next Hospitality Roundtable Luncheon will be held Tuesday, March 18 @ 11:30 a.m. at Seville Quarter located at 130 East Government Street.
Our guest speaker will be Charles Wood, Senior Vice President of Economic Development for the Pensacola Bay Area Chamber of Commerce. He will speak to us about the Downtown Technology Park.
The cost of the luncheon is $12 for HRT members, $20 for non-members. Payment should be made at the door. Please make checks payable to Pensacola Bay Area Chamber of Commerce. Since we must guarantee reservations, if you RSVP and do not attend, we will have to bill you for the cost of your lunch. RSVP by emailing Barbara Williams or calling 850.434.1234 by 3 p.m. Friday, March 14. [RSVP]
2008 Business EXPO ~ March 20
Get your booth today! Booths are selling out fast!
The area's only business-to-business EXPO catering to local business professionals, small business owners, as well as the business community at large is coming up soon. At the EXPO, sponsored by the Chamber, you are sure to reach your target market and increase the visibility of your company or products among area business professionals. Admission is free.
Booth sales and sponsorships are now available for this exciting event to be held at the Pensacola Civic Center. Please contact Nicole Webb or call 850.438.4081 ext. 237 for more information.
Thank you to our Business EXPO 2008 sponsors:
Gold- Total Employee Leasing and YellowBook USA
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Silver- AT&T Advertising and Publishing and Highpointe Hotel Corporation
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Media Sponsors- Cat Country 98.7, COX Communications, Independent News
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Business After Hours- SMG/Pensacola Civic Center
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Deluxe Tour of China Pre ~ Tour Meeting
Mark your calendars for the next Tour of China meeting. The brief is hosted by the Chamber on Monday, March 24. This meeting will encompass important pre-tour information including required travel papers for our upcoming trip on October 19-28, 2008. You'll have an opportunity to meet us, hear trip details and ask questions.
The trip price of $1,599 includes round trip airfare from Los Angeles International Airport to Beijing on either Air China or China Eastern Air, 4 or 5 star hotel accommodations, deluxe tour buses, English speaking tour guides, three meals a day and fees for all attractions and is based on double occupancy.
For more information, please click on registration or visit Pensacola Bay Area Chamber of Commerce.com and scroll down to "Trip to China". Contact: Natalie Prim or Connie Slaughter at 850.438.4081.
Chamber Series ~ March 25
On March 25, the Chamber Series program focuses on "How to Hire a College Student." A panel of area college Career Services administrators gives you the tools you need to hire students for full-time and part-time jobs, develop a Co-Op or Internship program and onboard individuals in this generation." The program will begin at 11:30 a.m. and conclude at 1 p.m. The panel includes Lynn Hansen, Director, University of West Florida Career Services, Wanjiku Jackson, Project Manager - Vocational Services Coordinator, Okaloosa Walton College, Bevley White, Director, University of South Alabama, Career Services and Gil Bixel, III, Pensacola Junior College, Cooperative Education & Placement/Student Job Services.
The Chamber Series is a program of educational seminars that are offered annually from October through June. They are an effective, low cost way to educate yourself and your employees on a number of topics vital to the survival of your business. All seminars take place at the Chamber. The cost to attend Chamber Series Seminars is $10 for Chamber Members and includes lunch. Please RSVP to Azalea Webb or call 850.438.4081. Space is limited. [RSVP]
Chamber Golf Tournament ~ Save the Date
April 10
Tiger Point Country Club
Presented by Landrum Companies
Silver Sponsor: Highpointe Corporation
Hole-in-One: Sandy Sansing
Sponsorships are available.
To register contact Nicole Webb. [RSVP]
Save the date for Small Business Week: April 21-25
Small Business of the Year Luncheon: April 22
Tuesday, April 22 at 11:30
Angus Seafood- Meats- Spirits
Member News
Congratulations to Ballinger Publishing, March's Small Business of the Month!
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Warrington Wal-Mart Receives Regional Award
Congratulations to our Warrington Wal-Mart store!
They have just been awarded Regional Store of the Year for Community Involvement! In competition with over 150 stores in our region, the Warrington Wal-Mart store has been given this prestigious award based on their contributions to our community which includes volunteerism, cash and in-kind donations above and beyond. The expectations are high for this award. Wal-Mart has generously contributed to Warrington Middle School, Junior Achievement, American Cancer Society, Children's Miracle Network, Suburban West Rotary, Boy Scouts and the American Diabetes Association walk just to name a few.
Tracy Dickerson, manager, of the Warrington Wal-Mart and the associates are to be commended for their leadership in making a difference.
The Zoo-Northwest Florida - Goodwörks Recipient
Ideawörks recently selected The Zoo-Northwest Florida as the 2008 GoodWörks recipient.
After reviewing more than 60 applications, three organizations were asked to give an informal presentation demonstrating their need for marketing and public relations services in 2008.
"With so many worthy organizations, it was extremely difficult to select just one for our grant," said Caron Sjöberg, president of Ideawörks. "We are excited and eager to work with The Zoo during what will surely be a very important year for them."
Ideawörks will assist The Zoo in achieving their primary goal – increasing awareness both locally and nationally – through marketing and public relations efforts. The efforts will be focused on driving more visitors and associated revenue to the park. Revamping The Zoo's Web site and an aggressive PR campaign targeting Okaloosa, Santa Rosa and Escambia counties are among the preliminary plans for 2008.
"The board, management team and staff here at The Zoo are overwhelmed with the generosity of Ideawörks in creating this grant," said Danyelle Lantz, executive director of The Zoo-Northwest Florida. "We are thrilled about working with Ideawörks this year, and excited about what we'll be able to accomplish with their help. We have a $2 million fundraising goal this year and marketing efforts will play a huge role in increasing attendance and helping us meet that goal."
The Zoo-Northwest Florida is located in Gulf Breeze and is home to more than 1,400 animals. The Zoo, currently in its 24th year, was privately owned before it became a non-profit in 2004. It is the largest zoo in northwest Florida with more than 55 acres, including a 30-acre area of free-roaming wildlife.