FEDC Inside Track for Legislative Affairs: Governor Crist Announces International Trade Stimulus Program

During a tour of the Port of Jacksonville, Florida Governor Charlie Crist announced creation of the Florida International Trade Stimulus Program today, March 18, 2009. 

The Florida International Trade Stimulus Program is intended to create international business opportunities for the growth and prosperity of small and medium-sized businesses and economic development organizations.

A press release from the Office of the Governor with more information about the Florida International Trade Stimulus Program is reprinted below.  Further information may be viewed on the Enterprise Florida Web site at:  www.eflorida.com.

 

Should you have any questions or comments, please contact Tracy Mayernick at Colodny Fass.

 

Governor Crist Announces Efforts to Strengthen Florida’s International Trade

Calls on Enterprise Florida Inc. to bolster Florida’s strongest economic sector

JACKSONVILLE – Continuing his focus on strengthening Florida’s economy, Governor Charlie Crist today unveiled the Florida International Trade Stimulus Program, which will create international business opportunities for the growth and prosperity of small and medium-sized businesses and economic development organizations.  Governor Crist announced the plan during a tour of the Port of Jacksonville.

“Florida’s international trade has remained strong, in spite of challenges in other business sectors. Now more than ever, Floridians need as many new open doors as possible for selling their products and services around the globe,” Governor Crist said.  “With 60 percent of the world’s consumers beyond our state borders, we are wise to tap new markets for the goods produced in the Sunshine State.”

Governor Crist emphasized his commitment to expanding international trade and promoting the state as an ideal place for investment, even amid the current economic downturn.

The Florida International Trade Stimulus Program features four programs developed to facilitate trade and investment opportunities for Florida’s companies.

• Florida First Sourcing Program – Enterprise Florida will increase business interaction among Florida companies by helping Florida exporters identify in-state suppliers for their export needs. A first for Florida, the program will promote in-state business by encouraging Florida trading companies and purchasing agents to buy Florida products rather than purchasing products from other states to fill their export orders. Enterprise Florida will use its proven trade leads program and staff resources to administer the program.

• Target Sector Trade Grants – Enterprise Florida will provide event-specific grants to eligible small and medium-sized companies to participate in certain tradeshows and trade missions. The grants will enable qualifying businesses to participate in Enterprise Florida-sponsored delegations and select U.S.-certified trade exhibitions in target sectors.

  Florida manufacturers, research and development companies, and technology services providers in Florida’s eight targeted industries for economic growth and diversification will be eligible to participate. Those industries include aviation and aerospace; clean energy; financial and professional services; homeland security and defense; information technology; life sciences; and targeted manufacturing, including the boating/marine sector.

  Companies will be selected in cooperation with their local economic development organizations. Participation requirements include the following:

  • Legal registration in Florida
  • Have a product or service produced in Florida
  • Have 500 or fewer employees
  • Be “new to market” or a new or infrequent exporter

• Florida International Development Network Training – Enterprise Florida will provide customized training programs to economic development organizations serving small and mid-sized communities to raise their international development capacity. One-day training opportunities will provide technical assistance for enhancing their ability to assist local companies in tapping international opportunities through Enterprise Florida programs.

• Florida First Foreign Direct Investment Campaign – Governor Crist encouraged Enterprise Florida Inc. to proactively work with leading business organizations and associations across the state to identify foreign direct investment (FDI) leads with the greatest job-creation potential. To aid in the identification and referral process, Enterprise Florida will establish a global hotline, (305) 808-3670, for Florida’s senior business executives. Once Florida executives have referred potential investors, Enterprise Florida will ensure prompt follow-up, professional project management and progress updates for the referral source.

  “I have charged our public leadership to do all that is possible to steer our economy towards brighter days,” said Governor Crist. “I am asking all of our international businesses to pick up the phone, send an e-mail, and tell our friends abroad during your travels that despite these challenging times, Florida remains open for business.”

About Florida’s International Trade

International trade was Florida’s strongest economic sector in 2008 and continued to drive the United States and Florida economy in spite of an economic downturn affecting Florida and the nation. Florida-origin exports increased 21 percent in 2008, far exceeding the nation’s export growth of 11.8 percent.  Florida ranks fifth among the states in exports, yet Florida’s export growth outpaced the four top states (Texas, California, New York and Washington).

Other indicators of Florida’s international trade success include the following:

• Florida trade reached $130.5 billion in 2008, up 13.7 percent over previous year.

• Florida-origin exports reached $54.3 billion during 2008, which exceeded 2007’s year-end total of $44.8 billion and is a 21-percent growth over last year.

• Florida is the third largest exporter of high-tech goods in the United States, at more than $14.6 billion in 2008. High-tech goods include motor cars and vehicles; turbojets, turbopropellers, turbines and parts; medical, surgical and dental instruments; and electronic integrated circuits.

Governor Crist earlier today visited a Jacksonville One-Stop Career Center where he continued to encourage employers and job seekers to utilize www.EmployFlorida.com, the official online portal to virtual job-matching services and other workforce resources. Later today, he will hold a town hall meeting on the Naval Station Mayport where he will provide an opportunity for the Navy community and citizens of Florida to voice their concerns about issues important to them.

For more information, please visit www.eflorida.com.

 

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