While it is still early in 2017, it is important to remain focused on moving Florida forward - as the best state to live, work, play and raise a family. There is a philosophical discussion happening in Tallahassee about the importance of economic development activities to our state's future. As economic development professionals, we know that cultivating business activities that spur job creation and drive an increased tax base are critical elements of economic stability and opportunity. Last week, a bill was filed that would eliminate Enterprise Florida, Visit Florida and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) network and essentially all economic development incentives in the state of Florida. It is our responsibility to speak up about the importance of economic development as a profession with a coordinated statewide approach.

This week you have two opportunities for your voice to be heard. On Feb. 8 and 9 in Tallahassee, there will be two committee meetings, one in the House and one in the Senate that will discuss the future of economic development in Florida. 

Florida Economic Development Council (FEDC) is coordinating statewide advocacy efforts to tell the story of how assistance from your organization has made a difference in their business and in the lives of their employees. As FEDC Chair- Elect, I strongly encourage you to connect with FEDC about how you can participate in these meetings.  

Even as we defend our great work, positive activities continue around the state. We are pleased to announce that the Economic Impact module is now available in the PoweringFlorida® Resource Center. You'll be able to leverage IMPLAN data to evaluate the economic impact of an existing company or new project to your community, assess the tax impacts of a new company and quantify the impact of your organization's efforts to your community.  We are offering multiple webinar trainings to familiarize you with this new tool. As a reminder, we are offering an  Energy 101 course Tuesday, March 7 in Hialeah. You won't want to miss this energy basics course specifically tailored to economic development professionals and the in-person tour of one of our main lineman training facilities.

And our economic development professionals continue to help our state shine on the national stage. Congratulations to the eight Floridians who received national honors in DCI's 40 under 40 and Consultant Connect Top 50. I would also like to congratulate EdgeConneX® in choosing its second data center location in Miami.

In closing, it is important to stay focused on moving Florida forward and remain steadfast in our pursuit of job creation and providing economic prosperity to our state.