Published On: Fri, Jul 28th, 2017

Governor Rick Scott: A man of the people, a man of business

 

By Carlo Barbieri

 

Last week, I had the honor to attend a meeting with Florida Governor Rick Scott. It was clear since we, a member of Florida Chamber of Commerce, had the discussions with the state’s chief executive, that he has one important query on his mind – and one vital interest in his heart.

The question has always been the same:

What can I do to help business development in Florida?

And the interest:

What can be done to increase jobs in Florida?

Actually, at the time of the meeting, Scott was preparing to issue a news release (which came out July 25) noting that Florida has added 75,449 new businesses since December 2010. This, he said, is a 16.5 percent increase in the number of private-sector employers in the state.

He noted that Florida’s strong economic growth also improved consumer confidence, which rose 2.1 points to 96.4 in June.

“We have worked hard to diversify our economy by cutting taxes and reducing burdensome regulations to make Florida the most business-friendly state in the nation,” the governor said. “This great news shows that our efforts have helped more than 75,000 entrepreneurs across the state start and grow their businesses in less than seven years.”

This was good news for my business group as well, even though we talked mainly about how the state can work with and improve the investment climate for Brazilian enterprises. Our suggestions were focused on this subject, though they were of interest to investors in general.

The main topics covered during the session with Governor Scott included:

  • Support for the possibility of Brazil having an agreement with the USA so investments can be made through the E-2 visa. (The E-2 Investor Visa program allows an individual from outside the US to enter and work inside the United States based on an investment he or she will be controlling while inside the US. The investment must be “substantial;”
  • Maintenance of the EB-5 TEA to be issued by the state of Florida. (EB-5 was created by Congress in 1990 to stimulate the US economy through job creation and capital investment by immigrant investors. The TEA is the “targeted employment area” where the EB-5 visa is used;
  • Small Business Administration (SBA) support for Brazilian companies located in Florida;
  • Better preparation for American exporters to do business with Brazilian firms, and
  • Better dissemination of vocations for each county.

 

During the meeting with Governor Scott, it was noted that we have about 30,000 Brazilian companies in Florida. Also, a new wave of entrepreneurs and professionals is anticipated, one that will offer the highest quality and availability of resources.

It was also noted by the governor that Florida has become the third largest state in the union. It outstripped New York in population several years ago.

According to Enterprise Florida, the official economic development organization for the state: Florida has a large economic market, great infrastructure, vibrant industry sectors, a smart workforce and geography perfect for easy global connectivity, in addition to its business-friendly climate and high quality of life.

What’s more, Florida has consistently been among the top US states in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), and is currently home to more than 2,000 international companies.

Still, in international terms, it is worth noting that in Florida, more than five million residents speak languages other than English.

Florida exported more than $143 billion in 2016, counting on the tireless work of Enterprise Florida.

With this policy, Florida has created more than 1.37 million new jobs since 2010 and is now accepting projects that can continue in this trajectory with an $85 million grant fund.

It may be worth noting, in closing, that Governor Scott plans to host the 2017 Latin American Summit Oct. 2 in Miami to discuss the important relationship Florida shares with that region.

The Summit, Scott said, will bring together world leaders to improve current partnerships and build new relationships that will better serve the interests of Florida families, generate economic prosperity and enhance democracy and human rights throughout Latin America.

 

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