On June 13-14, AIF held the First Annual Policy Retreat in St. Pete Beach at the TradeWinds Island Grand Resort. The goal of the Retreat was to provide a relaxing and casual environment for all interested AIF members to discuss their concerns and provide input on the development of the AIF Session Priorities. During this Retreat, councils reviewed what occurred during the 2023 Legislative Session, how it affected important business issues, and continued the process of developing proactive efforts for the fall interim committee meetings and 2024 Legislative Session.
AIF members, guests, and legislators gathered for a casual reception on the TradeWinds Resort terrace overlooking St. Pete Beach.
In the morning session, several guest speakers gave an update on their work to keep Florida’s bustling economy on the upward trend it has been on for decades.
Senator Joe Gruters (R-Sarasota) spoke to the AIF members, and reviewing the important civil justice reforms that were accomplished by the legislature this year. He commended AIF for our unwavering commitment to stand up for the commonsense reforms that were so obviously needed by businesses in Florida. His concluding remarks noted that the wide range of issues and policy topics that were included in the AIF 2023 Session Priorities showcased AIF’s ability and enthusiasm to fight for every issue that impacts Florida businesses.
Melissa Seixas, State President of Duke Energy — a Policy Retreat Presenting Sponsor — introduced Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody, thanking her for her continued commitment and advancement of pro-business policies.
Attorney General Ashley Moody addressed the attendees, commented that Florida’s rapid economic growth over the past 5 years was due in part to the policies advanced by legislators in Tallahassee. General Moody briefly described her role in deterring criminal acts against Florida retailers by cracking down on petty crimes and keeping Florida a “law and order state.” She applauded AIF for always striving to keep the regulatory framework in Tallahassee on a fair and balanced platform, so that businesses are not constantly burdened by overzealous regulators. AIF is proud to stand with General Moody on a wide variety of issues, and we look forward to working with her during the upcoming legislative session to keep Florida’s economy growing and prosperous.
Following the comments from our honored speakers, the AIF Policy Councils held one-hour strategy sessions which allowed AIF members, legislators and other stakeholders an opportunity to sit together and discuss the most important issues on a wide range of topics that impact businesses. These discussions were mostly based off AIF’s 2023 Session Priorities and served as recap of the 2023 Legislative Session and the many laws that were either added, altered, or abolished. These informative and productive policy council meetings with members and lawmakers provides a wealth of knowledge-sharing and helps to further gauge the current regulatory climate facing each industry.
The AIF Policy Retreat concluded with the 2023 AIF Champions for Business Awards Dinner. Honoring six key legislators that showed tremendous courage while standing up for Florida businesses during the 2023 Legislative Session, these legislators worked together to achieve the most comprehensive civil justice reforms in Florida’s history. Florida’s business climate will be more friendly to those looking to invest in our state because of the reforms championed by the lawmakers below.
We were fortunate enough to have two of the 2023 Champions for Business recipients join us in-person at the dinner. President Passidomo and Chairman Gregory were both greeted with standing ovations by the audience.
AIF Chairman, Jose Gonzalez, presented President Passidomo with her award for significant tort reform. During her acceptance, she thanked many of the AIF members for working with the Senate to achieve these legislative victories in 2023.
Tommy Culligan, Director of Government Relations with Publix Supermarkets — a Policy Retreat Presenting Sponsor — presented Chairman Gregory with his award for significant tort reform. Chairman Gregory accepted the award and stated that he was proud to work with AIF on the issue.
AIF President & CEO Brewster Bevis concluded the ceremony by pledging to stand by the accomplishments of the CFB winners this session and that AIF will always fight for businesses.
The 2023 Policy Retreat was successful in accomplishing productive, in-depth policy discussion with AIF members and participating state legislators. We are thrilled with the positive feedback and input from attendees and look forward to hosting this next year.
Information on the 2024 Policy Retreat will be sent out to all AIF members as soon as it is available. Visit AIF.com for updates.
