June 24, 2010
TALLAHASSEE – Sixteen Florida legislators from across the state are among a prestigious group of elected leaders selected by Associated Industries of Florida (AIF) as 2010 Champions for Business. The awards are annually presented to leaders who have proven to be strong and forceful advocates for Florida’s business community. Champions for Business are chosen for their support of meaningful and often controversial pro-business legislation that benefits employers and their workers. Established by AIF in 2003, the awards program was created to acknowledge the efforts of lawmakers who sponsored and defended pro-business bills, as well as those who worked behind-the-scenes on legislation critical to the prosperity of Florida businesses.
“This is the largest class of Champion for Business and Council awards winners in the program’s history, and reflects this session’s overall positive results and legislative victories for Florida business community,” said Barney Bishop III, President and CEO of AIF. “Florida lawmakers rolled up their sleeves and got to work immediately by passing critical unemployment compensation tax relief on the very first day of session and remained focused on preserving and creating jobs throughout the remaining 59 days. AIF is proud to honor these lawmakers for their leadership, vision and advocacy on behalf of Florida businesses.”
Among their good works, recipients of this year’s awards successfully advocated for measures that will create jobs, help Florida maintain its position as a leader in the space industry, and aid Florida businesses struggling to keep up with rising unemployment compensation costs.
The 2010 Champions for Business awards were announced following the release of AIF’s annual Voting Records Report last week. AIF tracked more than 14,000 votes cast on 133 business-related bills and amendments. Members’ votes, which include committee and floor votes, are used to generate a percentage ranking of votes made in favor of pro-business legislation.
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