May 13, 2013

TALLAHASSEE – Associated Industries of Florida (AIF) President and CEO Tom Feeney today joined Gov. Rick Scott and other business and industry leaders at the Governor’s manufacturing machinery and equipment victory tour event at Johnson and Johnson Vision Care in Jacksonville. A series of events held across the state celebrated the passage of one of Gov. Scott’s priority bills this year – the elimination of sales tax on the purchase of manufacturing machinery and equipment. Brewster Bevis, AIF Senior Vice President, State and Federal Affairs, attended the Oldsmar event at Brycoat, Inc.

“Manufacturing is in the midst of a renaissance. An industry that more than a hundred years ago was the cornerstone of American business once again has the potential to inject new life into our economy. For every one direct manufacturing job we create another three indirect jobs will follow. That is an impressive job multiplier and it translates to substantial opportunity for our state,” said Feeney. “Eliminating sales tax on the purchase of manufacturing equipment and machinery will allow Florida to capitalize on this new age for manufacturing and unlock the job potential Florida’s manufacturing industry offers.”

As the state affiliate for the National Association of Manufacturers, the elimination of sales tax on the purchase of manufacturing machinery and equipment was also a top priority for AIF this year. Staunch advocates for economic incentives that foster business growth, AIF successfully lobbied for the passage of this bill.