March 6, 2017

Tallahassee, Fla. – The Associated Industries of Florida (AIF) today released the following statement on behalf of its President & CEO Tom Feeney regarding the opposition to House Bill 9, by Representative Paul Renner (R-Palm Coast), relating to Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation, and House Bill 7005, by the House Careers & Competition Subcommittee, relating to Economic Programs.  HB 9 and HB 7005 were today heard in the House Rules & Policy Committee.

“These two bills, HB 9 and HB 7005, that would eliminate Enterprise Florida and revamp VISIT FLORIDA are detrimental to Florida’s employers and employees.  Enterprise Florida and VISIT FLORIDA contribute immensely to our economy, cultivating a competitive and innovative business environment that maximizes revenues and our job base.

“As these bills head to the House floor, we encourage an open dialogue among our state’s leaders on the importance of transparency and accountability measures, but we must continue to have and fund these good public-private partnerships that are vital in making Florida the No. 1 destination to do business.”

Known as “The Voice of Florida Business” in the Sunshine State, AIF has represented the principles of prosperity and free enterprise before the three branches of state government since 1920. A voluntary association of diversified businesses, AIF was created to foster an economic climate in Florida conducive to the growth, development, and welfare of industry and business and the people of the state.

For more information on AIF, please visit AIF.com and follow @VoiceofFLBiz.

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