For Immediate Release
Thursday, November 2, 2023
Contact
Sarah Bascom, sarah@bascomllc.com, 850.294.6636
Kristen Grissom, kgrissom@bascomllc.com, 850.814.9454
Tallahassee, Fla.—Today, at its 13th Annual Florida Water Forum in Tampa, the Associated Industries of Florida (AIF) designated its Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Water Policy in honor of Adam Putnam, and presented the award to its first recipient, State Representative Bobby Payne.
“Whether as a dedicated public servant or business leader, Adam Putnam has spent much of his life working to protect Florida’s water resources. Naming this award in his honor is a small recognition of his passion for water and unmatched commitment to advancing good water policy that was long overdue,” said AIF President and CEO Brewster Bevis. “For the first recipient of this award, we could think of no one more deserving than Chairman Bobby Payne. During his time in the Florida House, he championed a comprehensive water policy package, as well as important investments in water quality, and has served as a leader making certain the Legislature is focused on these important water resource issues.”
“In a state like Florida, water is the cornerstone of all our major industries – from agriculture to hospitality and tourism, and of course, real estate. This is the foundation of our state, who we are and who we can become, and that’s why I’m so proud to have my name associated with this Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Water Policy,” said Adam Putnam, CEO of Ducks Unlimited and former agriculture commissioner for the state of Florida. “It’s particularly special for me to be able to recognize as the first ever award winner, my friend, Chairman Bobby Payne – someone who appreciates our valuable natural resources and the role that they play in a successful business community and a high quality of life for all Floridians.”
“I’m truly honored to receive the Adam Putnam Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Water Policy from AIF,” said Representative Payne. “Adam has long been a powerful and passionate advocate for smart water policy in Florida and I am proud to play a role in continuing that important work. Water is Florida’s most valuable natural resource, and we must remain committed to protecting it and improving water quality throughout the state, not only for today, but for future generations.”
Each year since its inception in 2010, the Florida Water Forum provides an unmatched venue for AIF members to interact with policy experts and legislators on the key water and environmental policy issues that impact Florida businesses. A detailed agenda of this year’s event, including panel topics, moderators and participants is available here.
Known as “The Voice of Florida Business” in the Sunshine State, Associated Industries of Florida (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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