If Florida was its own nation, its economy would rank 15th globally. | Morguefile.
If Florida was its own nation, its economy would rank 15th globally. | Morguefile.
The Florida Chamber of Commerce is praising Gov. Ron DeSantis as the group's president is asking for business leaders from all sectors of the state to unify in order to spur the growth of the economy.
Florida Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Mark Wilson wrote a column for the Orlando Sentinel admiring DeSantis’ leadership and calling for business leaders to unite.
"Post-pandemic, Florida will never be the same and the time to focus on making sure the right things happen is now," Wilson said.
If the state was an independent nation, the economy would be the 15th largest in the world and Wilson said that the objective is to grow Florida's economy to the 10th largest.
The state’s unemployment rate plummeted to 4.9% in September.
“Thanks to the strong leadership of Gov. Ron DeSantis, Florida’s businesses remained open, Floridians were kept safe, and our economy moving while continuing to build Florida’s brand nationally,” Wilson wrote in the op-ed.
Wilson also urged the state's private entities to work to expand wealth across Florida.
“Business leaders across Florida have the power to create pathways to prosperity that will allow Floridians to compete in a global economy. Simply put, it’s time we unite the business community to do so,” he wrote.
The state is anticipated to grow economically and in population.
"By 2030, the Florida Chamber Foundation expects 4 million more residents, 50 million more annual visitors and 3 million more drivers and will need to create 2 million more jobs,” Wilson wrote.
Wilson added that it was important to think about the big picture in order for Florida to stay relevant in the world.
“We must improve Florida’s talent pipeline for a better workforce; create good jobs by diversifying Florida’s economy; prepare Florida’s infrastructure for smart growth and development; build the perfect climate for business; make government and civics more efficient and effective, and champion Florida’s quality of life,” he wrote. “The state has the road map of what we need to get right to secure the future and to remain the best state to live, work, start a business, raise a family and retire.”
Alerts Sign-up