The Orlando event was tailor-made for Gov. Jeb Bush, often referred to as Florida's "e-governor." In his remarks, Bush praised the state's "large and robust technology base, with a strong and recognized record of accomplishment."
It's impressive that Florida now ranks fifth in the United States in high-tech employment and third in high-tech exports. Another recent ranking shows Florida's broadband capabilities among the best in the nation.
The forum's lineup of featured speakers and the topics they covered were equally as impressive.
Vice presidents for research from the University of Florida, Florida Atlantic University and the University of Central Florida presented tips on establishing partnerships and creating new technologies with Florida's Centers of Excellence.
A State Technology Office representative offered advice for businesses on how to navigate the government procurement process and discussed the state's new and innovative e-procurement system, MyFloridaMarketplace.
A panel of economic development, marketing and technology experts, led by Darrell Kelley, president and CEO of Enterprise Florida, provided an overview of the many technology and business strategies designed to grow Florida's high-tech economy and create more jobs.
Other experts discussed ways to bring minorities into the high-tech arena and suggested ways to work with universities for internships, training programs and development.
Many leaders at the forum discussed the report that ITFlorida had just presented to Bush urging the state to do more to bolster the business climate for local tech companies and attract new and innovative high-tech companies to Florida.
The group's recommendations include: Additional funding to expand the Centers of Excellence program to more universities and fields of study; creation of a technology center to coordinate and manage programming jobs that are now outsourced overseas; expanded marketing efforts to promote the state's IT sector; and tax credits for corporations when they increase their spending on research and development.
Rick Kearney, CEO of Tallahassee-based Mainline Global Systems Inc. and chairman of ITFlorida, the state's technology advocacy group, describes the recommendations as "designed to raise the bar to a level that we can retain and attract new IT businesses to the state and keep Florida focused on technology."
Kearney says ITFlorida will be discussing the report with state government and business leaders to prioritize the list of recommendations and determine what steps can be taken to enact them.
Mike Langley, CEO of the Langley Group and head of Enterprise Florida's TEC Council, told me that the Tech Forum was a real step forward in strengthening the impact of Florida's voice in spreading the message that Florida is a very sophisticated technology state.
Working technology into the overall business plan for our state will be one of Enterprise Florida's top priorities.
Visit www.ITFlorida.com to download "Florida's Information Technology Report: Current Landscape and Recommendations" -- and to check out this year's Information Technology Award winners.