The booth showcases the state's new technology business brand, "eFlorida." Enterprise Florida developed this new marketing strategy to sharpen the state's image with high-tech companies and step up efforts to attract, retain and grow technology businesses. The message is targeted specifically to site-selection consultants, venture capitalists, IT professionals, high-tech businesses interested in expanding and entrepreneurs considering startups.
I was pleased to see that the two annual magazines we publish for Enterprise Florida and the Florida Economic Development Council are prominently displayed as part of the trade show booth's design. Steve Mayberry, Enterprise Florida senior vice president, said that Business Florida and Florida Small Business are mainstays of the materials distributed at the dozens of trade shows Enterprise Florida attends each year. The magazines are being shared with regional, national and international audiences through a strong presence at such events as the Paris Air Show and the BioTech Conference in San Diego.
Through these two custom publications, we consider ourselves a partner in the branding of Florida and in positioning our state as technology-friendly and a leader in the nation. It's a responsibility we take very seriously, and we are always working to make the content and the distribution channels stronger.
About 100,000 copies of the 2002 issue of Business Florida are being distributed this month. The 108-page magazine will reach a targeted audience that includes 50,000-plus out-of-state CEOs.
Another 3,500 of the executive decision-makers who will be getting the magazine have been prequalified as prime prospects for expanding or moving their businesses to Florida.
Thousands more magazines will be distributed around the world through Enterprise Florida's international offices, by economic development organizations throughout the state, and other groups involved in business development and international trade. As a member of the International Development Research Council, Enterprise Florida will mail Business Florida to members of that important group. Site-selection consultants nationwide also will get a copy.
The content, edited by Gary Shepherd, a veteran Florida business journalist, includes compelling testimonials from CEOs who have found Florida a good place to do business. It includes extensive information on technology and workforce resources; international trade; incentives; regional profiles; and contact information for economic development organizations across the state.
Because we know that the first point of contact for many companies considering Florida is the web, we also offer the BusinessFlorida.com website. The site provides links to Enterprise Florida's eflorida.com web portal, FloridaTrend.com and other important resources for companies needing information on our state.
Recruiting businesses that are good for Florida's economy matters to all of us doing business here. Our publishing partnership with Enterprise Florida and FEDC is one way we are working to achieve this important goal that we believe holds long-term benefits for our state.