For more than a decade, Enterprise Florida Inc. (EFI) has served as Florida’s lead economic development organization, with oversight of the state’s international trade and business marketing efforts. Funding through both the public (state) and private (business) sectors enables EFI to fulfill a mission of achieving economic diversification in Florida. What has ensured “mission accomplishment” is our ability to produce value-added jobs statewide by supporting, attracting and helping to create businesses in innovative, high-growth industries. Among those that Florida targets are life sciences, information technology, aviation and aerospace, homeland security and defense, as well as marine technology and financial and professional services.

EFI has endeavored to position Florida as a state offering a wealth of opportunities for new and existing companies. A commitment to innovation plus a healthy business environment have been catalysts for our success. Another perk has been easy access to international markets, prompting thousands of businesses to launch operations in the state each year. We support economic development and business leaders in a variety of ways such as providing them with community profiles, demographic and site-specific data and advice about incentives that could facilitate their transition into or expansion within the state.

As the “Innovation Hub of the Americas,” Florida secures business and investments from many countries. It results from our focus on innovation and international missions that showcase Florida products and services. The attraction of foreign direct investment to the state’s economy has been a paramount means to generate jobs. Thus, strong partnerships also are a key. For instance, EFI collaborates with a statewide network of regional and local economic development organizations in its facilitation of Florida’s economic growth strategy.

We encourage you to learn more about Florida’s pro-business environment and global connectivity and target growth industries. Visit our website, www.eflorida.com, for details.

Tom Kuntz Vice Chair, EFI President/CEO SunTrust Bank, FL

John A. Adams President/CEO, EFI

Enterprise Florida, Inc. (407) 956-5600 www.eflorida.com

Florida Economic Development Council

The Florida Economic Development Council Inc. (FEDC) is a not-for-profit association of more than 500 professional economic developers and related industry representatives committed to building a world-class economic development network and system in Florida.

FEDC provides leadership and vision and enhances the professionalism of its diverse membership by producing high-quality, high-value education programs that promote economic development understanding and competency.

The council gives its members the opportunity to develop and maintain a network of economic development professionals; stay current with state economic development programs; seek better ways to practice economic development; receive recognition from the economic development community for their work; and have a voice in state economic development policy.

The members of FEDC are professionals who understand the complexity of developing and implementing a plan to bring a business to Florida or to help an existing business in Florida to grow. Click here for a listing of economic development organizations represented by FEDC members.

Gene Gray Chairman, FEDC Director, Hillsborough County Economic Development Dept.

Florida Economic Development Council. (850) 201-3332 www.fedc.net