Florida Trend | Florida's Business Authority

Entrepreneur Business Briefs - Sept. 2007


Amy Norman
» Amy Norman was promoted from vice president of operations to president and CEO of the Tampa Bay Technology Forum. She replaces Andy Hafer, who will become director of the Emerging Companies Academy, a TBTF initiative.

» The Florida Legislature passed a bill giving small businesses a $25,000 exemption from the tangible personal property tax. But the exemption is part of the overall property tax reform plan and will not go into effect unless Floridians vote for the constitutional amendment next January.

» Florida CFO Alex Sink ordered a 50% cut in the 2008 Workers’ Compensation Administration Trust Fund assessment rate. The rate will fall to .25% from .50% after Jan. 1. The trust fund pays for the operation of the Department of Financial Services’ Division of Workers’ Compensation and other related government functions.

» According to Associated Industries of Florida, the Florida Senate voted for pro-business legislation 85% of the time this year, down from 92% in 2006. The Florida House voted in favor of business legislation 92%, down from 95% the previous year.