James Call
Florida’s business-recruiter-in-chief is stepping up a media campaign in advance of a California job-hunting expedition.
Enterprise Florida began running radio commercials Thursday touting Florida’s perfect business climate in advance of Gov. Rick Scott’s trade delegation to California April 12-13.
“California has the nation’s highest personal income tax, the highest state sales tax, and one of the highest gas taxes,” the “breaking news” style commercial announcer says. “If you are looking to relocate and expand your business look no further than the Sunshine State.”
The voice-over says the governor will be in town talking to business leaders about why Florida is the best place to do business. Then, he touts Florida’s lack of income and corporate taxes, as well as a business tax that is continuing to drop.
The radio campaign is supporting a print ad that ran this week about Florida’s port expansion projects and transportation upgrades.
Targeting a handful of states for business recruitment, Scott has visited Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and Colorado.
While officials in those states saw the trade missions as hostile, California seems to be taking it in stride.
“We can certainly understand why our friend from Florida is interested in visiting the Golden State,” said Evan Westrup, a spokesman for California Gov. Jerry Brown. “We hope the governor’s stay is both enjoyable and educational.”
