Ryan Ray
A group of international business leaders heard the Florida gospel from a cadre of state officials as part of the Florida Chamber of Commerce’s Annual International Days on Tuesday.
Among the top talking points business professionals from around the world heard: Gov. Rick Scott‘s aggressive economic development efforts, Florida’s easygoing tax and regulatory regime, and, of course, the warm weather.
The Chamber’s International Business Council heard talks at the Capitol from Florida Chamber political strategist Andrew Wiggins, who broke down the politics of congressional redistricting; Democrats Sen. Maria Sachs and Sen. Bill Montford, who testified that even the pro-labor Democratic caucus keeps business at the forefront; tales from the banking sector from Republican Sen. Garrett Richter; boosterism for Florida’s 14 deep-water ports from Rep. Lake Ray; and an explainer on the Scott administration’s plans for eliminating manufacturing and business rent taxes from senior adviser Jeff Woodburn.
The event was organized by Chamber Executive Vice President David Hart, who was a liaison between the policy wonks and the business guests.
Hart expected to introduce Sen. Bill Galvano to the group as well, but was alerted via text message during the event that the Republican Majority Leader could not make it because inter-chamber talks about the size of economic incentives in the budget had “blown up.” Hart explained to his visitors that sort of thing is all too common during the final two weeks of Session.
The conversation between the industry representatives and Florida politicos was one between like-minded folks, but one moment of tension came when Consul General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Miami Nathalie Olijslager asked Woodburn about the threat of climate change.
Olijslager said in her home country, the realities of life below sea level are nonpartisan facts of life, while many Hollanders perceive Florida officials to be averse to conversations about how the state is, in her words, “sinking.”
“This is perceived as a huge risk when it comes to investing in Florida,” said Olijslager, saying sea-level rise is “politically sensitive” in parts of the United States.
Woodburn replied the governor has no problem talking climate change, despite a reported prohibition on using the term back in 2015.
“Everybody is open to conversation on the topic,” said Woodburn, adding that waterlogged Miami is only a fraction of the state. “Maybe we’re not doing a good enough job on selling what Florida actually is.”
Afterward Olijslager said she was satisfied by the response. She said she was also heartened by the circulation of a resolution in the Legislature in support an international trade treaty dubbed T-TIP, or the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership.
She also added she liked how the Chamber gave her and her cohorts an opportunity to speak directly with lawmakers.
“They are the ones that can help build another image,” Olijslager said. “I think they’re doing a pretty good job of changing that image of an economy based only on tourism. I think people are now getting to know they can invest here.”
UPDATE Feb. 24, 10:52 a.m. : A Senate spokesperson advises Florida Politics Sen. Galvano’s absence at the event was due to a scheduling conflict rather than a snag in budget talks.
