Growing Purpose

Plenty to offer

Like all of America, Florida is adjusting to a new economic reality.

But in Florida, it’s only a “hiccup,” says Allan Bense, a former speaker of the Florida House of Representatives who is today partner in Panama City-based GAC Contractors and vice chairman of Enterprise Florida, the public-private partnership charged with implementing the state’s economic development efforts.

“Florida has sizzle, and sometimes we forget that,” says Bense. “But just look at what we have to offer — a lot of rural areas, the best beaches in the world, an abundant labor force, a climate in Tallahassee that encourages industries. Sure times are tough right now, but we have a great opportunity to take a look at what’s going on in our state, to diversify our economy and to bring new innovation to Florida.”

We’ve got a plan

“The opening of Scripps Florida marks an important milestone in the Sunshine State’s development as a biotech hub and as a global leader in medical research and development. Florida’s economy will benefit from the collaboration among Scripps Florida and the state’s other biotech companies, and the result will be important advances that improve the health and quality of life for everyone.” — Gov. Charlie Crist Richard A. Lerner, president, The Scripps Research Institute, and Gov. Charlie Crist cut the ribbon to officially open Scripps Florida in February 2009. [Photo: Christopher Fay]

“Florida’s ability to compete for investment dollars that will fuel development of a 21st-century infrastructure and create 21st-century jobs depends on public policy that develops and rewards the talent in our state,” says Marshall Criser III, president AT&T Florida, who also chairs the Florida Chamber of Commerce board of directors. “For AT&T, this means investing in both new technologies to meet the escalating demand for seamless connectivity and investing in our communities to develop the future of Florida.”

Thinking outside the box

Floridians did not simply wake up one morning in the midst of a souring economy and say, “Hey, now would be a good time to innovate.” In fact, we’ve been at this longer than most, and whenever challenges surfaced along the way, we've simply turned them into opportunitues.

Florida’s public school system has gone from 31st in the U.S. to 10th in just three years, and the state's disaster preparedness and recovery program serves as a model for the nation in how to do things right in the wake of catastrophe.

Agriculture and tourism ­— two of the state’s long-time economic strengths — are reinventing themselves and enjoying new life.

The market value of Florida's agricultural sales hit a record $7.8 billion in 2007, and Florida ranks seventh in the U.S. in value of overall agricultural sales. New crops are under development, including a peach that is ready for market nearly three months ahead of the traditional summer crop, and agricultural waste from citrus and sugar cane is being turned into cellulosic ethanol.

The University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) has developed an international reputation for its accomplishments in teaching, research and extension. IFAS is the research and development center for Florida’s agricultural and natural resources industries that have a $93 billion annual impact.

On the tourism side, a whole new category has emerged, with international visitors seeking treatment at Florida’s world-renowned medical facilities such as Florida Hospital. The hospitals Global Robotics Institute is a destination program for both patients and physicians from all over the world who come to its flagship facility in Orlando.

High-tech and highly visible

According to the 2009 TechAmerica Cyberstates report, Florida ranks among the largest cyberstates, with 280,300 high-tech workers and a payroll of close to $19 billion in 2007 (most current data). Florida’s computer systems design and related services sector was particularly strong, adding 4,100 jobs in 2007. And these positions pay well: A tech worker in Florida earns on average 72% more than the state’s average private sector wage.

Florida shines on the large and small screens, too. The Motion Picture Association of America reported 41 movies and TV shows filmed in Florida in 2007 with $1.47 billion in total wages. In 2008, Florida was the location for 35 more films and TV shows.