Gov. Jeb Bush: "Friends, this newest edition of "Business Florida"
is compiled for the busy business executive, who wants to take a closer look at
Florida's fabulous business opportunities! Now is the time to order your
copy of this terrific book! Only $6.95 - and that low price includes shipping and tax!!
Just click HERE!!!"
Written by summer - a former Dem, now an independent and a FL certified teacher
"Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May they prosper who love you." - Psalm 121:6
I sometimes worry that prayer and hope may not be enough to get us through. People still need to work. Commerce must continue. I remember channel surfing back when our country was in another war, and I felt so relieved to discover that while every other tv station was carrying breaking news programming, one channel - the Home Shopping Network --- did not. It was a strange calm that came over me as I realized that: Yes, even now, in the midst of turmoil, there is someone, somewhere, who still wants to buy a new crock pot.
Consequently, I give an enthusiastic thumbs-up to Gov. Bush's newly announced upcoming trade mission to the United Kingdom. I think someone has to get on a plane, lead a group, meet face to face, give the firm handshake, listen, explain, show the product, persuade and pave the way for financial growth. In short -- sell.
Perhaps some believe "trade mission" means: "government officials on vacation." Maybe there are places where that is true. But if you scroll halfway down in this business news journal article, you'll learn about FL's success on another trade mission.
And, a 'vacation' is not what I read anywhere in Gov. Bush's speech about his strategic goals and five-point plan in this May 2001 Orlando Sun Sentinel -- "Bush touts trade with hemisphere for FL firms." In said article, it was noted that:
Since taking office, Governor Bush has led Team Florida trade and business development missions to Brazil, Mexico, Israel and the southern nations of Chile, Argentina and Uruguay. Business leaders representing 350 Florida companies have participated with Governor Bush and expect to earn more than $350 million collectively in new business as a direct result of the trips.
"$350 million" in new business sounds good to me. Thank you, Governor Bush!
Gov. Jeb Bush: "I believe in
entrepreneurial capitalism."
Prior to Governor Bush's election to office -- in addition to teaching, writing, co-founding a school, and serving as FL's Secretary of Commerce -- he worked in the private sector, selling and leasing real estate in Miami. He then took on much greater responsibilities in that company. Now, as governor, in a role he's sometimes equates to a CEO, he relentlessly sells Florida to the world. And, I do notice that about him.
Long before I became a teacher, I worked in the international corporate world and learned about the challenges of those responsible for "New Business." I observed that in the best of times, new business sometimes arrived out of nowhere. Yet, it also helped to employ an effective new biz salesperson -- driven, knowledgeable and talented. Someone like Governor Bush, who is now on a mission to broaden Florida's image to the business world.
In the vision he promotes, Gov. Bush sees more than tourism and citrus. He wants FL to be THE hi-tech haven for the private sector, as he explained in this Question and Answer Session in the 2002 Business Florida edition of Florida Trends Magazine.
It seems to me that Gov. Bush's goal -- diversifying FL's economy -- reflects his very deep commitment to increasing the prosperity of all of FL citizens.
I believe his commitment is genuine and authentic because, first of all, what he is doing now is something he has done consistently. In 1999, his first year in office, Gov. Bush led trade missions to Mexico and Israel, as explained here. Florida's now counts fifty top foreign trade partners around the world.
Second, Gov. Bush clearly communicates his philosophy: expanded free trade, fair trade, and more free trade. For example, see this Dec. 2001 interview, when Latin.com asked Gov Bush the following:
Latin.com: "Brazil wants to send more oranges to the United States. What about Florida producers who fear competition?"
Gov. Bush: "The industries in both countries can work together. The key is, if there is to be an expansion of free trade-the FTAA [Free Trade Area of the Americas] or Mercosur, whatever that next step is-there needs to be negotiations that bring about fair trade as well. One of the ways to avoid the downside of increased competition is to expand markets elsewhere. If every Chinese citizen ate a Florida orange or a Florida grapefruit, the Brazilian market would pale in comparison.
For the full interview, click here.
Third, Gov. Bush leads by example. To attract hi-tech, he markets hi-tech. In addition to the creation of the state's official web site, located at www.myflorida.com, another new web site -- located at www.eflorida.com -- contains a wealth of information to support Gov. Bush's promotion of FL as a business partner.
The aforementioned, new "eflorida" web site was written up in a June 2001 online business article; scroll half-way down to "Gov. Bush Tries Luring Hi-Tech Firms With eFlorida Initiative."
In addition, Florida is now the home of the first county in the nation - Pinellas County, FL - to open its own trade office in a foreign country, as explained here, in "Pinellas Opens Foreign Trade Office."
So -- kudos to Governor Jeb Bush and his constant efforts to promote Florida as a business partner. In addition to his many on-going successes -- convincing US and FL businesses to expand here, reforming education, and pushing for more hi-tech private partnerships with the state's research universities - he continues to add to his impressive record of increasing trade between: Florida and other countries. God bless him!
Our governor opens doors around the world.
FL Gov. Jeb Bush: "This state needs to promote, promote, promote….
I spend a lot of time promoting this state. It's an
important job for the governor to do."
