Symposium on ‘Building Florida’s Future’ brings together key leaders to position region and state’s future in transportation, economic development and workforce

JOC Staff |

TAMPA, Fla.—As part of the Florida Chamber Foundation’s rollout of the highly anticipated 2013 Trade and Logistics Study on Monday, November 4, some of the state and nation’s most notable thought leaders came together to discuss major topics in the areas of regional economic development, transportation, infrastructure and education, leading to a qualified workforce. Thanks to a bevy of experts in several disciplines, who presented in a series of panels during the day-long symposium, the event signified a successful launch of the study, sponsored by the Florida Chamber Foundation, which lays out a strategic vision of Florida’s future. The event, attended by over 200 state and regional leaders, was held at the Port of Tampa’s Cruise Terminal 3. For more information about the study, visit http://www.buildingfloridasfuture.org/.

Of particular note was the keynote speaker for the luncheon, former Pennsylvania Governor Edward Rendell, who championed the Building America’s Future program. Governor Rendell is also an accomplished author who encourages a stronger and more aggressive American economy. Other notable presenters included Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn; Joe Lopano, President & CEO of the Tampa International Airport; and Paul Anderson, President and CEO of the Tampa Port Authority, Mark Wilson, President & CEO of the Florida Chamber, Chris Hart, President & CEO of Workforce Florida and Rich Biter, Assistant Secretary of Florida Department of Transportation. Several panel discussions among seasoned leaders engaged the audience of professionals from a cross section of industries, agencies and the private/public sectors.

For the full lineup of speakers and their biographical information, visithttp://www.buildingfloridasfuture.org/bio/.

“We are proud to be the first community to roll out the 2013 Florida Chamber Trade and Logistics study and host the Building Florida’s Future Summit. All of the great speakers underscored the momentum we have here in the region and how that is helping to shape the future of Florida. There is a lot to be proud of here in West and Central Florida. Governor Scott, along with the Legislature, have taken the lead by using the original 2010 Trade and Logistics study as a blueprint for the state to invest in infrastructure projects with over $750 million being invested to help ports statewide on a number of projects that will have generational economic impacts. I know they will use the 2013 study to help Florida continue to be a leader in the global economy in the 21st century.” Said Paul Anderson, President and CEO of the Tampa Port Authority.

Building Florida’s Future Summit is a partnership between the Florida Chamber of Commerce, Workforce Florida, Bank of America, Tampa Bay Partnership, Tampa Port Authority and Tampa Bay Trade and Protocol Council.