5 Talking Points: Why We Do Economic Development

Everyday you do countless things to create jobs and boost the economy – but who knows what you do?  Take time this week to call your elected officials to share success, invite them to a meeting or just share your thoughts on economic development. Use these 5 talking points to jump start your conversations:  

1.     We focus on economic development in order to create high-wage primary jobs, expand the tax base, diversify the economy and better control our destiny. Having a strong economic development program is about empowering people and communities.  It is about the process of individuals gaining the ability to provide for themselves through high wage jobs and careers that allows them to contribute as productive citizens in their communities.

2.     Without an effective economic development program, our state and many of our communities may grow but not always in the way they desire.  By targeting high-wage, value added jobs, for which we ferociously compete with other states, we increase the wealth and prosperity of the people of Florida. Diversification from traditional industries balances our economy and makes us less vulnerable to fluctuations in the global economy.

3.     By encouraging more capital investment by targeted companies, we expand the tax base thereby providing more dollars to local and state governments to deliver high quality services and infrastructure that further accelerate primary permanent job creation and strengthens our communities and the state.

4.     Our world economy is rapidly changing. We must stay on the leading edge of innovation to secure our share of prosperity for our citizens. That requires a combined sustained effort including state and local communities with business and government all working together to help create, attract and grow innovative globally competitive companies that rely on a similarly highly skilled and productive workforce.

5.     The continued effort to diversify our economy is critical for our future.  At this very moment other states are competing to take existing high wage jobs out of Florida.  In response, we must aggressively protect and grow existing Florida businesses while competing successfully against other markets for much needed new job creation. We need to continue and enhance what we are doing well to foster more business growth in Florida.

Let us know on Twitter @FloridaEDC which points you would add to this list. The more we share and work together the more we can accomplish!  Don’t forget, there are valuable resources on the FEDC website to guide you through this Legislative Session.