ORLANDO, FL (July 28, 2009) – Four topics critical to Florida’s economic health will be the focus of the final of Enterprise Florida forum serving as a venue for input into the update of the state’s strategic plan for economic growth.  

From 1 – 4 p.m. Thursday, July 30 at Tallahassee Community College’s Capital Center site, former Florida House Speaker Allan Bense, currently the vice chairman of Enterprise Florida’s board, will facilitate public dialogue on education, infrastructure, growth management and business competitiveness as part of the information-gathering process for identifying chief priorities for the strategic plan. 

Scheduled to serve on a featured panel to address these topics are:

• Rep. Marti Coley – Florida House of Representatives, District 7
• Stephanie Kopelousos – Secretary, Florida Department of Transportation
• Susan Pareigis – President, Florida Council of 100
• Thomas Pelham – Secretary, Florida Department of Community Affairs
• Eric Smith – Commissioner, Florida Department of Education  

The TCC Capital Center is located at 300 West Pensacola Street in Tallahassee. 

The forums, taking place in eight of Florida’s regions, will culminate with this state-issue-focused agenda. Participants have included leaders representing a range of fields such as business, education and government as well as economic development. 

The four topics that will be the basis for discussion this Thursday represent recurring themes since June 3 when Enterprise Florida launched the series. Essentially, these topics now are being elevated to a state level for more comprehensive dialogue. “At the table for this final round will be our government leaders and partners along with subject matter experts from both the public and private sectors,” said John Adams, president and CEO of Enterprise Florida. “We’re eagerly anticipating robust discussion that will produce solid ideas and recommendations for advancing Florida to greater economic diversification and a stronger competitive position.”

The forums are open to the general public, which also can give feedback via www.eflorida.com/roadmap. This Enterprise Florida microsite contains interactive features including a Roadmap survey and discussion board.  It also provides the current strategic plan and progress reports.

Roadmap background 

The Enterprise Florida board is charged with developing the state’s economic development strategic plan and submitting it to the governor and legislative leaders.  Every three years, the Roadmap to Florida’s Future – the state’s blueprint for economic development – is updated following competitiveness analysis and feedback from a broad base of community representatives. This approach enables the consideration of new ideas and strategies emerging from the “grassroots.” The final plan details Florida’s priorities for furthering its economic expansion and diversification. 

The workshops will enable high-level Florida officials to work with regional business and community leaders to determine economic priorities. Topics run the gamut: from retaining, creating and attracting high-wage jobs to cultivating a talented and highly skilled future workforce; from upgrading infrastructure to increasing Florida’s global competitiveness.