Governor Rick Scott's Attempt at Job Creation is Graded

An article in the Orlando Sentinel titled, "Gov. Rick Scott's jobs agency gives itself good grades" (see full article - http://thesent.nl/vF3Pqg), Enterprise Florida evaluates the number of jobs created by businesses participating in economic incentive programs, like QTI, Closing Fund and Brownfield Redevelopment.  Florida's job creation agency noted that active participants in the QTI program during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2011, created 10 percent more jobs than their contracts required.

Likewise, The state's Department of Economic Opportunity also confirmed that 93 businesses with completed QTI agreements created 56 percent more jobs than they were obligated to create.

Now you may be curious as to what these numbers mean to Florida taxpayers?  These numbers mean that for the most part, many businesses who pursue the State of Florida for relocation or expansion opportunities have met the requirements of their economic incentive agreements.  Unfortunately, other businesses were unable to meet their job commitments due to the downturn of the economy. 

It is the hope of all Economic Development Professionals that 2012 brings a significant upswing in the economy to allow these businesses to recover.  This would give Florida business owners more confidence, and would encourage their ability to grow their workforce - thus creating quality Florida jobs.

With a million Floridians still out of work, Gov. Rick Scott has a tall mountain to climb if he's to make good on his promise to create 700,000 new jobs over the next six years.

This was another interesting article. Gray Swoope, Florida's Enterprise Florida head and soon to be Secretary of Commerce met with local business & political leaders in Pensacola to discuss Governor Scott's job creation plan. Read the full article here - http://bit.ly/pgNf17