article OpEd: Broward Days' Focus

SunSentinel

Broward Days 2010 focuses on job creation, economic development
By Stella Tokar
March 18, 2010
The members of Broward Days 2010 are in Tallahassee once again advocating for legislation and policies that will help improve the state's economy and create more jobs. Amidst a record-tying unemployment rate and an estimated $3 billion shortfall in the state budget, this will not be an easy task.
At the same time, this is what makes it so vitally important that Broward's business and community leaders and local government officials make their presence and support known in the capital. Representatives of the nonpartisan, nonprofit organization are volunteering their time and efforts today, walking the hallways of state government meeting with members of Broward's legislative delegation and elected officials from around the state.
Much emphasis will be put into efforts to harness the economic energies of the tri-county region to optimize positioning the region for state and federal funding and advocate for the region's economic development issues in creating jobs and capital investment. Recruiting, attracting, retaining and expanding businesses and industry in Broward, continuing to assure the county and the region that it has the necessary talent in workforce and education — vital components in making the region a global player in today's marketplace.
Some priorities this session include supporting ongoing economic incentive programs designed to keep Florida competitive in attracting high-wage jobs, support job-training programs to ensure Florida has an available and appropriately skilled workforce, and tax incentives for businesses.
While visiting the capital, Broward Days members are scheduled to meet with Gov. Charlie Crist, Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp, state Sen. Jeremy Ring, Rep. Ellyn Bogdanoff, Broward Mayor Ken Keechl, Broward School Board member Jennifer Gottlieb and Tallahassee Mayor John Marks, among other leaders.
This year marks the 600-member organization's 20th year of advocacy on behalf of the citizens of Broward County. Looking toward the next 20 years, a new Young Professionals Initiative Program has been starting with a core group of youthful executives, many of whom will be our county's future business and community leaders.
It's not too late for interested sponsors and individuals to become involved in this year's event, and certainly not for their participation in 2011. More information on the Broward Days Tallahassee event and the organization's issues may be found at http://www.browarddays.com.
Stella Tokar is chair of Broward Days 2010.
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