Business leaders talk about job creation

Historic City News was with Florida Governor Rick Scott, State Senator John Thrasher and State Representative William Proctor yesterday when the officials visited with business leaders in St. Johns County to discuss how to stimulate growth and create jobs.

“We are very focused on jobs,” Governor Scott said in front of two dozen people, including St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce President Kirk Wendland, during a business roundtable luncheon at Markland House. The attendees and policy makers focused on reducing regulations and the cost of doing business.

“I’m trying to do everything I can to reduce cost. Is there something in government we don’t need? We are looking at every agency. I think government is way too big,” said Scott. Florida’s top policy maker cited a still high but falling unemployment rate and new job creation as results he has helped achieve so far.

Randy Swift, with VyStar Credit Union, offered his endorsement of St. Johns County. “We’re growing,” Swift said of VyStar. “We focused on the fundamentals and right now is a wonderful time to invest in Northeast Florida.”

St. Johns County is in need of growth. According to the Chamber, just over 12% of St. Johns ad valorem taxes are collected from businesses as opposed to Duval County whose business tax base is more than 30%.

“We know that St. Johns County is prime to contribute to Governor Scott’s goal of creating 700,000 jobs in Florida,” Wendland said. “It is a privilege to have this opportunity to sit down and talk about how we can get there together.”

The St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping businesses do business. With nearly 800 members the Chamber is focused on economic development, advocacy, education, and promotion. To find out more about the chamber visit sjcchamber.com or call 904.829.5681.

Photo credits: © 2011 Historic City News staff photographer