Focus on Manatee | Chamber pushing lawmakers to address business needs
In the blink of an eye we are already in the second month of a new decade. While you may be well on your way to achieving your personal new year’s resolutions, business leaders are likely in full implementation mode on goals they have set for their companies in 2020. Many have their sights set on targets that will capitalize on growth — and it is a good time to do so.
A recent headline in the Bradenton Herald shared the news that our region — the Bradenton-Sarasota-North Port MSA — was ranked second on the list of most-entrepreneurial mid-size metro areas in the U.S. Several other Florida areas were highly ranked among like-sized regions as well, which is an indication of our state’s strong economy and business-friendly environment.
CloudKitchens, which compiled the rankings, noted that many entrepreneurs are self-employed or own small businesses. At the Manatee Chamber of Commerce, we are working with more than 2,000 businesses and organizations, 80% of which employ 25 or fewer. Our focus is on helping businesses build connections, access resources, reach new customers, influence key metrics and have an effective voice to drive policy at all levels of government.
We are hearing the optimism first-hand that, as our region continues to grow, an expanding customer base will boost the bottom line for local small businesses. There are challenges, however, that need continued attention.
As our state lawmakers enter their fourth week of the Florida legislative session, the Manatee Chamber is tracking a number of priorities for our business community. High on our list is full protection of the affordable housing trust fund. Segments of our local workforce continue to have trouble finding an adequate inventory of attainable housing, which puts even more pressure on an already tight labor market. We urge our senators, representatives, and governor to use Sadowski Act funds solely for housing programs.
Our regional higher education institutions are expanding programming and partnering with the business community to address high-need gaps. The Manatee Chamber is voicing the need for funding of education and workforce development priorities in order for our school district, colleges, and universities to meet the talent needs of a 21st century economy. Increased K-12 per student funding as well as capital funding for State College of Florida’s Parrish Center (Phase 1) and USF Sarasota-Manatee’s STEM facility would make an impact now and well into the future as our region seeks to enhance the talent pipeline that powers local businesses and their ability to create new jobs.
The Manatee Chamber is also asking our state lawmakers to continue the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund to develop workforce training programs and community infrastructure and fund Visit Florida to ensure the state is marketed as a premier destination for visitors nationally and internationally. Additionally, we are asking for continued reduction of the commercial lease tax, which Florida alone collects, and for support of “e-fairness” legislation to level the playing field for Florida retailers that compete with out-of-state online retailers.
The outlook for 2020 is strong, but it takes consistent, collective action to support progress. We want our region to remain a top destination for people to live, work, play, visit, and own a business — all of which requires a positive business environment and active leadership. I encourage you to reach out to the Manatee Chamber if you would like to get involved and have a voice on these priorities.
Jacki Dzelski is president and CEO of the Manatee Chamber of Commerce.