Karen Cyphers - page 8

Ongoing in Orlando, the Florida Chamber’s Future of Florida Forum has already presented a number of studies and surveys depicting where Florida is at in business climate and job-maker needs. But the word “Future” is in the title of the event for a reason: the remainder of this afternoon is dedicated to discussions of where the state is headed. Beginning at 2:30 p.m., attendees will hear from the Florida Chamber Lobby Team on what they foresee for next year’s legislative…

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There are plenty of economic indicators, but few that clearly translate the experiences and sentiments of those on the ground.  The Florida Chamber of Commerce Small Business Index Survey uniquely provides such information by regularly tracking trends and issues affecting Florida businesses. For example, of those who tried to obtain financing, how many were able to do so?  How are sales looking compared to the same period of last year?  Are businesses hiring? At noon today, we’ll get to hear…

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Today on Context Florida, Julie Delegal kicks off the second in her six part series on Common Core State Standards, with this installment looking at uncommon alliances that have formed surrounding the issue. Ben Kirby writes on Domestic Violence Awareness Month, sharing gut-wrenching statistics on the prevalence and impacts of such abuse; and Barney Bishop looks at Florida’s high rank in sex trafficking and implores the public to keep their eyes open for signs it. Finally, Gary Stein looks at…

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On November 23 in Hollywood, Florida, the 2013 Suncoast EMMY® Awards will commence to honor television professionals in Florida, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia and Puerto Rico.  Awards are issued in 55 categories including Morning Newscast, Breaking News, Team Coverage, Investigative Report, Children/Youth, Weather, Community Service, Technical Achievement, and many more. One Florida firm stands out among the list of nominees for ably covering a range of social issues.   Sachs Media Group has been nominated for four awards, two of which…

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When Senate Bill 6-B was passed in 2005, instituting Florida’s lobbyist compensation reporting requirements, the intent was to audit as well as require such reports. That’s never happened. Audits have three obstacles: disinterest and conflicts among auditors, and costs to the state. At one point prior to 2010, a joint legislature committee submitted a request calling for 10 auditing firms to complete the probes, but only one firm replied.  Many auditing firms have conflicts and relationships with lobby firms. And…

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Healthcare policy has always intersected with business interests, but in recent years, joint leadership has become a matter of necessity.   Enter Florida’s Business Alliance for Competitive Healthcare Solutions, a partnership of technology and healthcare leaders that makes its debut today at the Chamber’s Future of Florida Forum. The Healthcare Alliance will target competitive marketplace solutions to address healthcare costs in Florida.  Today’s panel addresses legislative strategy, bending the cost curve, and preparing the healthcare workforce of tomorrow.  Tune in…

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Florida has the potential to create 150,000 new trade and logistics jobs over the next five years, according to a highly anticipated study released Monday by the Florida Chamber Foundation. The study, titled Florida Trade and Logistics Study 2.0 (TL2.0), was presented by Bank of America and the Florida Department of Transportation at the Florida Chamber Foundation’s Future of Florida Forum in Orlando. According to the study, Florida is uniquely positioned in the center of the hemisphere, and with the…

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