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Florida’s tourism industry is the leading tax revenue and jobs producer in the state. VISIT FLORIDA is a tool used to market tourism in Florida and help cultivate that tourism as well. Over the past decade Visit Florida's marketing efforts have increased tourism to the state exponentially, with the state breaking records year over year, last year with over 105 million visitors. Currently, there is a bill that has passed through the House of Careers and Competition subcommitee that plans to eliminate public funding for VISIT FLORIDA. Ken Lawson, President of VISIT FLORIDA, says, "Today is not the end. The bill will now move on to another House committee for debate, and I want to assure you that VISIT FLORIDA will continue to fight." The following statistics show that tourism marketing is an amazing investment and truly makes a difference in Florida and it's future growth. Learn more below: On February 8, the Florida House Careers and Competition Subcommittee voted by a 10-5 margin to advance CCS 17-01, a bill that would end economic diversification and tourism marketing efforts inFlorida, including eliminating the economic development toolkit, international programs, marketing and small business assistance. Despite hundreds in attendance and over 11,000 emails sent to lawmakers by Florida Chamber members opposing the bill, the conversation of eliminating Enterprise Florida, Visit Florida and Florida’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and other important programs will continue in the Florida House unless your voice is heard that these job creation measures are important to you and your local economy. The Florida Chamber believes the state must continue to fund initiatives that support diversifying the economy and attracting visitors and businesses to our state. The approved committee bill sends a signal that Florida's state legislature could no longer be an active partner in job creation, diversifying our economy, or supporting our important tourism sector. Looking ahead, your efforts and comments will continue to be needed. So please, “stay tuned” for additional announcements on how you can help. Tourism Marketing is a Smart InvestmentThe work VISIT FLORIDA does for the state has contributed to the continued increase in visitor spending, tax revenue and job creation.     Out of State Outcomes for Funding Tourism MarketingHere are the outcomes of other states who increased public funding for Tourism Marketing.
 CAUTION for Cutting Funding for Marketing TourismThese three states reveal the decline in tax revenue and marketing share due to cutting their funding of their Tourism Marketing programs.  If Florida removes public funding for VISIT FLORIDA...Should this bill pass, visitation to our state would be severely impacted, which would result in lost sales tax revenue and lost jobs.  Thank These Legislators Who Supported Our Tourism Industry and Economic Diversification With Their Votes AGAINST This Bill to eliminate Visit Florida, Enterprise Florida and the SBDC.
Send Your Concerns to These Legislators Who Opposed Our Tourism Industry and Economic Diversification With Their Votes FOR This Bill Today:
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