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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Florida Small Business Development Center Network Acknowledged |
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Pensacola, FL: The Florida SBDC Network’s leadership team met at the 7th Annual Capitol Briefing in Washington DC, recently, to brief the Florida delegation on the economic impact of federal funds invested in Florida. The highlight of the evening was the award of the 2007 Dividend$ Award to Congressman John Mica. True to his reputation, the Congressman spent almost an hour ensuring that all in attendance had his time and attention before he returned to the floor for a vote. Mica said, "I am most appreciative of receiving the Small Business Dividend$ Award. While we must all work together to strengthen our economy, I also want to recognize the good work of the Florida Small Business Development Center Network, all of its partners and the resources and support it provides for promoting small businesses and entrepreneurship in our State." Representing the 7th Congressional District of Florida and serving his eight term, Mica’s many accomplishments that encourage the success of entrepreneurs and small business are widely recognized and demonstrate the priority he places on economic development and the small business community. However, this is not surprising since he was a successful businessman for over |
| 20 years, affording him a business-minded approach to public service. He has demonstrated his sensitivity to and support of entrepreneurship and small business through measures that ensure an expanding economy, good paying jobs and maintenance of a healthy industrial sector for Florida. Tax, lawsuit and healthcare reforms, along with support for Veterans employment opportunities, continue to underscore his advocacy and concern. As a recognized national and Florida leader on transportation issues, he is positioned well to assist in the development of transportation alternatives. Promotion of small business in Florida is evidenced further by his support for legislation that encourages entrepreneurship and business growth; his work with and support for the US SBA; and his actions to remove the "red tape" that many times stymies businesspeople. Congressman Mica’s legislative sponsorship, advocacy and votes are truly significant for Florida’s small business community. The Florida SBDC Network initiated the annual capitol event to provide a relaxed way to brief the Florida delegation and its many partner organizations and agencies on the impact of federal dollars on the Florida economy. That impact is provided for the state and is further broken down for each congressional district. While in DC the leadership team, accompanied by Rod Vargas, the Florida Small Businessman of the Year, walked the halls speaking to members and their staffs on small business issues. A highlight of the event, the Dividend$ Award was given to Senator Nelson in 2006; Congressman Ander Crenshaw in 2004; Senator Bob Graham in 2003; Congressman Young in 2002; Congressmen Connie Mack in 2001; and Andy Ireland in 2000. The 2005 event was not held due to the hurricanes experienced in summer 2004 and again in 2005. For additional information on the FSBDCN and its statewide network supporting small business, the DC event and/or other Florida SBDC initiatives, contact Dianne Barlar at 850.473.7809 or Kelly McLeod at 850.473.7804; or see www.FloridaSBDC.com. |
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