Press Release: Florida Chamber of Commerce Endorses Bill McCollum

~Leading advocate for Florida’s businesses embraces shared goals of McCollum Economic Roadmap for Florida’s Future~

Tampa, FL –The Florida Chamber of Commerce today endorsed Attorney General Bill McCollum in the Republican primary in the race for the next Governor of Florida. The endorsement, made at the Port of Tampa following a site tour, signals the Florida Chamber’s strong support of Bill McCollum’s bold plan for creating jobs and strengthening Florida’s economy. It is also the first time in history the Florida Chamber of Commerce has endorsed in a primary election for Governor.

“I’m honored to have the Florida Chamber of Commerce’s endorsement and support in my campaign to be Florida’s next Governor,” said Attorney General Bill McCollum. “With more than one million Floridians out of work, nothing is more important than advancing bold pro-business policies to get our economy back on track. The Florida Chamber of Commerce is a leader in advocating for the economic climate that will ensure the Sunshine State recruits, retains and grows the businesses of tomorrow. As Florida’s next Governor, I look forward to working with the Chamber’s leadership and members in implementing my plan to create hundreds of thousands of new jobs for Floridians.”

“Bill McCollum has a strong pro-business track record, and fully understands the important role businesses are to the overall health of Florida’s economy,” said Steve Halverson, Florida Chamber of Commerce Board Chairman and President of The Haskell Company. “Bill McCollum understands the need to create a business climate that is conducive for high-wage, high-skill jobs, and has a solid plan that will help Florida bridge to the next economy.”

Announced on the campaign trail in recent months, Bill McCollum has outlined a series of bold recommendations comprising his economic and job creation agenda for Florida.

Bill McCollum’s “Real Solutions, News Jobs: A Roadmap to Florida’s Future,” is a comprehensive plan designed to create more than 500,000 new jobs in the next six years, and tackle the regulatory roadblocks impeding Florida’s business climate. Bill McCollum’s plan to prepare Florida’s children for the future demonstrates the important link between talent supply and education, and how the quality of Florida’s education system is essential to our state’s economic vitality.

The Florida Chamber believes Bill McCollum is a serious leader for serious times.

“We know Bill McCollum is a dedicated public servant with a solid record for putting Florida’s interests first,” Halverson added. “We know he is a leader of the highest character, and that he is ready to lead our great state on day one. Bill McCollum’s experience, dedication and character are often overlooked in the sound bite world of modern politics and news, but these traits are exactly what we should look for in our elected officials. That is why the Florida Chamber of Commerce proudly endorses Bill McCollum.”

As the leading voice of business, today’s endorsement allows the Florida Chamber to encourage its 139,000-member businesses and organizations to pledge their support to Attorney General Bill McCollum and help him succeed as the next Governor of Florida.

For more information, campaign news, and updates, visit www.BillMcCollum.com.

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