Associated Industries of Florida

It was great to attend the ribbon cutting for the new Amazon.com First Mile facility in Tallahassee today. Amazon is a great AIF member and a fantastic company to have operating here in Florida. Thank you for all you do!

At the 2023 AIF Annual Conference, President & CEO Brewster Bevis announced the launch of The Center for Political Strategy, a collaborative, comprehensive, political effort for the business community with the goal of ensuring pro-business candidates are elected to the Legislature.

The Center will be led by AIF’s new Vice President of Political Operations Jeremy Sheftel and will focus on developing data, intel and strategies to recruit and further engage with candidates to ultimately improve the legislature’s business climate.

Top political strategists Frank Terraferma and Steve Schale will serve as consultants to The Center. They shared highlights of the first statewide poll commissioned by The Center with conference attendees, shedding light on the top issues on the minds of Floridians.

Thank you to all the engaging speakers, moderators, and panelists at the 2022 AIF Florida Water Forum!

Our thoughts are with all Floridians impacted by Hurricane Ian, as well as the first responders leading rescue efforts and ensuring public safety.

For those interested in providing assistance:

To volunteer, visit volunteerflorida.org

To donate, visit floridadisasterfund.org

Donate to the Florida Disaster Fund Donate to the Florida Disaster Fund The Florida Disaster Fund is the State of Florida’s official private fund established to assist Florida’s communities as they respond to and recover during times of emergency or disaster. In partnership with the public sector, private sector and other non-gove...

Our latest report with the Alliance for Safety and Justice examines how barriers to employment for people with records impact Florida's economy. To learn more about the $40 billion annual loss and policy changes that can bolster Florida's workforce during this prolonged labor shortage, visit http://aif.com/information/2022/pr220907.html

AIF has released its roster of endorsements for legislative races in Florida. We encourage Florida business owners to support these AIF-endorsed candidates, who are committed to helping create an environment where businesses can continue to grow and thrive in the great state of Florida. See the full list of AIF-endorsed candidates by clicking below.

AIF | Press Release | AIF Highlights 2022 Legislative Accomplishments in Support of Florida’s Business Community Press Release

AIF is proud to endorse Republican United States Senator Marco Rubio in his re-election bid to continue serving the state of Florida and promoting pro-business ideas and initiatives in Washington.

AIF | Press Release | AIF Highlights 2022 Legislative Accomplishments in Support of Florida’s Business Community Press Release

AIF rounded out its endorsements of the Florida Cabinet with its endorsement of Attorney General Ashley Moody as she seeks re-election.

AIF | Press Release | AIF Highlights 2022 Legislative Accomplishments in Support of Florida’s Business Community Press Release

AIF is honored to endorse Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in his re-election bid to continue serving as Governor for the great and free state of Florida. From Day One of becoming Governor, he has fought to keep this pro-business state moving forward, something that he will no doubt continue into a second term as Governor.

AIF | Press Release | AIF Highlights 2022 Legislative Accomplishments in Support of Florida’s Business Community Press Release

Released This Morning: AIF’s 2022 Voting Records, a legislative scorecard for the business community that tabulates the voting conduct of each member of the Florida Legislature during the 2022 Regular Legislative Session & Special Session D, and its 2022 Champions for Business. Congratulations to Senate President Wilton Simpson, Senator Kathleen Passidomo, Senator Ben Albritton, Senator Jim Boyd, Representative Jay Trumbull and Representative Andrew Learned. We are grateful for your unwavering support of the business community in Florida!

aif.com

AIF has endorsed Republican Candidate Jimmy Patronis in his re-election bid to continue serving as Florida’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

“He is a proven leader who fights for Florida families and the best candidate to continue serving as Florida’s CFO.” -AIF President & CEO Brewster Bevis

http://aif.com/information/2022/pr220112.html

AIF | Press Release | AIF Endorses Wilton Simpson for Florida Agriculture Commissioner Press Release

Our 2022 Session Priorities publication, which outlines our legislative agenda on behalf of our members, is available now! Learn more about the details of AIF’s priorities for this session and the guiding principles that shape our legislative positions:http://www.aif.com/publications/sessionpriority/2022-session-priorities.pdf

AIF has endorsed Republican Candidate Wilton Simpson in his bid to serve as Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

"Wilton Simpson understands that the more affordable Florida is for our businesses, the stronger our economy will be for hardworking families,” said AIF President and CEO Brewster Bevis. “By keeping taxes low, getting rid of job-killing regulations and exercising fiscal responsibility, Wilton has protected the path to prosperity for millions of Floridians. We are confident that he will continue to do so as Florida’s next agriculture commissioner.”

AIF | Press Release | AIF Endorses Wilton Simpson for Florida Agriculture Commissioner Press Release

REGISTER NOW at FAIF.org/Cybersecurity to attend the Florida Cyber Forum on October 18-19 at Port Tampa Bay!

Attendees will hear from Florida’s business leaders, cybersecurity experts, lawmakers, and government officials on how to protect yourself and your company data. This two day, in-person event is presented in partnership with Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, FloridaMakes Network, Foundation of AIF, Port Tampa Bay and The Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation.

Cost is $49 for AIF members and FloridaMakes Network stakeholders, $99 for general admission, $49 for USF students, and FREE for government/DoD employees and for Florida state, county and local officials.

Today, the AIF Board of Directors unanimously named
Brewster Bevis as president of AIF, effective immediately. He will transition to president & CEO on January 1, 2022, succeeding Tom Feeney, who several years ago advised the board of his plans to transition out of his role by the end of 2021.

Universal broadband access in Florida is within our grasp but there is still work to be done to ensure taxpayers get the most from their investment, we keep our state competitive and attract the continued investment necessary to fully close the digital divide.

Universal broadband access is within Florida's grasp Florida is a leader when it comes to broadband access, with service available to 97% of residents, according to federal estimates.

A new study from the National Association of Manufacturers shows what would happen in the aftermath of proposed federal tax increases – over just the first 2 years, the U.S. would lose 1 million jobs and $117 billion in GDP. Learn more in this column from our president & CEO Tom Feeney.

Don’t stunt Florida’s growth with tax hikes | Column New data shows that the federal tax policy changes now under consideration would be disastrous across the board.

AIF Highlights Pro-Business Policies Passed this Legislative Session | RELEASE: http://aif.com/information/2021/pr210504.html

AIF | Press Release | AIF Highlights Pro-Business Policies Passed this Legislative Session Press Release

Congratulations to Governor Ron DeSantis and the Seminole Tribe of Florida on this monumental achievement! The new gaming compact signed today will transform gaming in Florida, creating thousands of jobs, boosting tourism and the economy, and generating significant revenue for the state.

AIF and its members applaud and thank the Florida Legislature for passing Senate Bill 72 today to provide civil immunity from COVID-19 liability for businesses that acted in good faith during the coronavirus pandemic.

Overall, Florida’s businesses community admirably responded to the pandemic, often implementing rigorous proactive measures to ensure the safety of employees and customers alike, all in an effort to protect the economy, get people back to work and provide essential goods and services. But by simply continuing to operate, these businesses ran the risk of potentially facing a multitude of opportunistic lawsuits that would add to their financial hardships.

This was the most pressing issue for businesses identified by the RESET Task Force, as it could impact every industry and every business, large or small, throughout Florida. It’s clear the Florida Legislature, under the leadership of Senate President Wilton Simpson and House Speaker Chris Sprowls, recognized this threat and we commend the swift action they took to protect Florida businesses.

Now, with this legislation, Florida businesses can predict their COVID-19-related litigation risks, remain viable, and continue to contribute to the state's economic recovery and well-being.

Join us virtually for the , presented by the Foundation of Associated Industries of Florida, FloridaMakes and the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, on March 23-24 to learn more about cybersecurity best practices and U.S. DoD's new CMMC requirements. REGISTER NOW: https://t.co/ywBjxbcS8E?amp=1

Florida Space Coast Cybersecurity Forum - March 23-24, 2021 The Threats to You, Your Company and the Economy & Complying with the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Standards

We’re excited to be a part of the new Science & Engineering in Florida webinar series, which will shine a spotlight on the science and engineering industries that are driving Florida's economy, workforce, and future. The series will launch on Feb. 24th at 2:30pm with Lt. Governor Jeanette Nunez and a panel of science & engineering experts discussing Florida’s aerospace industry. There is no cost to attend. Join us for a lively dialogue by registering at bit.ly/siu022421

Check out the agenda for the this week. We can't wait to hear from Lt. Governor Nunez and more! Still need to register? Sign up here today: http://faif.org/cybersecurity/2021/first-coast-cybersecurity-forum.html

The countdown is on to the ! The AIF Foundation, FloridaMakes and Florida Department of Economic Opportunity are hosting the training program next week, February 9-10, in Jacksonville and virtually. It's not too late to register - sign up now: http://faif.org/cybersecurity/2021/first-coast-cybersecurity-forum.html

FAIF | 2021 First Coast Cybersecurity Forum One in a series of Florida Defense Cybersecurity Training Programs, the Jacksonville-based outreach program will focus on cybersecurity protection for business and infrastructure, including healthcare and the Department of Defense CMMC requirements for defense contractors.

In case you missed it: Day One Keynote Speaker Announced! Join us in Jacksonville or virtually on February 9-10 to hear from Lt. Governor Jeanette Nunez, Chair of the Florida Cybersecurity Task Force. REGISTER NOW: http://faif.org/cybersecurity/2021/first-coast-cybersecurity-forum.html

FAIF | 2021 First Coast Cybersecurity Forum One in a series of Florida Defense Cybersecurity Training Programs, the Jacksonville-based outreach program will focus on cybersecurity protection for business and infrastructure, including healthcare and the Department of Defense CMMC requirements for defense contractors.

The presented by the Foundation of Associated Industries of Florida, FloridaMakes and Florida Department of Economic Opportunity will be held February 9-10 in Jacksonville (and virtually). The event will focus on cybersecurity protection for business/infrastructure and the U.S. Department of Defense's new CMMC requirements. REGISTER NOW: http://faif.org/cybersecurity/2021/first-coast-cybersecurity-forum.html

AIF, Florida Retail Federation, NFIB Florida and Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association's RESET Task Force Releases Final Report Highlighting Executive and Legislative Policy Recommendations | RELEASE: http://aif.com/information/2020/pr201130.html

AIF, FRF, NFIB & FRLA’S RESET Task Force Releases COVID-19 Liability Protection Recommendations | RELEASE: http://aif.com/information/2020/pr201001.html

AIF | Press Release | AIF, FRF, NFIB & FRLA’s RESET Task Force Releases COVID-19 Liability Protection Recommendations Tallahassee, Fla. - The Associated Industries of Florida (AIF), Florida Retail Federation (FRF), National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) and Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA)’s RESET Task Force today released its liability protection policy recommendations aimed at protec...

Over 600 attendees have registered for the virtual happening tomorrow, September 16 and Thursday, September 17.

Have you? It's not too late!

Register at http://faif.org/cybersecurity and join us to learn about cybersecurity best practices, new federally mandated CMMC standards and much more.

2020 Cybersecurity Forum Following on the success of the first event, the Foundation of Associated Industries of Florida (FAIF) will co-host the second annual Cybersecurity Forum. The Forum will be co-hosted by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, FloridaMakes, and the Workers' Compensation Institute (WCI).

The U.S. Department of Defense will soon require all contractors to meet new, enhanced cybersecurity standards, which will impact tens of thousands of Florida businesses. These heightened cybersecurity regulations are important because they help keep our state and businesses safe from ever-evolving attacks. And by stepping up to meet the new CMMC standards, Florida’s defense industry can remain competitive in the global marketplace. There are educational and training opportunities available to help businesses understand and comply with the CMMC standards, including the on September 16-17.

Point of View: Cybersecurity keeps Florida’s defense supply chain safe and competitive Point of View: Cybersecurity keeps Florida’s defense supply chain safe and competitive.

is now less than a week away! Still need to register? Visit http://faif.org/cybersecurity today to sign up. You won't want to miss this opportunity to hear directly from Senator Marco Rubio, CFO Jimmy Patronis, Representative Michael Waltz and top cybersecurity and CMMC experts.

2020 Cybersecurity Forum Following on the success of the first event, the Foundation of Associated Industries of Florida (FAIF) will co-host the second annual Cybersecurity Forum. The Forum will be co-hosted by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, FloridaMakes, and the Workers' Compensation Institute (WCI).

Today we remember and honor the lives lost on September 11, 2001

The countdown is on! Only 2 weeks to go until top experts gather virtually to discuss threats, best practices and new CMMC regulations at . Have you registered yet? Visit http://faif.org/cybersecurity to sign up. Use code CYBER20 to save on general registration.

Join us for this September 16-17 to learn critical information regarding the U.S. Department of Defense’s new CMMC standards straight from the authors and consultants of the standards themselves. Florida’s defense supply chain must begin complying with these new cybersecurity standards this fall in order to continue doing business with the federal government.

Dont forget to register your business for the Cybersecurity Forum 2020. This forum will assist your business with new compliance requirements and Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Standards. https://bddy.me/2PU3Wmi

Florida’s defense supply chain must comply with new Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Standards this fall in order to continue doing business with the federal government. Join us for on September 16-17 to learn critical information about meeting these standards. Register now: www.faif.org/cybersecurity

Cyber-attacks are a threat to the existence of every Florida business – from large to small and across every industry. Join us for on September 16-17 to learn how to better protect your customers and improve your data security. Register now at www.faif.org/cybersecurity

www.faif.org

The AIF Foundation, Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, FloridaMakes & Workers' Compensation Institute will co-host the on September 16-17. Acting U.S. Senate Intelligence Chairman Marco Rubio will keynote the virtual event. Registration is now open at www.faif.org/cybersecurity

2020 Cybersecurity Forum Following on the success of the first event, the Foundation of Associated Industries of Florida (FAIF) will co-host the second annual Cybersecurity Forum. The Forum will be co-hosted by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, FloridaMakes, and the Workers' Compensation Institute (WCI).

AIF, Florida Retail Federation, NFIB Florida, and Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association's RESET Task Force today announced Dr. Ed Moore will serve as executive director and leading emergency management expert Craig Fugate will serve as a senior advisor. We look forward to echoing Governor Ron DeSantis's leadership and exploring ways the business community can assist with future planning & recovery.

AIF, FRF, NFIB & FRLA’s RESET Task Force Announces Key Hires & Growing Coalition Membership - Restore Economic Strength through Employment & Tourism Tallahassee, Fla. - The Associated Industries of Florida (AIF), Florida Retail Federation (FRF), National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) and Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA)’s RESET Task Force today announced bringing on Dr. Ed Moore as its executive director and Craig F...

Many Florida businesses are making it a priority to support their employees, communities, and citizens across the country throughout these challenging times. We especially want to applaud the efforts by our members and acknowledge their actions to help communities when they need it most. Here is a snapshot of some of the important steps AIF members have taken in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

COVID-19 Resources for Business As the world continues to deal with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, an abundance of small and large companies across the state are providing support to their employees, communities, and citizens across the country. We applaud the efforts by these Florida businesses and want to acknowledge t...

AIF’s Brewster Bevis: Increasing access to broadband in rural communities will make our state stronger | Read here: https://www.palmbeachpost.com/opinion/20200427/point-of-view-increasing-access-to-broadband-in-rural-communities-will-make-our-state-stronger

Point of View: Increasing access to broadband in rural communities will make our state stronger With this pandemic, we are seeing an abundance of Floridians working remotely for social distancing reasons; which in some instances has resulted in added