Dear Fellow Floridian:

When I travel around the state meeting with consumers and businesses, I have the opportunity to see the inner workings of some of Florida’s unique, new and interesting industries. Although Florida has benefitted greatly from tourism, we are more than just the sunshine state.

I want to tell you about some of the small businesses operating here in Florida. Last week, I was able to tour Amerikooler, one of the world’s foremost manufacturers of commercial refrigeration equipment, walk-in coolers, walk-in freezers and refrigerated warehouses. One would never think that a company that spans the nation and is represented in 30 countries would be right in our own backyard.

Atlas Paper Mills is another such company. Atlas Paper Mills uses 100 percent recycled fiber and a manufacturing process free of potentially harmful chemicals. Their focus is on producing paper products that are certified green in the most cost-effective manner.

IOS Health Systems filled a unique niche when they developed an electronic medical records system that allows medical records to follow the patient when they go to different doctors. The system also prevents prescriptions from being given to patients who may have allergic reactions or potentially fatal complications due to past medical history or current medical dosages. All three companies are based in Miami and offer great examples of the economic diversity spreading across the region and the state.

Having industry leaders like these, already based in Florida, helps grow our economy and attract new industries to the state. Creating an ecosystem of economic success will help make Florida the Innovation State as we continue to nurture and develop established industries.

Supporting our Military Families

This week, CFO Atwater presented a resolution to recognize military families and Community Covenant Day. CFO Atwater remains committed to doing all he can to support our active military, veterans and their families. The Community Covenant program is designed to foster and sustain effective state and community partnerships to improve the quality of life for soldiers and their families both at their current assignments and as they transfer to other locations. It is a formal commitment of support by state and local communities to soldiers and military families.  The website http://www.army.mil/community/ will give you more information on Community Covenant.

News of Interest

Tampa Business Journal: Florida's boat-building industry bouncing back

Jacksonville Business Journal: Jacksonville added 200 financial-activities jobs in year

University of FL News: Dept. of Energy awards UF $800,000 for nuclear power safety

PB Pulse: How Port St. Lucie’s special-effects studio is changing the formula for creating motion pictures

Washington Post: Women-owned businesses have “turned the corner” in recession recovery

Orlando Sentinel: FEMA trailer problems spur local company's 'Safehut'

Tampa Business Journal: Tampa sandwiches compete for Travel Channel prize

Jacksonville Business Journal: Jaxport says no to $250 million Gulftainer offer

Miami Herald: These entrepreneurs aim higher than the bottom line

Miami Herald: Brazilian economy losing steam

Calculate your College Costs

Now that school is out and summer has begun, it is time to start thinking about student loans and financial aid for your college career or your college-bound student. Your Money Matter$ now offers you the latest information on college costs, loans and financial aid available to Florida’s young adults. The website features easy-to-use financial calculators to help estimate how much college will cost, as well as how much a loan can end up costing over time. For more information visit www.myfloridacfo.com/YMM.

A Roadmap for your Financial Future

The latest issue of Florida’s Bottom Line focuses on how Florida can attract much-needed investors to support Florida’s entrepreneurs,  who can effectively grow health care, technology and manufacturing in our state's burgeoning economy. Our companion website provides the most up-to-date financial and economic statistics for Florida, serving as a roadmap for your financial future.

Visit Florida's Bottom Line website at http://www.myfloridacfo.com/floridasbottomline/.