This year celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Prudential-Davis Productivity Awards. The awards are presented annually to state employees who exceed performance expectations in ways that improve core state functions and save money for Florida taxpayers and businesses.  Chief Financial Officer Sink spoke at the awards ceremony Tuesday night, thanking the winners for the dedication to the people of our state and for going beyond the call of duty to increase public service productivity and promote innovative ideas.

In the Department of Financial Services, 158 state employees received recognition for their outstanding achievements, including eight cash awards, 11 plaque awards, and seven certificates of commendation.  

Teams within the Department of Financial Services charged with safeguarding citizens’ financial interests were responsible for ending a string of abusive annuity sales to elderly citizens, protecting seniors from unscrupulous insurance agents, increasing productivity in combating insurance fraud, improving safety of the insurance marketplace, and advising state employees of the benefits of deferred compensation.  Other awards ranged from saving taxpayer money through increased efficiency, putting arsonists behind bars, and making payroll improvements.