Dear Fellow Floridian:

Small businesses are the economic foundation on which the American economy was built. Our core values have enabled us to cultivate a culture of entrepreneurs that helps propel our economy forward. Although we continue to see the economy improve, there is a piece of the puzzle missing for significant economic growth and diversification in our state.

As I travel across the state, I routinely visit with entrepreneurs and small-business owners. One of the primary challenges these businessmen and women have in expanding their businesses is lack of access to capital. Another crucial component to the long-term prosperity of our state is encouraging investment in new and diverse industries.

This quarter, Florida’s Bottom Line focuses on how we can attract much-needed investors to support Florida’s entrepreneurs, effectively growing health care, technology and manufacturing in our state's burgeoning economy. This issue will also provide you with the most up-to-date financial and economic statistics for Florida, serving as a roadmap for your financial future. I hope you find this edition interesting and informative.

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