Dear Fellow Floridian:

I often say that small businesses are the backbone of Florida’s economy, and to me, it isn’t just a good catch phrase. Small businesses are the heart of Florida’s economic lifeblood. Approximately 2.2 million small businesses, making up nearly 90 percent of the state’s employers, employ 6.85 million Floridians every year. Being such a large part of the state’s economy, these businesses are central to Florida’s health and well-being.

It is vital that our small business community continues to grow, prosper and remain in Florida. While we continue to see positive trends in business and employment growth, I know we still have a long way to go to ensure our small business community is thriving, not just today, but 10, 20, 30 years down the road. Florida is on the right track, and I am confident that we will continue to see a steady trend toward growth. Florida had one of the largest increases in the country in entrepreneurial activity over the past decade, and it is my goal to nurture our business community and the entrepreneurial spirit.

More positive signs that our economy is trending upwards: in early May, Florida moved from third to second in Chief Executive Magazine’s “best place to do business” survey. When a state’s business community thrives, so does its economy.

Connect through Social Media

Social media is one of the best ways to engage with CFO Atwater. It allows Floridians to give the CFO valuable feedback on public policy and get help with insurance-related and financial questions. Through social media, CFO Atwater continues to remove the barrier that separates Floridians from their elected representatives. Engage with the CFO today via one of his varied social media sites.

	www.facebook.com/CFOJeffAtwater		@JeffAtwater
	Jeff Atwater		www.YouTube.com/JeffAtwater

News of Interest

Orlando Sentinel: Florida, 2 others vie to host new SpaceX launchpad

Florida Today: Report: Fla. does well preparing college students for workforce

Florida Trend: How 'gamification' can work for your business

Miami Herald: Protect your online business reputation

Sun Sentinel: Single women earning more money, degrees

Palm Beach Post: Catholic hospital leader defends split with Obama administration

Miami Herald: Greek parties agree to form coalition government

Florida's Unemployment Drops to 8.6%

Florida's unemployment rate fell to 8.6 percent in May, down from 8.7 percent in April, as the state's economy added 5,300 jobs. Over the past twelve months, Florida has gained 53,800 jobs and the unemployment rate has dropped by 2.0 percentage points. Get 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 and read our current issue at http://www.myfloridacfo.com/floridasbottomline/.