This week, Gov. Rick Scott highlighted Floridas aeronautic industry as he made two major announcements regarding jobs in that sector.
On Wednesday, Scott helped open National Air Cargo Holdings new facility in Orlando which will be the new headquarters for National Airlines. Earlier in the year, Scott announced the company would relocate from Michigan, bringing $875,000 to the region and creating 105 jobs.
Today is a great announcement -- 100 jobs right here in Orange County, Scott said on Wednesday. Every job changes somebodys life. Every 100 jobs is 100 families that can live the American dream.
With former Gov. Charlie Crist expected to announce next week that he is running for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination, Scott used the opportunity to stress his record in Tallahassee.
In two and a half years we have created more than 365,000 private-sector jobs, we have cut taxes 24 times, paid down $3.5 million in state debt and eliminated 2,800 regulations for job creators, Scott said. In addition to this, we are proposing to cut $500 million in taxes and fees for Florida families in the upcoming budget. Its working in Florida.
Despite the looming election, Scott won high praise from Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer who generated some buzz as a possible Democratic gubernatorial candidate. Dyer said earlier this year he had no interest in running for governor in 2014. Back in 2002, Dyer was the Democratic candidate to be state attorney general but he lost out to Crist who was then a Republican.
About two years ago, we learned that National was considering relocating their headquarters and, just as we always do in every endeavor, we began to collaborate and partner with Enterprise Florida, with Orange County, with the EDC -- so I believe it's appropriate that we're all here to celebrate together this new headquarters, Dyer said before offering kind words for Scott. "And Governor, I want to say you've been a great champion for economic development in our state, and if you're doing as many of these dedications, or ribbon-cuttings or celebrations around the state as you're doing in Orlando, then the state must be doing pretty good because you're here about every week, I think. when we do one of these."
Glen Joerger, the president of National Airlines said the states business climate helped lead his company to expand in Florida.
We here at National are very pleased and proud to be making Orlando our home for many years to come, Joerger said. Governor Scott, Mayor Dyer and their teams have made our transition very easy. Its clear that Florida, Orlando and the entire Central Florida community is a tremendous area for future business growth and development. We look forward to being a member of the great state of Florida and city of Orlando.
Scott also hit the Space Coast this week as Embraer announced on Tuesday that, pending final approval, their Legacy 450 and 500 planes will be built in the Melbourne International Airport, creating 600 new jobs and bringing in $28 million to the region.
Embraers announcement to manufacture the L450 and L500 corporate jets on Floridas Space Coast validates the states position as a leader in aviation and aerospace. This highly sought after expansion is especially important as it solidifies Embraers growing manufacturing presence on the Space Coast and will create additional opportunities for suppliers in the aerospace and aviation industry, said Secretary of Commerce Gray Swoope, the president and CEO of Enterprise Florida on Tuesday. The companys continued investment in Florida for research, design and manufacturing significantly benefits our goal of diversifying our economy through job creation.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com.
