[annerk]

Originally Posted by TNRyan23

Sounds like any job in Florida...

Generalize much?

She hired a p/t person because that's all she needed. Her two salaried legal assistants were having to work overtime to finish tasks, so it was time to bring in another employee. Would she have been smarter to hire a f/t person and have them sitting around 15 hours a week doing nothing? If she had half a dozen part-timers to avoid paying benefits, I'd agree with you, but that's not the situation, and you should know the facts rather than make assumtions.

[FertilityDoc]

This thread has careened all over the place. There has been a lot of talk about unions and Publix. That is not going to help the economy grow nor attract new business. Public higher education support is key. The most dynamic public university systems are in states with strong economies. The building of relationships between universities and businesses allow the former to become incubators of ideas for future business ventures. Look at Silicon Valley and the Route 128 biotech corridor in Massachusettes. Tax breaks to get companies to move to Florida are important. A combination of a top notch higher education system and incentives for business are what is needed. There probably has been too great a reliance on real estate development and the tourist industry in Florida. A coordinated effort to attract other businesses is needed.

[Retiredcoach]

Originally Posted by FertilityDoc

This thread has careened all over the place. There has been a lot of talk about unions and Publix. That is not going to help the economy grow nor attract new business. Public higher education support is key. The most dynamic public university systems are in states with strong economies. The building of relationships between universities and businesses allow the former to become incubators of ideas for future business ventures. Look at Silicon Valley and the Route 128 biotech corridor in Massachusettes. Tax breaks to get companies to move to Florida are important. A combination of a top notch higher education system and incentives for business are what is needed. There probably has been too great a reliance on real estate development and the tourist industry in Florida. A coordinated effort to attract other businesses is needed.

Great post, I agree with the majority of what you say. I question the benefits of the tax incentives, however, beyond what is currently given to the existing businesses. Too many states are now being burned by the incentives that were given to businesses offering whimsical promises of more and better jobs. Some states went so far as to actually build and develop properties to attract/retain businesses. What would Florida have to do to attract the route 128 biotech business or a Siilicon Valley corporation? Somehow, I think solid businesses search beyond tax incentives to thrive.... many of which Florida may be lacking.

[crystalblue]

Originally Posted by Retiredcoach

Great post, I agree with the majority of what you say. I question the benefits of the tax incentives, however, beyond what is currently given to the existing businesses. Too many states are now being burned by the incentives that were given to businesses offering whimsical promises of more and better jobs. Some states went so far as to actually build and develop properties to attract/retain businesses. What would Florida have to do to attract the route 128 biotech business or a Siilicon Valley corporation? Somehow, I think solid businesses search beyond tax incentives to thrive.... many of which Florida may be lacking.

What do you see as lacking? Is it something Florida can get?

[bdpop]

I agree, education is key here. We also need to stress the importance of a college education to our high school students. Many people I meet down here don't even possess a high school diploma.

[crystalblue]

I would also agree with education, but clearly a majority of the state doesnt seem to...

[Shoegal1075]

That is parenting guys - my kids believe that college is just the next level in school - LOL. It isn't an option at least not inmy house. When given options most kids will take the easy way out.

[annerk]

I didn't force college, but I did stress the importance of having a plan for a career, be it through college or learning a trade. I don't think college is the end all be all, but kids do need to have some guidance towards obtaining some sort of marketable skill that goes beyond "You want some fries with that burger?"

[bdpop]

I am finding more and more today; jobs that typically used to not require a college degree now do require one.

[Shoegal1075]

Agreed - I just figure if I embed it into them enough they will just go and not give it a second thought.