Governor Crist’s “Accelerate Florida” Program Driven by “Think Tanks”

Orlando, FL – October 17, 2008– With the recent announcement of Governor Crist’s “Accelerate Florida” program the Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development (OTTED) has been delegated the task of creating “Accelerator Think Tanks.” These think tanks will be comprised of some of the best and brightest minds in the State of Florida in an effort to identify strategies to stimulate the economy long-term.

Jim Mark of American Home Companions, who has recently been inducted to the Inc. 5000 list for his small business success, has been asked to serve as a member of the Small, Minority & Manufacturing Business Accelerator Think Tank in a one-day workshop October 28th. “Small Business is the engine driving our economy and the State of Florida recognizes that Florida’s economy is dependent upon a healthy small business environment. Small businesses such as American Home Companions continue to add jobs while the rest of the US economy stagnates or declines,” explains Mr. Mark.

With unemployment playing a part in the declining economy, the ADP’s September report shows the significance of service-providing small businesses creating increases in employment by 28,000. According to Joel Prakken, Chairman of Macroeconomic Advisers, LLC, “This month’s growth was up from Augusts’ revised increase of 17,000, and offers a continued sign of resiliency among small-size businesses when compared to the job losses experienced at larger firms,” said Joel Prakken. “The manufacturing sector marked its twenty-fifth consecutive monthly decline, losing 48,000 jobs. These losses were somewhat offset by employment gains in the service-providing sector,” Prakken analyzes.

In addition to the Small, Minority & Manufacturing Business Accelerator Think Tank participants, representatives from the Governor’s Office of Policy and Budget (OPB) will be present at the workshop. “Our intent is not to duplicate, interfere with or supplant the activities already under way across the many agencies and economic development organizations throughout the state,” states Jonathan Salum, Executive Assistant of the OTTED. “Rather, the intense discussions seek to bring greater focus across the entire state planning process with the expectation that improved coordination will lead to synergies necessary to address the challenges at hand,” Salum continues.

Since 1992, American Home Companions has offered the services of in-home eldercare companions allowing Florida seniors to live in the familiar and secure setting of their own home. American Home Companions works with hospitals, physicians, social workers, rehabilitation centers, nurse registries, and home health agencies in a combined effort to allow older adults to live their golden years in the comfort of their own homes.

For more information about American Home Companions or to schedule an interview with Jim Mark, please contact Lisa Anderson at (407) 267-2193 or visit our website at www.AHCcares.com.

-END-

BACK TO HOME PAGE...................