Florida Council of 100
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 Council logo | |
| Formation | 1961 |
|---|---|
| Type | Non-profit |
| Legal status | Foundation |
| Purpose | improve the quality of life for Floridians |
| Headquarters |  Tampa, Florida |
Region served | Florida |
Chairman | Sydney Kitson |
Executive Director | Bob Ward |
Main organ | Board of Directors |
| Revenue | $1,971,813 (2019) |
| Expenses | $1,937,393 (2019) |
| Website | www |
The Florida Council of 100 is a private, non-profit, non-partisan organization of Florida business leaders who advise the state's governor. It was founded in 1961 and is headquartered in Tampa, Florida.[1]
The association was founded in 1961 at the request of then governor Farris Bryant, who asked for advice on problems confronting the state from a business point of view. The council was the first of its kind in the United States,[2] and its website states that it "works with the Governor, the Chief Justice, the Legislature, as well as with private organizations, to achieve quality of life improvements for the people of Florida."[1]
The full Council meets twice each year[3] and has continued to provide that perspective to each governor over the last 50+ years. However, the relationship between the Council and the Governor changed in 1999 with the inauguration of Jeb Bush. Bush directly requested the support and involvement of the council as soon as the election was over. He used the council to promote controversial ideas to state residents and politicians alike. They also defended Bush for his plan to eliminate job security for state workers.[4]
Charlie Crist was not a typical pro-business Republican governor,[according to whom?] so the Council concentrated on educational issues during most of his term. Florida's new governor in 2011, Rick Scott, has a business background similar to Jeb Bush. He met with the council two weeks after winning the election and acknowledged that he is depending on those business leaders to allow him to fulfill his campaign promise of 700,000 new jobs in seven years.[5]
Membership
According to the group's website, membership is by invitation from the existing council members, who select recognized and successful leaders from all types of Florida businesses, not elected public service. Those chosen must demonstrate a commitment to the state and believe in the goals of the council. Additionally, they should exhibit character and have been involved in public policy issues. The Council claims that they are committed to diversity of their membership.[citation needed]
The majority of Council members are Republicans, and many are major political campaign donors. In 1998, membership dues were $3,000 per year, generating half a million dollars that year.[4]
Objectives
As business leaders, the members of the Council feel responsibility and have the determination to improve Florida. The council's 1998 mission statement elaborates: "To be a forum of strategic thinkers and leaders having a major positive effect on Florida public policy which enhances the quality of life and economic well-being of all Floridians."[1]
The council's non-profit filing with the Internal Revenue Service states that their purpose is to "educate the community and promote economic development to provide a better standard of living for all Floridians."[4]
Chairman Al Hoffman was more direct: "We want to be a force in shaping public policy. We want to be influential."[4]
