TALLAHASSEE - Governor Scott has proclaimed September as Workforce Development Month to recognize the workforce development providers, organizations, and partners making a difference in Florida’s economy by helping families find jobs. Workforce Development Month is a nationwide initiative to celebrate and honor professionals who play a vital role in the nation’s economic recovery efforts.

Governor Scott said, "As I travel the state and listen to Florida families, they continue to tell me about the importance of having a job. Thanks to Florida's recent economic turnaround, more Floridians are finding jobs and providing for their families. As a result of our success in cutting taxes, paying down billions in debt and making strategic investments, we have been able to help create nearly 370,000 private sector jobs in a little over two years. With the support of our growing economy and skilled workforce, Florida is the best state for families to achieve their version of the American dream.  We are pleased to recognize September as Workforce Development Month to celebrate the efforts of those who help find jobs for our families."

Florida owes its success to its workforce; they are the driving force behind our continued economic progress. The labor force spurs economic growth and fuels our industries. Governor Scott and his administration, with the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, remain focused on the future of Florida and how we can get Floridians back to work while expanding economic opportunities across the state.

“As we enjoy Labor Day on September 2, I hope Floridians will take pride in the growth our economy has enjoyed over the past few years.  Florida is a state that protects the right to work and that knows prosperity occurs when government keeps taxes low and regulations sensible.  With these bedrock principles in mind, the Scott Administration and DEO are committed to making Florida the best place to live and work in the nation,” said Jesse Panuccio, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity.

“The professionals and volunteer leaders who make up Florida’s workforce system are mission-focused on connecting our state’s job creators with the skilled talent they need to compete and Floridians with employment and career development opportunities to achieve economic prosperity,” said Chris Hart IV, President/CEO of Workforce Florida Inc. “Governor Scott’s proclamation recognizes their dedication and reaffirms the importance of our state’s highly skilled workforce, a major contributor to our continued economic growth.”

This Labor Day we can celebrate the many accomplishments Florida has worked hard to obtain:

• Florida has gained 369,100 private sector jobs. 
• Florida’s unemployment rate has declined or held steady over the month for 35 months.
• Florida has gained jobs over the month for 23 of the last 25 months.
• Florida’s May- July unemployment rates were the lowest since September 2008.
• Florida has gained jobs over the year for the past 36 months. Prior to this, the state had been losing jobs for over three years.
• Eight of the ten major industries experienced positive job growth over the year, including construction and financial activities.
• Florida’s annual job growth rate has been greater than or equal to the nation’s since March 2012.

For more information on Florida’s workforce and how your Regional Workforce Board can serve you, please visit: http://www.workforceflorida.com/.
 

About DEO

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity combines the state’s economic, workforce and community development efforts.  This new approach helps expedite economic development projects to fuel job creation in competitive communities.  For more information, including valuable resources for employers and job seekers, please visit www.floridajobs.org.

### 
 
2013 Workforce Development Month Proclamation