DEO Executive Director Jesse Panuccio addresses more than 400 visitors today during a press conference at the Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day event.

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) today welcomed more than 400 children and parents to the 2014 Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day event at the Florida Capitol. Children toured 20 exhibits from a wide variety of organizations to learn hands-on about career opportunities in Florida.

“Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day is an opportunity for us to demonstrate the strength and diversity of Florida’s economy – and also to instill in students the fundamental dignity of work. A good job is one of the keys to a good life,” said DEO Executive Director Jesse Panuccio. “Thank you to all of the exhibitors who participated in the event and helped make today a success for Florida’s future workforce.”

Throughout the day, attendees participated in interactive exhibits from 20 educational institutions, organizations, and state agencies each highlighting the importance of education and growing employment fields in the state. Florida is a diverse state, unlike any other place in the world, with career opportunities in tourism, agriculture, health, technology, trade, business, and many more. Today’s students are the future of our workforce and it is vital to show them the value of education and the career options available to them.

“The Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s intent in participating each year is not only to serve as role models for the young girls and boys, but also to allow the children to see how their classes today may help them in their future careers,” said Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation Secretary Ken Lawson. “DBPR licenses more than one million of Florida’s businesses and professionals, and today’s students are the future workforce of our great state. It’s essential for our children to understand the importance of a good education, and I believe that inviting them to the workplace is a perfect opportunity to gain this valuable experience. DBPR also uses this day as an opportunity to educate Florida’s teenagers on child labor laws and their rights as adolescent employees.”

“This is an important day for children to bond with their parents and learn about the values of family and work,” said Agency for Health Care Administration Secretary Liz Dudek.  “As a child, I was lucky to help my father as he worked from home.  The values I learned from my father’s work ethics helped me become the woman I am today.  I want children to know that you can have a successful career and happy family life if you work hard, set goals, and devote time to your family.”

“Providing today’s youth with information they can use to make future career decisions is very important,” said Jim McShane, CEO of CareerSource Capital Region. “We are excited to participate in this event with the Department of Economic Opportunity and look forward to working with these students in our Career Centers in the future.” 

“I’m honored to take part in ‘Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day’ and to educate about the countless opportunities future generations have in our state. The Department of State works to support all that Florida has to offer, from our cultural and historical heritage, to library programming, to fair and accurate elections and a business friendly environment. Today, children in Florida will see why this is a great state to make their goals come to fruition,” said Florida Department of State Secretary Ken Detzner.

“Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day is such a wonderful opportunity for parents to expose their children to the many careers and professions available in our workforce. I was thrilled to see so many DJJ parents and children at the event. Thank you to Director Panuccio and DEO for hosting us today at the Capitol,” said Department of Juvenile Justice Secretary Wansley Walters.