IBC Supports location of the FTAA to be in Miami, Florida

 
On August 27, 2002, the Board of Directors of the International Business Council of South Florida (representing over 7,500 businesses in South Florida (see, attached) unanimously passed a resolution in support of the location of the Permanent Secretariat of the FTAA to be in Miami, Florida upon completion of the FTAA negotiations

The IBC sees the continued, expedited growth of South Florida as a center for international trade and commerce as a vital factor in the economic development of the tri-county area.

IBC BOD
RESOLUTION
Supporting the location of
the Permanent Secretariat of the FTAA to be in Miami, Florida
08/27/02

 
Whereas:

Founded in 1999, the International Business Council of South Florida (IBC-SF) is a public, non-profit business organization representing 7,500 companies that comprise upwards of 245,000 jobs that span a variety of industries including marine, hospitality, construction, real estate, hi-tech, and telecommunications specializing in international business.

Whereas:

The (IBC-SF) has as its mission: to maximize the economic benefits of international business in South Florida by promoting and marketing the area as a world-class center for international trade and commerce; and, by supporting other organizations who share these goals.

Whereas:

The (IBC-SF) is fully committed to ensure that South Florida remains the multi-cultural and economic center of the Western hemisphere and the "Gateway to the Americas", and

Whereas:

The (IBC-SF), in order to bring the practical fruits of this goal to South Florida endeavors to create the best possible conditions for international trade in South Florida; and

Whereas:

The (IBC-SF) understands the United States is working to reach an agreement to create a 34-nation Free Trade Area of the Americas ("FTAA") that will create an 800 million person trading bloc reaching from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego, and that will provide substantial benefits to the business community and citizens of South Florida; and

Whereas:

The (IBC-SF) understands the government of the United States is also striving to bring the permanent Secretariat of the FTAA to the United States; and

Whereas:

The (IBC-SF) understands that Miami, Florida with its central location, multicultural character and international trade focus is the best location for the Permanent Secretariat of the FTAA, and that bringing the Permanent Secretariat of the FTAA to Miami-Dade County, Florida will greatly enhance the international status of South Florida and will create new jobs, relocate businesses and increase travel to the tri-county area and the State of Florida; and

Whereas:

The (IBC-SF) believes it to be in the best interest of South Florida and of companies located in the United States, supports all efforts to bring the Permanent Secretariat of the FTAA to Miami, Florida.

Therefore be it resolved that:

The International Business Council of South Florida pledges its full support for the location of the Permanent Secretariat of the FTAA to be in Miami, Florida, upon completion of the FTAA negotiations; and

Further resolved that:

The (IBC-SF) will support the efforts of Florida FTAA, Inc., to bring the said Permanent Secretariat of the FTAA to Miami, Florida; and

Further resolved that:

The (IBC-SF) will support the allocation of $2 million in US government support for promotional efforts toward hosting of the permanent Secretariat of the FTAA in Miami, Florida.

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  Michael Langley             Thomas L. "Dax" Paradis
F. Michael Langley,             Thomas L. "Dax" Paradis, JD,
    Chairman                                President and CEO