The Florida Council of 100 launched a multi-million-dollar nationwide campaign, dubbed "Ambition Accelerated," this week to promote Florida's “Gold Coast” as a marquee destination for corporate business growth.
Launched by Related Ross CEO and Chairman Stephen M. Ross and Citadel Founder and CEO Ken Griffin at the Wall Street Journal Invest Live conference in West Palm Beach, the $10 million pitch aims to persuade CEOs, founders, and investors from northern cities such as New York, Chicago, and Detroit to relocate to the Gold Coast area of South Florida, which includes Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach.
"Florida is the future. It is unequivocally the next jumping-off place for American business, and we're seeing that already taking shape right here on the Florida Gold Coast," Ross said in the video.
In a release, the Florida Council of 100 touted the area as "pro-business," citing high GDP growth and talent attraction compared to its metropolitan contemporaries.
Both Ross and Griffin started their businesses in New York and Chicago, respectively.
"I've lived in a failed city-state, so I'm grateful for the leadership in the state of Florida," Griffin said. "This is a great place to call home. This is a place that welcomes entrepreneurs and innovators."
A breakdown of Florida's Gold Coast is below:
- No. 1 in GDP growth over the past 3 years compared to major metropolitan regions.
- No. 1 in new business formations per capita among major metropolitan regions.
- No. 3 in talent attraction among major metropolitan regions.
- No. 5 in tax competitiveness among populous states.
The council also noted Florida's ranking as No. 1 in higher education and No. 2 for having the fewest business regulations per capita in the nation.
"This is a place that welcomes entrepreneurs and innovators. Florida has so many resources to deliver that talent," multiple speakers stated. "This really will become the next Silicon Valley of this country. The regulatory environment is great for businesses."
Along with the video release, the Florida Council of 100 also launched a website to promote the area.
"Florida is probably the best business state in this country. This is the ideal place for growth," Ross added.
