Broward County Commission Regular Meeting

A. MOTION TO APPROVE Broward County Florida International Trade and Cultural Expo (FITCE) currently scheduled for Wednesday, October 17, 2018, through Thursday, October 18, 2018, at the Greater Fort Lauderdale Broward County Convention Center, as an annual County-sponsored event, and authorize the Office of Economic and Small Business Development (OESBD) to solicit co-sponsorships greater than $30,000 for each annual FITCE consistent with the expenditures listed on Exhibit 3. Any change in the County’s level of participation would require the item to return to the Board for future consideration.

ACTION:  (T-4:53 PM)  Approved.

VOTE: 9-0.

B. MOTION TO APPROVE Increase financial support for FITCE 2018 in the amount of $17,818 to account for an increase in FITCE’s budget.

ACTION:  (T-4:53 PM)  Approved.

VOTE: 9-0.

C. MOTION TO APPROVE additional one-time financial support in the amount of $12,800 to support the attendance of former Latin American Presidents at the Global Peace Foundation, Presidential Reception which will be held at FITCE 2018. (Commissioner Holness)

ACTION:  (T-4:53 PM)

VOTE: 9-0.

In accordance with the Broward County Advantage Marketing Program, co-sponsorships and approval of financial support require approval by the Board.

A. Authorizes staff in the Office of Economic and Small Business Development to solicit co-sponsorships to support the annual FITCE event.

B. Authorizes an additional $17,818 in 2018 financial support, commencing with the FITCE event in 2018. 
 
C. Authorizes $12,800 in additional financial support for the FITCE event in 2018.

This item supports the Board’s vision of “a vibrant economy with a diverse, skilled workforce, in a County offering unique advantages that attract all types of businesses to create equitable, countywide prosperity”, through the value of “ensuring economic opportunities for all people and businesses in Broward.”
 
In 2002, the Broward County Board of County Commissioners adopted Board Resolution 2002-1041, establishing an international trade strategy for Broward County. The purpose of the strategy was to promote tourism and trade, encourage the increase of exports, and stimulate business growth by providing leadership support, infrastructure, technical assistance, and formulating trade partnerships with the local, state, and federal government. As the gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean, possessing a competitive and strategically located air and sea port, and with direct rail connectivity, Broward County enjoys unique advantages key to becoming a global hub for domestic and international trade opportunities. FITCE will increase Broward County’s ongoing ability to restore the economy, rebuild our communities, and sustain our low unemployment performance while strengthening our ties with overseas interests and boosting the Broward County and South Florida economies. In addition, the action supports the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance’s efforts in promoting foreign direct investment and marketing Broward County as the center of the regional global business connection for the Americas and Caribbean.

The overall budget for FITCE 2018 has increased. An additional $17,818 is needed to cover the shortfall in the FITCE 2018 budget. In addition, in prior years, one of the major events at FITCE has been a Presidential Reception with the Global Peace Foundation featuring former Latin American Presidents. The Presidential Reception is on the 2018 FITCE Agenda; but, the Global Peace Foundation needs financial support in the amount of $12,800 in order to assist in bringing Latin American Presidents to South Florida to attend the event.

Paola Isaac, Broward County Office of Economic and Small Business Development, (954) 357-7894