Broward County Commission Regular Meeting

MOTION TO APPROVE IN CONCEPT Broward County sponsoring the 2015 Broward County Florida International Trade and Cultural Expo (FITCE) to be held April 30th – May 1st 2015, at the Greater Fort Lauderdale Broward County Convention Center, during the annual globally recognized “International Trade Month” and in conjunction with Broward County’s Broward 100 Centennial Celebration. (Commissioner Holness)

ACTION:  (T-11:36 AM)  Following discussion, the Board directed staff to investigate/develop a proposal and to return to the Board with their findings.  In addition, investigate if centennial funding could be appropriated to support/sponsor future events.  (Refer to minutes for full discussion.)  (See Yellow-Sheeted Additional Material, dated June 24, 2014, submitted by Commissioner Holness.) (Scrivener’s Error – See County Administrator’s Report:  Exhibit 1, Page 5, currently reads: Highlight Port Everglades… 12^th largest container port in the United States serving 12 countries, includes an economic impact of $18 billion a year…etc. Should read: …12^th largest container port in the United States serving 150 ports in 70 countries includes an economic impact of $26 billion a year…etc.) 
  
VOTE: 8-0.  Commissioner Gunzburger was not present during the vote.

Any discussion among the members of the Board of County Commissioners must occur at a publicly noticed meeting of the Board. Further, The Advantage Marketing Program provides for the sponsorship of events held by the private sector, not-for-profit organizations, or other government entities that serve a public purpose in support of the mission of Broward County. Administrative Code Chapter 13, Part VI, Section 13.62 (e) (3) Advantage Marketing Program states “no advertisement or commercial message shall suggest endorsement by or association with the County, unless specifically approved by the Board.”

Authorizes County staff to solicit sponsorships to support the 2015 FITCE to be held April 30th – May 1st 2015, at the Greater Fort Lauderdale Broward County Convention Center. Action also supports Broward County Commission’s strategic goal to position Broward County as a leader in International Trade while adding value to the 2015 Broward 100 Centennial Celebration.

South Florida’s trade with the world in 2013 totaled $120.49 billion, the second greatest total on record and the third year the total has eclipsed the $100 billion dollar threshold. The 2013 trade surplus was $15.37 billion and a record 31 nations traded more than $1billion with South Florida in 2013. South Florida’s economic recovery has consistently been ahead of the national economy due to the growing benefits of international trade and commerce.

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 local, state and federal government.

The 2012-2016 Commission Strategic Plan, see Exhibit 3, includes the vision of unlimited economic opportunities as a priority. Goals include: (a) Increase the economic impact of tourism by selling, promoting and marketing the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County area as a premier destination for visitors and meetings; (b) Become Florida’s epicenter for world trade; especially with the Caribbean, Asia, South and Central Americas and; (c) Become a market for “Signature Events” through public and private partnerships.

Sponsorship supports the Board’s vision for unlimited economic opportunities as well as improves the economic viability of the County. Sponsorship of this event will allow County participation in activities that support the event such as, seeking other sponsors to cover expenses for the event and entertainment as well as allowing County staff to assist in coordination of related activities. Staff from the following County agencies are anticipated to be utilized for this event: the Office of Economic & Small Business Development, the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, Broward Cultural Division, the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, Port Everglades, the Office of Public Communications, and Commission District 9 staff.

As the gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean coupled with a competitive and strategically located air and sea port, with direct rail connectivity, Broward County is poised to become a global hub for domestic and international trade opportunities. This event will increase our on-going ability to restore the economy, rebuild our communities and sustain our low unemployment performance while serving to strengthen our ties with overseas interests and boosting Broward County and the South Florida economy. 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.