Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Sandy-Michael McDonald
Department: Economic and Small Business Development
Information
Requested Action
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MOTION TO AUTHORIZE Office of Economic and Small Business Development (OESBD) to solicit co-sponsorships greater than $30,000 for the Broward County Florida International Trade and Cultural Expo (FITCE) currently scheduled for Wednesday, October 23, 2024, through Thursday, October 24, 2024 to be held at the Broward County Convention Center; and authorizing the County Administrator, or her designee, to execute FITCE co-sponsorship and related agreements, subject to review for legal sufficiency by the Office of the County Attorney, and to take all other administrative and budgetary actions associated therewith.
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Why Action is Necessary
In accordance with the Broward County Advantage Marketing Program, Board approval is required to seek co-sponsorships in excess of $30,000.
What Action Accomplishes
Recognizes the conference as an annual County sponsored event, approves staff in the Office of Economic and Small Business Development (OESBD) to solicit co-sponsorships to support the FITCE event, and authorizes the County Administrator to execute any sponsorship agreements related to FITCE.
Goal Related Icon(s)
☒County Commission
☐Go Green
☐MAP Broward
Previous Action Taken
None.
Summary Explanation/Background
THE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC AND SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT (OESBD) RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF THE ABOVE MOTION.
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.”
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 seaport, 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.
FITCE 2023 attracted 2,012 participants representing former heads of states, high-level foreign governments, consuls general, trade commissioners, bi-national chambers representatives and local and international businesses representing over 70 countries. FITCE’s World Expo showcased 246 local and international exhibitors.
This item, if approved, will provide the required Board authorization to OESBD so it may seek co-sponsorships for the 2024 FITCE in excess of $30,000, and will authorize the County Administrator, or her designee, to execute co-sponsorship agreements (subject to review for legal sufficiency by the Office of the County Attorney), and to take necessary actions to facilitate these co-sponsorships.
The event will be free of charge to all attendees.
Source of Additional Information
Sandy-Michael McDonald, Director - 954-357-5615
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact/Cost Summary
None.