FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 2003

CONTACT: ALIA FARAJ
(850) 488-5394 or
DAVID BISHOP
(850) 487-2568

TALLAHASSEE - With an eye toward Florida's economic future, Governor Jeb Bush today appointed three new members to his Council of Economic Advisors while reappointing eight. The Council advises the Governor on the latest economic trends, how Florida is faring nationally, and ways to continue to grow the state's economy.

"The Council has been an invaluable resource to me and the people of Florida, particularly in the aftermath of the events of 9/11," said Governor Bush. "Their insight and expert advice has helped me shape strong economic policies which have, in turn, allowed Florida to build a job market that is the envy of the rest of the country."

The Governor created the Council of Economic Advisors through executive order in June 2000. The Council played a strategic role in the post-September 11, 2001, response effort-through recommending to the Governor how to rapidly improve the state's economy following the terror attacks. Among their recommendations, the Council emphasized no new taxes, fiscal discipline, expeditious investment in job creation industries, and diversification of the economy. Since then, Florida has been on an impressive streak in creating new jobs - bucking the national trend. Florida has shown positive job growth for thirteen straight months and continues to lead the nation in job creation. From April 2002 to April 2003, the state created 92,800 new jobs. The state was also recently named among the top ten states in the nation for business climate and sensible, business-friendly taxation.

The Governor's appointments and reappointments include:

J. Antonio "Tony" Villamil, 56, of Coral Gables, CEO of The Washington Economics Group, incumbent, reappointed for a term beginning June 11, 2003 and ending December 31, 2004. Dr. Villamil serves as Chairman of the Council.

Manuel Lasaga, 50, of Miami, economist for Strategic Information Analysis, Inc., incumbent, reappointed for a term beginning June 11, 2003 and ending December 31, 2004.

Billy R. Dickens, 46, of Tallahassee, economist for the Florida Public Service Commission, incumbent, reappointed for a term beginning June 11, 2003 and ending December 31, 2004.

Scott J. Brown, 46, of Clearwater, economist for Raymond James& Associates, incumbent, reappointed for a term beginning June 11, 2003 and ending December 31, 2004.

Stephen O. Morrell, 53, of Coral Springs, economics professor with Barry University, incumbent, reappointed for a term beginning June 11, 2003 and ending December 31, 2004.

Randall G. Holcombe, 53, of Tallahassee, economics professor with Florida State University, reappointed for a term beginning June 11, 2003 and ending December 31, 2004.

Susan A. MacManus, 52, of Land O'Lakes, distinguished university professor with the University of South Florida, incumbent, reappointed for a term beginning June 11, 2003 and ending December 31, 2004.

Richard K. "Rick" Harper, 46, of Pensacola, associate professor of economics with the University of West Florida, incumbent, reappointed for a term beginning June 11, 2003 and ending December 31, 2004.

Corinne B. Young, 46, of Tampa, international business professor with the University of Tampa, succeeding Anthony Bryan, for a term beginning June 11, 2003 and ending December 31, 2004.

David A. Denslow, 60, of Gainesville, economics professor with the University of Florida, succeeding Henry Fishkind, for a term beginning June 11, 2003 and ending December 31, 2004.

Raoul Siclait, 38, of Miami, senior manager of Ryder System, succeeding Carol West, for a term beginning June 11, 2003 and ending December 31, 2004.

The Council of Economic Advisors is overseen by the Governor's Office of Tourism, Trade, and Economic Development, whose director, Dr. Pamela J. Dana, remains as the state's liaison to the Council.

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