Amanda Fisherman
By: Amanda Fisherman – Bayshore Solutions’ eMarketer
Every year, the American Advertising Federation’s (AAF) 4th District members gather at the State Capitol to visit our Florida legislators and remind them that advertising fuels Florida’s economy. I attended my first AdDay in Tallahassee on March 19 on behalf of Ad 2 Tampa Bay and as an online marketer of Bayshore Solutions.
The AAF’s 4th District’s Government Relations initiative focuses on protecting members and the industry from proposed regulations that could have a negative effect and ensuring a positive environment for the advertising industry in Florida.
The issue that triggered this annual day happened over 25 years ago when the Services Tax was introduced in Florida. This tax was designed to help the state collect an additional $1 billion a year by 1988. AAF won the battle to repeal the tax and had lasting influence on the future of the advertising industry in Florida. It also presented the need for regular AAF participation and review of legislative issues.
While there are no pertinent issues we are concerned with currently, one topic seemed to be at the top of everyone’s mind during our visit, the ban of internet cafés by the Florida House, which was just recently passed in a 110-6 vote.
While we had the opportunity to speak with a number of our local representatives to discuss what we do as advertising professionals in the state of Florida and how our work impacts the state economy, we also toured the old Capitol building, the Senate Chamber, and heard from keynote speaker Carl Zimmerman, recently elected Florida House Representative District 65, who shared his story of starting his career as an advertising professional to representing Pinellas County and teaching broadcast journalism at a local high school.
As someone who usually doesn’t take interest in politics, participating in this day was a priceless experience. Witnessing our senators and representatives working aggressively to ensure our industry stays in good standing and their gratefulness for taking the time to travel to Tallahassee to share our support of what they are doing for Florida’s advertising industry was invaluable.
My fellow professionals at Bayshore Solutions and I apply our technical expertise while developing and marketing the digital presence of our customers to help them grow their businesses. A key part of our Internet expertise is to keep in touch with and advocate with our government for best practices and oversight that supports and grows an ethical and effective business climate.
Amanda Fisherman is an eMarketer at Bayshore Solutions—a Tampa Web Design, Web Development, and Internet Marketing Company.