Chamber Plays Host to State Capitol Advocacy Trip for Brevard Day

The Cocoa Beach Regional Chamber of Commerce played host to this year’s Brevard Day in Tallahassee as part of the Chamber's inaugural State Capitol Advocacy Trip.

This two-day trip, sponsored by Wiedmann Construction & Roofing, provided an opportunity to hear from state policymakers and key individuals in the legislative process. Attendees also toured various Tallahassee landmarks, witnessed the legislature in action, and participated in the Brevard Day festivities.

The adventure began for our 16 attendees at 6:45 am on March 22nd as they boarded a charter bus from Merritt Square Mall destined for Tallahassee. Upon arrival, the group had lunch at the Florida Chamber and received a briefing on the status of business-related legislation.

Following lunch, the attendees experienced a tour of Florida Supreme Court before heading to the Knott Office Building at the Florida State Capitol where they heard from:

Steve Winn, President, Stephen R. Winn & Associates and Executive Director of the Florida Osteopathic Medical Association on “How a Bill REALLY Becomes a Law;”

Terrance J. McCaffrey, Col, USAF (Ret), MP, Vice President, Military and Defense Programs, Enterprise Florida on “Enterprise Florida’s Role in Military & Defense;”

Trey Price, Price Point Strategies, Former Executive Director of Florida Housing Finance Corporation (2017-2023) on the “Status of Affordable Housing in Florida;”

Manny Diaz, Jr., Commissioner, Florida Department of Education on the “State of Education;” and,

Sean Toner, Director, Division of Corporations provided a “Division of Corporations Update” to conclude our speaker series for the first day.

The evening concluded with a reception at the Governor’s Club with the Melbourne Chamber, sponsored by The Viera Company, followed by dinner at local Tallahassee eateries.

Day 2 started at 8:30 am with a return to the Capitol to hear from Jeff Takacs, Clerk, Florida House of Representatives who shared about “The Role of the Clerk” followed by “An Update from the DBPR Secretary” from Melanie Griffin, Secretary, Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).

At the conclusion of our speakers’ schedule, the group headed to the front of the Historic Capitol for a photo op (see photo) followed by the Brevard Day Continental Breakfast in the Old Capitol, Senate side. At the breakfast, the group heard remarks from our President & CEO Jimmy Lane, our sponsor Johnny Wiedmann of Wiedmann Construction & Roofing, and from several members of the Brevard Legislative Delegation.

Attendees then got to experience the views of the surrounding area from the 22^nd floor of the Capitol before venturing to the House Gallery to witness the legislature in action. During session, Representative Tyler Sirois introduced the group from the floor to the applause of the entire Florida House membership. Everyone then made their way to the bus for the return trip to Merritt Island.

We appreciate our attendees, sponsors, and all of our speakers for allowing the State Capitol Advocacy Trip to serve as an opportunity for the Chamber to be a convener of leaders and influencers and champion for our thriving community.