John Adams
John Adams serves as president and chief executive officer of Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI) – the public-private organization responsible for leading Florida’s statewide economic development efforts.
EFI’s mission is to diversify Florida’s economy and create better-paying jobs for its citizens by supporting, attracting and helping to create businesses in innovative, high-growth industries. The only public-private statewide economic development organization in the nation, EFI targets sectors including clean energy, defense and homeland security, life sciences, aviation and aerospace, information technology, financial and business services. EFI works with a network of state, regional and local economic development organizations to continually improve Florida’s business climate, attract foreign direct investment, and to ensure Florida’s global competitiveness.
During his career, Dr. Adams has provided leadership and expertise in economic development and international trade for several commercial banking and financial institutions. With a focus on strategic planning and regional marketing, he has made strides in fostering cross-border partnerships among local, state and international economic development organizations while pursuing workforce training, legislative advocacy and site selection inventory initiatives. He was captain in the United States Air Force.
In addition to his career highlights, Dr. Adams’ background reflects a broad range of civic involvement and service to higher education and government. This experience includes his appointment to the United States Department of Commerce’s Industry Trade Advisory Council (ITAC-11) for trade policy review, which he chaired from 2000-2005. Adams’ leadership earned him multiple honors and awards including the U.S. Small Business Administration’s National Exporter of the Year, for which he was recognized by President Ronald Reagan at a White House Rose Garden ceremony in May 1988.
Dr. Adams earned Ph.D., M.A., and B.A., degrees from Texas A&M University, completed the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University with honors, and holds Certified Economic Developer (CED) credentials. He has authored eight books on international trade, economic development and history.
Workshop
“Building Florida’s Clean Tech Economy”
Florida represents one of the largest potential, and largely untapped, markets for clean energy technologies nationwide. Statewide, businesses, government and economic developers recognize the need to build a more sustainable energy future. The clean energy industry offers many opportunities, which has motivated Florida’s economic development partners to begin creating the right environment for clean energy technology development and use. This burgeoning field has become a part of Florida’s efforts to expand its innovation economy.
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David Smith, President, SunWorks Solar
“Our Green Cities experience in Orlando was a great one. SunWorks Solar met decision-makers who will have an important influence on our future, as well as the future of clean, renewable energy in Florida. Ideas, enthusiasm and outlook were all positive. A solid investment for SunWorks Solar.”
Trish Michaels, M4 Marketing, Agency for SunWorks Solar
“Wasn't that a valuable gathering of brilliance and innovation last week? We at M4 Marketing and SunWorks Solar were highly impressed and plan to return next year.”
Steven McCaslin, Southeastern Division Regional Manager, Permapave
“The Green Cities target audience was everything you said it would be.”
Daniel Garceau, President, Empower
“The Green Cities Conference in Orlando was one of the most inspiring events I have sponsored. The management, staff and volunteers at Green Cities were totally dedicated and thoughtful. It was an excellent forum to meet and interact with hard to reach policy makers at government and county levels. I do not want to miss your next exhibitions, please keep me posted. Thanks for the personal attention.”
Sunny Lewis, Editor in Chief, ENS
“Congratulations on a beautiful conference in Orlando” reports Environment News Service Editor in Chief, Sunny Lewis. “You are doing a real service for the Earth.”
City of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer
“It is opportunities like Green Cities Florida that support our region's efforts to shift the way we think and operate, ultimately saving money, supporting job growth and protecting our natural resources.”