The Florida Council of 100 convened its member business leaders with policymakers, and national thought leaders at its Fall Member Conference, creating a forum for strategic dialogue on the issues shaping Florida’s economic future.

“The Fall Conference is always a pivotal moment for The Florida Council of 100 as new members meet established members and we explore opportunities, inspiring leaders to collaborate and strategize on how to move our state forward on behalf of all Floridians,” said Mike Simas, President and CEO of The Florida Council of 100.

During the two-day conference, discussions focused on Florida’s strategic leadership in defense, space, and cybersecurity, as well as other challenges and opportunities impacting the state’s economic future and global competitiveness. Additional conversations examined technology innovation, resilience, and economic competitiveness, with an emphasis on collaboration across sectors to support long-term growth and quality of life for Floridians statewide.

The conference also highlighted Florida’s growing innovation economy through the inaugural Gold Coast Tech Accelerator Showcase, providing FinTech and Dual-Use & DefenseTech startups from the Gold Coast Tech accelerator program with direct access to Council of 100 members to showcase emerging technologies, gain strategic feedback, and explore pathways for growth and partnership in Florida.

The program concluded with the 2025 Governor’s Business Leader Award presentation, awarded to Ron Wanek, Founder and Chairman of Ashley Furniture Industries. Wanek was recognized for his long-standing business and civic leadership in Florida and beyond, including growing Ashley Furniture Industries into the world’s largest furniture manufacturer. He and his wife, Joyce, have demonstrated a strong commitment to civic and philanthropic leadership through numerous actions, including the work of the Ronald & Joyce Wanek Foundation, supporting education, medical research, veterans’ causes, and community initiatives statewide and nationally.

“The Council of 100 brings together experienced business leaders from across Florida who are committed to tackling complex challenges and advancing solutions that support long-term economic growth,” said FC100 Chair George LeMieux. “By working collaboratively, we will continue to help build a stronger, more competitive Florida for future generations.”

About The Florida Council of 100 and The Florida Council of 100 Foundation
The Florida Council of 100 is a private, nonprofit, nonpartisan organization of business leaders dedicated to improving Florida’s quality of life and economic well-being. Founded in 1961 at the request of Governor Farris Bryant, the Council serves as a trusted advisor to Florida’s elected officials and policymakers. Its membership represents over 200 companies employing more than 1.3 million Floridians, collectively shaping the state’s future through business-driven policy solutions and direct economic impact initiatives. The Florida Council of 100 Foundation is the Council’s nonprofit affiliate, focused on research, education, and strategic initiatives that support long-term economic growth and prosperity across Florida. The Foundation plays a key role in identifying opportunities, funding forward-thinking programs, and driving collaborative partnerships to strengthen Florida’s talent pipeline and innovation economy. For more information, visit www.fc100.org.