P.O. Box 948153 Phone: (321) 214-5200
Maitland, FL 32794-8153 Fax: (321) 214-0210

News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Barbara Wunder (321) 214-5207

LEGISLATORS ATWATER AND CANNON RECEIVE AWARD

MAITLAND, Fla. (September 19, 2006) - Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association presented its Legislator of the Year Award today to Florida State Senator Jeff Atwater, R-West Palm Beach, and Representative Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park.

The lawmakers received their awards at FFVA's 63rd Annual Convention held at the Ritz-Carlton, Naples, Florida.

Senator Atwater sponsored SB1646, the bill exempting sales tax on electricity used on a farm, which passed as an amendment on HB7075, the General Agriculture Bill. The senator also sponsored SB2410, the sales tax exemption on low volume irrigation equipment. SB2410 did not pass, but Senator Atwater has agreed to file the bill again next session. Senator Atwater was chairman of the Government Efficiency Appropriations Committee and has been a leader in the Senate for agricultural tax breaks.

Representative Cannon, served on the Select Committee to Protect Property Rights, and co-sponsored HB1567, the Eminent Domain/Property Rights bill, which passed. Representative Cannon was instrumental in ensuring that the rights of private-property owners are protected from governmental takings. Representative Cannon has already been chosen to become the Speaker of the House of Representatives in 2011 by the members of the House of Representatives because of his outstanding leadership ability. Representative Cannon worked behind the scenes on several agricultural bills to ensure their passage.

"These lawmakers have shown great respect for Florida agriculture and have led the fight for an environment where producers are better able to do business," said Butch Calhoun, FFVA's director, Governmental Affairs Division.

Past recipients of the Legislator of the Year Award include Senators Nancy Argenziano and Bill Posey, and Representatives Dudley J. Goodlette and Marty Bowen.

Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association is an agricultural trade organization representing Florida's producers of fruits, vegetables and other crops.

###