The first ever "Champion for Business" Award goes to state Representative Allan Bense (R-Panama) City and no one could possibly typify the award more. 

Bense is a very successful businessman who is basically a self-made man, as all who know him are aware. He is a behind-the-scenes consensus builder who, earlier this year, was tapped by Speaker Johnnie Byrd (R-Plant City) to “watch over” the bills coming from the committees system of the Florida House of Representatives to the floor.

As Speaker-Designate of the Florida House of Representatives, Bense has been given more responsibility than have his predecessors by a sitting Speaker. This is no doubt due to the loyalty, integrity, and fairness which are cornerstones of the way Bense conducts all his activities, and which are recognized by the Speaker and all others who are privileged to know and be around the Speaker-Designate. 

AIF is most pleased that this first ever "Champion of Business" Award goes to an individual who himself is a role model for younger people who are considering a career in business. Bense is proof that people do not have to talk loud and call attention to themselves to be true leaders. Business leaders can thank Representative Bense for his leadership and efforts in the Florida House of Representatives by sending him an e-mail.

*The Champion of Business award is  made available to over 11,000 business people across the state.

516 North Adams Street ● Post Office Box 784 ● Tallahassee, Florida 32302-0784 ● Phone: (850) 224-7173 ● Fax: (850) 224-6532 ● www.aif.com