Governor Rick Scott attends Wal-Mart summit in push for jobs – Bay News 9

ORLANDO — 

Governors from across the country were in Orlando in hopes of wooing mega corporation Wal-Mart to buy products from their state.

Rick Scott was among those meeting with manufacturers Thursday, hoping to bring jobs to Florida.

Wal-Mart has made a $50 billion promise to buy more products in the U.S.

Now, more than 30 states are competing to make sure it’s their people Wal-Mart is putting to work.

“I want to thank Wal-Mart for doing this and hosting here today,” Governor Scott said as he welcomed thousands to the Wal-Mart manufacturing summit at the Orange County Convention Center.

Scott wants Wal-Mart to get used to hosting in Florida.

The state was among 32 different states meeting with manufacturers.

Hundreds of manufacturers are looking to expand and sell to Wal-Mart, but first they need to find the best place to do it.

The Governor said signs point to the Sunshine State.

“Exports are up, home prices are up, home sales are up. Our state is doing extremely well,” he said.

While Wal-Mart leaders wouldn’t play favorites, they did see potential in companies already in Florida and a future here.

“We want to work with Florida. It’s a very important state to Wal-Mart. We have a number of stores here,” said Wal-Mart’s Randy Hargrove.

Wal-Mart, the world’s largest retailer, has vowed to spend more on its products here in the U.S.

The founder of the Re-shoring Initiative, Harry Moser, said it takes a change in mindset to get buyers to look for the “Made in the USA” label.

“We’ve got to get consumers to at least look for the American made product. But in addition, the country has to do a better job of education and training.”

Governor Scott said Florida is ready.

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzer was also in Orlando Thursday. She talked about Wal-Mart and toured Universal Studios Orlando to talk tourism and travel.