In 1991 and 1992, the Chiles/MacKay team initiated Jobs Florida to jump-start Florida's business growth in construction by expediting building and public works projects. As a result, an inter-agency team identified more than $7 billion in state projects that could be expedited through faster permitting or early fund releases — creating thousands of jobs for Floridians.

Chiles/MacKay then set out to reinvigorate the state's economic development programs. Under the direction of Lt. Governor MacKay, Florida moved away from the traditional state agency approach and began establishing public-private partnership boards to guide economic development efforts. In 1993, Enterprise Florida was created and assumed oversight of a jobs and education partnership, an innovation partnership and a capital development partnership. At the same time, the Florida Tourism Commission was established to design a state tourism public-private partnership to ensure the health and growth of Florida's flagship industry.

In 1996 Florida took the historic step to dissolve the Department of Commerce. The department's duties were transferred to a new Florida Commission on Tourism — which became VISIT FLORIDA — and international trade and economic development marketing efforts were established in a strengthened Enterprise Florida.

These monumental reforms produced unprecedented successes. Since its creation, VISIT FLORIDA has leveraged its $3.8 million advertising budget with an additional $7.4 million from the private sector; implemented the innovative FLA USA brand campaign; and helped the Florida tourism industry establish record visitor growth from 41 million in 1995 to 47 million in 1997.

Since 1996, Enterprise Florida assisted in the creation of over 48,000 jobs; trained 96,000 workers; provided $49 million in loans to small- and medium-sized businesses; helped to create an additional $316 million in international export sales for Florida companies; and assisted over 12,000 Florida businesses.