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Bonita Springs always celebrates new businesses in a big way, but when Christine Ross moves to Annapolis, Md., in July the climate won't be so welcoming.
The Maryland State Chamber of Commerce recently named Ross president and CEO. Ross has been president and CEO of the Bonita Springs Area Chamber of Commerce, the booming area between Fort Myers and Naples, for seven years.
Ross scored some big wins for the Bonita Springs chamber. She spearheaded the creation of the Bonita Springs Estero Economic Development Council, and under her watch the chamber earned a five-star ranking from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, one of only 83 chambers nationally to earn that distinction. The chamber earned the Florida State Chamber of the Year award in 2014.
Ross may have a bigger challenge attracting and retaining business in Maryland. Baltimore's riots gave the state unwelcome publicity, and the state consistently ranks among the worst nationally for business. The Tax Foundation, for example, recently named Maryland as one of the worst 10 worst states in its annual state business tax climate index. By contrast, Florida ranked fourth in the country in that tally.
Many companies, in response, have fled to neighboring Virginia over the years, a more welcoming state for entrepreneurs and growing companies.
Ross says she's up for the challenge, and improving the state's tax climate for businesses will be a priority. “I expect that to be a big part of my work, working with business leaders and legislators to try to impact some change there,” she says.
Besides, Ross knows the area well: She grew up in Fairfax, Va., and her three grown children live in the Washington, D.C., area. She's also well aware Florida continues to try to take jobs from high-tax states such as Maryland. She'll be ready when they come calling.
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