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DeSantis praises Stephen Ross, hails ServiceNow jobs and training for West Palm Beach
Summary
Governor Ron DeSantis praised developer Stephen Ross and welcomed ServiceNow’s decision to locate jobs and training in West Palm Beach, citing state economic rankings, low crime and education initiatives.
Governor Ron DeSantis on Monday praised developer Stephen Ross and welcomed ServiceNow’s decision to locate jobs and training opportunities in West Palm Beach, saying the move will bring “really, really good jobs” and educational benefits for the local community.
DeSantis said the state’s economic performance and public-safety improvements have helped attract investment to Palm Beach County. “I mean, I’m proud to say that we can stand here and say that the state of Florida has been ranked, number 1 economy in all 50 states 3 years in a row by CNBC,” he said, adding the state has been ranked “number 1 in public higher education, number 1 in new business formations, triple a credit rating, no income tax” and “lowest, per capita debt in all 50 states.”
Why it matters: The governor framed ServiceNow’s move as part of broader economic momentum for West Palm Beach and Palm Beach County, and said the company will provide workforce training programs that state employees and local residents can use.
DeSantis credited local leaders and Stephen Ross for helping attract companies to the area. “There is no better advocate for the, future of West Palm Beach, the prospects for Palm Beach County than Stephen Ross,” he said. He thanked a person identified only as “Bill” for ServiceNow’s decision, saying the new jobs will have “a huge economic impact for the local community” and that the company’s education programs could be used by state employees.
The governor also cited public-safety gains as part of Florida’s appeal to businesses. “If you do not have public safety, it all goes out the window,” he said, and noted the state has “the 50 year low in the crime rate.” He described law-enforcement support and accountability as “nonnegotiable.”
DeSantis tied the investment to quality-of-life considerations for families and to competition among Florida markets, saying people from other regions often consider Palm Beach area communities when relocating. He closed the remarks by praising local leaders and saying, “I firmly believe the best is yet to come.”
No formal votes or policy actions were recorded during these remarks; the transcript records a speech of appreciation and promotion of an economic-development announcement rather than any board or cabinet decision.
