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Scott on mission to strengthen business ties with Spain

Despite the bad economic situation in Spain, Governor Rick Scott is leading more than 60 business leaders and state officials there for a five-day business development mission. As Sascha Cordner reports, the Governor says he wants to strengthen the economic ties between Florida and Spain.

In his most recent weekly radio address, Scott said one of the main goals for his trip to get business leaders from Spain to see Florida as an attractive place to do business.

“Spain has been one of the fastest growing foreign investors in Florida in recent years. Well over 300 Spanish companies maintain operations in our state," said Scott.

Scott’s visit comes as Spain is experiencing serious economic problems, including a recent fall back into recession. But, state economic development officials say this is exactly the time to talk to Spanish business leaders who may be looking to move their business interests to the U.S.

Scott is also promoting Florida’s Viva 500 celebrations as part of the trip. The “Viva Florida 500 celebrations” commemorate the arrival of Juan Ponce de León to Florida in 1513. April 2013 will mark the 500th Anniversary of the Spanish explorer landing on Florida’s east coast.

Sascha Cordner has more than ten years of public radio experience. It includes working at NPR member station WUFT-FM in Gainesville for several years. She's worked in both radio and TV, serving in various capacities as a reporter, producer and anchor. She's also a graduate of the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in telecommunications. She is the recipient of 15 awards from the Associated Press, Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), and Edward R. Murrow. Her award-winning stories include her coverage on the infamous “Dozier School for Boys” and a feature titled "Male Breast Cancer: Lost in the Sea of Pink." Currently, Sascha serves as the host and producer of local and state news content for the afternoon news program "All Things Considered" at WFSU. Sascha primarily covers criminal justice and social services issues. When she's not reporting, Sascha likes catching up on her favorite TV shows, singing and reading. Follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter:@SaschaCordner.