PRESS RELEASE May 2001

STATE EMPLOYEES GO ONLINE TO SAVE MILLIONS
Web Provides Forum for Cost Saving Ideas

TALLAHASSEE, FL Cost-saving ideas are now just a click away. State workers searching for ways to streamline operations and save taxpayer dollars are encouraged to surf on over to an online symposium highlighting Davis Productivity Award winning achievements that can be adapted and implemented by other individuals and work units.

In 1999, Governor Jeb Bush challenged the Davis Productivity Awards Program to highlight and capture smart innovations and government cost savings that can be shared throughout state government. The adaptable achievements identified during the 1999 and 2000 Davis Productivity Awards competition could add an estimated $400 million to the value of state services over the next three years if they are implemented throughout state government. The new website www.floridataxwatch.org\dpa aims to speed up the process of sharing and implementing these cost-saving programs.

"When state employees find ways to work better and smarter, we all reap the rewards," said Dominic M. Calabro, President of Florida TaxWatch. "Good ideas are much too precious to waste."

Every couple of weeks, the online symposium web site will feature two-to-three achievements which could improve efficiencies in offices throughout state government. A full listing of 339 adaptable achievements is also available.

A new category in the awards program provides an incentive for workers to log on. Beginning this year, Davis Productivity Awards will be given to individuals and work units who have documented results from adapting and implementing award-winning achievements from previous years to create more added value.

The DPA nominations period got underway April 1st and will close on June 15th. Winners will be honored in the fall. The Davis Productivity Awards Program is a privately funded initiative to recognize and reward state employees whose work measurably increases productivity. The awards are made possible by the vision and generosity of the late J.E. Davis and his brother, the late A.D. Davis, co-founders of Winn-Dixie Stores. The program is co-sponsored by Florida TaxWatch, The Florida Council of 100, and the State of Florida. Funding for the online symposium was provided by the Prudential Insurance Company.