Governor Crist Endorses Grassroots Movement to Boost Florida's Economy

Florida Backyard Card to reward consumers who spend locally

www.FloridaBackyardCard.com

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., March 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Surrounded by a coalition
representing Florida businesses, media and city leaders, Governor Charlie
Crist today announced a new incentive for Floridians to spend their money
locally. The "Florida Backyard Card," unveiled today, rewards consumers who
spend their money with hundreds of participating businesses across the state.
The State of Florida has joined the grassroots campaign to support
Florida-based businesses.

"I am pleased to stand here today with businesses rewarding Floridians who are
shopping right here in the Sunshine State," said Governor Crist. "When
Floridians spend with local businesses, their dollars go to employee wages,
building rent and state and local taxes, which support schools and emergency
services. I'm urging Floridians to get their Florida Backyard Card and use
it."

The Florida Backyard Card is part of the "Backyard Economics" campaign
launched last month by the business coalition championed by the Florida Retail
Federation and the Florida Chamber, along with associations representing media
outlets. The growing partnership includes VISIT FLORIDA, the Florida
Restaurant and Lodging Association, the Florida Automobile Dealers Association
and many more, making local spending a win-win for consumers.

At www.FloridaBackyardCard.com, Floridians can enter their local zip code to
search for participating businesses and savings on apparel, restaurants,
grocery stores, home improvement, vacation rentals and many more categories.

"Hundreds of businesses from clothing stores to restaurants to specialty shops
are taking advantage of this opportunity to attract customers with the Florida
Backyard Card," said Rick McAllister, President and CEO, Florida Retail
Federation. "We all know many businesses are struggling, yet we're confident
Florida consumers will soon see that keeping their dollars in their own
backyard can save jobs and vital services."

The Florida Backyard Card is available for free at Florida Lottery retailers
across the state and online at www.FloridaBackyardCard.com.
Bealls, a Florida-based Department Store, joined the growing number of
businesses supporting the campaign.

"We know in these challenging economic times, consumers are searching for the
best return on their dollars," said Mary Beth Fox, Division Vice President
Marketing Communications, Bealls. "With the Florida Backyard Card, they can
find great values, stretch their money and at the same time help support jobs
in their community."

Media partners including the Florida Press Association, Cumulus Radio and
Comcast Cable are heavily promoting the Florida Backyard Card across the
state. Members of the Florida Outdoor Advertising Association are spreading
the word with postings on digital billboards statewide.

Backers of the "Backyard Economics" campaign and Florida Backyard Card include
the Florida Retail Federation, the Florida Chamber, the Florida Association of
Chamber Professionals, the Florida League of Mayors, the Florida Press
Association, the Florida Outdoor Advertising Association, the National
Federation of Independent Businesses, the Florida Restaurant and Lodging
Association and Florida TaxWatch, the nonpartisan, nonprofit research
institute and government watchdog. Local chambers across the state are playing
a central role in the campaign, serving as the primary contacts for businesses
to get involved.

All of the campaign partners are working to mobilize their members to join the
cause, promote the Florida Backyard Card and educate consumers. From member
newsletters, magazines and Web sites to community presentations, newspaper ads
and billboards - the grassroots approach pools partner resources to deliver a
vital message: Local Spending Works.

For more information about the campaign, visit www.FloridaBackyardCard.com.

SOURCE Florida Retail Federation

Lisa Hall, +1-850-681-3200, cell: +1-850-508-7782,
Lisa.Hall@SalterMitchell.com, for Florida Retail Federation