More than 80 Florida businesses and organizations throughout the state were recognized on Thursday, June 13, 2013, in Tampa at the 2013 Commissioner's Business Recognition Awards ceremony. The awards program honors innovative public-private partnerships that support educational achievement in Florida public schools.

Highlights of exemplary education partnerships recognized across the state included Broward's Condee Farm for their support by providing an on-site location for hands-on learning experiences to West Broward High School students. Students enrolled in the West Broward High School Veterinary Assisting Program have the chance to complete their 300 hours of on-site learning and 200 in-class hours at the farm to receive their industry certifications. The farm offers students the chance to gain experience with medical, physiological and nutritional care of animals.

"Business partnerships provide wonderful opportunities for students to excel at every level and are a tremendous benefit to our public schools," said Commissioner of Education Dr. Tony Bennett. "They represent the important link between education and the workforce and I can't thank them enough for their unwavering support of education in our state."

The awards reception, hosted by Commissioner Bennett, was held as part of the Florida Association of District School Superintendents and the Florida School Boards Association joint conference. The Commissioner's Business Recognition Awards are administered by the Florida Department of Education and the Florida Education Foundation to encourage successful alliances within the business community and among local school districts for the benefit of Florida's students. Sponsors of the 2013 awards program are Wells Fargo, Florida Trend, Mosaic, Publix Super Markets Charities and Microsoft.

"We are honored to recognize the businesses throughout Florida that support student achievement and success in our public schools," said Education Foundation Chairman Dominic M. Calabro. "Their contributions are beyond measure in the ways they make our students' education relevant to a successful future and economic prosperity."