Influence100 Eric Silagy
{industry leader} Eric Silagy may run a major power company, but his power comes from his leadership skills and experience in how and when to use them. When Eric was chairman of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, I witnessed his influence in more than 100 official meetings and even more conference calls. While some may incorrectly assume Eric’s influence comes from having a veteran and professional lobbying team (he does), strategists who routinely outsmart associated interest groups (they do), or because his company invests significant resources in pro-jobs candidates (it does), Eric’s real power comes from his unique ability to see the entire field: players, fans, rule-makers and the scoreboard. Eric has the wisdom to see whether today’s game is a battle or the actual war. Despite media and special interest attacks, I’ve seen firsthand how much Eric cares for people, and his passion for always doing the right thing. Whether it’s helping schools with a STEM opportunity, helping explain long-term energy options to a national conference of state chamber leaders, supporting a candidate or helping a friend, Eric is a one-in-100 leader because he knows how to help advance a common agenda where everyone wins. Securing Florida’s future requires leadership, and Eric Silagy is a leader’s leader.
PHOTO: Courtesy E. Silagy
Mark Wilson is president and CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce.
FALL 2015 INFLUENCE | 131