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| Governor Charlie Crist, recognizing the sacrifices and service of Florida’s more than 1.7 million military veterans, presented the Governor’s Medal of Merit to Air Force veteran and civil rights pioneer Lt. Colonel Alton Yates (XIV), retired. The Medal of Merit is the highest military honor the Governor can give, and it is reserved for Florida military servicemen and servicewomen who have given exceptional service while on active duty. |
| The Orlando Sentinel's annual list of the 25 most powerful people in Central Florida, as picked by panelists from local nonprofit, religious, government and business communities, included two Leadership Florida Class members. Dean Cannon (XIX), Speaker-elect of the Florida House from Winter Park and Fred Leonhardt (VII), chairman of the Policy Board of Directors at GrayRobinson in Orlando. |
| Reggie Hicks (XIX), assistant county attorney for Brevard County, has taken over as chair of the Florida Board of Bar Examiners. Ausley & McMullen Shareholder Jeff Wahlen (XXI), was elected vice-chair. Randy Hanna (XI), managing shareholder at Bryant, Miller & Olive, previously served as chair of the FBBE. The FBBE is an administrative arm of the Florida Supreme Court that is responsible for administering the bar examination and evaluating the character and fitness of persons who seek admission to the Florida Bar. |
| Don Calder (V), CEO & president of InVision Strategies, Inc., has been selected as SEO's 2009 recipient of the “Excellence in Leadership” award. The award will be presented to him at a luncheon on February 26, at the Fort Lauderdale Grande Hotel. |
| Bill Owen (VII), president of Real Estate and Research Consultants, was awarded the Heart for the Homeless award by the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida. Bill received the award in recognition of more than 17 years of feeding and ministering to homeless families and individuals, nine years of Board leadership, and six years as a trustee with the Orlando Area Trust for the Homeless (OATH). |
| The Suncoast Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences awarded Ron Sachs' (X) firm, Ron Sachs Communications, its second Emmy in the past four years. This time, the firm was named a winner in the Community/ Public Service (PSA) category for "The Faces of Climate Change in Florida," a series of ads showcasing Florida entrepreneurs who are reducing greenhouse gas emissions through innovative green business solutions. In 2005, the firm was awarded an Emmy for its hurricane TV special, "Get Ready, Florida: The Hurricane Survival Test." |
| David Robertson (XV), chief operating officer and executive vice president of the Jacksonville based Reynolds, Smith and Hills, Inc., has been appointed to the Clay County Utility Authority's Board of Supervisors for a three-year term. |
| The Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce selected Bonnie Arnold (XV), owner of Bonnie's Floral Designs Inc. in Jacksonville, as its 2009 Small Business Leader of the Year. Bonnie is also the Chamber's nominee for the Small Business Administration's 2009 Small Business Leader. |
| The Florida Institute of Consulting Engineers (FICE) has appointed Michael Kennedy (XXI) to serve on its board as the general civil director. Mike is the executive vice president of WilsonMiller and is the managing principal for the firm’s Sarasota and Sebring offices. In his position on the FICE Board, he will provide guidance and advice on education, technology, legislation, and other issues that impact the professional practice of consulting engineers in Florida. |
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But for Leadership Florida...
A Trip to Panama
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We are taking the Leadership Florida bonding experience to global heights this Spring with a phenomenal trip to the Republic of Panama April 16-19. This event is jam-packed with jaw-dropping excursions, like a private flight to the largest, privately owned island in the world, face time with Dr. Barbara Stephenson, U.S. Ambassador to Panama, Carmen Gisela Vergara, Panamanian Minister of Commerce, and Ruben Blades, famous singer, songwriter, actor, lawyer, AND Minister of Tourism, plus a behind-the-scenes tour of the Panama Canal.
There are only 40 available spots for this special
event, so you'll need to act fast!
Overview:
Over a span of 4-days and 3-nights, you'll experience the unimaginable through a variety of exclusive activities tailored especially for you. We'll even experience the heightened thrill of Panama's election season - a colorful time occurring every five years. Once our LF crew lands in Panama, we'll be hosted by our very own Todd Gates (XXVI), who with the support of his staff and the Member Services Committee, is pulling out the stops.
Lodging & Registration Details:
We will stay at the illustrious Bristol Hotel for the duration of the trip. The projected price of this "But for Leadership Florida" adventure, which is still being negotiated, is approximately $1,500 plus airfare, based on single occupancy. A guest sharing your room will be an additional $550 plus airfare. Today's fares on Copa Airlines are $119 each way from Orlando and only $79 each way out of Miami. A final price and registration form will be emailed to you on Monday, February 9.
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This is truly a "But for Leadership Florida" visit
offering a historic visit to Panama unlike any other
you could experience on your own.
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| Jeff Bartel (XIII) was promoted to vice president of corporate compliance for FPL Group. Since joining FPL, Jeff successfully led the corporate and external affairs team to achieve outstanding results. In his most recent role as vice president of regulatory affairs, Jeff led a number of critical regulatory approvals in 2008 before Florida and federal regulators. |
| Florida Atlantic University promoted Randy Goin (CLF III) to chief of staff & board of trustees liaison. Randy is an FAU graduate who began his career there as student body vice president and then became marketing coordinator before elevating to his current position. |
Senior Communications Officer Bud Meyer (XIV), a national leader in strategic communications for U.S. foundations, retired February 1st from the Miami-based John S. and James L. Knight Foundation
after 14 years as a communications executive and officer with the
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The State Committee of the Republican Party of Florida Chairman Jim Greer appointed Delmar Johnson (CLF III) to serve as executive director of the Republican Party of Florida.
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Class XXVIII Applications
Applications for both Class XXVIII and College Leadership Florida Class XI are now available on the Leadership Florida website at www.LeadershipFlorida.org.
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Annual Meeting Anecdote
Many of you may remember last year's Annual Meeting keynote speaker Dr. Ben Carson. The film "Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story," based on his life, will air this Saturday. In this made-for-TV movie, Cuba Gooding, Jr. plays Dr. Benjamin Carson, whose lifelong journey led him to become director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Children's Center, a best-selling author, and a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Click here for viewing details.
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June 11 - 14, 2009
Leadership Florida Annual Meeting
Disney Yacht & Beach Club Resort
Reserve Your Room Now at (407) 934-3372
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On the Horizon:
Regional & Statewide Events
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Feb 13
| Calusa: Circus Sarasota "Bello Comes Home"
To register call Lee-En Chung at (941) 320-1151 |
Feb 16
| Northwest: Luncheon with Speaker Kim Davis (XXVII)
Separate the facts from fiction surrounding the government bailout, formally known as the Troubled Asset Relief Program (T.A.R.P.) |
Feb 17
| Gold Coast: Energy-themed Town Hall meeting with
T. Boone Pickens and Mike Jackson |
Feb 25
| Southeast: Recruitment Cocktail at FIU’s Frost Art Museum |
Mar 1
| Gold Coast: Orange Blossom Rodeo Roundup & Line Dancing |
Mar 12
| Gulfstream: Recruitment Reception at Max Planck’s Science Tunnel |
Mar 14
| Leadership Florida Volunteer Day (Statewide) |
Mar 18
| Northwest: Class XXVII Welcome Reception at the Governor's Mansion |
April 1
| Goldcoast: Concert at Mizner Park |
April
16 – 19
| Republic of Panama Trip (Statewide) |
April 18
| Northeast: ExZOOberation at the Jacksonville Zoo |
May 1
| West Central: Ybor City Walk Tour/ Pub Crawl |
May
8 - 10
| Cabbage Key Weekend (Statewide) |
| Ringling College Library Association Town Hall Series Auction (Statewide & Hosted by Calusa Region) |
Mar 23
| President Mikhail Gorbachev - Bidding will Open Soon |
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