Several of myregion.org’s Executive Committee and Leadership Council members shared their expertise at the 2002 Regional Leadership Conference held at the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center last week.

After some encouraging and powerful remarks from president Jacob Stuart, myregion,org was the topic of discussion at the opening plenary session of the conference as national authorities, including myregion.org lead consultant Michael Gallis, shared distinct perspectives on the topic of regionalism in Central Florida.

Aided by some of the key maps developed by myregion.org, Gallis provided an overview of the partnership and presented some of the preliminary findings and key themes that have been identified during the course of the project. In his usual thought-provoking manner, he discussed specific opportunities and threats facing the region. To round out the session, the results of a regional poll about important issues facing the area today were revealed. Phase Two of a survey initially unveiled at last year’s conference, it was interesting to note how some of our perceptions have changed after the events of September 11 and the cooling economy.

To view the full results of this Regional Survey, click here.

Over 300 community leaders, elected officials, association professionals, organization volunteers, and academia and business professionals from Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Seminole and Volusia counties gathered for three days to analyze and address regional issues so that Central Florida will thrive in today’s global marketplace. The focus of the conference, which was coordinated by 43 host committee organizations from the seven-county region, revolved around the topics of education, transportation, technology, healthcare, homeland security, 21st century economics, and workplace giving, among others.

In keeping with the theme of promoting regional cooperation, attendees also heard from seven county chairs, six community college presidents and eight public school superintendents.

Polk County Commissioner Jack Myers and Brevard County Commissioner Truman Scarborough, Executive Committee members, shared “A View from Our Counties“ in the session with the seven county chairs, conducted by Seminole County Commissioner and myregion.org Vice Chair-at-Large, Randy Morris.

Executive Committee member Mary Jane Arrington, Osceola County Commissioner, and board member of METROPLAN ORLANDO served as keynote speaker at a discussion about the feasibility of rail as a solution to our transportation problems, moderated by METROPLAN ORLANDO Harry Barley, member of the Leadership Council.

Another key topic, the importance of workplace giving, was addressed by myregion.org Leadership Council member Lonnie Bell, Senior Operating Manager of Agere Systems and myregion.org Chairman Joel Hass, President of the Florida Hospital Foundation.

In a visionary and insightful experience, participants were able to react to seven school superintendents’ proposed plan of action by means of electronic voting devices. This invaluable input from government, business and institutional leaders from throughout the region will serve as an essential tool for these decision-makers, including Executive Committee member and Lake County Superintendent Pam Saylor, to define the future of our children’s education.

The 2002 Regional Leadership Conference allowed our regional leaders to unite for three days with local, state and national experts providing their unique perspectives on topics of importance to our region, and nights filled with unforgettable networking opportunities, including a private reception honoring

Central Florida Legislators from Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Seminole and Volusia Counties.

“We are very pleased with the community participation and the impressive array of speakers that helped made this an unforgettable event,” said Bill Wilson, Partner at Holland & Knight LLP and Chair of the 2002 Regional Leadership Conference. “These are important discussions that require frank deliberations from government, business, institutional leaders and citizens of the region if we want to design a strategy to mold our future. The first step is for our region’s public and private leadership to identify our strengths and weaknesses. Then we will be able to manage change and grow strategically and competitively. If we approach the future with a regional mentality, there will be no limits to our growth and the success of our family of communities,” he concluded.

You may access the 2002 Regional Leadership Conference website to view Michael Gallis’ presentation and others by logging onto www.orlando.org. To review key themes, and the opportunities and threats unveiled during the conference, go to www.myregion.org.