So far, over 500 business and government leaders along with citizens from around the region have participated in this week’s Essential Activities Workshops being held at the Orlando Science Center.
 
We are at a new phase in the program and until now we’ve been talking about the issues affecting our seven-county region. At these workshops, we will be continuing the transition from words to display the patterns, characteristics and dynamics of the region. As the project stages evolve from “Information Collection” to “Information Analysis,” participants begin a dialogue on what the information collected means to the future of our region.    
 
Each roundtable discussion is focused on one of the 13 areas of study ranging from Environment and Education to Transportation and Public Safety. “The event has been a huge success in participation, ideas and forward thinking,” said Randy Morris, Co-Chair at Large of myregion.org. “We are breaking down boundaries between the different communities, sharing ideas about prioritizing our region’s needs and starting to seriously think about the future.”
 
Each 90-minute segment allows for discussion between project consultants and participants. Besides being able to examine the complex, full-color mapping system displayed around the room, all tables are equipped with laptop computers that offer an up-close look at the highly detailed maps showing the region’s systems, assets and trends.
 
The workshops are free and opened to everyone. “This complex project requires community support and involvement,” said Joel Hass, Chairman of myregion.org. “As expected, the previous workshops, held in January proved to be a huge success. Business and elected leaders attended as well as citizens who live, work and raise their families in Central Florida.”
 
Due to overwhelming response, each of this week's Essential Activities Workshops has been filled to maximum capacity. We would still appreciate your involvement. Click here to submit any questions or comments regarding these essential activities.
 
For more information about this project, visit www.myregion.org or call Shelley Lauten, Project Director at 407-835-2444 or toll free at 1-800-900-5315, Ext. 444.