The first class of the myregion.org speakers bureau was certified last week and its graduates are ready to take the myregion.org story on the road. Armed with a PowerPoint presentation and an even more dynamic willingness to talk about this initiative, volunteers from throughout the region will be scheduling speaking engagements in their communities.
 
“I am committed to this project and I think it’s important to speak about it so others can understand it and how important it is,” said Rita Kane, owner of Tourist Tips Orlando and member of the Executive Committee, who has been actively involved in the project from the beginning.
 
Led by myregion.org Project Director Shelley Lauten, the session provided an overview of the myregion.org initiative and how the process will continue, as well as a discussion about why it’s important for the region.
 
Sally Sherman, deputy county administrator in Seminole County and a member of the Executive Committee, also attended the training and stated that the initiative is important because “I-4 doesn’t stop at Seminole County.”
 
Others who participated in this initial training included Sam Killebrew, with Killebrew, Inc., in Polk County and also a member of the Executive Committee, and Franck Kaiser with the Home Builders & Contractors Association of Brevard County; Bob Stovash, Attorney with Morlan & Stovash, P.A, Richard Fryer of IFREC Real Estate Schools, Inc., and David Streit with AXA Advisors from Orange County, all members of myregion.org Leadership Council. 
 
“We’ve gotten numerous requests from the community to hear more about this project so the Speakers Bureau will be a great communication tool for us,” Lauten said. “They will be speaking in a variety of venues ranging from senior centers to Rotary Clubs, to just about anyone who wants to hear more about it.”
 
Lauten said that groups interested in having a speaker can contact myregion.org Communications Director Vilma Quintana to coordinate scheduling. Quintana can be reached at 407-835-2520 or via email at vilma.Quintana@orlando.org. For more information about the project, visit the Web site at www.myregion.org.
 
Speakers bureau training sessions are being scheduled for Brevard and Volusia counties, as well. Those dates will be announced soon.
 
myregion.org is a critical analysis of the issues and concerns in the seven-county area in Central Florida and the region’s role in a rapidly growing global economy. The research results will serve as a foundation for the future creation of an infrastructure and new leadership for effectively managing the region’s future.