As part of the first-ever Central Florida Regional Leadership Academy, participants made individual commitments on how they would support the “How Shall We Grow?” project and regional collaboration.

Take a look at what some of the RLA graduates have been doing since completing the Academy on March 31, 2006. Additional updates will be provided throughout the year.

ACADEMY PARTICIPANTS:

Rick Blucker – Director of Plans and Programs – United States Air Force
Has continued to be engaged in myregion.org and the “How Shall We Grow?” campaign as a member of the myregion.org Board of Directors.

David Bottomley – Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee Member – METROPLAN ORLANDO
David’s commitment was to gain a better understanding of the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council and myregion.org and he has done so by attending several meetings of those organizations. He also attended the Community Input Sessions held in Orange County.

Frank Bruno – Chairman – Volusia County Council
In addition to serving as Vice Chair of the Regional Leadership Council, Frank has actively encouraged leaders and citizens in Volusia County to participate in the “How Shall We Grow?” sessions. He not only attended and participated in the first round of Community Input Sessions, he also convened a meeting of elected officials throughout the county.

Anthony Catanese – President – Florida Tech
Tony recently became a member of the myregion.org Board of Directors. Florida Tech hosted one of the Community Information Sessions and he has worked to ensure that members of the Florida Tech faculty and staff are engaged in the myregion.org project.

Nancy Clutts – Mayor – City of Tavares
In her many community roles, including as the Mayor of Tavares and as a member of the myregion.org Board of Directors, Nancy has used a variety of outlets to spread the word about the “How Shall We Grow?” campaign. She recently hosted a workshop for the City Council, Planning and Zoning, and Community Redevelopment Advisory Boards, which featured the “How Shall We Grow?” project. She also has worked through the Lake County League of Cities to encourage participation in the Central Florida Council of Mayors as well as in the “How Shall We Grow?” Community Input Sessions. She has discussed the Regional Leadership Academy and “How Shall We Grow?” campaign in several media interviews and in numerous presentations throughout Lake County.

Fred Costello – Mayor – City of Ormond Beach
Fred has been an active participant in the “Friends of Smart Growth,” which is an organization comprised of former members of the Volusia County Smart Growth Implementation Committee. The group is trying to help the Charter Review Committee draft Charter Amendments for the ballot that will promote Smart Growth. Fred will also be on a panel at the Florida League of Cities meeting that will include discussions on how Charter County governance impacts municipalities.

Kanika Dailey – Teacher – Polk County Public Schools
Kanika fulfilled one of her commitments by bringing her students to one of the “How Shall We Grow?” Community Information Sessions.

Duane DeFreese - Vice President of Florida Research - Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute
Since completion of the RLA, Duane has made numerous presentations in which he has incorporated the myregion.org research as well as the concepts of the “How Shall We Grow?” campaign. A member of the myregion.org Board of Directors, he makes regular educational presentations and the myregion.org and “How Shall We Grow?” information has become regular aspects of his presentations. Duane developed and submitted to Florida Scientist Journal a scientific manuscript based on a scientific presentation about future of scientific research in the Indian River Lagoon that he originally presented at the 25th anniversary IRL science symposium sponsored by Florida Academy of Sciences. The manuscript cites myregion.org data and addresses need for regional and super-regional thinking in 21st century Florida marine research. The manuscript has been accepted for publication.

Rob Dent – Marketing and Development Director – Osceola Council on Aging
In his role with the Osceola Council on Aging, Rob has had the opportunity to speak to many groups, including the Kissimmee/Osceola Chamber of Commerce and many service organizations. He has incorporated many facts and figures related to growth issues, especially the impacts on the Baby Boomers, into his presentations. Rob has used his position as publisher of two publications to encourage people to think in terms of decades, projecting thoughts to the year 2050, rather that just the immediate future. He has been invited to serve on the community planning committee for Newland Communities, which is responsible for one of the DRI’s coming to Osceola County. He also participated in the two “How Shall We Grow?” sessions in Osceola County and shared his insights on environmental issues and the challenges relating to our aging population demographics. He has also called on several fellow RLA graduates for information and to continue the regional connection.

Carmen Dominguez – Vice President - Home Builders Association of Metro Orlando
Carmen has arranged for Randy Lyon to make a “How Shall We Grow?” update presentation for the Developers Council of the Home Builders Association in August. She also has supported the project in her role as a member of the myregion.org Board of Directors. She also recently was selected to build a home showcasing “Smart Growth Themes” and credits her involvement with myregion.org as one of the reasons that honor.

Shannon Elswick – Senior Vice President and President of Sand Lake Hospital – Orlando Regional Healthcare System
As the Chair of the myregion.org Healthcare Implementation Team, Shannon hosted a meeting of the executive directors of the four health planning councils on June 1 at the National Training Center. The Implementation Team is currently drafting a description of the focus areas of the proposed regional healthcare initiative for consideration and adoption by planning council executives. As the committee works to complete the initial scope document, they will make presentations to the various health planning councils, the first of which is scheduled with the Healthy Volusia Executive Committee on August 16, 2006.

Jose Fajardo – President – WMFE-TV/FM
In partnership with Henry Maldonado, General Manager at WKMG-TV, Jose has committed to running a series of in-depth programs on the issues addressed in the “How Shall We Grow?” campaign during the month of January 2007. The series will culminate with a broadcast showcasing the growth scenario options that result from the Community Input Meetings and kicking off the scenario voting process.

Charlotte Hall – Editor – Orlando Sentinel
Under Charlotte’s leadership, the Orlando Sentinel has been thoroughly covering the "How Shall We Grow" process. The newspaper also continues to focus on issues of growth in Central Florida on Page One, in the Local and State section and especially in its Monday Local In-Depth section (for example, a recent examination of how commuter rail might affect residential and commercial development along its path).
 
Cindy Hall – County Manager – Lake County
Over the last several months, Cindy has been working in Lake County to educate the County Commission and citizens on growth issues. In June, the county held a workshop on the sector planning process and included an overview of the regional visioning program, “How Shall We Grow?”   The update was given to the Board of County Commissioners and televised on the government channel.  Lake County is also planning a workshop in September for related issues. Additionally, Lake County has recently hired a new Economic Growth and Redevelopment Director who will be working with the Growth Management Department and the Economic Development Commission on regional development issues.

Catherine Hanson – Chairperson – Lake County Commission
In addition to participating in the Regional Leadership Council and serving on the myregion.org Board of Directors, Catherine has also worked to educate citizens and leaders in Lake County about the “How Shall We Grow?” campaign. She recently authored an article in The Lake Magazine entitled “How Shall Central Florida Grow over the Next 50 Years” in which she highlighted the “How Shall We Grow?” campaign and the Central Florida Regional Leadership Council.

Betty Holness – Assistant to the County Manager - Volusia County
Betty has continued to champion the myregion.org effort in Volusia County as a member of the myregion.org Board of Directors. She helped organize all the Community Input Sessions held in Volusia County as more than 175 citizens participated in the three community meetings.

Charles Lee – Senior Advocate – Florida Audobon Society
Charles has continued to support myregion.org and the Naturally Central Florida project through numerous presentations and community meetings. He encouraged members of the Audobon Society to participate in the Community Information Sessions and also attended several of the sessions. He recently made a presentation about Naturally Central Florida for the Central Florida Council of Mayors.

Susan Bodner Levine  – President and CEO – Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando
Susan is serving as a member of the Strategic Communications Committee for the “How Shall We Grow?” campaign.

Henry Maldonado – General Manager – WKMG-TV
Henry is partnering with fellow RLA graduate Jose Fajardo to lead a media blitz on the “How Shall We Grow?” campaign in January 2007. WKMG has committed reporters and airtime to support the efforts of WMFE and to promote the scenario voting.

Dori Madison – Vice President – Tucker Hall, Inc.
As a member of the Strategic Communications Committee for the “How Shall We Grow?” campaign, Dori has helped craft the communications plan for the community outreach portion of the project.

Mark McHugh – Chairman – Orlando/Orange County Convention and Visitors Bureau
In his role as a myregion.org Board of Directors member, Mark has made several presentations about myregion.org and the “How Shall We Grow?” project and has continued to be a strong supporter of the project.

Jack Myers –Chairman – Polk County Commission
Jack has joined the chairs of the other six County Commissions in forming the Central Florida Regional Leadership Council. This group has met twice to discuss issues of concern throughout the region and has committed to gathering every six weeks throughout the “How Shall We Grow?” Campaign. In addition, Jack hosted a meeting of all elected officials in Polk County to provide them an update on the “How Shall We Grow?” project. He also is an active member of the myregion.org Board of Directors.

Jon Rawlson – Chair – East Central Florida Regional Planning Council
In his role as the Chair of the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council, Jon has been an active supporter of myregion.org and the “How Shall We Grow?” campaign. In addition to attending Community Input Sessions in Orange County, he has encouraged the ECFRPC Board to completely support the initiative. He also serves as a member of the myregion.org Board of Directors.

Sandra Robinson – School Board Member – Seminole County
Sandra orchestrated a presentation by Shelley Lauten to the Central Florida School Boards Coalition on the “How Shall We Grow?” Initiative. She is also coordinating efforts to have Student Government leaders from the nine high schools in Seminole County play the “Chip Game” during the fall semester.

Ron Pritchard – Commissioner – Brevard County
Ron has continued to advocate to the Brevard County Commission and other organizations in the county the importance of thinking regionally and supporting the “How Shall We Grow?” campaign.

John Provance – President – United Way of Lake & Sumter Counties
Five other Florida Counties are exploring the Human Care Network model, which the United Way of Lake & Sumter Counties implemented in 2004, for possible implementation. Citrus County made a visit to the HCN operation last month and expects to start implementation later this year. The City of Winter Park and the Salvation Army in Orlando are still reviewing the Network. Lake County Salvation Army and the United Way in Lake & Sumter Counties have secured seed funding for four of the Florida counties.

Debbie Salamone – Growth Section Editor – Orlando Sentinel
Under Debbie’s guidance, Orlando Sentinel reporters in all counties attended the "How Shall We Grow?" community meetings and the newspaper published stories about them. The Sentinel also has written about the Council of Mayors and continues to staff those meetings, providing media coverage when appropriate. The newspaper also printed notices about myregion.org community meetings in advance so interested members of the public would have the details if they wished to attend.

In addition, the Sentinel also is continuing to cover the major issues that myregion.org is tackling, including growth patterns, transportation and environmental issues. The stories frequently continue to use and reference facts generated in myregion.org research. One of the most recent Local In-Depth pieces addressed new patterns of growth that could occur with commuter rail. An upcoming piece on density is planned. This Local In-Depth format gives the Sentinel ample opportunity to address all issues related to growth and Debbie reports that the paper pledges to continue this forum.

Ray San Fratello –President– South Lake County Chamber of Commerce
A member of the myregion.org Board of Directors, Ray has continued to promote the work of myregion.org to the South Lake Chamber Board and membership, local and county governments and the community at large in newspapers, newsletters, and electronic communications. He attended both parts of the initial round of Community Input Sessions and hosted one session at the Jenkins Auditorium in Clermont.  Ray meets regularly with Shelley Lauten, Regional Leadership Academy graduates from Lake County and myregion.org Board Members to take advantage of the myregion.org resources and reports on visioning, with the goal of connecting Lake County's own visioning efforts to myregion.org. The South Lake Chamber also recently sponsored a “South Lake Update” on Growth Management with the Orlando Business Journal that featured five panelists, including myregion.org Chair Randy Lyon, with more than 250 people in attendance.

Daniel Stetson – Executive Director – Polk County Museum of Art
Daniel attended a “How Shall We Grow?” presentation that Shelley gave for Polk Vision and is actively involved in that group as a member of the steering committee and two foundation teams. He has secured Mark Brewer to make a presentation at the Polk Museum of Art Corporate Sponsors and Members Breakfast in September on the topic of: “Arts in a Growing Region: Measuring Polk County’s Values and Social Capital.”

Ricardo Soto Lopez – Community Redevelopment Director – Town of Eatonville
A member of the myregion.org Board of Directors, Rick has been an active supporter of the “How Shall We Grow?” project. He is helping coordinate a Community Input Session that will be conducted in Spanish and also is working to coordinate additional sessions in the African American Community. He also will be attending future meetings of the Orange County Task Force on Affordable Housing to represent regional interests in this subject.

Ed Timberlake – Central Florida President – Bank of America
In his role as a Vice Chair of myregion.org, Ed has been a diligent fund-raiser for the project.

Doug Weaver – Land Acquisition and Management Director – Volusia County
Since March, the County of Volusia has acquired a 21-acre parcel in partnership with the Town of Ponce Inlet in a project called the Ponce Preserve. Volusia County has a signed contract from the seller for a 30-acre parcel, which will be an addition to the Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve. The County Council and the Governing Board of the St. Johns River Water Management District will consider this proposed acquisition in August. Volusia County has made offers on approximately 1,650 additional acres. The Department of Environmental Protection and the SJRWMD are potential partners on these properties.

ACADEMY DEANS:

Randy Lyon and Linda Chapin remain the leading “champions” of the myregion.org project. Both have made numerous presentations about myregion.org and the “How Shall We Grow?” campaign. Randy continues to serve as the Chair of myregion.org and Linda is very active in her role as a Vice Chair.

TECHNICAL TEAM MEMBERS:

Andre Anderson – President – Planning Design Group
Andre coordinated a presentation on Naturally Central Florida, the PennDesign Study and the “How Shall We Grow?” campaign by Linda Chapin at the American Institute of Architects "Annual Design Party" in May. He also served as a Table Facilitator at the Orange County “Chip Game.”

Kristin Bakke – President/CEO – Lead Brevard
Kristin and Lead Brevard served as co-host for the three Community Input Sessions held in Brevard County. Thanks to her promotion of the events, more than 200 residents participated. Lead Brevard also highlighted the “How Shall We Grow?” campaign through a presentation by Randy Lyon, Chair of myregion.org at its Sponsor Recognition event. She also serves as a member of the myregion.org Board of Directors.

Harry Barley – Executive Director – METROPLAN Orlando
Both as a funding partner and as a member of the Leadership Staff Team for the “How Shall We Grow?” campaign, Harry has been actively involved throughout the project. He served as the lead presenter for several of the initial Community Input Sessions and has made numerous presentations about the project. He also has made sure that regular updates of the “How Shall We Grow?” campaign are given at both the METROPLAN Orlando and Central Florida MPO Alliance meetings.

Colleen Burton – Executive Director – Polk Vision
Through a partnership with Colleen and Polk Vision, more than 150 Polk County residents participated in the two Community Input Sessions held in Polk County. Colleen also invited Shelley Lauten, director of myregion.org, to provide a “How Shall We Grow?” update at a Polk Vision Meeting.

Shellie-Ann Minnis – Workforce Development Manager – Metropolitan Orlando Urban League
Shellie-Ann has diligently worked to encourage the “average” person to participate in the “How Shall We Grow?” campaign. She also served as a Table Facilitator at the Orange County “Chip Game.”

Kirsten Palacios – President – Hispanic Business Initiative Fund of Greater Orlando
Over the past 3 months, Kirsten has shared the information and flyers (with meeting dates) with the Hispanic Professional Business Women Association, and the Girl Scouts Board. She has also encouraged HBIF staff, clients and friends to attend the meetings.  Flyers are available in the HBIF reception area. Kirsten is also a member of the myregion.org Board of Directors.