Stay Connected: April Connect Report
Leadership Florida Update
Dear Connect Members,

We are thrilled to share the Leadership Florida 36th Annual Meeting registration is now open! The Annual Meeting is slated for Thursday, June 14 through Sunday, June 17 and will showcase the largest number of speakers, events, presentations, and excursions in Leadership Florida history! Don't miss out, register now!

Beyond the Annual Meeting, we would like to remind you of two additional deadlines that are critical to furthering and strengthening Leadership Florida’s mission, which include:

  • The 24-hour Giving Challenge occurring from Noon on May 1 to Noon on May 2.
  • Application deadline for Cornerstone XXXVII and Connect IX Class is Friday, May 4.

As you know, application time is extremely important for Leadership Florida. Please help us spread the word and encourage Floridians who you feel would be a perfect addition to one of Leadership Florida’s class programs. Candidates can apply here .

Speaking of furthering and strengthening our mission, please participate in the 2018 Giving Challenge on May 1 and 2 . By participating in the 2018 Giving Challenge we can work together and support the growth of our organization, embark on our Strategic Planning Process and continue growing our strong statewide community of leaders working for a better Florida. This is your opportunity to #BeTheOne by making a personal gift to help us reach our goals. And don't forget, we are going to be giving away a special "but for" surprise at the Annual Meeting to the Leadership Florida class that has the highest percentage of participation, Leadership Florida class with the most donated, and Region that has the most participation and donations.

Thank you,
Leadership Florida
Leadership Florida Annual Meeting is Headed to Sarasota!
Mark your calendars for the 2018 Leadership Florida Annual Meeting in Sarasota, Thursday, June 14 to Sunday, June 17. Registration is now OPEN!

This year’s Annual Meeting is the largest Leadership Florida has ever hosted with 12 nationally and internationally-known speakers and presenters; plus a full agenda featuring exclusive Calusa Regional excursions and activities, live performances, and exposure to the beautiful Sarasota area.
 
To login and register for the Annual Meeting, click the link below. It will prompt you to reset your password as we have simultaneously launched a new website along with registration. Follow the prompts so you can enter the website and then register for the Annual Meeting. If you need assistance, please call Leadership Florida at (850) 521-1220.  

TO LOGIN AND REGISTER FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING CLICK   HERE !

We look forward to seeing all of your beautiful faces in Sarasota this summer!
Applications are Live!
The Leadership Florida Cornerstone and Connect Class program applications went live earlier this month on our website. As Leadership Florida members, we want  your  help in promoting the value of Leadership Florida to great leaders across our state.  Please spread the word to Floridians you believe would be perfect candidates for our class programs.

Important facts: 

  • To be eligible for the Leadership Florida Cornerstone Class program, applicants must be 40 years of age or older on or before the first day of the opening session (October 3, 2018). 
  • To be eligible for the Leadership Florida Connect Class program, applicants must be between the ages of 25-39 on or before the first day of the opening session (September 12, 2018).
  • Anyone who has completed an Intent to Apply form must also complete the formal application.   
  • The Leadership Florida Education Class program application will be available and announced at a later date.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  Applications for either the Cornerstone or Connect Class must be submitted electronically no later than  Friday, May 4, 2018 . Here’s an easy way to remember the deadline: as Han Solo said in Star Wars, " May the “fourth” be with you!"

Links to each application can be found below and can also be found on the front page of our website:


Application season is always an exciting time for Leadership Florida, and we could not ask for a better person to help us recruit new members than you! With your help, we look forward to this year being our best yet! 

Thank you for helping us grow our Leadership Florida family, and...
The Giving Challenge
As you may know, Leadership Florida is once again participating in the 24-hour 2018 Giving Challenge presented by the Community Foundation of Sarasota on May 1-2. The goal is to raise $40,000, including the match by the Patterson Foundation of the first $100 of each donation over $25.

To sweeten our request for assistance, a “but for” surprise at the 2018 Annual Meeting awaits the Leadership Florida Class that has the highest percentage of participation and the Leadership Florida Class with the most donated and the Region that has the most participation and donations! How great would it be if YOUR class got one of the “but for” surprises?

Here’s how you can help us make the most of this great opportunity:

  • 1) Encourage Participation: Share information about the event with your fellow classmates.

  • 2) Make a Pledge: Click HERE to make a tax-deductible pledge donation that is "generous for you" and will allow you to #BetheOne to help us reach our goal!
  • Important to note, the 2018 Giving Challenge is presented by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County with giving strengthened by The Patterson Foundation, which will match up to the first $100 of your contribution.
  • We need 200 members to donate $100 to reach our goal of $40,000 (after the match)

  • 3) Socially Share: Utilize your class Facebook group and join our Facebook event

We’re looking forward to seeing how the class competition shapes up! Thanks in advance for your assistance!

Warmest Regards,

Jennifer Grove, Cornerstone XXXII, Development Chair
Tim Hogans, Connect VI, Connect Finance Chair
Aubrey Ring, Cornerstone XXIII, Communication Co-Chair
Erin VanSickle, Connect Class VI, Communication Co-Chair
A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
Catching Up With Classes
Leadership Florida Connect Class VIII
Leadership Florida Connect Class VIII
Leadership Florida’s Connect Class VIII met for its fourth session in Miami earlier this month. Class members were exposed to Miami’s wide range of cultural influence in Florida; learned about resiliency efforts and transportation developments connecting South Florida; gained a better understanding of benefits and burdens of young leadership and so much more. Members experienced special “but for” moments including a boat tour of Biscayne Bay and the Miami River; a behind the scenes tour of Miami Beach Urban Studios; and conducted a cooking competition at the Miami Dade Culinary Institute.

Speakers
  • John Stuart, Executive Director, Miami Beach Urban Studios
  • Mayor Dan Gelber, Mayor, City of Miami Beach
  • Susy Torriente, Chief Resilience Officer, Miami Beach
  • Eric Claussen SVP, Construction, Brightline 
  • Scott Sanders, Executive Vice President of Development and Construction, Brightline
  • Kim Lear, Founder, InLay
  • Dr. Nathaniel Glover, (Executive Class IX) President, Edward Waters College
  • Dr. Paul George, Historian, History Miami
  • Mark Rosenberg, President, Florida International University
  • Dave Lawrence, Former Publisher, Miami Herald

Member Quotes
  • "Work supported me to do Leadership Florida Connect and saw the potential impact it could have on my career. This was so much more than just work and professional development. The experiences will not only translate into me being a better professional, but a better leader and Floridian."

  • "What I love about this group is we accept people for who we are. I appreciate everyone being vulnerable and that doesn’t happen often. It reminded me that leadership is a privilege. It has made me confident to say I’m a leader. Being a courageous leader at that, and I know Leadership Florida Connect has reaffirmed that for me."

  • "I knew I was going to like Leadership Florida. What I did not expect was how fondly I was going to feel about all my classmates instantly. It’s very inspiring. Every time I leave a Leadership Florida Connect session I have a need to be better, do more, and make our state a better place."

  • "I found magic almost immediately in Leadership Florida Connect. I didn’t expect that to happen. I have never been transferred back into my childhood like this ever before. Feeling like you’re around childhood friends whom you have known your entire life."

Thank you to Alex Price, Connect III and Vinnie Taranto, Connect V for your personal sponsorship gift, which helped with our Connect Miami reception. We appreciate you both.

Another BIG thank you goes out to the below organizations for also sponsoring the Connect Miami reception. Without your sponsorship our reception would not have been possible, so thank you!
Upcoming Events
  • Saturday, May 12, 2018: Northeast Region’s “but for” A Day at The Players. To register visit this link.
  • Thursday, May 17, 2018: A “but for” Evening with SeaWorld & Leadership Florida. To register visit this link.
  • Wednesday-Saturday, May 9-12, 2018: Cornerstone Class XXXVI Fifth Session, Miami—The Conrad
  • Thursday-Sunday, June 14-17, 2018: Leadership Florida 36th Annual Meeting, The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota. To register visit this link.
Facebook Groups
Leadership Florida's New Regional Facebook Groups are now open for you to join!

We ask that each of you go to your regions Facebook group and request to join right now. Being a member of your regions Facebook group allows you to know the latest and greatest happenings within your region, and helps you stay engaged. We want to make sure you are always in the know, so join now!

Thank You to our Connect VIII Miami and Southeast Region Sponsors!