News and Press

News and Press

February 1, 2010

Regional Orientations Scheduled

Much has been accomplished since the formation of myregion.org a decade ago, when our government, business and civic leaders began working together to achieve Central Florida’s global economic competitiveness while enhancing the quality of life of its citizens. How has the region progressed? Is regional collaboration working? Are we improving our region’s ability to compete globally? Are we becoming a “world-class” region? Where in the World Are We?

Beginning Tuesday morning, Shelley Lauten, President of myregion.org, will reserve the first Tuesday of every month to informally meet with members of the community to discuss the results of Where in the World Are We? – 2009 Progress Report for the Central Florida Region. This fact-based research examines how the region has progressed in the six priority areas of Economic Leadership, Education, Environment, Quality of Life, Smart, Quality Growth, Regional Resolves and Cooperation, and how it compares to other similar regions in the nation and the world.

myregion.org’s “Regional Orientations” will be held from 9:00 to 9:45 a.m., in the Chamber of Commerce Building, located at 75 South Ivanhoe Boulevard in Orlando.

Mark your calendar to attend a “Regional Orientation” this quarter. No appointment is necessary!

myregion.org
“Regional Orientation”
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Tuesday, April 6, 2010

“The whole is greater than the sum of its parts, and together, we can accomplish just about anything for Central Florida,” said Lauten. “ I look forward to listening and learning from you, about the issues that matter most to our region, as we work together to support regional collaboration and regional solutions throughout Central Florida.”

myregion.org is one of four lines of business by which the Central Florida Partnership focuses on "Regional Research and Resolves." By identifying and examining the changing demographics and powerful trends that are shaping the Central Florida Region - myregion.org is helping to identify the issues and challenges that affect our future. Working together with Orlando, Inc. (Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce - Regional Entrepreneurship), BusinessForce (Public Policy Advocacy), and Leadership Orlando (Regional Leadership), the Central Florida Partnership is moving "Ideas to Results."

January 4, 2010

myregion.org Announces Partnership With
Melbourne Regional Chamber of East Central Florida

At its December 2009 meeting, myregion.org’s Board of Directors welcomed the Melbourne Regional Chamber of East Central Florida as the first myregion.org Regional Board of Advisors for South East Central Florida.

The myregion.org South East Central Florida Regional Board of Advisors is one of eight Regional Board of Advisors created around defined economic centers across the region: North East, North Central, North West, Central, South Central, East Central, South East and South West.

Christine Michaels, President and CEO, Melbourne Regional Chamber of East Central Florida, signs the Memorandum of Understanding with myregion.org.

From left to right: Ed Timberlake, 2009 Chair, myregion.org; Laura Boisvert, 2010 Chair, myregion.org; Christine Michaels, President and CEO, Melbourne Regional Chamber of East Central Florida; Joel Boyd, 2009 Chair, Melbourne Regional Chamber of East Central Florida and Shelley Lauten, President, myregion.org.

Click here for more photos from this event.

“We recognized that business connectivity isn’t based on county boundaries,” said Shelley Lauten, President of myregion.org. “These Regional Board of Advisors for myregion.org reflect where people and jobs are centered across our region and will provide leaders an opportunity to engage with other leaders that are not only close in geographic proximity, but also in business needs and makeup.”

To help support the individual Regional Board of Advisors, myregion.org is identifying strategic partners in each of the eight economic centers. Depending on the center, these organizations may include Chambers of Commerce, Economic Development Organizations or other business-led groups.

“For quite some time, our Chamber has been focusing its efforts in the South East Central Florida region, in the area that stretches from Melbourne, Palm Bay, Indian River and Orlando, where our members increasingly do business and compete. In fact, we have recently changed our name from the Melbourne - Palm Bay Chamber to reflect this economic reality,” said Christine Michaels, President and CEO of the Melbourne Regional Chamber of East Central Florida. “This strategic partnership will not only give us the opportunity to get involved and support regional issues but also to inform and influence the region on the issues affecting South East Central Florida, such as the possible implications of the end of the Space Shuttle program.”

“We are very excited about our partnership with the Melbourne Regional Chamber of East Central Florida and we are looking forward to working with them,” said Lauten. “With their help, the research and initiatives that are being conducted at a seven-county perspective will gain greater local feedback and engagement.”

Organizations interested in becoming strategic regional partners or individuals interested in becoming members of the new Regional Boards of Advisors for myregion.org may contact Shelley Lauten, President, at 407.835.2444 or via email at shelley.lauten@orlando.org or Vilma Quintana, at 407.835.2520 or vilma.quintana@orlando.org. To learn more about myregion.org, visit www.myregion.org.

myregion.org is one of four lines of business by which the Central Florida Partnership focuses on “Regional Research and Resolves.” By identifying and examining the changing demographics and powerful trends that are shaping the Central Florida Region – myregion.org is helping to identify the issues and challenges that affect our future.

myregion.org’s Where in the World Are We? Goes Global

The impact of Where in the World Are We? – 2009 Progress Report for the Central Florida Region has reached global proportions!

We are very pleased to learn that the United Kingdom Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) will include the data collected in Where in the World Are We? in their upcoming Strategic Urban Design Project and Client Guide, to be published in 2010.

As the government advisor on architecture, urban design and public space, CABE works across the English regions to build local and regional capacity, share ideas and develop policies linked to local needs and priorities, encouraging policymakers to create places that work for people.

“We are developing this Guide in response to the need for a better understanding of placemaking at the level of functional urban areas, whose boundaries reflect human and economic geographies. Typical examples of these include English city-regions/sub-regions that specialized in the past in a single sector of industrial production. For these areas, transition to knowledge-led, diverse service economies, relying mainly on the re-skilling of people and their participation in the labor market, as well as the re-engineering of their built form to accommodate different economic activities, is not easy and requires a concerted effort at cross-boundary level,” said Biljana Savic, CABE’s Senior Enabling Advisor.

The methodology the Guide has been derived from best practices in sub-regional and regional planning and urban design at the big scale drawn from across Europe, America and Australasia, over the course of the strategic urban design research project run by CABE from November 2007 to February 2009. It includes an extensive literature and case study review, recommendations drawn during a number of think-tanks with a group of experts including academicians, practitioners, policy and governance specialist and methodology papers commissioned from practitioners. The Guide also reflects the experience gained through CABE’s direct engagement with sub-regional partnerships across England.

This publication will be the third in the series of guides produced by CABE’s Enabling Team – who provide direct advice to public sector clients on processes to procure and embed design quality on projects at a range of scales. For more information about CABE, please visit www.cabe.org.uk.

Where in the World are We? - 2009 Progress Report for the Central Florida Region examines a decade of actions and activities, celebrates the region’s progress, and identifies the challenges we must continue to address together. To view the full report, go to www.myregion.org.

December 21, 2009

Lauten to Chair Advisory Council at UCF

myregion.orgPresident, Shelley Lauten, has been selected as Chair of the Center for Public and Nonprofit Management (CPNM) Advisory Council, for a two-year term.

Established in 2008 as a consolidation and expansion of several community service and research programs in the Department of Public Administration at the University of Central Florida, the CPNM is a unique model within the State University System. Working with community partners, CPNM faculty members and students conduct and disseminate relevant research that benefits the community and provides capacity-building services that improve the performance of public and nonprofit organizations.

“We are indeed thrilled to work with Shelley as the CPNM Advisory Council Chair,” said Dr. Naim Kapucu, CPNM Director. “Under her leadership, CPNM will be able to build upon the work of myregion.org to reach its goal of becoming a premier resource and partner to students, faculty, staff and the community in seeking solutions to the most pressing issues facing the public and nonprofit organizations in Central Florida and the world.”

To learn more about the Center for Public and Nonprofit Management (CPNM) at the University of Central Florida, click here.

myregion.org is one of four lines of business by which the Central Florida Partnership focuses on “Regional Research and Resolves.” By identifying and examining the changing demographics and powerful trends that are shaping the Central Florida Region – myregion.org is helping to identify the issues and challenges that affect our future.

Working together with Orlando, Inc. (Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce) focused on Regional Entrepreneurship, BusinessForce (Public Policy Advocacy), and Leadership Orlando (Regional Leadership), the Central Florida Partnership is moving “Ideas to Results.”

December 14, 2009

Congress of Regional Leaders Continues To Make a Mark on Central Florida

The regular Central Florida Congress of Regional Leaders meeting on Friday, December 4, 2009 served as a perfect illustration of just how significant the work of the group of elected officials has become over the last two years.

Initially created to oversee implementation of the Central Florida Regional Growth Vision, the Congress of Regional Leaders includes the Chairperson (or designee) from each of the seven counties in the seven-county Central Florida Region along with a mayor from each county and two representatives of the Central Florida Public School Boards Coalition.

In the two years since their creation, the Congress of Regional Leaders has provided direction and support on a number of key regional issues and initiatives.

Just two years after the Regional Growth Vision was unveiled, more than 60% of the 93 jurisdictions in Central Florida have reported using the themes and principles from the vision in developing their own initiatives and plans. In addition, more than three-dozen organizations and businesses in the region are using themes consistent with the vision in their work.

One issue that was a focus of the regional vision was the availability and quality of water. How could the region ensure a sustainable supply of water as the population nearly doubles between now and 2050?

Making the development of a regional water strategy their number one focus, the Congress of Regional Leaders led the push for an initiative that is currently underway and being coordinated by myregion.org and the Urban Land Institute.

With support from the three water management districts in the region, along with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Progress Energy and the UCF Center for Metropolitan Studies, the development of a comprehensive water strategy for the region is currently underway.

The Central Florida Water Strategy Steering Committee, which includes more than 40 subject experts from across the region, have been meeting since July to identify the key issues on which policies can be developed.

Initial stakeholder meetings in each of the seven counties are nearly concluded and beginning in early 2010 recommendations on how to address the key issues facing the region will begin to take shape.

At their meeting on December 4th, the Congress of Regional Leaders received an overview of the common themes that have come out of the initial stakeholder meetings in the region. Commissioner Elaine Renick from Lake County, Stephen Kintner, manager of Environmental Services for Volusia County, and Jim Sellen, ULI-Central Florida Vice Chair, provided an update on what has been learned through the first stage of the process.

The Congress of Regional Leaders has also identified transportation as one of their major issues.

During the meeting, members of the Congress of Regional Leaders were updated on a new 13-county initiative, “Connecting for Global Competitiveness: The Tampa Bay-Central Florida Super Region”. This effort will begin in January and look at quantifying the value to the overall economy of working together as a 13-county Super Region.

The study will emphasize the value of transportation alternatives including the proposed Tampa Bay-Central Florida High Speed Rail Line, as well as local transit systems including SunRail.

Professor Jonathan Barnett from the University of Pennsylvania’s PennDesign Program will lead a five-month study of the Super Region.

Following the conclusion of the PennDesign Study, myregion.org will coordinate an outreach and education initiative using the findings as the basis for creating a regional consensus on how to move forward.

Since they first started meeting during the “How Shall We Grow?” initiative, members of the Congress of Regional Leaders have emphasized the importance of having a platform for communicating issues of regional importance with the state legislators representing Central Florida.

Jacob Stuart, President of the Central Florida Partnership, reported to the Congress of Regional Leaders that their insistence has helped lead to the first-ever Central Florida Legislative Delegation meeting, which will be held on December 15, 2009.

In addition to focusing on these key projects, the Congress of Regional Leaders also spent time at their meeting discussing their own organization and how to best ensure that the organization continues to grow in influence and interest.

Recommendations were made to create a succession plan for the top leadership positions. After serving as Chairman for the last two years, Frank Bruno, Chairman of Volusia County, relinquished his role as the Chairman and will serve as the Past Chair for the next two years.

Mayor Gary Bruhn from the Town of Windermere has served as the Vice Chair for the last two years and will assume the role as Chairman. At their next meeting in early 2010, a county representative will be selected to serve as Vice Chair.

The Congress also recommended developing a rotation system to increase the exposure of the organization to other city officials and school board members from across the region.

After being directly managed by myregion.org since its formation, the Congress of Regional Leaders will now be coordinated through the Central Florida Partnership. This will enhance the ability to advocate for regional issues when opportunities arise. myregion.org will still assist the Congress of Regional Leaders on convening key stakeholders and developing regional consensus on issues.

October 19, 2009

Central Florida Partnership and myregion.org Reach Out to Community Leadership and Vision Groups

As part of its on-going effort to increase regional collaboration and the dissemination of information across the region, the Central Florida Partnership recently hosted meetings with representatives of the 14 Community Leadership programs and four Vision programs within the seven-county Central Florida region.

In support of its Line of Business that is focused on Regional Research and Resolves, the Partnership with myregion.org is exploring ways to make connections with these programs and increase their power and outreach.

The regional data that myregion.org has been compiling for nearly a decade in areas such as education, economic leadership, healthcare, smart, quality growth and public safety provides an excellent opportunity to engage and inform leaders from across the region.

“It is time for us to practice what we preach,” said Shelley Lauten, President of myregion.org. “The Vision and Community Leadership programs are all important parts of the fabric that makes up their local communities and therefore provide a perfect opportunity to leverage information regionally.”

A number of the Community Leadership programs within the region have previously used material from myregion.org in their class curricula and several others have expressed a desire to do so in the future.

At the recent gathering, the leaders of these organizations became better acquainted with the work of their respective organizations and brainstormed opportunities to work together.There are currently Vision programs in Polk, Brevard, Osceola and Seminole counties and the leaders from each of those organizations have recognized that there are many opportunities for grants and other funding sources where the chance to secure these resources is increased through the regional collaboration.

The Vision and Community Leadership programs also have the opportunity to play a more significant regional role as myregion.org considers creating Regional Boards of Advisors based around the economic centers in the region.

The Vision and Community Leadership programs will have the opportunity to provide local content and assist in engaging leaders within their communities to participate at both the local and regional level.

As a test of the potential partnership, myregion.org will invite all the Community Leadership programs in the region to participate in a one-day regional leadership seminar on Thursday, January 14, 2010. The meeting will be an expansion of the program session on Regional Research & Resolves that is already being planned for Leadership Orlando, one of the Community Leaderships programs in the region.

Leadership Orlando, established in 1975, is also a Line of Business of the Central Florida Partnership along with myregion.org.

This event, which will be open to current Community Leadership participants and alumni as well as representatives from all the region’s Vision programs, has attracted significant interest. It promises to be a great opportunity for these contingents of leaders to come together to learn more about the region, and also to build relationships with their counterparts to develop ideas for how to best leverage opportunities across the region.

For more information about the regional leadership day on January 14, please contact Shelley Lauten at 407.835.2444 or via email at Shelley.lauten@orlando.org.

October 12, 2009

A.L.I.G.N. Give Arts Organizations Platform
to Discuss Regional Issues

Across the seven county Central Florida region, a growing and thriving arts and culture community serves as an important aspect of the quality of life for residents of the region. However, in addition to enhancing quality of life, arts and culture also have an important role in the regional economy.

In many ways, the arts community is already living the spirit of myregion.org’s mission to work collaboratively across the region to maximize resources and enhance the programs of each local organization.

To ensure that the full power of arts and culture organizations are recognized and promoted, United Arts of Central Florida organized the creation of A.L.I.G.N. (Advance Listen Inspire Grow Nurture) to provide regional arts leaders a platform to discuss advocacy and awareness for the arts on a regular basis, focusing on encouraging a diverse, globally competitive economy through the development of creative communities.

The arts community in Central Florida has already been working together across seven counties on a number of projects, most notably the Red Chair Project http://www.redchairproject.com) where you can get event schedules, tickets, and show times for arts and culture programs happening across the entire seven county region.

At their semi-annual A.L.I.G.N. meeting on Friday, October 9, arts and cultural leaders from across the region came together to share ideas and look toward the future.

Like many industries, non-profit arts and culture organizations have been impacted by the current economic downturn, but, according to a 2007 study, have an economic impact of more than $165.31 million to the Central Florida economy. This includes organization spending of $77.63 million and spending by more than four million patrons of more than $87 million annually in connection with attending arts and culture activities.

At the A.L.I.G.N. meeting, Shelley Lauten, President of myregion.org, spoke about the value of connecting regionally. She also challenged the audience to look for regional opportunities to leverage resources and talents. She then asked the audience to look toward 2050 and imagine a Central Florida arts community that is recognized as a world leader in programs and venues.

They discussed opportunities to work together on marketing and communications, operational efficiency and program offering that can ensure that Central Florida’s arts community fully utilizes its resources and continues to expand and grow.

October 5, 2009

Regional Leaders Step Up To Tackle the Issue of Water

Few issues across Central Florida have sparked greater debate in recent years than the issue of water. Who owns it? Do we have enough? How do we capture and use what we have? How much will we have to pay for it?

While some portions of Central Florida have been accustomed to having large supplies of high quality groundwater available through the Floridan aquifer, studies have shown that the growth of the region from 400,000 in 1950 to 3.7 million today has put a strain on this valuable resource.

During the “How Shall We Grow?” sessions held during 2006 and 2007, the issue of water was regularly mentioned as a key concern as Central Florida looks to deal with the potential doubling of the population to 7.2 million by 2050.

Recognizing that growth was having an impact on the availability of groundwater, the three water management districts with jurisdiction in Central Florida have set in place guidelines that call for the use of alternative water sources for new development after 2013.

This has led municipalities, utilities and the business community to not only look at options for alternative water sources, but also at how to conserve and better utilize their existing water resources.

For the business community, understanding the potential impact will be very important. The cost of utilities as a business expense has been increasing in recent years and while water has generally been at the inexpensive end, that may not be sustainable.

A number of high profile cases have already resulted in taxpayer money going toward water litigation. The Central Florida Congress of Regional Leaders, which is comprised of the County Chair and one City Mayor from each county, along with two members of the Central Florida School Boards Coalition, is determined to keep taxpayers from footing the bill during the resolution of future water issues.

The Central Florida Regional Growth Vision, which was published in 2007, called for the development of a regional strategy for water.

With seven counties, 86 cities and three water management districts, along with utilities, land owners, developers, environmental groups and the business community all with a vested interest, you can imagine the challenge to try and bring everyone to the table to address the issue and create a strategy that will work for all parties.

However, the Central Florida Congress of Regional Leaders has made development of a water strategy their top priority for the coming year. The goal is to create a regional strategy while avoiding the use of any public money for litigation. The reasoning is that spending money on litigation doesn’t produce a single drop of new water, so the resources are best spent solving the problem, rather than fighting about it.

This approach has received complete backing from all three water management districts: St. Johns River Water Management District, South Florida Water Management District and the Southwest Florida Water Management District. Other partner organizations include the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the University of Central Florida’s Metropolitan Center for Regional Studies.

Coordinating the project will be myregion.org and Urban Land Institute (ULI) Central Florida.

Serving as the project manager, myregion.org has used a strategy similar to what was done during the “How Shall We Grow?” initiative to maximize inclusion of stakeholder groups.

Through the creation of the nearly 40-member Regional Water Strategy Steering Committee, myregion.org has engaged the stakeholders from across the region whose input and involvement will be crucial in creating consensus and developing this water strategy. myregion.org is also following the process used in development of the Regional Growth Vision by holding meetings in each county to receive input and feedback from stakeholders across the region.

The involvement of ULI Central Florida provides technical expertise that enhances the process and provides the perspective of the business community. ULI Central Florida has been essential in focusing the issues to address and creating content that is being used in all stakeholder meetings.

Click here for a complete list of the members of the Regional Water Strategy Steering Committee and click here for upcoming county meeting dates.

First Stakeholder Meeting Held

The first of seven stakeholder meetings to be held over the next two months occurred in Brevard County on September 28. Serving as the agenda for a regular meeting of the Brevard Water Supply Board, close to 30 individuals including elected officials, city and county officials and private individuals discussed the key issues water issues facing Brevard County.

Unlike many other parts of Central Florida, Brevard County has not enjoyed the luxury of large volumes of available groundwater. In fact, the groundwater supply in Brevard County ran out more than 30 years ago.

“The mindset change that must occur is in the I-4 corridor,” said Richard Martens, the Director of the Brevard County Utility Services Department. “They are now dealing with what Brevard dealt with many years ago.”

Participants were given significant opportunities during the two hour session to provide input on what they see as the primary issues, barriers and opportunities associated with creating a regional water strategy.

Several participants expressed that because water itself knows no city or county boundaries, looking at the issue from a regional standpoint was the logical way to develop a long-term regional approach to our water supply.

Ultimately, three primary issues emerged as key issues that should be addressed during the development of the regional strategy:

(1) Consensus on science and groundwater assumptions that underline problem statement

(2) Equitable development, cost, and distribution of water across region

(3) Development of desalination.

The next scheduled stakeholder meeting is currently set for October 22 in Volusia County. Updates on the project will be available at www.myregion.org.

August 21, 2009

Region Celebrates Progress In Implementing
the Central Florida Regional Growth Vision

Orlando, FL - Almost 300 government, business and civic leaders of the Central Florida region gathered this morning at the Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport to celebrate the progress that the region has made in advancing the themes or 4Cs of the Regional Growth Vision that Central Floridians created two years ago: Conservation, Countryside, Centers and Corridors.

This vision is the result of a historic community conversation that took place for over 18 months with 20,000 residents and 600 community leaders and elected officials in the seven counties Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Polk and Volusia, to find out what they wanted to see in their community’s future when the projected population growth reaches 7 million residents by the year 2050.

Between 2006 and 2007, Central Floridians said that what mattered most to them revolved around conserving green space; taking care of our agricultural countryside; developing vibrant, economically thriving centers and connecting those population centers with effective corridors of transportation.

At the event, nearly 50 cities, counties, regional organizations and businesses showcased the accomplishments that have been made in implementing the 4Cs during a "Regional Trade Show." Participants were able to see first-hand how cities, counties, organizations, developers, environmentalists, private companies and planners have been working across jurisdictional boundaries in all kinds of projects - big and small - to make the future the residents want a reality and provide their thoughts and comments through Twitter, which were later presented during the program for reactions and suggestions.

"What you are seeing here today is the result of consensus among elected officials, business and community leaders in support of the vision and its implementation. In fact, more than 60% of the 93 municipalities in the region as well as dozens of regional and state organizations and private businesses are addressing issues related to the 4Cs and adapting their short and long-term strategies, programs and processes," said Shelley Lauten, President of myregion.org.

The Congress of Regional Leaders, comprised of elected officials representing each county, including mayors, commissioners and school board officials, serves a the regional organization dedicated to advancing the implementation of the Regional Growth Vision, demonstrating that growth-related changes can be implemented without government regulations or mandates, but instead through regional cooperation and collaboration.

"Many said that changing how leaders made decisions related to growth could be done only through regulations and government mandates," said Ed Timberlake, Chairman of myregion.org. "However, armed with only with the ‘power of good ideas’, in just two years elected officials and municipal staffs have taken the lead in moving forward growth practices that are advancing a shared vision for the future. Cities, counties and organizations have undertaken initiatives, both large and small, designed to positively impact how that community is growing while also enhancing the quality of life of its residents, which is an incredible accomplishment for the region and for Florida."

Those attending the event received a document containing a detailed compilation of the responses received from cities, counties, organizations and private businesses across Central Florida about their efforts in each of the four regional themes, as well as a brief synopsis of the challenges, barriers and opportunities for regional collaboration impacting each group.

Some of the highlights include:

Among the first locales to embrace the regional vision was the City of Tavares, in Lake County. Under the guidance of Mayor Nancy Clutts and their city council, Tavares formulated a city vision and have been aggressively working to ensure its fulfillment. In October 2008 the city council approved a new Downtown Redevelopment Master Plan. The plan provides strategies, with a clear implementation timetable, that addresses land uses, design, circulation and connectivity, public facilities, the environment and economic development. It promotes mixed-use development, envisioning an urban core where people can live, work, shop and be entertained all within a short walking distance.

Other cities across the region, including Lakeland, Orlando, Lake Mary, Oviedo, Deltona, DeLand, Cape Canaveral, Kissimmee and St. Cloud are also placing an emphasis on making their downtown and population centers attractive places where people will be able to live, conduct business and enjoy leisure activities all within close proximity.

In December 2008, Seminole County adopted a new Comprehensive Plan based on the County’s current Evaluation and Appraisal Report. This updated plan incorporates numerous plan policies that are consistent with and further the 4Cs of the Central Florida Regional Growth Vision.

In addition, the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council is working with the cities in Seminole County on identifying opportunities and developing policies that would allow the cities to implement elements of the regional vision.

Many regional organizations and private companies have also developed short and long-term strategies, programs and processes designed to enhance the 4Cs.

The Central Florida Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Alliance and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) are using the vision as a guide as they adopt their 2030 Long Range Transportation Plans. The five MPOs in the Alliance (along with FDOT) are developing an integrated strategy that looks at future transportation needs and plans across the entire seven county region.

Several private planning, engineering and development companies are also using the regional vision to help shape how they look at building and developing properties. Companies that are using the themes of conservation, countryside, centers and corridors include MSCW, Canin & Associates, Lake Nona Properties, Castle & Cook Florida and the Miami Corporation Farmton Property.

The development of the Regional Growth Vision was a partnership between myregion.org and the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council, Florida Department of Community Affairs, Florida Department of Transportation, Lake-Sumter Metropolitan Planning Organization, METROPLAN ORLANDO, Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce, Polk County Transportation Planning Organization, Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization and Volusia County Metropolitan Planning Organization.

In a joint letter to myregion.org, Thomas Pelham, Secretary, Florida Department of Community Affairs and Stephanie Kopelousus, Secretary, Florida Department of Transportation, stated, "The unveiling of the Regional Growth Vision in 2007 was a milestone event, but what is even more impressive is that leaders across the region have taken the next step and begun changing local policies to ensure that the Vision becomes a reality. We congratulate you, the leaders and residents of Central Florida, for your commitment to making your region a place where future generations will benefit from your shared vision and collective actions."

Mick Fleming, President of the American Chamber of Commerce Executives and Managing Director of the Alliance for Regional Stewardship, was the keynote speaker during the program. He provided a national perspective on the importance of regional cooperation and collaboration and pointed out the attributes that make regions competitive in the global marketplace.

Click here to see what cities, counties, organizations and private businesses across Central Florida are doing to advance the Regional Growth Vision.

August 20, 2009

How Shall We Grow - Two Years Later
By: Judith Smelser

August 20, 2009 -- New figures from the University of Florida show Central Florida has lost more than 9,000 residents over the past year. It's the region's first population decline in decades and a drastic turnaround from a few years ago, when hundreds of people a day were moving into the area. In 2006, a group called MyRegion.org launched a major community initiative to plan for future growth. The organization is holding an anniversary event on Friday. 90.7's Judith Smelser has a progress report on the project and a look at its relevance in a down economy.

Click here to listen to story.

July 13, 2009

Where in the World are We? - Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando

Recognizing the importance of maintaining the Hispanic community educated and informed about the issues affecting our region, Ramón Ojeda, President of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando, recently featured myregion.org’s Vilma Quintana on his talk show on Spanish Radio “Hablemos de Negocios,” to discuss the findings of Where in the World are We? – 2009 Progress Report for the Central Florida Region.

“This type of research is very important to us, said Ojeda. “It helps us educate our members so that they can make the right decisions about the future and also motivates and attracts future investors to our region. We have also linked the Progress Report to our web site, www.hispanicchamber.net, under a section dedicated to demographic statistics and economic studies for the Central Florida region and have asked Vilma to come back to present to our members, both in English and Spanish.”

Would you like to maintain your partners, colleagues and business associates informed about how Central Florida compares to similar regions and the world? What are the challenges that we must continue to address if we want to be globally competitive while maintaining a high quality of life?

myregion.org will be conducting extensive community during July and August to ensure that the results of this “fact-based” research presented in Where in the World are We? – 2009 Progress Report for the Central Florida Region are reported to the leaders and citizens in Central Florida. The study, which was released on May 15 by the myregion.org Board of Directors, examines how the region has progressed in the six priority areas of Economic Leadership, Education, Environment, Quality of Life, Smart, Quality, Growth, Regional Resolves and Cooperation, and how it compares to other similar regions in the nation and the world.

“Since its inception, and with the help of our regional partners, myregion.org has embarked on an effort to create a library of research about Central Florida that would help us move from a perception that was anecdotal to one that was based on facts and meaningful regional data,” said Shelley Lauten, President of myregion.org. “These studies and publications provide information about where the region has been, where it is today and how the region can build future global competitiveness while also ensuring a high standard quality of life. They can be downloaded directly from our web site and are available for the all the community to use.”

If you would like us to share the results of this report with your chamber members, your organization or community group, myregion.org will come to you! Gather a group or invite us to an existing meeting. Just contact Vilma Quintana, Vice President of Community Engagement by e-mail at vilma.quintana@orlando.org or by phone at (407) 835-2520 to schedule a presentation.

Florida Trend Cites Progress Report

Media coverage regarding the recent presentation of the Where in the World are We? – 2009 Progress Report for the Central Florida Regional Growth has been very positive and continues to extend throughout the region.

The July edition of Florida Trend dedicated its Central Florida section to the unveiling of the report. In an article titled, Compare and Contrast, staff writer Diane Sears provides an overview of the data presented, including a snapshot of key demographical information about the region.

To review the complete article, click here.

For the complete report Where in the World are We? – 2009 Progress Report for the Central Florida Regional Growth, visit www.myregion.org. For an Executive Summary of the Report and Indicators Data, including County breakdowns, click here.

If you would like us to share the results of this report with your organization or community group, myregion.org will come to you! All you need to do is contact Vilma Quintana, Vice President of Community Engagement of myregion.org by e-mail at vilma.quintana@orlando.org or by phone at (407) 835-2520 to schedule your presentation today!

June 29, 2009

myregion.org Selected as Finalist for Alliance for Regional Stewardship National Award

Exciting news from The Alliance for Regional Stewardship comes just in time for the Anniversary Celebration of How Shall We Grow? scheduled for Friday, August 21, 2009 at the Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport.

myregion.org and its How Shall We Grow? initiative have been selected by The Alliance for Regional Stewardship (ARS) as one of five national finalists for the 2009 Alliance for Regional Stewardship Organizational Champion Awards. Selection of the winning organization will be announced during the Awards Luncheon at the ARS Forum in Raleigh, North Carolina, on July 29, 2009. Shelley Lauten, President of myregion.org, will represent myregion.org, the Central Florida Partnership, the Congress of Regional Leaders and our regional partners at the Awards Luncheon.

“This national recognition would not have been possible without the support of the funding partners who made How Shall We Grow? a reality,” said Shelley Lauten, President of myregion.org. The funding partners for this project are: Brevard County Metropolitan Planning Organization, East Central Florida Regional Planning Council, Florida Department of Community Affairs, Florida Department of Transportation, Lake-Sumter Metropolitan Planning Organization, METROPLAN ORLANDO, myregion.org, Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce, Polk County Transportation Planning Organization and Volusia County Metropolitan Planning Organization.

The Organizational Champion Award recognizes regions, regional alliances and regional leaders for excellence and demonstrated progress in at least one of the four principles of regional stewardship: Innovative Economy, Livable Communities, Social Inclusion, and Collaborative Style of Governance.

Award finalists exemplify regional cooperation that has increased regional capacity, achieved tangible results and shown the potential for sustainability. How Shall We Grow? demonstrated these principles by involving more than 20,000 Central Florida residents and 600 elected officials in an 18-month campaign to develop a Regional Growth Vision for the year 2050. To date, close to 40 out of 93 local municipalities have reported adopting principles of the Regional Vision into their local comprehensive plans.

Successful regional stewards help their communities to thrive economically, to be sustainable environmentally, to address challenges like poverty and educational inequality, and to transform shared values and vision into actionable, regional agendas,” said Richard C. D. Fleming, ARS Chairman and the President & CEO of the St. Louis Regional Chamber and Growth Association. “It’s our honor to recognize these organizations for their outstanding work on these fronts, and we look forward to congratulating the winner at the Regional Strategies Forum next month in Raleigh.”

In addition to myregion.org, thefour other finalists for this prestigious award include:

* Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce for the Live United this Winter Program,

* Cincinnati Regional Chamber of Commerce for the Agenda 360 Regional Action Plan

* Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce for the Climate Protection Partnership, and

* Greater Santa Ana Business Alliance for High School Inc.

The Alliance for Regional Stewardship is a national, peer-to-peer network of regional leaders working across boundaries to solve tough community problems. Supported by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE), ARS members come from the business, government, education, and civic sectors and share a common commitment to collaborative action and achieving results. The ARS Board of Directors and a panel of experts in regional affairs judged the “very competitive pool of applicants.”

“As we prepare to celebrate the Anniversary of How Shall We Grow?, this is a reminder of the impact that myregion.org is making—not only in our own “backyard,” but as a “national best practice” of regional collaboration and action,” said Shelley Lauten, President of myregion.org. “The continued support of all our regional partners and diligent leadership of our Board of Directors, the Central Florida Partnership and the Congress of Regional Leaders, have made this recognition possible as we work together to make Central Florida a wonderful place to live, learn, work and play.”

For a copy of the Press Release, click here. Further details about the 2009 Regional Strategies Forum and information about the award finalists are available on the ARS website, www.regionalstewardship.org.

May 28, 2009

Where in the World are We? Community Outreach

Nearly 200 business, civic and government leaders from across the region joined the myregion.org Board of Directors on Friday, May 15, 2009, to hear the results of Where in the World are We—2009 Progress Report for the Central Florida Region, an in-depth analysis of how the region has progressed during the last decade in the areas of Economic Leadership, Education, Environment, Quality of Life, Smart, Quality, Growth and Regional Resolves and Cooperation.

Do you want to know if our region is becoming more competitive in traditional and emerging industries? Is our educational system effectively preparing our workforce to support today’s industries and tomorrow’s? Is Central Florida growing as envisioned? What are the challenges that we must continue to address? How do we compare to other regions and the world?

myregion.org will be conducting extensive community outreach during the months of June-August to ensure that the results of this “fact-based” research presented in Where in the World are We? – 2009 Progress Report for the Central Florida Region are reported to the leaders and citizens of the seven-county region of Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Polk and Volusia Counties.

If you would like us to share the results of this report with your organization or community group, myregion.org will come to you! Gather a group or invite us to an existing meeting. This educational and informational Power Point presentation, including county breakdowns, is available in English and Spanish and can be 15-30 minutes long, depending on your preference.

All you need to do is contact Vilma Quintana, Vice President of Community Engagement of myregion.org by e-mail atvilma.quintana@orlando.orgor by phone at (407) 835-2520 to schedule your presentation today!

For the complete report, click here. For an Executive Summary of the report and indicators data, including county breakdowns, click here.

May 15, 2009

myregion.org Unveils 2009 Progress Report for the Central Florida Region
Where in the World are We?

Orlando, FL – Much has been accomplished since Central Florida leaders began working together across jurisdictional and sector boundaries nearly 10 years ago, in an effort to position Central Florida as one of the leading global regions of the 21st century.

Today, more than 200 government, business and civic leaders in the seven-county Central Florida region (Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Seminole and Volusia counties) gathered at the Home Builders Association of Metro Orlando to hear the results a new study released by the myregion.org Board of Directors, Where in the World are We? - 2009 Progress Report for the Central Florida Region. The report is funded by the Central Florida Partnership, METROPLAN ORLANDO, Progress Energy and WORKFORCE CENTRAL FLORIDA.

myregion.org Chairman Ed Timberlake, Seaside National Bank & Trust, opened the meeting and introduced Jacob Stuart, President, Central Florida Partnership and founding President of myregion.org, who took participants down “memory lane” with a Power Point presentation, highlighting some of the most important milestones and accomplishments in 10 years of regional collaboration and cooperation.

“Ten years ago, losing the bid to host the 2012 Summer Olympics, helped us realize that working together in a regional context could be important to Central Florida,” said Stuart. “Also occurring around the same time was an example of positive collaboration by multiple counties as the Volusia County MPO and METROPLAN ORLANDO successfully worked together to build a new I-4 bridge over the St. John’s River. Afterward, the Central Florida MPO Alliance materialized from the partnership between Volusia and Metro Orlando, which includes six transportation organizations in nine counties. Today, our region and our State have taken a giant step backward by failing to pass legislation in support of SunRail, a much-needed transportation alternative, deciding to maintain the status quo,” he concluded.

The Progress Report, presented by John Kaliski, Principal at Cambridge Systematics, Inc., examines the six regional priorities identified early in the decade when Central Floridians first asked themselves the question, “How can Central Florida compete in the global economy while still maintaining a high standard qualify of life for its residents.” This led to the creation of myregion.org, a Regional Development Program focused on “Regional Research and Resolves,” which with the help of many regional partners, has developed this first-ever regional research to explore our knowledge about Central Florida and better understand “who we are” and “what matters most.”

For two years, myregion.org engaged over 3,000 citizens and leaders from across the region, identified six key priorities – Economic Leadership, Education, Environment, Quality of Life, Smart, Quality Growth, and Regional Resolves and Cooperation – and developed 10 Regional Resolves or structural organizations and functions that our region would need to create, if we were indeed going to start thinking and acting regionally. (Please see 10 Regional Resolves attached.)

Ten years later, Where in the World are We – 2009 Progress Report for the Central Florida Region, measures progress from three perspectives: changes in key quantitative indicators since the year 2000; key qualitative success stories of how our region has worked together; and comparisons with seven other major regions in the United States as well as major global competitors.

“Now, more than ever, the uncertainty of the world makes it imperative that Central Florida leaders think and act regionally,” said Kaliski. “The region is poised for great success, but whether we will achieve progress largely depends on the ability of our greatest asset – our people – to set clear priorities and work together to accomplish them.”

A 21-member Progress Report Task Force guided the report, which compares Central Florida with regions of similar size today (San Diego, Phoenix, Denver-Boulder and Tampa Bay) as well as with regions that will be similar in size to Central Florida in the year 2050 (San Francisco-San Jose, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Washington-Baltimore).

The report also celebrates the region’s progress, and identifies the challenges we must continue to address together. At the event, Shelley Lauten, President of myregion.org, highlighted some of the “world-class” organizations and initiatives that have committed their efforts to achieving regional solutions and success, and that helped “moved the needle” on the region’s economic competitiveness and quality of life.

Government, business and civic leaders from the seven-county region provided personal comments and reactions to the accomplishments that the region has made in these areas and challenged the audience not to rely on our previous successes but to “go beyond where we are today” in order to take the region to the next level.

Participants then engaged in table discussions to “imagine” the possibilities for our region in 50 years if Central Florida leaders were to base decisions on an agreed upon set of priorities and principles and to identify the priorities, activities and alliances that the region must focus on in order to advance our Regional Agenda. These recommendations were then presented for reaction and response, to a panel of experts, which included Florida State Representative Stephen L. Precourt, among others.

Some of the key conclusions that can be drawn from the 2009 Progress Report for the Central Florida Region are:

Economic Leadership
Rapid job growth through most of the decade ends with a sharp recession, and wage levels remain below average. Seeds of future growth appear in life sciences, green industry, and creative arts – but legacy industries including tourism, aerospace and agriculture face competitive threats.

When the seven county Central Florida Region referenced by myregion.org is combined with the seven county Tampa Bay Region to form a Super Region running from Daytona Beach to the Gulf of Mexico, the combined population of 7.1 million people ranks seventh in the United States. On its own, with 3.7 million residents, Central Florida is the 14th most populous region in the nation and the 85th largest in the world.

One key indicator often associated with growing high tech industries is the amount of Research & Development that is reinvested in growing and cultivating industries. Central Florida falls woefully short in this area with an average R&D per employee of only $60 per worker, compared to $145 for the state of Florida and $273 for the nation. However, Central Florida has nearly doubled the amount of R&D spending per worker since 2000, so the region is improving.
If Central Florida is serious about continuing to attract an innovative work class, the amount of R&D investment must dramatically increase.

Health and Creative Arts have grown at an annual growth rate of nearly 3% or higher while Trade/Transportation and High Tech have also shown steady annual growth. This is a positive sign in the effort to diversify and increase employment in higher wage industries.
Between 2001 and 2007, Central Florida saw annual growth in Tourism and Construction jobs, while natural resources and aerospace has seen a decline.

Education
While progress is being made particularly at the pre K-12 level, our ability to provide a skilled workforce may slow progress toward a more diverse economy. We’re making progress, but the world remains well ahead.

Currently, 25 percent of all adult residents of Central Florida have at least earned a Bachelors Degree. That represents a 20% increase over the last decade. That percentage is still 5 points below the national average, ranking last among the eight comparable regions, but higher than Japan and the European Union.

Two areas of improvement include the voluntary preschool program and the increase in high school diplomas. In 2008, 89% of students enrolling in public school kindergarten programs were deemed ready to start kindergarten and 81% of Central Florida’s high school students received a diploma, compared to only 65% in 2000. Central Florida also saw an increase in the number of students continuing their education with 60% of all students moving on to community colleges or four year institutions in 2008, compared to 51% in 2000.

The region falls short in the percentage of students attending college in Central Florida who receive degrees in the STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) with only 20% receiving a degree in a STEM field, compared to 28% statewide and 30% nationally. For Central Florida to compete on a national and global scale, the education level of our workforce must continue to increase.

Environment
Our unique environment remains at risk from development, but a foundation for better stewardship has been established. Future challenges are enormous: save the region’s most precious lands and waters, stretch our limited water supply, and reduce energy consumption.

Central Florida residents have reduced fresh water usage by 39 gallons per day over the
last five years to 148 gallons per person. Efforts made by Naturally Central Florida and
the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council have led to the development of a
detailed mapping of the seven “must save” environmental assets of Central Florida.
Overall, Central Florida residents generate more waste, use more electricity and consume more gas than the national average in each area, and recycle at a slightly higher rate than the national average. An increase in the amount of coastal erosion is a concern, as is future air quality, but overall the region is making great strides in creating a sustainable environment.

Quality of Life
In-migration slows as residents become more concerned about Central Florida’s economic future. Crime is down, but public health concerns remain. We offer many amenities, but we stand out globally in only a few areas.

For decades, Central Florida has been the place where people from other parts of the country and world come not just for entertainment, but also to raise families and retire. That migration has dramatically slowed over the last two years, but it is expected that the in-migration will resume as the economy recovers. Central Florida trails the nation in a number of key quality of life areas, including public safety, affordable housing and volunteerism and must address these issues in the future.

Central Florida residents have traditionally been happier with the direction of their community than the national average. As recently as the spring of 2006, 58% of Central Florida residents thought the region was headed in the right direction with only 27% thinking things were moving in the wrong direction.

By September 2007 more Central Florida residents felt things were moving in the wrong track and in January 2008 46 percent of regional residents saw things moving in the wrong direction, compared to 40% believing things were moving in the right direction.

Smart, Quality Growth
Growth within our urban centers is on par with or behind Brazil, India and China.
Between 2000-2006, more than 600,000 acres of land was developed within our seven county region. That means that more than 20% of all land that is developed across the region has gone into development since 2000.

The “How Shall We Grow?” Initiative produced consensus and a framework for a new approach to development in Central Florida and many cities and counties are looking at opportunities to enact the regional themes in their comprehensive plans. 20,000 residents preferred one that focuses populations more into urban core population centers, preserves more of our open space and creates transportation alternatives focused around transit corridors.

Our cities support far fewer residents per acre than other metropolitan areas and unless we can alter that trend, we will struggle to change our tendency toward sprawling development.

The region has spent the last several years moving forward to develop alternative transportation opportunities, but the loss of SunRail is certainly a major hit for the region.

Regional Cooperation
From transportation to public safety to schools, there are few issues where a regional dialogue has not begun. Will all of these initiatives result in action? We’ve seen historic progress and are recognized throughout the United States as a leader on global collaboration. There are more than 54 organizations across the region currently looking at specific issues from a regional perspective.

Among the organizations leading the way are the Congress of Regional Leaders, the MPO Alliance, the Central Florida and East Central Florida Regional Planning Councils, and myregion.org. The creation of the Congress of Regional Leaders has provided an ideal opportunity for discussions among high-level elected officials in a meaningful and supportive manner. This organization has already produced valuable results and will continue to grow stronger as the need for working together as a region continues to grow.

“Much has been done in 10 years but much more can still be done in all these areas,” said Shelley Lauten, President of myregion.org. “myregion.org will continue to work with regional leaders and educate and inform citizens to build regional consensus and regional resolve to ensure Central Florida’s position in the global stage.”

The complete report – Where in the World are We? - 2009 Progress Report for the Central Florida Region – is available online at www.myregion.org. To schedule a Power Point presentation of these findings to your organization, business or community group, please contact Vilma Quintana, Vice President of Community Engagement for myregion.org, at 407.835.2520 or at vilma.Quintana@orlando.org.

May 11, 2009

myregion.org Board Member Honored

Daytona Beach executive Forough B. Hosseini was among those honored with the prestigious 2009 Ellis Island Medal of Honor over the weekend in the Great Hall on Ellis Island in New York. The award was presented by the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations Foundation, Inc. Hosseini serves on the myregion.org Executive Committee and Board of Directors.

The Ellis Island Medals of Honor pay tribute to the ancestry groups that comprise America’s unique cultural mosaic. It is the most prestigious and highest award a civilian can receive in the United States, next to the Congressional Gold Medal. This award is sanctioned by the U.S. Congress and each year’s recipients are read into the Congressional Record. Past Medalists include six U.S. Presidents, as well as Nobel Prize winners and leaders of industry, education, the arts, sports and government.

Born and raised in Iran, Ms. Hosseini came to United States to continue her education in 1977. She earned a bachelors degree in computer science from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and an MBA from University of Central Florida. She is the Executive Vice President of Information Systems for ICI Homes, a company started by with her husband, Mori Hosseini, in 1980. ICI currently develops and builds in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee.

Hosseini is a member and board member of many local and national organizations and participates in and contributes to numerous local, national and international charities and causes. She started Forough B. Hosseini Foundation with the mission of helping local homeless and underprivileged children enrolled in public schools stay in school by providing after-school programs that involve tutoring, sports, activities and food. The program also follows the participating students through high school and invites them to apply for scholarships to attend college. Forough is the 2008 recipient of the “Field of Dreams” Achievement Award from one of the schools her foundation sponsors.

She was appointed by Governor Bush and later reappointed by Governor Crist to the Daytona State College’s Board of Trustees and has been elected by her board to serve as the chair. Currently, she serves on Central Florida myregion.org’s Executive Committee, Museum of Arts and Sciences Board and the United Way Foundation Board.

In 2006, her husband, Mori Hosseini, Chairman and CEO of ICI Homes, received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor. Mori and Forough Hosseini are the only Volusia County residents to have received the award.

To receive the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, the recipient must exemplify a life dedicated to community service; preserve and celebrate the history, traditions and values of his or her ancestry; build bridges between ethnic, racial and religious groups; and share his or her personal and professional gifts for the benefit of humanity.

For the NECO medalist press release, visit http://neco.org/NECO_press_release.php

March 2, 2009

Educational Outreach on SunRail

The team at myregion.org, in partnership with the Florida Department of Transportation and Orange, Seminole, Osceola and Volusia counties, as well as the City of Orlando, has been traveling around the seven-county Central Florida Region engaging and educating our community about SunRail – Central Florida’s planned 61.5-mile commuter rail project that is proposed to link the four counties. myregion.org began an educational outreach process in February and has already reached out to 378 individuals – with close to 1,000 additional folks scheduled to learn more about SunRail throughout the month of March.

In particular, the Hispanic community has been actively interested in learning more about SunRail. 1030 AM radio invited Vilma Quintana, the Vice President of myregion.org, and WPRD 1440 AM radio invited Vilma Quintana and Sandra Gutierrez, Assistant Project Manager for SunRail, to be guests on their talk shows to educate their audience about the facts regarding SunRail. The Home Builders Association Hispanic Business and Marketing Council, the Hispanic Business Initiative Fund, the Hispanic American Professional and Businesswomen’s Organization, Banco Popular, and the Working Together Coalition have all welcomed Ms. Quintana to deliver a presentation about the SunRail project.

Eva Pagan Hill, President of the Working Together Coalition remarked, “Presentations like these are very important to our group. They help us educate and motivate our citizens to actively participate in the democratic process so that their voices can be heard. Participants at our meeting were commenting that they now understand what SunRail is all about and how it will benefit our community. Only informed citizens can make wise decisions, especially about something as important as adequate transportation options.”

myregion.org still is delivering an educational and informational Power Point presentation in English and Spanish to all community organizations and groups that are interested in learning more about the SunRail project. Gather a group or invite us to an existing meeting. We will come to you! Regardless of your preferred language, if you or your organization and/or business are interested in learning more about SunRail, please contact Elizabeth Rothbeind by e-mail at elizabeth.rothbeind@orlando.org or by phone at (407) 835-2535 to schedule your presentation today.

Get in the know and learn the facts about SunRail today by visiting the project website, www.sunrail.com!

Calling All Business Professionals, Students, & Internet Enthusiasts!

Did you know that SunRail - Central Florida’s planned 61.5-mile commuter rail project that is proposed to link Volusia, Seminole, Orange and Osceola counties, will have wireless Internet connectivity and power outlets on all seats?

With an estimated 223 million Internet users in the United States in 2008 (CIA World Fact Book, www.cia.gov), wireless Internet connectivity is vital to the Central Florida community. So, the ability to access the Internet on your laptop while commuting on SunRail is exciting, cutting edge, and convenient.

SunRail will positively change the way Central Florida travels. With access to the Internet and power outlets on each SunRail train, commuting to and from work will be not only convenient, but also productive. Business professionals can get a jump-start on their work for the day or begin to answer the hundreds of e-mails that pop up in their inbox daily. Instead of straining your eyes staring into your Blackberry, you can sit back relax and work on your easily legible laptop. Students can get ahead on their daily assignments or major term papers and Internet enthusiasts can blog and “tweet” on their way to their final destination.

Imagine the possible…click here to visit the project website to learn more about SunRail.

Lauten to Chair Advisory Council at UCF

February 23, 2009

Connecting the Dots

Approximately 150 of our region’s elected officials, business and civic leaders and members of Leadership Orlando Class 77 joined myregion.org’s Board of Directors for “Connecting the Dots” – A Regional Leadership Forum Regarding Transportation Issues, held Friday, February 20, in the beautiful facilities of the Home Builders Association of Metro Orlando. Partners for this event included Florida Department of Transportation District 5 and the Central Florida MPO Alliance.

The first in a series of “Regional Conversations” centering around important “regional issues that need regional resolves,” the Forum began with a presentation by John Kaliski, Principal with Cambridge Systematics, Inc., who discussed Central Florida’s standing as a super region and its potential as a mega region, as well as SunRail’s role in connecting with other significant markets in Florida – Jacksonville, Ocala and Miami/Palm Beach.

Click here for more photos from this event.

“Economic competitiveness and quality of life are key issues to be considered when we talk about Central Florida’s position in the global stage. It all goes back to the 4Cs identified by “How Shall We Grow?” – Centers, Corridors, Countrysides and Conservation”, said Kaliski. “By the year 2050, if we continue the trend that we are seeing today, the roads will be so congested that we will not be able to move people, goods and services properly. SunRail is the first step in the solution. We need more choices, other than I-4 being the backbone of our transportation in the region,” he concluded.

Central Florida Partnership President Jacob Stuart and Phil Laurien, Executive Director of the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council, reported on the recent Leadership Mission to Charlotte, North Carolina, to ride the city’s new train, the Lynx Blue Line, and discover the power of transit in generating economic prosperity. The 11-mile light rail project, which started operations on November 24, 2007, has already generated $1.86 billion in private investment along its corridor and has doubled all expectations with 18,000 riders a day. In addition, it has the safest start in history with zero (0) preventable accidents and the train is always on time (98.99%).

Stuart discussed the economic implications of SunRail, with more than $981 million in commercial business sales and 11,523 jobs in the counties of Volusia, Seminole, Orange and Osceola. Most importantly, SunRail will be the fist spine for other mass transit projects, first connecting Central Florida and later the rest of the state.

Jim Sellen, Executive Vice President of MCSW and Co-Chair of ULI Orlando, reported on the recent workshop conducted by ULI Orlando, in partnership with myregion.org to identify barriers to critical land use and transportation decisions, and recommend the solutions to overcoming them. The results will generate a “White Paper” that will help myregion.org identify the issues and policies that can support the efforts of the Congress of Regional Leaders in implementing regional solutions to growth.

Lakeland City Commissioner Gow Fields took the floor to discuss the outcome of the Regional Connectivity Summit held in Lakeland, which was aimed at promoting regional cooperation, collaboration and trust. He affirmed that the City of Lakeland supports SunRail , the TBARTA system and the connectivity between Tampa and Orlando. However, he asks for the support of regional leaders in ensuring that local communities are not adversely impacted when regional solutions are identified.

The last topic discussed was the Wekiva Parkway Project. Lindsay Hodges, Public Relations and Communications Manager of the Orlando-Orange County Expressway Authority, explained that this project is expected to complete the final piece of the beltway around Orlando. She highlighted the need for a toll increase to ensure that the Expressway Authority could continue to be economically sound and ensure the continued “connectivity” across region.

Participants were then asked to discuss “What will it take to build a world class transportation system?” A panel of experts that included Secretary Downs and board members of myregion.org, the Central Florida Partnership and the Central Florida Transportation Corridors Task Force, reacted to the participant’s concerns and answered their questions. The feedback gathered from these discussions will be used to develop a “White Paper” that will be used by myregion.org, the Central Florida Partnership and other organizations to identify our region’s transportation priorities.

“The development of an integrated, multi-modal transportation system is essential to the future economic well-being of Central Florida and the entire state,” said myregion.org President Shelley Lauten. “SunRail is a critical first step for our region, and myregion.org will continue to educate our leaders and citizens on its importance and its impact to our quality of life and our economy.”

Click here to access presentations from this meeting.

Regional Leaders Recognized

CoreNet Global, the world’s leading professional association for corporate real estate and workplace executives, announced today that myregion.org President Shelley Lauten and Phil Laurien, Executive Director, East Central Florida Regional Planning Council, are the recipients of the Core Club Luminary Award. They are being recognized for their “stellar” performance at CoreNet’s Orlando Summit held at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel on November 9-11,2008.

For 90 minutes, Lauten and Laurien captivated the audience from around the world, as they explained Central Florida’s collaborative efforts to reposition itself as a region that is globally competitive while maintaining a high standard quality of life. They shared the success of myregion.org’s “How Shall We Grow”? campaign, which for two years engaged Central Florida’s government, business, civic leaders and citizens in developing a shared vision for our region to ensure that it remains a place where future generations will want to live, learn, work and play.

As members of CoreNet Global’s Core Club, Lauten and Laurien are part of an exclusive community of volunteer speakers who take time and energy to share what they have learned with others. Its prestigious Core Club Luminary Award, which will be presented on April 26-28, 2009, during the North America Summit in Dallas, Texas, recognizes the attainment of “eminence” and “inspiration” among speakers and moderators rating in the top 10% of all the presenters at each event.

“Shelley Lauten and Phil Laurien did an excellent job with their presentation about regional cooperation and Central Florida’s success in creating a shared vision for its future. We applaud them for their efforts and look forward to presenting them with this prestigious award in April,” said Gayle E. Crew, Manager of Program Development at CoreNet Global.

With more than 7,000 members managing over $1.2 trillion in real estate and workplace assets in different parts of the world, CoreNet Global serves leading multinational companies from Fortune and Global 1000. It holds five (5) Summits each year: two in North America and one each in Asia, Australia/New Zealand and Europe.

To learn more about myregion.org please visit www.myregion.org. For information about the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council, please visit www.ecfrpc.org or to view CoreNet Global’s web site, please go to www.corenetglobal.org.

How will SunRail benefit Central Florida?

SunRail –Central Florida region’s planned 61.5-mile commuter rail project that is proposed to link Volusia, Seminole, Orange, and Osceola counties beginning in 2011, has a plethora of benefits for the Central Florida region, the state, and its citizens.

SunRail will establish the spine of a regional rail network that can be expanded to serve other areas of our state and will provide a reliable mobility alternative to I-4, just as major reconstruction is expected to begin in 2011. SunRail can carry as many passengers as one lane of I-4 during peak travel times, as well. The project also will encourage transit-oriented development around station areas, decided exclusively by local governments.

In addition, SunRail will return to Central Florida 20 cents of every dollar motorists now pay in federal gas taxes for transit projects to create new mobility options here at home.

SunRail will also serve as an economic engine for Central Florida and the State of Florida. According to the SunRail Economic Impact Study, SunRail will provide more than $981 million in commercial business sales and 11,523 jobs in Volusia, Seminole, Orange, and Osceola counties. SunRail will also create more than $188 million in commercial sales and 1,985 jobs in the state of Florida.

Imagine the possibilities with SunRail! To read the summary of the SunRail Economic Impact study click here and for the complete SunRail Economic Impact Study click here. To learn more, please visit the project website, www.sunrail.com.

Linking to SunRail

A total of 31 business, civic, and government websites partnered with myregion.org and placed the SunRail website button and/or link to www.sunrail.com on their websites in order to share the news about SunRail and communicate its new design and image.

Although organizations and businesses report their website activity differently, we can estimate that the SunRail website button and/or website link has been viewed an approximate average of 13.9 million times! The goal was to reach over 12,000 business and civic leaders in seven (7) counties and we are delighted to have exceeded the outreach goal by leaps and bounds.

myregion.org has had a wonderful outpouring of support from the Central Florida community, which has been instrumental in the great success of the educational outreach of SunRail.

myregion.org would like to extend a special “thank you” to all of our website partners, listed below and in alphabetical order.

Central Florida Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc.
Central Florida News 13
Central Florida Red Cross
Central Florida Sports Commission
Chamber of Commerce for Persons with Disabilities
City of Orlando
City of Tavares
DeLand Chamber of Commerce
Fox35
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Kissimmee Downtown Area Council of the Chamber
Kissimmee Gateway Airport
Lake County
Lake Sumter MPO
LYNX
Orange County
Orange County League of Women Voters
Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce
Orlando Sentinel
Oviedo-Winter Springs Regional Chamber of Commerce
Rollins College
Sanford/Seminole County Chamber
SCORE Local Site
Seminole County
Seminole County Chamber of Commerce
South Lake Chamber of Commerce
St. Cloud Chamber of Commerce
United Way Volusia Flagler
Volusia County
WMFE

February 9, 2009

Governor Charlie Crist Heralds SunRail

At a press conference in Tallahassee to unveil the results of the SunRail Economic Impact Study, Gov. Crist on Wednesday enthusiastically described SunRail as a “wonderful, thought-out project that will help our economy and our transportation.”

Sporting a SunRail pin on his lapel, the governor also lauded efforts led by myregion.org to develop a new logo and name for the system, Central Florida’s planned 61.5-mile commuter rail project that is proposed to link Volusia, Seminole, Orange and Osceola counties beginning in 2011.

Florida Governor Charlie Crist
(photo couretsy Office of Governor Charlie Crist)

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer
(photo couretsy Office of Governor Charlie Crist)

(l to r) Florida Governor Charlie Crist, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Florida Senator Lee Constantine, Florida Senator Andy Gardiner
(photo couretsy Office of Governor Charlie Crist)

“By the way, I love the logo,’’ Gov. Crist said, pointing to a giant display board of the SunRail logo. “It is beautiful. Who could be against SunRail?”

We could not agree with Gov. Crist more!

The logo, designed by Jim Bockstall of Bockstall Design Associates in Lake Mary, was part of a major outreach effort led by myregion.org, in partnership with the Florida Department of Transportation and Orange, Seminole, Osceola and Volusia counties, as well as the City of Orlando, that involved thousands of Central Florida residents.

Indeed, more than 3,000 citizens in the seven-county region took part in the development of the SunRail name and logo. Additionally, more than 400 unique names were submitted via a series of community meetings, Florida Department of Transportation employee outreach, the project website and the myregion.org group on Facebook. SunRail emerged overwhelmingly as the “people’s choice.” The name and logo were ratified by the Central Florida Commuter Rail Commission at a meeting Dec. 19, 2008.

The SunRail logo will be incorporated into station designs and public involvement materials, as well as serve as the basis for eventual color schemes on the trains.

A new website, www.SunRail.com, also was launched on Jan. 14, 2009, to provide the latest information available about SunRail – from station designs, to project timetables, to potential transit-oriented development opportunities.

The SunRail press conference also included remarks by Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Chairman of the Central Florida Commuter Rail Commission, Senators Lee Constantine and Andy Gardiner; Rep. Dean Cannon and Department of Transportation Secretary Stephanie Kopelousos. Dozens of Central Florida supporters also traveled to Tallahassee to hear the results of the study.

As Gov. Crist stated, "Our future economic success depends on a strong infrastructure that accommodates growth and the needs of our businesses while protecting our environment. SunRail is just the kind of transportation project that Florida needs to create thousands of jobs and generate millions in additional revenue for Central Florida and all of Florida."

Highlights include:

1. SunRail’s Construction and Operations

An infusion of more than $1 billion into Florida’s economy for construction and operation of SunRail over the next 30 years
The creation of more than 13,000 construction and operations jobs, the bulk of which occur almost immediately, totaling more than 350 million dollars in household earnings

2. SunRail’s Potential Transit-Oriented Development

The creation of more than 113,000 construction jobs within 1/2 mile of station stops
4.6 billion dollars in earnings for the construction sector in the next 20 years
Property values within 1/2 mile of station stops will increase almost 9 times their value
Secondary economic impacts (the economic benefit created when workers spend their earnings in the area) are forecast at more than $2.5 billion.

To read the summary of the SunRail Economic Impact study click here and for the complete SunRail Economic Impact Study click here. To learn more about SunRail, visit www.sunrail.com.

February 9, 2009

Congress of Regional Leaders Reviews "Regional Progress Report"

At the first 2009 meeting of the Congress of Regional Leaders held Friday, February 6, elected officials representing 93 local governments and school boards reviewed the progress being made towards implementing Central Florida’s Regional Growth Vision.

In just one year of working together as a regional Congress, twenty-one (21) local municipalities have reported adopting principles of the regional vision into local comprehensive plans–moving from ideas to results!

Click here for more photos from this event.

At this rate, in five years, citizens of Central Florida would see unprecedented commitment by their elected officials to implementing shared regional policies that would shape a shared vision of growth.

The Congress of Regional leaders is composed of elected officials representing city and county governments and the school boards from across the Central Florida region, and staffed by myregion.org, is dedicated to ensuring that Central Florida communities continue to implement the principles that emerged from "How Shall We Grow?" - Creating a Shared Vision for Central Florida. The Regional Growth Vision reflects the desires of nearly 20,000 residents in the Central Florida region - Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Brevard, Volusia, Lake and Polk counties - that participated in the 18-month campaign two years ago, to create a shared vision for how our region can grow between now and 2050, when the population is expected to double from 3.5 million to 7 million.

Frank Bruno, Chair of the Congress and County Chair of the Volusia Council, and Shelley Lauten, President of myregion.org (and staff for the Congress of Regional Leaders), set the context and provided an overview of the important issues being addressed by the Congress.

Chairman Bruno stated, “While we have a lot to accomplish, we are making progress to ensure that what citizens ask for, we continue to deliver.”

Phil Laurien, Executive Director of the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council, reviewed in detail the progress that 15 cities and 6 counties have reported making to create a region that consumes less land, preserves more precious environmental resources and natural countryside, creates more distinctive places to live in both rural and urban areas, and provides more choices for how people travel.

Additionally, progress has also been made in addressing regional transportation issues. T.J. Fish, Director of the Lake/Sumter MPO, highlighted the region’s commitment to SunRail – Central Florida’s Commuter Rail System and the development of a comprehensive regional transportation plan. The creation of the MPO Alliance, a consortium of the region’s metropolitan planning organizations, has proven to be the key to creating and advancing regional transportation solutions.

In another example of regional collaboration, Jim Sellen, Co-Chair of Urban Land Institute (ULI)-Central Florida, and Executive Vice-President of MSCW, Inc., reported the results of a workshop convened by ULI-Central Florida in conjunction with the Congress of Regional Leaders and myregion.org. Over 150 leaders and citizens from across the region came together to identify the barriers and solutions to developing a sustainable approach to Transportation and Land Use in Central Florida.

ULI-Central Florida will document these recommended solutions and report those to the Congress within the coming weeks. These recommendations will allow the Congress to identify some potential regional solutions to shared issues.

Click here to view the powerpoint from the meeting

Special guests at this meeting included Representative Stephen Precourt, State House District 41, Florida Department of Transportation District 5 Secretary, Noranne Downs and Senator Lee Constantine State Senate District 22, who reported on the great progress being made in Tallahassee in securing support for SunRail. Senator Constantine commended the work of both the Congress of Regional Leaders and the Central Florida Partnership in working together to ensure that SunRail becomes a reality.

These state leaders listened to the regional “Progress Report” and made recommendations on ways the state and regional leaders might better align state, regional and local efforts. Secretary Downs suggested a joint meeting of regional, state and local leaders to seek better integration and coordination of policies and practices.

Representative Precourt congratulated the Congress of Regional Leaders for the example they are setting in the region and the state as a “ best practice” in cooperation and collaboration. “This community is an example of finding out what the region needs and what the people want and then moving forward from there,” he said. “You are truly working together to make this the ‘quality piece of Florida’ that you want it to be. You are ready to carry this effort to the next level.”

The Congress of Regional Leaders agreed that much yet needs to be done and committed to the following action items before they regroup again on May 29, 2009:

County and city representatives agreed to hold joint meetings to further advance the implementation of the Regional Growth Vision
A meeting will be held with FDOT District 5 Secretary Downs and other state, regional and local agencies to find ways to streamline and reduce duplication of efforts.
The impact of including Sumter County on the Congress of Regional Leaders will be explored.
Regional recommended changes to growth management laws and transportation concurrency will be researched and circulated to the Congress for decisions on “next-step” actions.

For more information about the Congress of Regional Leaders or the Regional Growth Vision, visit www.myregion.org

February 9, 2009

Congress of Regional Leaders Welcomes New Members

The Congress of Regional Leaders welcomed three new members during their first meeting in 2009, held in Seminole County last Friday.

By signing the Central Florida Regional Compact, Bob Dallari, Chairman of the Seminole County Commission; John Quiñones, Chairman of the Osceola County Commission and Cheryl Grieb, Commissioner, City of Kissimmee, pledged to the citizens of the region that as elected officials, they will work to ensure the Central Florida Regional Growth Vision becomes reality.

As the new Chairmen of their respective County Commissions, Dallari replaces Commissioner Brenda Carey, and Quiñones replaces Commissioner Ken Shipley on the Congress of Regional Leaders. Grieb replaces St. Cloud Mayor Donna Hart, representing the Mayors of the municipalities in Osceola County on the Congress.

Volusia County Commission Chairman Frank Bruno, Chair of the Congress of Regional Leaders, thanked the outgoing members for their leadership and for the commitment they have demonstrated to the region. In welcoming the new members, Bruno said, “The professional expertise and regional community connections that you bring to our efforts will serve to enhance and expand our reach throughout the seven-county Central Florida region.”

The Congress, which was originally created a year ago as part of myregion.org’s “How Shall We Grow?” campaign, is composed of leaders representing counties, cities and school boards in Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Seminole and Volusia counties.

The Central Florida Regional Compact, which also includes the key principles and themes of the Central Florida Regional Growth Vision announced in 2007, was developed by the Central Florida Joint Policy Framework Committee, and has been signed on behalf of elected officials from throughout the region.

As outlined in the Central Florida Regional Compact, the Congress will:

Develop appropriate regional policies;
Promote understanding and support of the Central Florida Regional Growth Vision;
Monitor progress toward the Vision, and;
Develop a process for updating the Vision to respond to evolving regional trends

“I’m very proud of the work that the Congress of Regional Leaders has done since its inception. We have done much, but there is more to do…with their assistance and support we’ll be one step closer in ensuring that our shared vision of growth can be implemented in a more effective and efficient way,” said Chairman Bruno.

For a listing of the 2009 Congress of Regional Leaders, click here. To view the Congress of Regional Leaders Compact, click here or go to www.myregion.org.

The Central Florida Community is looking to learn more about… TRAINS!

The city of Tavares held its second annual train festival on January 16 and 17, 2009. The festival was a smash hit, drawing a record number of crowds with rail fans gathering in downtown Tavares for a “Salute to the Railroads.”

The Inland Lakes Railway reported that more than 1,500 guests rode the eight trains! Significantly, attendance at the railroad sway meet and model train show was up a whopping 57% over 2007. Guests registering at the train show came from 53 different communities in Florida and 12 states.

The Train Festival event was co-sponsored by the Inland Lakes Railway and the City of Tavares. The Inland Lakes Railway began operation in September 2005 and travels between Orlando and Eustis, Tavares and Mount Dora, Florida, providing dinner/lunch train service, charters, and excursion.

The excitement over this event comes as no surprise with the hot topic of SunRail - Central Florida’s planned 61.5-mile commuter rail project linking Volusia, Seminole, Orange and Osceola counties, circulating throughout the Central Florida region and beyond. Clearly, Central Floridians are excited about trains and want to learn more! Click here to visit the new SunRail website, www.sunrail.com.

More than 3,000 residents participated in efforts to select a name and new logo for the system. Indeed, more than 400 unique names for the train were submitted, with SunRail emerging overwhelmingly as the “people’s choice.” A logo that is reflective of the look, image and most important attributes that the region’s citizens want in the train was also selected from among 8 design concepts.

In coming months, myregion.org will be engaged in the community outreach phase of SunRail to educate the community about SunRail and generate an understanding of its positive impact on our quality of life and economy. If you would like myregion.org to deliver a 15-minute presentation on SunRail to your community or organization, please contact Elizabeth Rothbeind at elizabeth.rothbeind@orlando.org.

Did You Know. . .?

SunRail, the Central Florida Commuter Rail, is an economical transportation alternative -- even less expensive than similar projects recently constructed elsewhere in the nation?

SunRail will cost $615 million dollars and run 61.5 miles, which is about $10 million dollars a mile. Do you know how much other systems have cost? What is the comparison of our system to other systems throughout the United States?

Well… the Weber County Salt Lake City commuter rail project is 44-miles long and cost $612 million to construct, an average of $14 million per mile. The 22-mile North San Diego County Oceanside-Escondido commuter rail system that opened in July 2008 cost a total of $484 million, or $22 million per mile. Additionally, the proposed Monmouth-Ocean-Middlesex commuter rail system (MOM Line) that will connect the Northeast Corridor to the New Jersey shore communities is a 40-mile alignment that is estimated to cost $800 million, or about $20 million per mile.

In providing these statistics, Congressman John L. Mica wrote, “The Florida Department of Transportation has wisely chosen to buy the 61-mile right-of-way at a price that was certified by two independent real estate appraisers. Many systems around the country do not have the advantage of owning their own right-of-way and have found that they are limited in controlling rail traffic and future passenger service options.”

So, yes, mass transit systems are a major cost, but one must consider what mass transit systems do for communities as well as the United States as a whole. For example, MARTA, Atlanta’s mass transit system, has not only boosted Atlanta’s economy and alleviated travel concerns, but has helped the environment. A study conducted by the American Public Transit Association concluded that in 2001, “public transportation use in the Atlanta area saved 19.3 million gallons of gasoline, and kept more than 300 million pounds of pollutants out of the air” (www.itsmarta.com). MARTA has done great things for the city of Atlanta and has saved Atlantans approximately 25 million man-hours in traffic delays.

Similar to other mass transit systems now in place, it is projected that SunRail will elevate Central Florida to a world stage by increasing job opportunities, enhancing economic development, and alleviating road congestion.

SunRail Brand Unveiled

About 200 people gathered at the Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport on January 14, 2009, to celebrate the unveiling of the official logo and website of SunRail, Central Florida’s planned 61.5-mile commuter rail project linking Volusia, Seminole, Orange and Osceola counties.

The celebration culminated more than three months of research and community outreach conducted by myregion.org* to lay the foundation for selection of a name and logo for the project – the region’s top transportation priority.

Central Florida Partnership President Jacob Stuart.

“This is a true, community-led effort that will provide Central Floridians with a badly needed mass transit alternative to their cars and help stimulate our local economy,’’ said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Chairman of the Central Florida Commuter Rail Commission.

At the event, FDOT District 5 Secretary Noranne Downs presented plaques to two Florida Department of Transportation workers, Megan Reinhart and Larry Wynn, and to Micki Meyer, Leadership Orlando Class 67 graduate and Director of Community Engagement at Rollins College. The three submitted the SunRail name or iterations thereof, for community consideration.

(l to r) FDOT District 5 Secretary Noranne Downs
Megan Reinhart, Micki Meyer and Mayor Buddy Dyer

“SunRail is quintessential Florida,’’ said Secretary Downs. “The name and logo highlight our great outdoors, our wonderful weather and our environmental conscience.”

Mayor Dyer and Secretary Downs were joined at the celebration by members of the Central Florida Commuter Rail Commission, as well as government, business and civic leaders and citizens from throughout the region who participated in community outreach efforts.

In all, more than 3,000 residents in the seven-county Central Florida region took part in development of the SunRail name and logo. Additionally, more than 400 unique names were submitted via a series of community meetings, Florida Department of Transportation employee outreach, the project website and the myregion.org group on Facebook. SunRail emerged overwhelmingly as the “people’s choice.” The name and logo were ratified by the Central Florida Commuter Rail Commission at a meeting on December 19, 2008.

The SunRail logo, designed by Jim Bockstall of Bockstall Design Associates in Lake Mary, will be incorporated into station designs and public involvement materials, as well as serve as the basis for eventual color schemes on the trains.

Additionally, a new website, www.sunrail.com, was launched to provide the latest information available about SunRail – from station designs to project timetables to potential economic development opportunities. Visitors to the previous project website, www.cfrail.com, will automatically be redirected to the new site.

Following the celebration, a group of more than 100 Central Florida government, business and civic leaders, as well as more than 70 members of Leadership Orlando Class 76, traveled to Charlotte, North Carolina, on a leadership mission hosted and funded by the Central Florida Partnership.** The group rode the city’s new 9.6-mile light rail train, the Lynx Blue Line, which has proven to be an important stimulus to their regional economy, generating $1.86 billion in private investment along its corridor.

Regional Leadership Mission to Charlotte participants
ride Charlotte's Commuter Rail.

While in Charlotte, the delegation also met with the Honorable Patrick McCrory, Mayor of the City of Charlotte, and heard a panel discussion about Charlotte’s “success story” featuring Debra Campbell, Director of Planning, City of Charlotte; Danny Pleasant, Director, City of Charlotte Department of Transportation; Keith Parker, CEO, Charlotte Area Transit System and Bob Morgan, President, Charlotte Chamber of Commerce.

“The development of an integrated, multi-modal transportation system is essential to the future economic well being of Central Florida and the entire state,” said Jacob V. Stuart, President and CEO of the Central Florida Partnership. “SunRail is a critical first step for our region, and the Central Florida Partnership is working diligently with other regions in Florida and in Tallahassee to make absolutely sure that this dream becomes a reality for our residents and visitors.”

“This has been an exciting time in the history of our region”, said Shelley Lauten, President of myregion.org. “In coming months, myregion.org will continue to conduct additional outreach efforts to help educate the community about SunRail and generate an understanding of the positive impact of its anticipated debut in 2011.”

* myregion.org is one of four “Lines of Business” by which the Central Florida Partnership focuses on “Regional Research and Resolves.” By identifying and examining the changing demographics and powerful trends that are shaping the Central Florida Region – myregion.org is helping to identify the issues and challenges that affect our future. myregion.org does not advocate; its mission is to convene, educate and inform. Working together with the Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce (Regional Entrepreneurship), BusinessForce (Public Policy Advocacy), and Leadership Orlando (Regional Leadership), the Central Florida Partnership is moving “Ideas to Results.”

** The Central Florida Partnership is moving Ideas To Results, advancing key strategies on behalf of the Central Florida Region. A world-class region requires a world-class transportation system. The Central Florida Partnership has formed special task forces outside of its core business units to elevate and bring business focus to bear on this important issue.

These “Task Forces” include: Central Florida Transportation Corridors “Task Force,” the Core Strategy Team (CST) for Commuter Rail, the Council of “Great Thinkers,” and the Super Regional Strategy Team (SRST), hosted by the Central Florida Partnership and the Tampa Bay Partnership, all working in concert to advocate for a Regional Transportation System and collaborate with other parts of the region and throughout the state to move this issue forward.
The Central Florida Partnership is taking the lead to advance Commuter Rail at the state level during the 2009 Legislative Session, with President & CEO, Jacob V. Stuart and other Regional Leaders “on the ground” in Tallahassee during the current “Special Session” and during the
2009 Legislative Session.

The Central Florida Commuter Rail Commission Welcomes SunRail !

Orlando, FL – The Central Florida Commuter Rail Commission today selected SunRail as the new name for the proposed 61.5 – mile Central Florida Commuter Rail project, which will link Volusia, Seminole, Orange, and Osceola counties with a new mass transit option beginning in 2011.

In the past two months, more than 3,000 residents in the Central Florida region participated in community outreach efforts organized by myregion.org – A Regional Development Program, in partnership with the Florida Department of Transportation, to help brand the Central Florida Commuter Rail System.

And the results were clear. From hundreds of names originally submitted, citizens overwhelmingly preferred SunRail, with SunTrax a close second. With a unanimous vote Friday, the Central Florida Commuter Rail Commission concurred: SunRail (trademark pending) is coming to Central Florida.

“This is a terrific step forward in bringing the Commuter Rail project to life,’’ said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, chairman of the Central Florida Commuter Rail Commission. “SunRail will change the way this community travels, providing the spine of a rail system that we can build upon in the future.’’

“SunRail will not only provide new travel options to our road network, it will be an important economic engine for the Central Florida community for years to come,’’ said FDOT District 5 Secretary Noranne Downs.

Micki Meyer, Director of Community Engagement at Rollins College, as well as Megan Reinhart and Larry Wynn, Florida Department of Transportation employees, submitted the SunRail name, or variations thereof, for consideration by the commission. In addition, the overwhelming majority of those surveyed in focus groups agreed the name SunRail was evocative of Florida.

More than 400 unique names for the rail project also were submitted via a series of community meetings, as well as through Florida Department of Transportation employee outreach, the project web site – www.cfrail.com, and the myregion.org group on Facebook. Most suggestions featured an environmental theme, such as SunStar and Central Florida Breeze, while others related more to speed, such as Fastrax and Greenspeed.

In addition to selecting the SunRail name, Commission members also chose a logo concept for the SunRail system. The logo, designed by Jim Bockstall of Bockstall Design Associates, was developed based on community input and research by myregion.org. The train illustrates motion and speed, which were attributes reflected in many aspects of community research. It will be incorporated into all public involvement materials and serve as the basis for eventual color schemes on the trains.

Preliminary research also conducted by myregion.org, including a scientific survey and qualitative questionnaire, revealed that citizens want a modern look, a train that is speedy, sleek, and high-tech. Getting to work on time, safely, dependably and comfortably also ranked high in importance. Citizens also expressed they want the train to have an environmental look – representative of our physical environment, blue skies, green forests and sunny, warm climate – and be illustrative of our “environmental lifestyle” with regard to energy, pollution, congestion and safety.

Drawing from the results of initial community surveys, Mr. Bockstall designed eight original logo concepts. Mr. Bockstall then further refined the concepts, based on input from an additional six focus groups throughout the region. A final set of two design concepts were developed for consideration by the Central Florida Commuter Rail Commission.

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer will rollout the final logo design to the community on Wednesday, January 14, 2008, at the Orlando International Airport, as he leads a group of civic, business and government leaders in a Regional Leadership Mission to Charlotte, North Carolina, to ride the city’s new train, the LYNX Blue Line, a 9.6-mile light rail project which has already generated $1.86 billion in private investment along its corridor.

In coming months, myregion.org will conduct an additional community outreach effort to help spread the word about SunRail and generate community understanding of the positive impact of SunRail’s anticipated debut in 2011.

SunRail or SunTrax? Orlando's commuter rail going to get a name

Dan Tracy | Sentinel Staff Writer
11:02 AM EST, December 17, 2008

Proposed logos

Forget the acronyms and alliteration. The likely name for Central Florida's hoped-for commuter train is SunRail. The apparent runner-up is SunTrax.

A circular logo featuring a train engine backed by golden sunshine and possibly a palm tree or two is the probable symbol of the planned $1.2 billion system.

More than 100 participants in more than a dozen focus groups zeroed in on SunRail and SunTrax after going through a long list of possible names and logos. Their collective recommendation will go to the Central Florida Rail Commission Friday. The panel, chaired by Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, will pick the winner. Judging from the focus groups, it probably will be SunRail.

Veronica Bacon, a focus group member and administrative assistant in nutritional services at Florida Hospital, said SunRail is her favorite: "It said Florida. It said happy. It's attention getting."

She especially liked the azure, gold, green and black colors on the logo, and the sleek train engine.

"It was really cool. The picture was great," said Bacon, a Maitland resident who hopes to someday ride the train to and from her job north of downtown Orlando.

Ana Zaragoza, service coordinator at a Hispanic seniors apartment complex in Kissimmee, said she likes the SunRail name, but prefers the logo that goes with the No. 2 finisher, SunTrax. That design features more black and a more futuristic-looking engine.

"It's more in tune with Florida's lifestyle," said Zaragoza, another focus group participant.

The artist responsible for the logo, Jim Bockstall of Lake Mary, said he has been working on the design for about two months. A stylized version of reality is his goal.

"We're really trying to give people a good impression of what it will look like," he said.

Shelley Lauten, president of myregion.org, which is being paid $300,000 to oversee design of the logo and naming of the train, said that focus groups were put together in Volusia, Seminole, Orange, Osceola, Lake, Brevard and Polk counties.

"We tried to get a great cross section of the region," said Lauten.

Along the way, participants rejected names for the system like GATOR, an acronym for Greater Area Transit Overland Rail or Greater Area Transit Orlando Rail; FAT, or Florida Alternative Train; FAST, or Florida Area Smart Transit; and O'BART, Orange Blossom Area Rapid Transit..

The 61-mile system is slated to run from DeLand in Volusia to Poinciana in Osceola. The first 31 miles, from south Volusia to Sand Lake Road in Orange, are supposed to be up and running in 2011, with the remainder in 2013.

Proponents contend a name and logo are crucial to raising public awareness of the project. A recent myregion.org poll showed that 55 percent of respondents had no opinion about the rail line. The project still needs the approval of the state Legislature next year before construction can begin.

Said Amanda Conochalla, a focus group member and manger of government relations at Orlando Health: "I think it will help people understand the details, instead of just an idea." Dan Tracy can be reached at dtracy@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5444.

myregion.org joins Daytona Beach Chamber of Commerce on Inter-City Visit to Charlotte

Shelley Lauten, President of myregion.org had the honor of joining a stellar group of business, government and civic leaders representing the Daytona Beach-Halifax Area Chamber at its semi-annual Inter-City Visit to learn of best practices and glean new ideas from leaders in another region.

“Larry McKinney, CEO of the Daytona Chamber, understands how critical it is that our region connect across city and county lines. As a Board member of myregion.org, Larry’s invitation for me to join this trip was a wonderful signal of support for regional scale thinking, as we continue to enhance each city and county within the region,” said Lauten.

This year’s trip to Charlotte was especially interesting to see what has been accomplished with federal transit funding Charlotte received for a light rail system—dollars that had be slated to come to Central Florida. Key transit leaders from Charlotte hosted the group on a ride of the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) Blue Line, from downtown Charlotte to its northernmost point.

Click here for more photos.

In addition to light rail, the city and county leaders have a clear vision and detailed plan for an integrated multimodal solution that connects the core city along five key transportation corridors—and will include at build out an integrated system of buses, trolleys and commuter rail, along with an expansion of their current light rail system.

To support this transportation plan, these leaders also have supported land use changes encouraging more compact growth in close proximity to the transit lines. These leaders spoke frequently of the tranformative effect that transportation is having in the revitalization of Charlotte’s downtown—even in these uncertain economic times.

Of special interest to the Daytona leaders was the update on the NASCAR Hall of Fame. These two great cities—Daytona and Charlotte—were in competition for this important asset. In Charlotte leaders’ estimation, the “tipping point” for NASCAR was an issue of geography—fully 90% of NASCAR drivers and their teams live within an hour of Charlotte. This concentration of “talent” in the Charlotte area was the final “selling point” in favor of building it in Charlotte. Again, in support of enhancing and building a vibrant “center city”, the NASCAR hall of fame will be built adjacent to the Charlotte Convention Center---and a light rail line runs right through the middle of the building!

Click here for more photos.

An impressive group of civic, business and government leaders addressed the Daytona leaders over a three-day period. Whether it was discussing how arts and cultural assets are being strategically built to enhance quality of life, or demonstrating a motorsports curriculum for K-12 to encourage more students to excel in science, technology, engineering and math, Charlotte’s leaders were unified in what they believed was the “secret” to Charlotte’s success: Optimism and a “Can-do” attitude… that brings leaders from all across the region and from all sectors to ensure that Charlotte is economically vibrant not only now, but well into the future.

This experience is a precursor to a similar fact-finding trip scheduled for January 14, 2009, when the members of Leadership Orlando Class 76, along with representatives of the Central Florida Partnership, its Transportation Corridors “Task Force” and other regional leaders will make a day trip to Charlotte in support of Central Florida Commuter Rail to “ride their train” and meet with community leaders there to learn more about their successes in developing a multi-modal transportation system.

Central Florida’s commuter rail project is set to be at the top the Florida Legislature’s agenda in the spring, with Osceola County officials and leaders showing the strongest support among the counties in the region that would be served by it.

A survey conducted last month by myregion.org, a group of public, private and civic leaders from Osceola, Seminole and Orange counties showed that despite modest public awareness of commuter rail transit details, there is still strong support for the project, which made it to the Florida Legislature, but was not approved this year. The project would allow the Florida Department of Transportation to purchase railroad tracks from international transportation company CSX Corp. and create a rail-based mass transit system connecting Orange, Osceola, Volusia and Seminole counties.

Overall, 81 percent of people surveyed in Osceola, Seminole and Orange counties approved the construction of a commuter rail transit system. According to survey results, the strongest supporters for commuter rail, 47 percent, are from Osceola County.

“If I had a voice in it, I would propose it,” county resident and Lynx bus user Henry Shamily said.
Shamily also said that combined with buses, a rail-based transportation system could work, and eventually reduce traffic in the region.

“You have to look at it in the long run,” he said.

Last month, Osceola County Commission Chairman Ken Shipley wrote to Gov. Charlie Crist urging him to “finish the work necessary to complete the commuter rail project.” Shipley said commuter rail could provide new job opportunities to county residents hoping to work in downtown Orlando.

“Trying to grow right is the right thing to do, and to accomplish this, commuter rail needs to be in place,” Shipley wrote.

Kissimmee and St. Cloud city officials have supported commuter rail efforts. St. Cloud Mayor Donna Hart said Central Florida is in need of it.

“This region is going to get bigger and keep growing, and eventually we’re going to have to figure out how to move people around,” she said.

In 2007, Volusia, Seminole, Orange and Osceola counties, along with the city of Orlando, approved funding to establish the first 61 miles of commuter rail from Volusia through Osceola counties. During the 2008 legislative session, the project fell short of approval due to liability language stating that, as part of a deal between CSX and the Florida Department of Transportation, CSX would have been provided with legal immunity meant to protect the company from lawsuits.

One of commuter rail’s critics during the 2008 session, state Sen. Paula Dockery, R-Lakeland, said the legal language, as well as the possibility of increased rail traffic to Lakeland, caused her to oppose the project. In May, she requested the state team up with Amtrak to implement a new version of the commuter rail project.

Despite falling short of approval at the last legislative session, Osceola County Commissioner John Quiñones said the county and others involved have good reason to remain confident in the project next year. It has already secured state and federal funding totaling $300 million. He said commuter rail might survive next year’s legislative session due to the creation of regional collaborations like myregion.org.

“I think the chances are looking pretty good right now,” Quiñones said.

He said that if different counties affected by the project team up to fund the 25 percent of the project they are required to fund and come to an agreement on the legal liability issue, it could ultimately get the green light.

“I think that can be resolved in this legislative session,” Quiñones, a former state representative, said.

The rail system, if built as proposed, would begin in DeLand and have Osceola County stops at stations on Osceola Parkway, downtown Kissimmee and in Poinciana.
The 2009 legislative session begins in March.

On a related note, the Central Florida Commuter Rail Commission’s Technical Advisory Committee will meet at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3 at the Florida Department of Transportation’s District 5 Urban Office, 133 S. Semoran Blvd., Orlando. Anyone with questions, or anyone needing special assistance at the meeting, should contact Marianne Gurnee at or 407-492-0836.

“Strong support”… “Now is the time”… “Cutting-edge, modern, high tech”

That is what a majority of more than 1,700 business and civic community leaders said in responding to a questionnaire about the Central Florida Commuter Rail project.

myregion.org, working closely with the Florida Department of Transportation and Central Florida community partners, recently surveyed more than 1,700 business and civic community leaders to get a better idea of what values and attributes matter most to the community with regard to the Central Florida Commuter Rail project. That information will be used to help brand and develop a name and logo for the project. The results of the questionnaire can be viewed by clicking here.

Interestingly, the Central Florida Commuter Rail questionnaire conclusions largely parallel the results of a recent citizen survey conducted by Hill Research Consultants of registered voters in the 4 counties of Volusia, Seminole, Orange, and Osceola. Although the questionnaire and the survey targeted different groups of people, both citizens and community leaders alike expressed “strong support” for proceeding with development of the Central Florida Commuter Rail project. Regardless of whether you are a business leader working in Osceola County or a young person living near one of the future rail stations near Sanford, a majority of the Central Floridians we asked view commuter rail as a viable alternative to helping solve the region’s congested road network.

While the survey, conducted by Dr. David Hill, was a statistically valid random sample of more than 500 citizens living along the 61-mile commuter rail corridor, the qualitative questionnaire was completed by an additional 1,730 people who live not only in the “core counties”, but also the surrounding counties of Brevard, Lake, and Polk. The questionnaire was performed in addition to the scientific survey to see whether any similarities and differences emerged across the region.

The questionnaire, given to business and civic leaders and available on the Internet, reinforced the findings of the citizen poll that transportation is an important issue. One difference between the citizens’ survey and answers from business and civic leaders is that people responding to the questionnaire are actually more pessimistic than citizens about the region’s transportation situation.

Key Findings between Citizen Survey and Business and Civic Leader Questionnaire:

	CFCR Questionnaire (Leaders)	Hill Research (Citizens)
Over the next 5 years, the Central Florida Region’s transportation situation will get worse.	75%	49%
Respondents overwhelmingly believe transportation issues lies outside of the automobile.	82%	87%
“Now is the time” for our region to invest in a new, modern mass transit system	80%	79%
The majority of respondents expressed preference for a “cutting-edge, modern, high-tech” train, that is painted in cool colors (blues, greens and purples) that match our skies and environment.	79%	72%
The minority of respondents expressed a preference for a nostalgic, retro, “Orient Express” type of train	15%	23%

Additionally, people completing the questionnaire were asked to submit suggestions for a name for the train….And more than 300 unique names were sent in! (Click here to see them all…)

So, for all of you clever wordsmiths out there, we still are accepting name suggestions for the 61.5-mile Central Florida Commuter Rail project, which will link Volusia, Seminole, Orange, and Osceola counties. Click here to email your unique train names before the November 14, 2008 deadline. Or, if you would prefer, go directly to the project website, at www.cfrail.com.

This community engagement and outreach is a result of a partnership between myregion.org and the Florida Department of Transportation to help brand the Central Florida Commuter Rail system. Thanks to all who participated, and we eagerly await your suggestions for a commuter rail name!

Naming the train…continues until November 14, 2008…!

What do you think about “Central Florida Breeze” as a name for Central Florida’s commuter rail?

Do you think “Florida Flyer” has a better “ring” to it?

If you haven’t yet submitted your idea, “the train is leaving the station…”

Over the last 20 days, more than 1,700 people have sent in their ideas about Central Florida’s commuter rail. And… more than 300 unique commuter rail names were submitted. Of the names received, 86 had an environmental theme, such as “Orange Breeze” and “Sunshine State Railway,” and 95 were speed-related, such as “Central Florida Express” and “Central Florida Zipline.” Whether it’'s a new acronym, environmentally conscious, or a name that conveys awareness of transportation solutions, we still want to hear from you. The community has been very creative with their submissions and we are eager to hear more of your ideas.

So, for all of you clever wordsmiths out there, we still are accepting name suggestions for the 61.5-mile Central Florida Commuter Rail, which will link Volusia, Seminole, Orange, and Osceola counties. Click here to email your unique train names before the November 14, 2008 deadline. Or, if you would prefer, go directly to the project website, at www.cfrail.com.

Don’t forget to pass this along to all of your friends, family, and co-workers to see what they can come up with. Get involved and create a “Name That Train” competition at your office or home and see how creative the individuals around you can be.

This community engagement and outreach is a result of a partnership between myregion.org, and the Florida Department of Transportation, to compile the results of the community questionnaire to help brand the Central Florida Commuter Rail system. Thanks to all who participated and we eagerly await your unique commuter rail names!

For a complete list of submitted names, click here.

Commuter Rail Recognized by Urban Land Institute

In the category of Sustainability in Economics, the winner is Commuter Rail! The Urban Land Institute Orlando District Council hosted the Fifth Annual “Champions of Sustainability” awards luncheon on Wednesday, September 24, 2008, to honor those who have made an impact in the Central Florida region in the areas of nature, the economy, our society and individual well being and for the inaugural Land Use Excellence and Promise Awards.

A major initiative of the Central Florida Partnership, the selection of Commuter Rail as the Champion of Sustainability in Economics was based on the following criteria: Initiatives and programs designed to benefit citizens of Central Florida through a strong economy and high quality of life with a positive, measurable impact on the economic viability of an area, issue, activity, or group.

In presenting the Award, the Urban Land Institute recognized that traffic congestion is a growing concern for those who live, work and visit Central Florida. As Central Florida continues to grow at a staggering pace, traffic congestion will only get worse. Though there is no one magic bullet to solve traffic woes, several different modes of transportation options working together – know as "intermodal" in transportation-speak – is a proven way to ease the gridlock.

That is why the Florida Department of Transportation, in cooperation with the federal government and local officials in Orange, Seminole, Volusia and Osceola counties and the city of Orlando, is advancing a commuter rail transit project to run along a 61-mile stretch of existing rail freight tracks in the four-county area. The initial 31-mile Phase 1 segment would serve 12 stations, linking DeBary to Orlando. Phase II would serve 5 additional stations, north to DeBary and south to Poinciana. Service is expected to begin in 2011 – just as FDOT starts a major I-4 reconstruction project through the heart of Central Florida.

The Central Florida Commuter Rail project made an important leap forward when federal officials announced the project is approved to enter the Final Design phase. This announcement brings Central Florida within grasp of a cost-effective alternative to crippling gasoline costs and growing highway congestion along I-4. The Commuter Rail project now joins an elite group of only five other major new transit projects in Final Design around the country. Once the Florida Legislature approves a liability agreement to allow rail operations along the 61-mile route, FDOT will be able to immediately negotiate a Full Funding Grant Agreement with FTA – the final step in the federal process.

As commuting is an increasing constraint on the budgets of Central Floridians, this exciting project will improve Central Florida’s transportation options and is scheduled to open for revenue service in 2011.

Also recognized were the following 2008 Champions of Sustainability:

Economics - Commuter Rail
Nature - Clay Henderson
Social - myregion.org
Individual Wellbeing - Nap Ford Community School
MSCW Legacy Champion of Sustainability - University of Central Florida
Leader of Promise - John Metsopoulos
Leader of Excellence - Beat Kahli
Project of Promise - Medical City at Lake Nona
Project of Excellence Large Scale - Baldwin Park
Project of Excellence Small Scale - Hannibal Square Community Land Trust

Click here for summary statements for all of the 2008 Champions.

FDOT Partners with myregion.org
Brand Development for Central Florida Commuter Rail

The Florida Department of Transportation has engaged myregion.org to conduct a community outreach campaign to develop an image and branding concept for Central Florida Commuter Rail. “We will rely on the expertise, success and positive reputation that myregion.org has earned by engaging the public, private and civic sectors on issues of regional importance for Central Florida,” said Noranne Downs, FDOT District 5 Secretary.

As a region, we now have an opportunity to move from vision to reality with Central Florida Commuter Rail. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), in cooperation with the federal government and local officials in Orange, Seminole, Volusia and Osceola counties and the city of Orlando, is advancing a commuter rail transit project to run along a 61-mile stretch of existing rail freight tracks in the four-county area.

The 31-mile Phase I segment would serve 12 stations, linking DeBary to Orlando. Phase II would serve 5 additional stations, north to DeBary and south to Poinciana. It is the first step in a comprehensive rail plan for all Floridians.

As this project moves closer to reality, an image of commuter rail needs to be developed. To ensure that the brand for Central Florida Commuter Rail is reflective of the vision and values of the residents of Central Florida, myregion.org will conduct a widespread Public Engagement and Leadership Participation Process.

Community engagement is not new to myregion.org. Over last two years, myregion.org, in partnership with the Regional Planning Councils, the Central Florida Metropolitan Planning Organization Alliance, the Florida Department of Transportation and the Florida Department of Community Affairs, along with other community organizations, heard from more than 20,000 citizens from all stakeholder areas about future growth and development in the region-- with the goal of forming a clear community vision and consensus about how and where we grow.

The shared vision that emerged from that community conversation, “How Shall We Grow?” was clear. We must grow differently than we have grown in the past--focusing on four key themes: Conservation, Countryside, Centers, and Corridors of alternative forms of transportation.

“Just as in “How Shall We Grow,” we believe that citizens and leaders need the opportunity to share their opinions about what’s important to them about commuter rail. myregion.org is honored to be “tapped” by the Florida Department of Transportation to lead this very important “regional conversation,” said Shelley Lauten, President of myregion.org.

In addition to soliciting widespread citizen participation and leadership involvement in making recommendations on the brand and image of the Central Florida Commuter Rail, the campaign will also educate and inform leaders and citizens of the selected image and brand attributes.

As part of the process, myregion.org will secure citizen input on values and core attributes relating to commuter rail and other public transportation, through three core strategies:

* Conduct an extensive public engagement process to understand citizens and leaders perceptions about the values relating to and key attributes of commuter rail
* Validate Preliminary Designs to gauge consistency with key attributes and core values identified
* Communicate and Educate Residents and Leaders on the name, brand image and logo for Central Florida Commuter Rail

The myregion.org proposal stipulates that at least 12,000 citizens will be involved and educated on the key attributes of Commuter Rail and that at least 300 civic, government and business leaders will come together in support of brand image and message for Central Florida Commuter Rail. Beginning in September 2008, the project is targeted for completion in March 2009.

myregion.org brings together business, civic and government leaders from across the region to examine the global demographics and trends that are shaping our region. From this objective research, consensus can be reached on the issues and challenges that most significantly affect our future, with recommendations developed for regional solutions necessary for making our region stronger and more competitive.

Six Regional Priorities have been identified as critical to our Global Competitiveness: Economic Leadership, Education, Environment, Fragmentation, Smart Growth and Quality of Life (Culture, Demographics, Health, Safety).

State's Economic Diversification Studied

A group of 19 state, regional and local economic development partners from across Florida - including the Lee County Economic Development Office - have released "Florida's Innovation Benchmark Study," an in-depth review of the strengths, weaknesses and opportunities associated with Florida's efforts to build an innovation-based economy says a July 21 news-press.com article by Jennifer Berg.

"The study provides an assessment of where Florida is today in the area of economic innovation as well as some examples of how other states addressed challenges similar to those Florida is now facing," according to Charlie Sloan of Boyette Levy Strategic Advisors, which conducted the study. "The two primary objectives of the study were to identify gaps in Florida's system and then to provide examples of programs, policies and initiatives currently underway in other comparable locations across the country."

Sloan summarized the critical "take away" of the study by saying "although Florida has made great progress recently and is beginning to be recognized as a place for innovation, it must undertake a more systematic, long-term, consistent and well-funded approach to diversifying its economy around innovation if it hopes to fulfill its potential and effectively compete in the 21st century economy."

“Inertia is the biggest impediment,” said one respondent. The general sentiment is that the vast majority of 17 million Floridians are not connected to the innovation economy.

The report also stated, “A significant majority of interviewees believe that strong support of universities is the best and most direct path to creating an innovation economy.” Because agriculture and real estate have long been economic powers in the state, the study suggests that the result has been a culture that is not as supportive of education and innovation as that of many competitive states. This has resulted in a deficiency in talent development as the state struggles to meet the need for skilled workers associated with having an innovative economy.

Among the state's strengths, the study identifies the ability to attract outside talent due to a desirable quality of life as an important advantage. The cultural diversity of the state was cited as a strength, as was the willingness of companies, universities and organizations across the state to develop partnerships and work together on economic opportunities.

"The intent of the study was not to provide a fixed set of recommendations, but rather to provide a perspective on the primary inhibitors in Florida's effort to create an innovation-based economy while presenting several proven options to be considered as potential responses," Del Boyette, principal of Boyette Levy, said.

The sponsors intend that the study will provide a basis for discussion within Florida's economic development community. The Florida Economic Development Council, which includes most local economic development agencies in the state, and the Florida Innovation Caucus, which is part of the Florida Chamber Foundation, will use the study to identify future opportunities for developing innovation across the state.

Enterprise Florida President and CEO John Adams added, "The study clearly points out that a demonstrated commitment to research and development is critical if we are to build an economy that will be recognized for and thrive from innovation. The value its findings will bring to Enterprise Florida and our partners is keeping us steered in the right direction to continue focusing on the priorities and goals outlined in the Roadmap to Florida's Future, the state's strategic plan for economic development and diversification. The Roadmap emphasizes that innovation is vital to Florida's future prosperity."

Both the executive summary and complete version of the study are available on the Lee County Economic Development Web site at www.leecountybusiness.com.

Jennifer Berg, Special to news-press.com, Ft. Myers/Southwest Florida

What Others Are Reading About Florida
Is Florida the Sunset State?

“Water Crisis - Mortgage Fraud - Political Dysfunction - Algae Polluted Beaches - Declining Crops - Failing Public Schools - Foreclosures.” This is just a hint of what Michael Grunwald in Miami writes in his recent Time article.

“Greetings from Florida, where the winters are great!” he continues. “Otherwise, there's trouble in paradise. We're facing our worst real estate meltdown since the Depression. We've got a water crisis, insurance crisis, environmental crisis and budget crisis to go with our housing crisis. We're first in the nation in mortgage fraud, second in foreclosures, last in high school graduation rates.”
Our economic engine is sputtering he says. “Population growth is at a 30-year low. School enrollment is declining. Retirees are drifting to the Southwest and the Carolinas.”

“This may be our tipping point," says former Senator Bob Graham.

“In the midst of all this doom and gloom, let’s not forget, at least in Central Florida, that there is some very positive news as well,” says Jacob V. Stuart, President and CEO of the Central Florida Partnership. While we must acknowledge the difficult challenges ahead, we must also keep in mind some of the historic markers that have taken place during the last eighteen months.

Economic developments are well underway that will support the Central Florida Region for many years to come. These include the success of Project Hometown that will bring a new Performing Arts Center, a new Events Center scheduled to open in 2010, renovation of the Citrus Bowl, and the establishment of a new Medical School at the University of Central Florida and all of the related developments that will support a new Medical City like the Burnham Institute, Veterans Hospital, and Nemours.

Additionally, the Central Florida Partnership continues to focus its support of regional transportation through its advocacy for Central Florida Commuter Rail and building the Wekiva Parkway, working with regional partners in elevating the Central Florida Region as one of the nation’s top-tier entrepreneur centers, implementing the Regional Growth Vision through the work of the Regional Congress of Leaders, and growing regional private and public sector leadership through programs like Leadership Orlando and the BusinessForce Political Leadership Institute.

“While there are certainly challenges to be addressed, there is also much to be excited about in Central Florida,” Stuart continued. “Like Senator Graham said, ‘this may be our tipping point,’ but I choose to believe that it is a tipping point to greatness for our region.”

To view the complete Time article, click here:

myregion.org Kudos to Harmony on Green Certification

When the visionaries behind the Town of Harmony began creating plans for this 11,000-acre master-planned community in Osceola County, they made a commitment to follow a path focused on environmental intelligence. Harmony’s promise of sustainability – the ability to meet the needs of today without compromising future generations – has garnered a lot of attention including a recent green certification by the Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC).

“Communities where our citizens live, learn, work and play include many of the elements employed in the development of Harmony,” said Project Director Shelley Lauten. “The Regional Growth Vision developed by myregion.org includes a blend of Conservation, Countryside, Centers and Corridors. We congratulate Harmony for making our vision a reality in Osceola County.”

“Green building is a mixture of conserving natural resources and wildlife, reducing pollution, protecting eco-systems and improving air quality, as well as providing opportunities for people to enjoy a quality environment” said Greg Golgowski, Harmony’s full-time Conservation Director, since September 2002. “In designing Harmony, Harmony Development preserved open space and wildlife habitat and reworked development plans several times to reduce or avoid impacts on resources.”

In conjunction with a FGBC certification, all homes are built to Energy Star® standards that require energy-efficiency ratings that exceed state energy code. Harmony’s homes are therefore able to conserve energy resources and reduce homeowner-operating costs over comparable non-Energy Star houses.

Harmony was recently certified by the Florida Green Building Coalition making it Central Florida’s largest Green Development and only the tenth in the state of Florida that has achieved this honor since the FGBC was founded in 2000. “The Town of Harmony is truly setting the standard for green building in Florida,” said Drew Smith, President of Two Trails and Founding President of the Florida Green Building Coalition.

The green certification program is a voluntary process that verifies and evaluates a community's commitment to environmentally intelligent design and building practices. Harmony won points for its comprehensive approach to community design that included such measures as retention of open space, leaving lakeshores undeveloped, relying on electric and other green propulsion for community boats, enhancement of wildlife habitat on the Harmony Golf Preserve and neighborhood parks, placing schools, future shopping, parks, playgrounds and work areas within walking distance of homes, dark sky street lighting, Energy Star construction and much more.

Community planners also received guidance from the Harmony Institute, a Harmony-based organization that believes that people live better when they live in regular contact with animals and nature and which advocates for community practices that promote this.

In addition to being certified by the FGBC, the town of Harmony has been recognized for its leadership in environmental protection and commitment to community schools by such groups as the Council for Sustainable Florida, the Florida Education Foundation, the Florida Department of Education, Where to Retire magazine, the Home Builders Association of Metro-Orlando, Orlando Homebuyer Magazine, and the Florida Association of Realtors. Additionally, the Harmony Golf Preserve is certified as an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary (ACSP) by Audubon International. The ACSP is an award winning education and certification program that helps golf courses protect the environment and preserve the natural heritage of the game of golf.

“A home is a major purchase, and the homebuyer wants a sense that they’re getting better quality,” said Shad Tome, President of Harmony Development Company. “In Harmony, we are building homes that use resources wisely, conserve energy and water, and provide a better indoor environment for its occupants. This coupled with the surrounding environment makes Harmony an ideal place to live.”

Harmony’s builders agree that consumers are drawn by green building’s promises of energy efficiency. They also like the duality of saving a little green and doing their part for the environment. “Most people like the idea of their home being energy efficient,” said Don Wetherington, president of Wetherington Builders, one of the approved builders in Harmony, and current president of the Home Builders Association of Metro Orlando. “It saves them money and people are more environmentally conscious. Energy efficiency is something we’ve always tried to stress to our customers. It’s important to our buyers and to us.”

For more information, visit www.harmonyfl.com or call 407-891-8358.

NOTE: At least 200 points must be awarded to receive the green development designation. Harmony received 231, one of the highest scores in the FGBC program. For the specifics on this achievement, visit www.twotrails.net and click on “developments” (there is a section with the development detailing specifics of the rating).

Central Florida Partnership Taps Leadership for myregion.org
Experience and Talent working for the Central Florida Region.

lauten Continuing to shape the leadership team of the Central Florida Partnership, President and CEO Jacob V. Stuart, formally announced on Friday at the myregion.org Executive Committee meeting the appointment of Shelley Lauten as President of myregion.org, effective immediately. The announcement was met with a unanimous resolution of support by the members of the Executive Committee.

Lauten has served in the highly visible position of project director since myregion.org was established and under Stuart’s leadership, has now been deservedly elevated to lead this business unit of the Partnership. While her primary responsibilities will focus on myregion.org, Lauten will also perform other duties supporting all of the lines of business as well as other initiatives and goals of the Partnership. As President of myregion.org, she will sit on the Management Cabinet of the Central Florida Partnership, along with the “soon-to-be-named” President of the Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce and President of Leadership Orlando, along with the Partnership’s Chief of Staff, Kristine Vorpagel Shields. Lauten will be part of the core group of professionals who will help to guide the activities, programs, events and direction of the Central Florida Partnership.

myregion.org brings together business, civic and government leaders from across the region to examine the global demographics and trends that are shaping the Central Florida Region. From this objective research, consensus can be reached on the issues and challenges that most significantly affect our future, with recommendations developed for regional solutions necessary for making our region stronger and more competitive. “As a Board Member and now Chair of myregion.org, it has been my pleasure to work with Shelley Lauten for many years,” said Ed Timberlake, Seaside National Bank & Trust. “In her new leadership role, she will build upon the outstanding work that myregion.org has accomplished and will be instrumental in guiding the implementation of the Shared Regional Vision for the Central Florida Region.”

Previously, Lauten served in a similar capacity as project director for WorkForce 2020, the first effort in Florida to concentrate on the needs of businesses when recruiting, training and retaining a competitive workforce, which has been replicated around the country. Additionally, she serves as curriculum facilitator for Leadership Orlando, America’s largest community leadership program which reaches over 200 business and community leaders each year.

This is the third in a series of internal organizational changes that will better serve the growing number of investors of the Central Florida Partnership and its four (4) “lines of business:” Regional Entrepreneurship (Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce), Regional Leadership (Leadership Orlando), Regional Research (myregion.org), and Regional Public Policy Advocacy (BusinessForce).

Announced on June 23, 2008 - Central Florida Partnership President & CEO, Jacob V. Stuart, has tapped Kristine Vorpagel Shields to serve as his Chief of Staff. With fifteen years of service with the Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce, Shields was recently elevated to serve on the Management Cabinet of the Central Florida Partnership.

During her tenure with the Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce, she served in a number of capacities, first as a “Loaned Executive” from Walt Disney World Co., helping to guide the City of Light initiative focused on encouraging citizen involvement through direct and consequential acts of community service. She also led the Leadership Orlando program, with particular emphasis on its 25th Year Celebration, has guided the development of signature events including a variety of community luncheons and activities, and has been “on the ground” for legislative trips to Washington, D. C. and Tallahassee, as well as number of Community Leadership “Exchanges,” most recently to San Juan, Puerto Rico.

In her new leadership role, she will report directly to the President of the Central Florida Partnership assisting with “day-to-day” operations and will interact regularly with the Management Cabinet and our Volunteer Leaders, helping to guide the Partnership’s four (4) “lines of business,” as well as with the Directors of the recently established Service Corps.

Announced June 16, 2008 – A Service Corps that will include Financial Services, Administrative Services and Communications has been established to provide direct support to the Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce, myregion.org, Leadership Orlando and BusinessForce.

Leading these “core services” of the Central Florida Partnership will be Scott P. Fagan in the role of Director of Financial Services, Lisa Winkelbauer as Director of Administrative Services, and Ruth Z. Mustian as Director of Communications. “By centralizing the professional services of Finance, Facilities and Personnel, as well as Communications and Administrative Support, we will be in a better position to efficiently and effectively deliver the programs, events and activities of the Partnership,” said Stuart.

These three “veterans,” with a total of 50 years of service to the Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce, now bring their experience and expertise to the Central Florida Partnership. “This is an especially important move as we prepare for the arrival of a new Chamber President this fall,” Stuart added. “The Service Corps, associated together and acting under a common direction, will be poised to meet the demands of the Chamber’s new focus in supporting a Regional Entrepreneurship System for the Central Florida Region, and will assist the new Chamber President in getting out of the starting gate quickly.”

As an example of its focus on Regional Entrepreneurship, the Central Florida Partnership convened a “gathering of friends” last week to learn how to better serve the Central Florida Region. Participating in the conversation were “service providers” from across the Central Florida Region; included in the list of participants were representatives from the Disney Entrepreneur Center, the University of Central Florida, and the Crummer Graduate School of Business at Rollins College who all provide important and essential services and resources to the region’s entrepreneurs. According to Stuart, “From the beginning, this effort has been about discovering ways we can lend a helping hand to others, adding our strong voice of support to those already working to advance our Regional Entrepreneurship System.”

The establishment of the Service Corps by the Central Florida Partnership will similarly enhance the delivery of Leadership Orlando, the largest Community Leadership Program in the nation, myregion.org as it works to implement Central Florida’s Regional Growth Vision and BusinessForce as it expands its advocacy role on public policy issues, candidate endorsements and the continuation of its Political Leadership Institute.

Central Florida Partnership - Ideas to Results

Improving Central Florida’s economic vitality and quality of life by focusing on transportation, public policy advocacy, regional leadership, entrepreneurial growth and regional planning.

About the Central Florida Partnership
Click here to learn more about the Central Florida Partnership.
Click here for the Central Florida Partnership Board of Directors.

New Economics of Place

“Smart growth” and “new urbanism” are what everyone is talking about to achieve sustainable development. But what do these concepts mean for chamber executives working to increase the economic vitality and quality of life in their regions?

The cover story in the latest issue of Chamber Executive magazine, published by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives, explores The New Economics of Place. “The nature of economic development has changed, necessitating a review of current land use planning practices,” the article by Scott Polikov states. “Economic development has become firmly connected to place and the environment. Therefore, before we can have sustainability, we must understand how to create good places to live and work; in other words, a good quality of life for all.”

If this is sounding familiar to you, it is most likely because it meshes with the Central Florida Regional Growth Vision developed a year ago by myregion.org through its “How Shall We Grow?” initiative. The Vision outlines Central Florida as a “place” where key components of growth and development focus on Conservation, Corridors, Centers, and Countryside if we are to enjoy sustainable economic development.

The article goes on to say that according to experts like Michael Lewyn, assistant professor at Florida Coastal School of Law in Jacksonville, Florida, there are two kinds of sprawl: “where we grow” (the physical movement from the core to the fringe of a region) and “how we grow” (development oriented toward drivers as opposed to non-drivers). Sometimes, says Lewyn, the two go together, as in a car-oriented development located 20 miles from downtown. But in a place like Celebration, Florida, sprawl is present in the first sense (“where”), but not in the second (“how”)—because the town was designed specifically to foster old-fashioned, small-town spirit with very little emphasis on driving, cars or commuting. The distinction of the “how” versus the “where” of sprawl is important as business organizations seek to influence policies that encourage sustainable economic development.

As myregion.org continues its work toward implementing the Regional Growth Vision through the efforts of its Board of Directors, the Regional Congress of Leaders, and other regional partners, it will continue to examine these public policy issues and educate and inform those in the public, private and civic sectors who can influence “how” we shall grow.

Chambers of commerce have always led the way for business advancement in their communities. Tomorrow’s business advancement will be founded in large part in the understanding of the factors that go into sustaining investment in, and the financial solubility of, communities. Fundamentally, policies that support sustainability—whether financial, social or environmental—will provide a community a competitive advantage. Accordingly, chamber executives who support their constituents’ involvement in shaping good planning policy will quickly realize that they will be the winners in the new market of place making.

To view a copy of the entire article, The New Economics of Place, click here.

Scott Polikov, AICP, CNU, is president of the Gateway Planning Group, Inc., a national planning practice focusing on the marriage of place-making and the economics of transportation. His firm’s work has been featured in ULI’s Urban Land and APA’s Planning magazine. He can be reached at (512) 451-4098 or scott@gatewayplanning.com.

Chamber Executive is ACCE’s authorative journal for and about chambers of commerce. Visit www.acce.org/ce.

Regional Growth Vision – One Year of Progress

Last week marked the 1st anniversary of the community roll out of the Central Florida Regional Growth Vision, the result of an initiative led by myregion.org, which engaged over 20,000 citizens in determining “How Shall We Grow?” While that community engagement process was historic, the region’s progress toward implementing that vision is also notable.

How far we've come in having counties and cities adopt the Regional Growth Vision to their city and county comprehensive plans and other regional efforts in just one year is nothing short of amazing. Already, 12 cities and counties are reviewing their comprehensive plans to incorporate to the regional vision of Conservation, Countryside, Centers and Corridors.

•Altamonte Springs
•Cape Canaveral
•Casselberry
•Longwood
•Orange County
•Osceola County
•Orlando
•Seminole County
•Palm Bay
•Tavares
•Winter Springs
•Volusia County

That’s 12 jurisdictions in just 12 months who are moving toward this shared vision. At that rate, we could have 100% participation in just 8 years!

Phil Laurien, Executive Director of the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council, discussed the future of Central Florida at a recent meeting of the Kiwanis Club of East Orange County. As we are now well aware, there are approximately 3.5 million people currently living in the seven-county Central Florida region (Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Seminole and Volusia counties). Population projections show the region will double to 7.2 million by 2050.

Where will all these people live? Will the region be able to adequately provide the infrastructure and services required to accommodate them? Can we continue to enhance the quality of life that is currently enjoyed by the residents of Central Florida? “How Shall We Grow?” a multi-year, multi-partner effort, attempts to answer these and other related questions.

There are 93 separate political jurisdictions in the seven counties of Central Florida, each with its own comprehensive plan, each with its own land use power and political prerogatives. The result of so many separate “plans” for the future has resulted in sprawl, an uncoordinated, spreading low-density auto-oriented development pattern.

Without a centralized regional “vision,” all 93 local uncoordinated growth plans will continue to increase sprawl, traffic congestion, environmental degradation, and depletion of our natural resources, especially water resources.

“Getting all 93 communities on the same page, getting buy-in from citizen groups and business leaders, and getting the State of Florida to go along with an alternative future growth pattern is the challenge,” said Laurien. “If the region is able to accomplish what 20,000 Central Floridians recommend, we would conserve our most critical natural resources, promote more new growth in centers, connected by corridors of multi modal transportation, and thus take the pressure off our countryside.” That is exactly what Laurien and the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council, working with myregion.org and the Regional Congress of Leaders, have undertaken to accomplish during the next few decades.

With the unpredictable challenges that have arisen during the last 12-18 months – mortgage crisis, rising fuel costs, and significant jobs loss – it is more important that ever for public, private and civic leaders to keep their “eyes on the ball” and not be distracted by short-term fixes, rather than focusing on long-term regional stability.

Congratulations to all those who developed the Regional Vision, and to those who are making it a reality!

Florida’s Tough Choices - 2008

A recent report, published by the LeRoy Collins Institute in Tallahassee, “delineates important future challenges facing our state and recommends strategies we should consider in planning our collective future,” says Sherry Magill, President of the Jessie Ball dePont Fund, which provided support to Florida State University and the Collins Institute to conduct the research.

Examining everything from Revenues, Real Estate and Demographics to Income Trends, Tax burden and Storms, from PreK-12 Education and Higher Education to Medicaid, Kidcare and Other Services, the Tough Choices Report is a follow up to a similar report published in 2005.

On top of many minds are the “declines in housing value greater than those in other states. Even so, when the market adjustment runs its course, Florida is going to have a big appreciation in property values – and fresh demand for housing supply in the most desirable and limited locations.”

“The question of what happens to Florida’s middle class is taking shape as a big issue for the mid- and longer term future. Do the dynamics suggest we will more than ever be an economy of high-income people and free-spending tourists together with those who serve them, waiting tables and giving pedicures?”

When considering the passage of Florida’s Class Size Amendment in 2002, the report notes “A combination of measuring class size based on school-by-school averages and granting emergency exceptions would be a prudent savings that does not do violence to what voters approved.” And what about the size of our school districts? Florida has several of the largest districts in the country and the largest schools at all levels. “Huge schools are great for producing juggernaut football teams, but otherwise can translate into a lack of personal attention and social control.”

When considering higher education funding, our public university tuition is currently second to last among the states. Between 2003 and 2006, tuition grew 24% across the country, 21% in the Southeast, but only 2% in Florida. And, what is the future for the Bright Futures Scholarship program? According to former Chancellor Charles Reed, “Bright Futures works out to a massive subsidy for the well to do, for whom Florida’s paltry tuition is not much of a stretch.” The report concludes that Bright Futures is ripe for reform both in its lax definition of academic merit and its coupling of awards with tuition.

Seven recommendations address “Florida’s bad habit of leaving revenue on the table and the case for a longer-term perspective on services.” 2008 Tough Choices Recommendations include:

Join the interstate Streamlined Sales Tax Project to increase tax collections on Internet sales.
Add new construction concurrently to the tax rolls.
Welcome the coming wave of affluent baby boomer retirees but do not provide tax breaks or incentives.
Recapture greenbelt tax breaks if agricultural lands are sold for development
Modify the class-size amendment.
Redress recent under-funding of higher education.
Reform Bright Futures.

To access the complete Tough Choices 2008 Report, visit http://collinsinstitute.fsu.edu/.

The Power of Two Partnerships
June 9, 2008
At its meeting on June 13, the Board of Directors of myregion.org, one of four lines of business for the Central Florida Partnership, will received a special briefing by the key leadership team of the Tampa Bay Partnership who will share the Key Regional Initiatives that have been identified by business leaders on Florida’s west coast ... full story

National Conferences Highlight “How Shall We Grow?”
June 9, 2008
What do a national environmental group and an international organization of land use developers have in common? Two such organizations have tapped myregion.org’s “How Shall We Grow” project as a national “Best Practice” for engaging leaders and involving citizens in creating a shared vision that that emphasizes a balanced approach to effectively planning for human needs and natural systems ... full story

Daytona Beach News Journal: Putting the Growth Plan to Work
December 10, 2007
Drawing up a vision for the future of green areas, with growth centered in cities connected by a variety of transportation options, was easy for the How Shall We Grow? effort. Now comes the difficult part for the seven Central Florida counties participating in the planning: Reach those goals through the everyday decisions by local governments... full story

CEDS: Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy for Central Florida
September 2007
As Central Florida strives to be a great place for people to live, learn, work and play, one important ingredient is the ability to sustain and increase economic competitiveness in the ever-changing global economy. What are the economic priorities for the region and what needs to be our primary areas of focus in the short and long-term future? full story

Orlando Sentinel: MY WORD: Jacob Stuart
There's A Better Way Than Hometown Democracy
August 19, 2007
Florida, and specifically Central Florida, is the envy of our nation and the world. We have a vibrant economy, temperate climate and quality of life that make this an attractive place to live, learn, work and play... full story

Florida Today: Editorial: Our View - A Regional Vision
Brevard, Central Florida's Other Counties Should Cooperate On Growth Problems
August 14, 2007
Imagine Central Florida turning into a sprawling concrete-paved, traffic-choked Los Angeles by 2050. That could happen if residents don't insist local governments change course to preserve their quality of life.Some are already gearing up for the fight, including representatives from the seven counties that make up the visioning group myregion.org... full story

Lakeland Ledger: Column: Tom Palmer
Vision of Growth May Need Eye For Change
August 14, 2007
Several years ago I was working on a piece on the growth patterns that were beginning to be felt in the Four Corners area... full story

Daytona Beach News Journal: Regional Planners Map Out Green Growth
August 11, 1007
Loud and clear, Central Florida residents prefer a greener map for the future of our region. The question of how to get there has always been the sticking point. More than 500 people from seven counties including Volusia gathered at the posh Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate on Friday to begin discussing how to achieve the green vision developed from public forums and surveys during the previous 18 months... full story

Florida Today: Area Looks At Growth
August 11, 2007
Take a drive across Brevard County and Central Florida. Do you like what you see? That was the crux of a regional planning meeting Friday for a seven-county area of Central Florida, including Brevard... full story

Lakeland Ledger: What Kind of Community Are You Willing to Pay For?
August 11, 2007
The presentation was the finale of an Orlando-based effort titled "How Shall We Grow?" The program was organized by myregion.org, which has been sponsoring studies and public meetings over the past two years to spark a change in the way growth is discussed... full story

Orlando Sentinel: Visionaries Look For Harmony
August 11, 2007
Kimberly Loewen moved to Central Florida two years ago to be near her friends and was struck by the sprawl... full story

Citizens & Leaders Celebrate a Shared Vision for Central Florida
August 10, 2007

Central Florida residents desire a future where the region consumes less land, preserves more precious environmental resources and natural countryside, creates more distinctive places to live in both rural and urban areas, and provides more choices for how people travel.

That was the message presented on August 10, 2007, as the Shared Growth Vision for Central Florida was unveiled before an audience of nearly 600 Central Floridians at the "How Shall We Grow?" Regional Summit held at the Omni Orlando Resort at Championsgate... full story

Orlando Sentinel: Grow Up, Not Out, Planners Urge
August 10, 2007
Central Florida needs to grow up -- not spread out -- to preserve its quality of life. That's the vision of the future being unveiled today by the planning group called myregion.org. It's the culmination of more than a year's work based on the opinions of more than 20,000 residents and business and government leaders from seven counties and 86 cities in the region... full story

Florida Today: Central Florida 2057: No Sprawl?
Regional Planning Initiative Shares Its Plan Friday
August 7, 2007
After more than a year of collecting public input, a regional planning campaign is ready to unveil its vision for countering suburban sprawl in a seven-county area of Central Florida, including Brevard County... full story

“How Shall We Grow?” Wins Sustainable Florida Award
June 12, 2007
The Council for a Sustainable Florida has selected Central Florida ’s “How Shall We Grow?” initiative as its 2007 winner in the category of The Sustainable Florida Partnership Best Practice Award... full story

Arts and Culture Study Paints a Picture of the Economic Impact of the Arts on our Region
June 8, 2007
Americans for the Arts in partnership with myregion.org, United Arts of Central Florida and the seven-county Central Florida Arts Council have announced the release of the most comprehensive study of the Economic Impact of Non-Profit Arts and Cultural organizations in the Central Florida Region... full story

“How Shall We Grow?” Recognized by the American Planning Association
April 16, 2007
“How Shall We Grow?” a 15-month endeavor to engage citizens, community leaders and elected officials to create a Shared Vision for Growth in Central Florida, was nominated – and won - in three categories at the American Planning Association’s Information Technology Awards... full story

"How Shall We Grow?" Releases Mid Project Report
September 28, 2006
At this mid-point in the regional visioning exercise, several important outcomes have been attained in the areas of principles, indicators, and scenarios. A series of guiding principles statement has been generated and reviewed... full story

Organizan el futuro
22 de agosto de 2006
Los hispanos residentes en la Florida Central ofrecieron ayer sus recomendaciones para evitar un crecimiento poblacional desorganizado en la región. Se trató de la primera reunión en español del proyecto "¿How Shall We Grow?", (¿Cómo debemos crecer?) una iniciativa de la Cámara de Comercio de Orlando y la coalición Myregion.org... full story

Central Florida Regional Leadership Council
June 2, 2006
When County Chairs Frank Bruno, Volusia County; Richard T. Crotty, Orange County; Catherine Hanson, Lake County; Carlton Henley, Seminole County; Jack Myers, Polk County; Paul Owen, Osceola County; and Helen Voltz, Brevard County gathered...full story

Central Florida Regional Council of Mayors Follows Suit
June 2, 2006
More than 20 municipal mayors from seven Central Florida counties met for the first time this week to discuss growth and transportation and to talk about how to work together on those issues in the future... full story

San Francisco Lesons for Central Florida
June 18, 2006
Have you ever felt as though you'd left your heart in San Francisco, after a visit to that exciting and much-admired city? Would you believe that we in Central Florida have things in common with that city by the sea? ... full story