LGAA - Leadership Gainesville Alumni Association News Blog

What’s the Secret to Effective Economic Development?

Chris Johnson — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 07:35:37 GMT

What is economic development? If you ask three people, you may receive three different answers. Some view economic development on the micro level as it relates to consumer spending. Others identify economic development in a broader sense as a means in which the overall economy grows and provides job opportunities.

I have understood economic development to mean three key activities:

1. Attracting new companies and industry to communities to create jobs

2. Assisting companies to expand and grow their operations

3. Growing and creating new companies utilizing resources and intellectual capital from within a community

Economic conditions throughout the United States has made economic growth a challenge in communities throughout our country. This, undoubtedly, holds true for rural communities such as those in Alachua County. Though home to outstanding companies, economic developers in our community must work diligently to create opportunities for growth and prosperity.

One of the key objectives of the Chamber of Commerce’s Council for Economic Outreach is to recruit companies to our community which will ultimately help raise the living wage for the citizens of Alachua County. This usually results in recruiting, or creating, high skill high wage jobs. A recent experience I had in Connect Florida’s Leadership Institute introduced us to the concepts, objectives and obstacles economic developers face every day. One question I had after our session on economic development was “what’s the key to effective economic development?”.

Upon research the answer appears to lie in establishing, building and sustaining public-private sector partnerships. Schools which produce well educated students provide the workforce necessary for the operation and management of our businesses. A solid transportation infrastructure ensures manufactures’ goods can be brought to market. Lastly, a stable financial market ensures the opportunities for private enterprises to secure necessary financing. Collaboration amongst leaders in the public and private sector is critical to effective economic development.

An often unmentioned, yet critical, sector is the nonprofit sector. Nonprofit organizations provide essential resources and services to the other sectors while alleviating the pressure on the public sector to provide these critical services. With over 100 nonprofit organizations being created in the United States every day nonprofit organizations are key sources for jobs, and support our nation’s infrastructure. In fact, Florida’s nonprofit sector is our state’s fourth largest industry. The first step to reach the goal of effective economic development may very well be to bridge the gap between the public and private sector. But a critical piece of the equation which should not be forgotten is our nonprofit sector.

LGAA Sunday Funday at Sun Country Sports – West in Jonesville has been postponed.

Pete Zimek — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 02:53:44 GMT

The LGAA Sunday Funday at Sun Country Sports-West in Jonesville has been postponed.

It will no longer be March 18th. Enjoy your St. Patty’s Day weekend!

Connect Florida Leadership

Chris Johnson — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 15:31:02 GMT

What is Leadership?

The term leadership certainly has different connotations, definitions and meanings to different people. Some academics have even identified their opinion of the key qualities which constitute an effective leader. Others believe there is no such thing as a strict set of qualities which one must possess to be considered “a leader”.

Recently, I participated in the first session of Connect Florida’s Statewide Leadership Institute where several aspects of leadership were discussed by various professionals. Amongst the young professionals from across the state of Florida in attendance, discussions were had as to what the definition of a leader was. Are leaders born, or are they made? Is leadership an art or a science? Is leadership different from management? Can managers be leaders? We debated these questions during the weekend session entitled “Leadership”.

Undoubtedly there were varying viewpoints on the questions stated above. My perspective is that leadership is a broad discipline, and one which can be taught and learned. Sure, there are certain personality traits (albeit shaped by nature or environment) which demonstrate some people’s “natural” leadership skills. But on the same token I believe training, mentorship and professional development can develop anyone into a leader.

The Keirsey Temperament Test

During the three day session we received several nuggets pertaining to leadership, leadership development and qualities of a leader; from quotes to suggested books to leadership theories. The key takeaway from the entire weekend, however, was a temperament exercise we spent a considerable amount of time discussing. Each member of the class completed the Keirsey assessment. Unlike the Meyers-Briggs or DISC assessments the Keirsey assessment is a temperament test, not a personality test. After completing the assessment, the test taker is classified as a guardian, artistan, idealist or rationalist as a result of their responses which assess their temperament.

Application of the Keirsey Test

Effective leaders are great communicators, know the people they supervise or work with and have an understanding of how to manage various personalities. These reasons are why I believe we were encouraged to take the Keirsey Test during the leadership session. Having an understanding of how people make decisions, why they make the decisions they do and the ways to most effectively communicate with members of your team would enhance communication between two individuals regardless of their environment.

I had my staff and interns each complete the Keirsey Test, learn about the various temperament types and then share with the group what their classification was. Of the 10 of us who completed the temperament test, only 2 believed the results were not an accurate reflection of who they were. The others, however, felt the results were accurate. As a staff, we collectively identified who the guardians, artisans, idealists and rationalists were. We also identified how each of these temperament types make decisions, factors which motivate them and factors which make them unhappy.

As this year came to a close, I paid close attention to the dynamics in the workplace. This exercise has proved to be extremely beneficial for my organization, as I have seen communication improve amongst my staff and interns. I have also identified the overall environment in general has improved. The basis for this seems to be a result of the staff completing the Keirsey Test and all of us understanding which temperament class we all belong. From now on, I will have all team members complete the Keirsey Temperament Test. I believe another trait of a leader is identifying tools and resources which can make something better. I hope my use of the Keirsey assessment is a good example of this.

The Keirsey Test can be found at: http://www.keirsey.com/

Christopher Johnson is a current member of Connect Florida Class II. He is a graduate of Leadership Gainesville XXXV and is currently the Executive Director of the Nonprofit Center of North Central Florida.

Community Action Council Meeting

Brite Whitaker — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 16:20:56 GMT

The Community Action Council will meet Wednesday, January 4 at 12:00 p.m. at Fuji Hana, 3720 NW 13th Street. We will discuss plans for the upcoming Power Lunch and Gator Bay. All LGAA members are welcome to attend and join the council. Please let me know if you have any questions bbwhitaker@lifesouth.org.

Community Action Council

Brite Whitaker — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 20:31:48 GMT

The Community Action Council will meet Wednesday, November 2nd at 12:00 p.m. at Fuji Hana, 3720 NW 13th Street. We will discuss plans for the upcoming Power Lunch and Gator Bay. All LGAA members are welcome to attend and join the council. Please let me know if you have any questions bbwhitaker@lifesouth.org.

Power Lunch: Putting Our Children First with David Lawrence, Founder and Chair of The Children’s Movement.

Brite Whitaker — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 18:05:30 GMT

Are we putting our children first? What happens when we don't? What has happend because we haven't?

When: Tuesday, November 15 11:30 - 1:00 p.m.

Where: Santa Fe College CEID Center downtown at 530 West University Ave.

The Children's Movement of Florida believes the well-being and education of our children in Florida must be the highest priority of government, businesses, non-profit institutions and families. The economic future of our state and the stability of the communities we live in depend on achieving this goal.

David Lawerence Jr. retired as publisher of the Miami Herald in 1999 to work in the area of early childhood development and readiness. He is president of The Early Childhood Initiative Foundation and "University Scholar for Early Childhood Development and Readiness" at the University of Florida.In 2002-3 he chaired the Governor's Blue Ribbon Panel on Child Protection, and in 2011 he chaired a similar panel for the Secretary of the Department of Children and Families. In 2002, he was a key figure in passing a statewide constitutional amendment to provide pre-K for all 4 year olds.

Power Lunches are limited to the first 25 LGAA members to register. RSVP today at www.lgalum.com or by calling Brite Whitaker at 352-224-1728 or bbwhitaker@lifesouth.org. Cost is $15 and includes a catered lunch.

LGAA Power Lunch: Gangs in Gainesville? Really?

Brite Whitaker — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 13:36:24 GMT

Gangs are not just a big city problem. They are right here in Gainesville and growing. Gangs bring fear to neighborhoods, drive out business, destroy property adn create havoc with acts of violence.

Learn more about gang activity in our community from experts including Keith Blanchard, President and Chief Professional Officer on the Boys and Girls Club of Alachua County, and how we can be a part of the solution.

When: Thursday, September 22 11:30 - 1:00 p.m.

Where: Santa Fe College CEID Center downtown at 530 West University Ave.

Power Lunches are limited to the first 25 people to register. RSVP today online at www.lgalum.com or by calling Brite Whitaker at 352-224-1728. The cost is $15 and includes a catered lunch.

Community Relations Committee Meeting

Steve Shepherd — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 11:42:51 GMT

There will be no Community Relations Committee Meeting tonight (7/20/2011)! Please feel free to join us at Gators Dockside on Wednesday, August 17th @ 5:30 for our next committee meeting.

LGAA Annual Dinner

Scott Costello — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 19:57:14 GMT

Thank you to everyone who came out to the 2011 LGAA Annual Dinner to honor this past year's achievements and welcome in our new board.

As my last act as President, I had the honor to present the President's Awards for 2010-2011.

The winners were:

Committee Chair of the Year: Steve Shepherd (anyone leading a committee known as the Greatest Committee Ever deserves recognition. Grants, scholarships, processes and dedication).

Lending a Hand: Dave Hendryx (stepped up and helped with membership when asked, advisory council, etc.)

Making a Difference: J.R. Anchors (stepped into tough roll and embraced it. Good traits of a treasurer and a leader: honestly, integrity, patience and commitment)

Making a Difference Emilee MacDonald (always stepping up to lead, assist or guide. Does so with enthusiasm, confidence, passion and a commitment to excellence)

Courageous Leader Award: Lindsay Krieg (always willing to defend positions and take a stance whether popular or not as long as she believes in decision and process to get there. Integrity and passion were involved in every opinion shared and is a true asset to LGAA)

Advisor: Chuck Clemons (served this organization for years, including as President. Chuck came back by request and offered advice, encouragement and guidance throughout the year)

Advisor: Brent Christensen (Brent was always available to provide feedback, advice, and leadership as needed throughout the year. He also helped create the Council of Advisors, bringing in leaders from each of the 37 classes).

Leading by Example: Brite Whitaker (silently participates everywhere and leads with integrity. She is never looking for credit or attention...often shying away from it)

Gator Bill Spirit Award: Kim Mitrook (passion, drive, love of LG. She is the living, breathing example of all things good about LGAA. Her encouragement, support, effort and optimism were great assets to me)

Rising Star award: Nikki Wagner (has been instrumental in creating written rules and guidelines for community relations committee, has made ever board meeting, steps up where asked and offers help in other ways).

Community Leadership Excellence Award: Pete Johnson (Passion for education drove Pete to bring a private screening of Waiting for Superman to Gainesville attended by local, statewide and national leaders.)

Leadership Excellence Award: Pete Zimek (2x..true leader, took ownership of the website and database, helped in every aspect but tried to stay behind the scenes. Reigned me in when needed and encouraged me all along. Could not have succeeded this year without him, and he manned the most important committee if not the self-proclaimed greatest committee.)

Thank you to everyone that made 2010-2011 a great success and I look forward to an even bigger year under the leadership of Pete Zimek in 2011-2012!

reairing of LGAA hosted Candidate Forum

Scott Costello — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 10:56:32 GMT

for those who were not able to hear the candidate forum, the debate in its entirety is going to be rerun this Sunday at 6pm on WUFT, 89.1.

Fish Fry to benefit Public Schools Foundation

Nikki Wagner — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 13:26:15 GMT

Join fellow LG alum for a Fish Fry on Wed. Jan 26 at Forest Meadows, 725 NW 23rd Ave. Stop by from 11am-1pm for fried fish, hushpuppies, and cheese grits- eat there or carry out. While the fish fry is free as always, all proceeds benefit the Alachua County Public Schools Foundation. The suggested donation is $10 per person.

LGAA Executive Board Retreat

Scott Costello — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 13:46:24 GMT

LGAA's Executive Board held their retreat today. Our facilitator was LG 25's John Spence. I am very excited about the future of our organization. We spend our Saturday outlining plans for the future of our organization and look forward to a number of ideas that were presented and worked through. This will be going to the board and the committees soon.

Look for announcements to come forward over the next few months, but I can promise you, LGAA is in good hands and we are excited about our future impacting this community!

Education Ball September 18, 2011

Julie Todd — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 12:00:20 GMT

Mark your calendars for September 18th, 2011 for the Education Ball come out and support education and Alachua County Public School Foundation. See more information about the upcoming event at www.acpsf.org.

remembering Quality of Life Day

Scott Costello — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 09:28:15 GMT

Jan Patterson recorded last week Debbie Sorgi (LG37) during her race at the raceway for Quality of Life day. It is a must see.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8Ov04DafI0

Junior League's "Read With Me" Holiday Shopping Event!

Sat, 13 Nov 2010 08:28:17 GMT

Shop at Books A Million (6111 Newberry Rd, across from Oaks Mall) on Tuesday, November 30 and give the gift of reading. For every purchase made from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. using the Junior League event code, Books A Million will donate a portion to the JLG Literacy Committee. Please bring the event code with you or ask a Literacy Committee member for one at the event. Page Turners will also be on hand to read stories while parents shop! Please Use Event Code 6000000122.

The Junior League is a women’s volunteer organization. For more information on the Junior League of Gainesville and its service to the Gainesville and Alachua County community, please visit www.gainesvillejrleague.org.

Foundation for Success Grant Review Committee

Nikki Wagner — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 22:18:32 GMT

LG alumni are invited to help the Alachua County Public Schools Foundation score teacher applications for Foundation for Success Teacher and Classroom Grants. These grants go directly to classrooms to support books, supplies, field trips and projects. The grant review committee will meet Monday, November 1 from 1-5pm at Kirby Smith Conference Room E.

CHS Monster Garage Sale

Jennifer Anchors — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 11:01:59 GMT

On Saturday October 23, from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Children's Home Society of Florida's (CHS) Thrift Shop, located at 710 N Main St, is hosting a Monster Garage Sale. Want to shop, but store prices are driving you batty? Come to the Monster Garage Sale, where you are sure to find a treat at frighteningly low prices. We are pulling quality items including clothes, books, toys, and home accessories to sell $1 or less!

All proceeds from the sale will benefit the Children’s Home Society of Florida’s abuse and neglect prevention, intervention and adoption services.

Haunted Halloween Carnvial to Benefit the March fo Dimes!

Jodi Bennett — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 07:49:49 GMT

Sun Country Sports Center to Host Halloween Carnival in Support of the March of Dimes

Sun Country Sports Center will host a benefit Halloween carnival at its West location on behalf of the March of Dimes on Sunday, Oct. 24, 2010 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Sun Country employees and other local supporters will volunteer their time, and the gym will donate all proceeds from the carnival to the March of Dimes, the leading nonprofit ...organization for pregnancy and baby health.
The March of Dimes mission is to improve the health of all babies by preventing premature birth, birth defects and infant mortality. In 2008 March of Dimes funded research grants in areas such as premature birth, Parkinson’s Disease, childhood leukemia, miscarriage, muscular dystrophy, preeclampsia, epilepsy, sickle cell anemia, autism, SIDS, diabetes, childhood obesity, Alzheimer’s, and much more. Sun Country will be accepting donations on behalf of the March of Dimes at the carnival.

Sun Country’s staff will host an afternoon of play at their 40,000 sq. ft. Jonesville location, complete with carnival games, bounce houses, rock climbing, KidQuest indoor playground and haunted houses. Sun Country Dance Theatre will present numerous performances, and outside will be Sun Country’s Gym Bus, hay rides and train rides, sno-cones and pizza. In lieu of candy, goody bags and prizes will be awarded. Child-friendly costumes are welcome and encouraged. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-purchased tickets will be available for a discounted rate.

The carnival is currently being sponsored at the Spookiest level by Home Magazine, Dragonfly Graphics, Giggle Magazine, KCountry and Wind-FM radio stations, Domino’s Pizza, McDonald’s, Burger King, Marketing Mud and Haile Village Journal, and at the Spooky level by North Florida School Days and Grabados Custom Engraving. More sponsorship opportunities are available. Call for details.

Information for Sun Country can be found online at www.suncountrysports.com or at 352-331-8773. More information for the March of Dimes is available at www.marchofdimes.com.

Tickets are NOW on sale. and can be purchased online: http://suncountrysports.ticketleap.com/modhalloween/

Advanced Tickets:
New Walkers (under 2 years old) $8 Donation
2 years old and over: $15 Donation

At the Door
New Walkers (under 2 years old) $10 Donation
2 years old and over: $20 Donation

All Children must be accompanied by an adult. No charge for adults. No charge for children not walking.

Take Stock in Children Contract Signing

Nikki Wagner — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 15:34:03 GMT

All LG members and alumni are welcome to attend the Take Stock in Children Contract Signing on Tuesday, October 12th at Westwood Middle School Cafeteria from 7-8:30pm. There will be light finger food and cupcakes.

The mayor, city commissioners, school officials, Public School Foundation board members and community leaders will be on hand to welcome the new 7th grade class, parents and mentors. It is truly an inspiring event!

Thank you to Taste of Home and Leadership Gainesville 35 for helping to sponsor a student!

Update on LG 36 from Margot Wilder

Margot Wilder — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 17:27:25 GMT

The class began on August 20^th with Opening Night at Haile Plantation Village Center. The Class was welcomed by Chamber of Commerce President, Brent Christensen, LGAA President, Scott Costello, and their deans. After several ice breakers, the Class was presented with information about Gain-Net and how to log on.

The following day at the Chamber of Commerce building the 37^th Leadership Gainesville Class participated in SIMSOC led by Dr. Larry Peppers. It was a trying and emotional day for some, culminating in Team Yellow arresting Team Red, a SIMSOC first according to Dr. Peppers.

The following Tuesday, the group reconvened for a community tour of Alachua County. Highlights of the tour included multiple areas of redevelopment, Progress Community Park in Alachua, the archery complex in Newberry, and learning about Innovation Gainesville at the CIED. Many important conversational topics were broached during this tour and have continued in the weeks and months since.

Leadership Gainesville 37’s most recent topic focused on Alachua County’s numerous social service agencies. Margot Wilder and Adam Towers visited Gainesville Community Ministries and learned about the varied programs the non-profit offers, including the Angel Food project, dental clinic, and GED program. Each class member had an opportunity to share their experience visiting an agency. Further, Mr. Ken McGurn and a professional from the Alachua County Housing Authority joined the group to spark a lively debate on the issue of homelessness in Alachua County.

This week, LG 37 will gather to discuss education. Each class member recently shadowed an educator in Alachua County and they will have the opportunity to take a sample FCAT test and discuss their experiences with the group. Margot had the opportunity to shadow Jessica Greene, a 5^th grade teacher at Waldo Community School. It was an enlightening experience. The two discussed FCAT, new technologies in the class room such as Smart Boards, the need for additional resources and mentoring programs in schools and many other topics.

Thus far, Leadership Gainesville 37 has already encountered many eye-opening experiences and have bonded as a class. The classmates gather frequently outside of their scheduled meetings and engage in many conversations on Gain-Net. The class certainly has not only a new appreciation for the wonderful place where we live, but also for the surprisingly diverse menu that Grandy’s offers!