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When we think of Brevard and Volusia Counties, we think of space and speed - NASA-Kennedy Space Center and Daytona International Speedway.The members of Leadership Orlando Class 83 had an all access pass to these important Central Florida icons during their Space & Speed Session on May 22.

Upon their arrival at the Speedway, participants were briefed on transformational branding efforts being coordinated by the Daytona Beach Chamber of Commerce. Jack White, President of Jack White Land Company, representing the Chamber, provided an overview which celebrates the area's rich history as well as efforts to bring a contemporary 'spin' to all that Daytona Beach and Volusia County have to offer.

Likewise, Andrew Gurtis, Vice President of Operations for the Speedway, shared the origins of NASCAR and the World Center of Racing, from its early beginnings over 50 years ago on the sandy beaches of Daytona Beach to its $1.2 billion economic impact on Central Florida today. And what better way to experience the Speedway than to become a member of the 100 MPH Club by personally testing out the tri-oval in Pace Car Hot Laps.

After visiting another Central Florida hot spot for lunch at Dixie Crossroads in Titusville, Class 83 joined Trey Carlson, Master Planner for NASA-Kennedy Space Center for a briefing and tour which included the SLF (Shuttle Landing Facility), the VAB (Vehicle Assembly Building), Apollo/Saturn V Center, and Launch Pad 39-A.

A view from inside SpaceX launch pad.(Red Huber/Orlando Sentinel/May 22, 2012)

Given the fact that the successful launch by SpaceX had cleared the tower just hours before our arrival, made the day even more meaningful.

SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket blasted off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station at 3:44 a.m., on its way to a rendezvous with the International Space Station and possibly heralding a new era of space transportation. SpaceX Dragon capsule safely splashed down in the Pacific Ocean on May 31.

Click here to view photos from this event.

If you have been looking for the "right" time to participate in Leadership Orlando, or know someone who should be in the room for these discussions, now is indeed the perfect time to be a part of America's largest Community Leadership program, Leadership Orlando.Preparing for the future of our region is up to each of us.Now is the time to learn about the issues, participate in the difficult conversations and help in guiding our future.

Class 84 begins in September, with Adrian Jones, General Manager of LEGOLAND Florida serving as Class Chair.The online enrollment form and the full schedule may be accessed at www.LeadershipOrlando.org.Should you have questions, contact Kathy Panter at 407.835.2499 or via email at Kathy.Panter@ideastoresults.org.

About Leadership Orlando
Developing regional leaders is important to the future success of the Central Florida Region. That is why "Regional Leadership" is a primary line of business for the Central Florida Partnership.With over thirty years of proven success, Leadership Orlando, America's largest "Community Leadership Program," continues to recruit, cultivate and encourage emerging leaders to better serve the Central Florida Region.

Working together with Orlando, Inc., (Regional Entrepreneurship), BusinessForce (Public Policy Advocacy), and myregion.org (Regional Research & Resolves), the Central Florida Partnership is moving "Ideas to Results."

Click here to learn more about Leadership Orlando
Click here for a listing of the 2012 Leadership Team