Headlines.

Political Leadership Institute 2010 Leadership School "Outstanding" and "Invaluable"

Monday, February 22, 2010

The Central Florida Political Leadership Institute held its annual Leadership School Friday and Saturday at the Roy E. Crummer Graduate School of Business, Rollins College, exposing the 2010 class of prospective public leaders to experts in campaigning, regional priorities and leadership.
[Click for full story]

2010 PLI School This Week

Monday, February 15, 2010

The Central Florida Political Leadership Institute will host its annual Leadership School Friday and Saturday at the Roy E. Crummer Graduate School of Business, Rollins College, with a "launch" event Thursday night in Winter Park.
[Click for full story]

2010 Political Leadership Institute Applicant Screening Underway

Monday, November 16, 2009

Over 80 applications have been received for the coveted 25 slots available in the 2010 Central Florida Political Leadership Institute held at the Roy E. Crummer Graduate School of Business at Rollins College during Feb. 18-20.  To thoroughly review these applications, a Screening Committee chaired by Dori Madison and composed of 9 members from the BusinessForce Board of Directors has been poring through the applications in recent days and is in the process of scheduling and conducting interviews with finalists.

“This year we again are impressed with the caliber of applicants we are seeing for this innovative and groundbreaking program designed to better prepare those who are in the process of making plans to serve our region’s communities in public office,” stated BusinessForce President Mike Ketchum.  

Once applicant interviews conclude, the recommendations of the Screening Committee will come before the full BusinessForce Board of Directors for their review and approval on Dec. 3rd.   The successful applicants will be notified at that time.

To learn how you can become involved in BusinessForce go to www.orlando.org/businessforce or contact michael.ketchum@orlando.org.

Derek Bruce: Insights from a Political Leadership Institute Mentor

Monday, August 17, 2009

A key element of The Central Florida Political Leadership Institute is the mentoring program that connects participants with local business and civic leaders who can open doors for networking.  Derek Bruce, BusinessForce Chair and Principal of Edge Public Affairs, LLC, provides insights on his experience as a mentor and why this program is critical to the development of future public leaders.

Why did you agree to become a PLI mentor? Why do you believe mentoring is important to the program?
While I believe the training and education the PLI participants receive during the 2-day seminar is extremely valuable to their tactical development as potential candidates, it is the mentoring portion of the program that helps the PLI graduate develop the foundational support necessary for any successful candidacy.  A good mentor-mentee relationship will help the graduate position themselves in the community with groups of likely supporters, give the prospective candidate a “sounding board” for ideas and strategy and, perhaps most importantly, offer him or her a strong and visible advocate in the community.

What have you done as a mentor?
I have been fortunate to have been a mentor to two outstanding young men.  My first mentee had previously run for public office.  After going through the PLI program he felt he had the tools to enter the political fray again, this time with a winning game plan.  In the months that followed, he and I met regularly to discuss his campaign, evaluate strategy and develop different avenues of support for his candidacy.  He went on to win his race and now serves our community most ably as an elected official.

My role with my second mentee has been similar, although he has not run for office - yet.  We meet regularly and talk politics and policy.  I have also attempted to expose him to new groups to which he may not have otherwise been exposed so that he can have a broad base of support should he decide that public service is in his future.

What have you learned as a mentor?
A lot!  Having never been a candidate myself, it was eye opening going through my mentee’s campaign last year.  Witnessing the adoption of a plan and its successful execution was extremely rewarding.

Also, while my mentees differ politically – one is a Democrat, the other is a Republican – there are noticeable similarities in their approach to politics that can be seen as generational.  Both rely on technology and social media in formulating their views on policy and place considerable emphasis on the ability such outlets have to shape policy.

What advice would you give to current mentors or those who are considering becoming a PLI mentor?
Be generous with your time.  It’s a cliché, but you will get out of it what you put in.

Wanted: New Members to Build on Political Leadership Institute Success

Monday, August 10, 2009

The success of the Central Florida Political Leadership Institute continues to grow and it’s now time to add more outstanding prospective public leaders to the program from throughout the seven-county Central Florida region.

The CFPLI is now accepting applications through September 25 for a new class. There is no cost to participate and no commitment to declare a candidacy, merely consider the possibility of one day sharing your business expertise and talents as an elected leader.

The program features a Leadership School at the Crummer Graduate School of Business, Rollins College, issue briefings throughout the year and a mentoring program that connects participants with local business leaders to open doors for networking.

PLI grads have been elected to school board, county commission and as mayor and several are launching campaigns for 2010 seats and showing impressive early strength.

For more information, please contact Mike Ketchum, BusinessForce President, at mike.ketchum@orlando.org or Mark Mills, PLI Consultant, at mark.mills@orlando.org.

PLI Grad Kristin Beall Enters House Race

Monday, June 27, 2009

Central Florida Political Leadership Institute graduate and businesswoman Kristin Beall of Mt. Dora has filed her candidacy for Florida House of Representatives District 25, which includes central and north Lake County, along with a portion of the Sanford area in Seminole County and parts of DeBary and Deltona in Volusia County.

Kristin is vice president of family owned, Charlie Johnson Builders, a third generation Lake County company that has built almost 4,000 homes in over 50 years of proud service to the region. She graduated from Tavares High School and earned a Bachelor of Music degree from Stetson University, graduating cum laude and earned a Master of Arts degree in communications from the University of Central Florida. Beall was Miss Florida 1995 and Miss Florida USA 2000. She is a licensed building contractor and Certified Green Professional.

“For over 50 years, my family has made this special part of Florida our home,” she said. “If the voters give me the opportunity, it would be a great honor to take our voice to Tallahassee. As a small business owner, I understand the challenges we face in these difficult economic times. I’m going to work at getting our economy restarted, keeping government accountable and making our schools the best they can be. I look forward to taking this campaign to the main streets and front doors of voters throughout the district.”

Kristin is the mastermind behind a new concept in safe, energy efficient, affordable housing called 'Storm Safe Homes', which are designated “Fortified, for safer livingâ” through the Institute of Business and Home Safety. Beall's innovative design and building concepts have made her an industry leader and a sought after home improvement expert and speaker. As a result, she has been seen on ABC's Good Morning America, NBC's TODAY Show, the Weather Channel, DIY, the Do-It-Yourself Network, HGTV Pro, and in The New York Times, International Herald Tribune, and BUILDER Magazine. Beall is currently the “Contract-Her” on the nationally syndicated morning television show The Daily Buzz, giving homeowners the tricks of the trade in home maintenance, repair, and design.

Community service is central to Beall’s life. She has worked with numerous charitable organizations throughout Central Florida, including building homes with Habitat for Humanity and for victims of the 2007 Ground Hog Day Tornados that struck Lake County. Kristin also spent several years as spokesperson for the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, mentoring young people in prisons throughout Florida and routinely serves as a motivational speaker in area schools.

The Beall Campaign will be holding a kickoff event later this fall.

PLI's Ben Albritton off to Impressive Campaign Start

Monday, July 13, 2009

Central Florida Political Leadership Institute graduate Ben Albritton, a candidate for State House District 66, has shown strong early support for his campaign, raising over $148,000 in his campaign's first quarter.

An excerpt from the campaign's news release said:

"Albritton raised $148,435.85 from 402 contributors during the period of April 1, 2009 through June 30, 2009.  That tremendous start places him as a fundraising leader among both incumbent and non-incumbent candidates seeking election to the Florida House of Representatives.

Albritton commented, `I am truly humbled by the outpouring of support that my family, friends and neighbors have shown me.  I take their investment in my campaign very seriously and my pledge is to work as hard as I can to earn every vote.  After all, campaigns are about people and I plan to take my message of job growth, fiscal discipline and family values to the front doors of voters across the district."

The District covers all of Hardee County, southern Polk County and northwestern Highlands County.

For more information on the Central Florida PLI or to download an application for a new class, please visit www.orlando.org/businessforce or contact mark.mills@orlando.org.

Another Political Leadership Institute Member Announces for Office

Monday, June 22, 2009

Central Florida Political Leadership Institute participant Melony Bell of Fort Meade has announced her candidacy for Polk County Commissioner, making her the third PLI member so far who has entered the 2010 political mix.

Other PLI graduates running for public office include Jennifer Thompson, a candidate for Orange County Commissioner, and Ben Albritton of Wauchula, who is running for the open seat in Florida House of Representatives District 66.

Several CFPLI members are exploring campaigns throughout Central Florida and will be finalizing decisions in the coming weeks.

The Political Leadership Institute is a non-partisan public-leadership program designed to attract, encourage and equip prospective public leaders with business-related experience who want to learn about campaigning for public office, serving the public with excellence and addressing critical public-policy issues.

The PLI features a Leadership School in early 2010 at the Roy E. Crummer Graduate School of Business at Rollins College in Winter Park, briefings throughout the year and a mentoring program that connects participants with local business and civic leaders.

Class size is limited and there is no cost to participants.

Applications for the 2010 class are now available through September 25 by visiting www.orlando.org/businessforce and clicking the Political Leadership Institute link.

To learn more about the program, contact BusnessForce President Mike Ketchum at mike.ketchum@orlando.org or Institute Consultant Mark Mills at mark.mills@orlando.org.

Corporate sponsors of the Central Florida Political Leadership Institute include the American Resort Development Association, AT&T, Central Florida Partnership, Clear Channel Outdoor, CNL, Outback Steakhouse, Publix Super Markets, Inc., SeaWorld Adventure Parks, Universal Orlando Resort and Walt Disney World Co.         

BusinessForce Celebrates Election of Political Leadership Institute Graduates

Monday, May 18, 2009

In just over a year, three graduates from the 2008 Class of the BusinessForce Political Leadership Institute (PLI) have been elected to public office in our region.  Their appearance last week at a special BusinessForce ”Insider’s Briefing” luncheon hosted by sponsor AT&T and supporting sponsor Tucker Hall was a BusinessForce “homecoming” for the successful trio.

First, Nancy Robbinson was elected in 2008 to a seat on the Orange County School Board when the incumbent elected not to seek re-election.  Robbinson’s election was shortly followed by that of Brandon Arrington to the Osceola County Commission where he outlasted two veteran Osceola political figures.  Most recently, Ken Bradley ousted the one-term incumbent and became Winter Park’s new mayor in 2009. 

Robbinson, who prior to her election was a College Park community volunteer leader, termed the PLI  “an incredible experience and a blast.”  Since assuming her school board seat she has been “juggling her time” facing a “whirlwind” of controversial educational issues plus a school budget crisis.  She urged other PLI graduates in the audience potentially considering a run for public office to “get a puppy to come home to” and to be certain they have a supportive family.

Osceola County businessman Brandon Arrington called PLI “ a wonderful experience” that provided him critical campaign mail and messaging tips that led to his campaign’s successful outcome.  Stating one had “better have guts” to serve in office today, Arrington indicated he was working aggressively since assuming office to build political support for improving Osceola County’s transportation infrastructure and to make it a greener community. 

Winter Park Hospital Executive Ken Bradley revealed his real concern in running was not about winning or losing but assuring an incumbent does not go unopposed.  He also shared with his audience a number of the important lessons he learned on the campaign trail which included underestimating the amount of money and preparation needed for a successful campaign.  Currently, his focus in City Hall is on the city’s financial situation and resolving issues concerning Winter Park’s “heritage vs. its future.”

To learn how you can become involved in BusinessForce go to www.orlando.org or contact Michael.ketchum@orlando.org.

Winter Park Memorial Hospital Executive Ken Bradley, a member of the 2008 inaugural class of the Central Florida Political Institute (PLI), a program of BusinessForce, was elected Winter Park Mayor on March 10th defeating the one term incumbent, David Strong.

Bradley becomes the third member of his 2008 class to be elected to public office in the region following on the heels of the elections of Nancy Robbinson to the Orange County School Board and Brandon Arrington to the Osceola County Commission in 2008.

Clearly pleased with the election of yet another PLI class member, BusinessForce ChairDerek Bruce commented, “In just two short years, the PLI is changing the region’s political landscape. We are so pleased the leaders who are considering seeking elective office have recognized the important role the PLI’s training can play in determining their success. Bruce attributed the collective election successes of these 2008 PLI class members in large part to “the valuable knowledge and expertise they gained while attending the Institute on how to prepare for a successful campaign.

BusinessForce President Mike Ketchum praised the Political Leadership Institute’s innovative program developed by Institute Director Mark Mills, stating, “This ground-breaking BusinessForce program which has already received widespread attention, is educating and better preparing those emerging leaders in our region who may be someday considering elective office.”

Later this summer, the Central Florida Political Leadership will begin receiving applications for the 2010 class which will again be held in early 2010 at the Roy E. Crummer Graduate School of Business at Rollins College in Winter Park. To learn more about opportunities to be selected for the 2010 Central Florida Political Leadership Institute contact Institute Director Mark Mills at mark.mills@orlando.org.

Corporate sponsors of the Central Florida Political Leadership Institute include the American Resort Development Association, AT&T, Central Florida Partnership, Clear Channel Outdoor, CNL, Outback Steakhouse, Publix Super Markets, Inc., SeaWorld Adventure Parks, Universal Orlando Resort and Walt Disney World Co.

Central Florida Political Leadership Institute:
“Informative” and “Inspiring” Say Participants

Is America at the end of an era of prosperity? At what point do political campaigns cross the line when using information against an opponent? What is the key to any successful political direct mail piece? Why is a campaign more successful than its opponent’s at fundraising?

These questions and many other issues were packed into a two-day seminar Friday and Saturday by the Central Florida Political Leadership Institute and held at the Crummer Graduate School of Business at Rollins College, Winter Park.

Click here for more photos from this event.

The Institute selects business leaders in the region who have expressed an interest in considering future elected public service and equips them with the skills to run a campaign, understand critical issues and serve as outstanding public leaders.

“The program was wonderful, speakers all very informative and interesting,” said Edith Shelley of Legacy Estate Planners in Daytona Beach. “I received so much valuable information and have a lot to digest. I never really realized all that goes into a successful campaign. I have been inspired.”

Thirty Institute participants, who were selected in a competitive process, heard from experts, including:

• Stephen Moore, Wall Street Journal senior economics editorial writer, the Institute’s keynote speaker at its Saturday luncheon, who discussed the state of the American economy and expressed concerns about fiscal and monetary policies from both the Bush and Obama administrations and their impact on the economy’s future;

• Liz Chadderdon of The Chadderdon Group, a Democratic strategist from the Washington, D.C. area and frequent commentator on national television political programs, who told participants that successful political direct mail focuses first on the voters’ needs. “It’s about them,” she said;

• Gary Maloney, President of Jackson-Alvarez Group, and a research strategist from the Washington, D.C. area, who discussed avenues for publicly-available opposition research information, but warned participants against crossing the line with personal attacks, which could backfire politically;

• David Browning, co-founder of The Browning O’Rourke Group of Tallahassee, and one of Florida’s top political fundraisers, who revealed successful fundraising strategies;

• Mark Johnston, Ph.D., Alan and Sandra Gerry Professor of Marketing and Ethics, at the Crummer Graduate School of Business, who challenged participants to think ethically about decisions.

As a way to apply the insights from experts, participants were placed in campaign teams and given a mock campaign situation, which challenged them to think and act quickly.

"The (PLI) experience was not only informative, but inspiring. I hope the program will continue to offer environments like the (campaign) simulation and always challenge and force us to think critically about our decisions," said Conor P. McFadden, Corporate Affairs Coordinator of Sonny’s (BBQ) Franchise Company in Maitland.

Click here for more photos from this event.

Other experts and guest presenters, included:

• Marian Johnson, Vice President of Political Strategy for the Florida Chamber of Commerce, who provided insights on winning strategies;

• Orange County Supervisor of Elections Bill Cowles and Osceola County Supervisor of Elections Mary Jane Arrington, who discussed campaign filing procedures and voter trends;

• Florida Rep. Eric Eisnaugle and Orange County Commission Bill Segal, who provided valuable personal insights as candidates and elected officeholders.

The Central Florida PLI offers events throughout the year and a mentoring program that connects participants with local business leaders who will open doors for networking.

Political Leadership Institute 2009 Class Information

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Click here for Frequently Asked Questions

Click here for a 2009 DRAFT Agenda.

Click here for or a list of 2009 Participants. .

Coming Soon - Click here for a list of Scheduled Presenters

Political Leadership Institute 2009 Class Named

Monday December 15, 2008

The Central Florida Political Leadership Institute class of 2009 has been selected and unanimously approved by the BusinessForce Executive Board. [full story]

Political Leadership Institute Faculty in National News

Monday October 13, 2008

Several faculty members featured at the 2008 Political Leadership Institute held earlier this year at the Crummer Graduate School of Business at Rollins College are making national news for their insights on the race for President. [full story]

PLI Headlines

Monday, October 6, 2008

Central Florida Political Leadership Institute graduate Brandon Arrington, a candidate for Osceola County Commission District 3, has been endorsed by BusinessForce. Arrington was the runaway winner in the Democratic primary. Another PLI grad and BusinessForce-backed candidate, Nancy Robbinson, emerged victorious in the race for Orange County School Board. [full story]

Political Leadership Institute Grads Gather

Monday, September 22, 2008

Members of the Inaugural Class of the Political Leadership Institute presented by BusinessForce gathered on Thursday for an afternoon of "learning and fellowship," along with Institute Supporters and Mentors to reconnect, discuss the upcoming elections and participate in a challenging "Campaign Simulation Exercise." [full story]

100% of Political Leadership Institute Grads Recommend Program Apply Now for New Class

Monday, September 22, 2008

A survey of 2008 Central Florida Political Leadership Institute participants found that 100% would "definitely" recommend the program to others. The application process is now open for a new class, but only for a limited time. Deadline for Applications is October 17, 2008. [full story]

Application Process Now Open for New Class

Monday, September 8, 2008

The Central Florida Political Leadership Institute is an innovative program designed to equip and mentor emerging regional leaders who may one day consider elected public service. The non-partisan program features a seminar in February, activities throughout the year and a mentoring program that connects participants with community leaders.

The program’s first year has been a tremendous success – 100% of Institute participants said in a survey that they would definitely recommend the program to others - and now it’s time to prepare for a new class.

Click here to download Guidelines and Application. The application process will close October 17.

Click here to download an brochure outlining the Institute.

There is no cost to participants thanks to the generous support of our sponsors.

For more information, please contact Mike Ketchum, President, BusinessForce at 407.835.2464 or mike.ketchum@orlando.org. You may also contact Mark Mills, Political Leadership Institute Consultant, at 407.617.7284 or mark.mills@orlando.org.

Inagural Political Leadership Institute a Success

“The Institute has taught and inspired leaders to be community leaders,” said Kenneth W. Bradley, Senior Vice-President and Campus CEO, Winter Park Memorial Hospital, and a member of the inaugural Central Florida Political Leadership Institute.

Graduates from the Inaugural Central Florida Political Leadership Institute

Featuring a mix of local, state and national presenters, the Institute’s Leadership School was hosted by the Roy E. Crummer Graduate School of Business at Rollins College and presented by BusinessForce, February 21-23, 2008. Designed to strengthen and better equip the next generation of government and political leaders in Central Florida, the non-partisan program showcased experts on government, politics, media, important public policy issues and ethics, in concert with a one-of-a-kind mentoring component connecting class members with established and respected community leaders.

"The Central Florida Political Leadership Institute included an engaging series of sessions with local and national experts. The exposure to so many aspects of the process and the people that make it happen provided us with an amazing look into the what, when, and how," said Institute participant, Dan Kirby, Jr., AIA, AICP, Director of Development for Boyken International, Inc.

A Friday afternoon session featured winning direct mail strategist, Liz Chadderdon, The Chadderdon Group, Washington, D. C. Covering everything from identifying the right audience to crafting the right message, Chadderdon provided a “no nonsense primer” that leads to successful campaigns.

Mail needs specific data to reach a specific audience– age, gender, address, voting history of your target audience and party affiliation – and should be well planned and repetitive, building momentum as the campaign draws to a close. “Elections are won by voters you never meet,” she said.

She provided examples of good mail pieces, which compared and contrasted everything from good and bad photography to the appropriate amount of text to get your message across. Incumbents get reelected by convincing voters what they’ve done; challengers must provide dual messages – what the incumbent has not done, and why the challenger is a better choice.

Saturday’s luncheon speaker, Mike Murphy, Navigators LLC, provided his perspectives on the 2008 Political Environment and emphasized the importance of understanding the mood of the voter. Political polling should always test whether voters believe we are in a “right track or wrong track” environment and the 2008 election to date is a wrong track election, with 72% of voters unhappy with the status quo.

He provided a number of professional insights on Democrats vs. Republicans – the Republican nomination is an all or nothing contest when it comes to winning states and delegates while Democrats “grade on a curve.”

Mr. Murphy provided five pieces of advice for candidates:

1. Persuasion – move people you can move
2. Learn how to target the people you can move
3. Remember, it’s not about you, it’s about them (the voters)
4. Focus and Repeat key messaging. He cited an example by asking the class how many of them plan to buy a truck in the next 30, 60, 90 days, or in the next year or 5 years. When only one raised their hand, he then asked the class what they know about Dodge trucks. Nearly everyone replied that Dodge Trucks are Ram Tough. Messaging!
5. When you’re in doubt that your life is linear, remember that voters only pay attention to the last 4-5 weeks. Stay in touch and stay on message.

Click here for photos from the 2008 Class.

Click here for a 2008 Agenda.

Click here for Frequently Asked Questions.

Click here for a list of 2008 Scheduled Presenters.

Click here for a list of 2008 Participants.

Interested in mentoring a future leader?

Contact: mark.mills@orlando.org or click here to download a list of Frequently Asked Questions.

For more information, please contact Mark Mills at 407.617.7284 or mark.mills@orlando.org or Mike Ketchum, President, BusinessForce, at 407.835.2464 or mike.ketchum@orlando.org.