At its meeting on Friday, September 19, 2003, the myregion.org
Executive Committee was presented with the results of the Phase IIFeasibility
Study recently conducted by the Community Foundation of Central Florida.
The results are very positive!
As a result of fifty-nine personal telephone interviews and 315 on-line survey
responses, the study revealed that:
- 64% and 84% respectively were familiar with myregion.org
- Respondents believe that myregion.org is critically important for
the future of the region (57% and 63%).
- 52% of interviewees and 59% of on-line respondents are willing to use
the SourceBook as a resource in conducting business throughout Central Florida.
- Nearly identical numbers of respondents (72% and 71%) are willing to devote
time to myregion.org
Phase II, and
- 41% of those who participated in personal interviews would be willing
to contribute funding in the future.
The Feasibility Study also reveals that, with a goal of research and project
management, a $350,00 to $500,000 annual operating budget for Phase II could
be realized provided a detailed budget and program of work including specific
case studies/projects are identified. Realization and completion of several
such projects would enhance the probability of on-going additional funding
for myregion.org.
Of specific interest is the belief that myregion.org
has developed a “think tank” reputation and that such an on-going research
element can play a critical role in the future of Central Florida. With access
to the research expertise at the University of Central Florida and community
partners like the High-Tech Corridor Council, the possibility of a myregion.org
Research Institute could significantly benefit a host of organizations
in our region.
The study confirms that respected leaders, consensus builders, excellent
communicators and statesmen are essential in providing leadership for myregion.org.
From the outset, myregion.org
Core Value of Inclusion has ensured that those participating in, and guiding
the process, have and will continue to hold the interests of regionalism and
community foremost in all discussions and deliberations.
Additionally, the study recommends that the organizational structure and
leadership of myregion.org
maintain its equal balance among the seven counties in Central Florida to
insure that no one sector has dominance over the whole. Likewise, the existing
structure that includes the business and civic sectors is essential.
Based on these factors and the overall community response and continued interest
of the project’s 300-member Leadership Team, the Executive Committee
unanimously approved a proposal to move forward with Phase II of myregion.org
and to immediately begin securing funding already committed and confirming
new resources to support the Phase II budget.
In addition, the Executive Committee unanimously approved a Phase
II Leadership Team that will be chaired by R. Randolph Lyon, Jr., Ginn Development
Companies, and will include Linda W. Chapin, University of Central Florida,
as Vice Chair of Leadership and Communications; Joel W. Hass, American Red
Cross of Central Florida, as Vice Chair of Regional Performance; and Edmund
C. Timberlake, Jr., Bank of America, as Vice Chair of Fund Development.
Specific comments, questions or concerns may be directed to Project Director,
Shelley Lauten, at 407.835.2441 or via email at shelley.lauten@orlando.org.
Click
here to review the Community Foundation’s presentation.
