 Greater Naples Leadership, Inc.
www.gnlwebsite.org |
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GNL Connection
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January 2008
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Believe it or not, our 2007-2008 GNL year is already half over . . . and what a year it has been so far! GNL Class XII has only five sessions remaining until Evaluation Day and then graduation on April 3. The sessions have gone well, and the feedback has been very positive.
Alumni activities have been outstanding too! We've enjoyed large turnouts for our series of luncheon speakers; and our two social events (the Welcome Back Party and the Holiday Party) were terrific.
Our communications effort is second to none as we are all enjoying both the GNL Connection and the new Community Service Spotlight.
And we have so much to look forward to, highlighted by an alumni trip to Ave Maria on January 24 and our Community Service Fair on February 12 at Edison College's Collier Campus. I hope you are planning to attend the Fair and that you will bring guests.
Many GNL alumni have been hard at work for months now. I would like to extend my appreciation to the board members, committee members, class reps and all who have made this possible. GNL is the organization it is today because of the efforts of so many of our fine alumni. Thanks to all, and best wishes for a happy and healthy 2008.
Frank Gorke
President |
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A Fair for All
The Community Service Fair, to be held on Tuesday, February 12, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Edison College's Collier Campus, is the biggest event of our GNL year and one that you will not to want to miss.
Be sure to mark your calendars because there is much to learn and enjoy at this Fair: Exciting and unique educational sessions Nearly 70 exhibiting nonprofit agencies
Fun, food, entertainment and networking
The educational sessions are really impressive, with outstanding experts to present and lead discussions on topics such as Improving Operations with the use of technology and by cutting the costs of back-office operations; Innovative Approaches to Financing through alternative financial services; and a video and update on Naples Children and Education Foundation.
As all of you saw in your recent GNL invitation, we have planned an incredible event that should not be missed. Bring friends and family . . . and prospective GNL candidates! For more information, check our website for full details, and we will be back to you in the upcoming Community Service Spotlight with the latest developments.
See you and your friends there!
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Class XIII Recruitment
It's not too late to sponsor a qualified candidate for Masters Class XIII if you haven't already done so. The Member Sponsorship period is open through February 1, after which a Selection Committee will review all applications. This year's process is no longer a "rolling admissions" one; class members will be selected based on how closely they meet our Eligibility Criteria and Selection Guidelines. If you have any questions about the process, e-mail membership@gnlwebsite.org or call Membership Chair Tom McCann (Class IX) at 254-8331. The criteria, guidelines and application are posted on our website, www.gnlwebsite.org.
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Safe in Paradise?
 Join us for the fourth Alumni Luncheon of the season, when Captain Tom Storrar of the Collier County Sheriff's Office will talk about Homeland Security in Southwest Florida and the plans that our officials have to protect us from terrorism.
Storrar is on loan to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, where he is the Task Force coordinator of the Southwest Florida Domestic Security Task Force, which covers nine counties.
All alumni and Class XII members are encouraged to join us on Friday, February 15, from 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Moorings Park, 120 Moorings Park Drive, off Goodlette-Frank Road, just south of Pine Ridge. The cost is $15, payable at the table. Reservations are required for all attendees; and cancellations must be made no later than February 13. RSVP by February 8 to GNLOffice@gnlwebsite.org or by calling Karen Danni at the GNL office, 213-9211. |
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From New York to Hollywood to Cosmetics; Now Nonprofits
She started her business career at McKinsey & Company working with the City of New York and, later, Columbia Pictures. She then moved to a senior management position at Revlon, helping the company during a period of transition. A year with the federal government followed.
Now Ilene Leff (Class X) consults with a major international nonprofit organization and lends her expertise to GNL's community service programs.
Read the conversation between Jen Walker (Class IX) and Ilene, who has arranged for leading experts to present the education sessions at the GNL Community Service Fair. |
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 Islamic Radicalism over Lunch
Eighty-five GNLers attended the January 10 Alumni Luncheon to hear speaker Jack Tymann provide his insights on the Middle East, jihadists and threats to Western civilization. His presentation was provocative and occasioned a heated question-and-answer session. Whether or not you attended, read the report by Kaye Willette (Class XI) on the luncheon program.
Wayne Mullican and Jack Tymann View photos taken at the luncheon photo by Linda Diaz
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Environment Day
Team Leader Martha Forbes reports on Class XII's latest day:
On January 9, Chair Catherine Ware and her outstanding team of Connie Dillon, Henry Thiele and Alan Wetjen met with Class XII at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida to begin Environment Day. Not only was the weather spectacular but also the Session Day Team provided a professional overview of the most significant environmental issues of Southwest Florida through their carefully selected speakers.
A morning panel discussed stewardship, education and conservation. After a tour of the Conservancy Museum with top-flight naturalists, class members were introduced to the topic of Southwest Florida's unique environment--flora and fauna and the health of estuaries. The class was captivated by meteorologist Robert Van Winkle's discussion of hurricanes and weather trends. What a dynamic group of speakers!
We then headed to Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve and the Big Cypress Bend boardwalk tour. The day concluded at the landfill, where we learned about waste management issues and enjoyed a different kind of "sundowner" experience.
photo by Robert Halman Thank you, Class XII for your enthusiasm, good questions and collegiality! |
Board Highlights
The GNL board took action on the following at its January meeting: Clarified policy that attendance at Retreat Day and Evaluation Day is essential; a member missing Retreat Day due to an illness or an emergency may be asked to defer to the next year's class Established the Chair of the Community Service Committee as a vice president of the Board Will ask alumni for recommendations for board positions
Additionally, the treasurer's report showed that the organization's
financials are in good shape. An update was given on a meeting with the Young Professionals of Naples, who have been invited to the Community Service Fair and, hopefully, will provide some assistance.
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 Alumni in the News
Jane Borchers (Class VII) has joined the board of The United Arts Council of Collier County.
 John Hannsz (Class XI) is a new board member of the Immokalee Nonprofit Housing, Inc., which is having it's major fundraiser, Fiesta of Hope, March 9 at Longstreth Goldberg Gallery.
Mechlin Moore (Class VIII) is co-chair of the 2008 Naples Art & Antiques Show, to be held March 6-8 at Trinity-by-the-Cove Episcopal Church.
Read about other GNLers who are receiving special recognition this season for their extraordinary service to the community. | |
Mission
To provide proven leaders with a unique opportunity to learn firsthand about the issues and needs in Collier County and to encourage the use of their skills in bettering the community.
Communications Committee
Jen Walker, Chair* Jinny Johnson* Jeanne Bolds* Art Shafer, Website Manager* Dick Borel Kaye Willette Linda Diaz Frank Gorke, Ex-Officio* Gretchen Green *Editorial board members
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