News

Beginning its fifth successful year of identifying and training local leaders in public policy and political campaigning, the Central Florida Political Leadership Institute (PLI) today announces it is now accepting applications for the 2012 class. The application process begins today and invites business professionals and community leaders to submit an online request through the Friday, March 23, 2012 deadline.

The Institute will be held Thursday, May 17 through Saturday, May 19, 2012 at the prestigious Roy E. Crummer Graduate School of Business at Rollins College. PLI attendees are afforded the opportunity to attend ongoing leadership activities throughout the year, including mentoring workshops and networking opportunities.

Since its inception in 2008, ten past PLI graduates have run and won local office, crediting the knowledge gathered from the BusinessForce program. Here’s what one 2011 PLI graduate had to say about the program:

“I applaud the authors, administrators, and speakers of this program for the immense good it provides for the community, whether on the left, right, or center of the aisle. Fielding a group of hopeful public servants and educating them on the realities of the campaign and service to the public can do no less than provide the community with better informed and ready candidates for the race and office. Excellent program, thank you.
Kenneth P. Stackpoole, Ph.D. ATP
Florida Institute of Technology

Each class is limited to 25 members and applications are vetted by a selection committee once the submission period has concluded. Those residing within the seven county region (Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Seminole, and Volusia) are eligible to apply. To access the online application, please go to www.Orlando.org/PLI.

There is no cost to apply for, or attend, the PLI program. The Central Florida Political Leadership Institute is made possible by the support of its sponsors. Thank you to ARDA (American Resort Development Association), AT&T, Central Florida Partnership, Clear Channel Outdoor, Publix, Rollins College, SeaWorld Adventure Park, and Universal Orlando Resort.

For general information on the PLI program, including Frequently Asked Questions, curriculum, sponsorship opportunities, and more, go to www.Orlando.org/PLI. For additional information, please contact Mike Ketchum, BusinessForce President, at mike.ketchum@orlando.org, or 407.835.2464 and Christina Johnson, PLI Director, at christina@on3pr.com or 850.391.5040.