Preserving Paradise: Empowering Leaders for Economic and Ecological Success

The Preserving Paradise Program is a unique initiative that brings together a select group of 20 business leaders who share a common goal – restoring and protecting water quality to safeguard Southwest Florida’s economic and ecological future.

This program aims to equip business leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to advocate for Everglades restoration, emphasizing the economic benefits and the role businesses can play in ensuring clean water for the overall economic health of the region. It is more than just a leadership development opportunity; it is a chance for you to become a catalyst for positive change in our community and beyond.

Participants will engage in group discussions, field excursions, and classroom sessions to provide a comprehensive understanding of the ecological and political challenges facing SWFL and will be empowered to become a driving force for positive change.

Seize this opportunity to make a meaningful impact—join us in the pursuit of preserving paradise.

1.Advocacy Beyond Business: Unlike traditional leadership programs, Preserving Paradise goes beyond professional development by focusing on advocacy. As a participant, you will have the opportunity to actively engage with policymakers and advocate for Everglades restoration on behalf of the business community.

2.Exclusive Access: Limited to 20 business leaders, this program offers an intimate and exclusive environment for networking and collaboration. Forge connections with powerful legislators, fellow CEOs, and industry influencers who share your passion for environmental stewardship.

3.Elevate Your Status: By becoming an advocate in partnership with leading conservation organizations, you position yourself as a thought leader dedicated to both environmental sustainability and community engagement. This not only enhances your corporate image but also elevates your personal standing in the business community.

4.Legislative Impact: Your participation in Preserving Paradise directly contributes to the mission to protect Florida’s waters and clean water-driven economy, providing a platform for the business community’s collective voice to be heard at the state legislature. Influence policy decisions that impact the future of our water quality and demonstrate your commitment to corporate social responsibility.

We invite you to join us in this exclusive endeavor that blends leadership development with environmental advocacy.

Limited Spots Available:

The Preserving Paradise Program has a predetermined number of spots available, and not all applicants may be accepted. The limited number of participants ensures an intimate and impactful experience for those selected, fostering meaningful connections and collaboration.

Selection Criteria:

The selection of participants is at the sole discretion of the program sponsors. The criteria for selection may include, but are not limited to, the applicant’s demonstrated commitment to environmental stewardship, professional standing, and potential for positive impact in advocating for Everglades restoration.

Application Process:

To be considered for participation, interested individuals must complete the application process outlined by the program sponsors. Submission of an application does not guarantee acceptance into the program.

Discretion of Program Sponsors:

The program sponsors reserve the right to make final decisions regarding participant selection based on their evaluation of the applications received. This includes the right to decline participation to any applicant without providing specific reasons.

Confidentiality:

All information provided in the application process will be treated with the utmost confidentiality. However, please be aware that the program organizers may use aggregated and anonymized data for statistical and program improvement purposes.

Contact Information:

For inquiries regarding the selection process or any additional information, please contact Dianna at [email protected].

Our Partners

Advocacy in Action

2024 Legislative Priorites

• We support consistent sustained funding levels for priority Everglades Restoration projects including the Everglades Agricultural Area reservoir to accomplish the objective of sending clean water south as quickly as possible; the C-43 Reservoir project and associated water quality treatment along the Caloosahatchee; and implementation of other critical storage and water quality infrastructure projects north, south, east, and west of Lake Okeechobee.

• We support legislative actions implementing the Blue-Green Algae Task Force’s recommendations that aim to reduce nutrient pollution from all sources, to protect the public, businesses, and the environment from harmful algal blooms.

• We support strengthening stormwater standards for urban landscapes (statewide stormwater rule update and ratification) and agricultural runoff, particularly for nutrient pollution from nitrogen and phosphorus that feeds harmful algal blooms.

• We support funding for and plans to upgrade and build advanced wastewater treatment to reduce nutrients in reuse/reclaimed irrigation water with monitoring of nutrient concentrations.

• We support the establishment of statewide septic tank inspection and maintenance requirements.

• We support Home Rule and oppose any statewide pre-emption policies that would restrict the ability of local governments to protect our water quality.