What is Preserving Paradise?

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.

 

Key Program Highlights:

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.

Why Join?

  • Differentiate Yourself: Stand out as a leader who not only excels in the business world but actively contributes to environmental advocacy.
  • Build Lasting Connections: Network with like-minded executives, legislators, and influencers who share your commitment to Everglades restoration.
  • Leave a Lasting Legacy: Be part of a movement that transcends business success and leaves a positive impact on the environment and the community.
  • Differentiate Yourself: Stand out as a leader who not only excels in the business world but actively contributes to environmental advocacy.
  • Build Lasting Connections: Network with like-minded executives, legislators, and influencers who share your commitment to Everglades restoration.
  • Leave a Lasting Legacy: Be part of a movement that transcends business success and leaves a positive impact on the environment and the community.

About Preserving Paradise

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].

Applications open Thursday, May 1

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.

News Articles

Preserving Paradise: Protecting Our Water Quality

Local leaders, business owners, and environmental advocates have come together to address the critical issue of water quality, recognizing its direct impact on both the ecosystem and the economy. Fishing guides like Captain Nelson Diaz highlight how poor water quality affects wildlife and fishing, while business leaders like Kyle Decicco of Sanibel Captiva Community Bank point out the economic toll, with local businesses suffering when water issues, such as algae blooms and red tide, deter visitors.

With no insurance for water quality problems, this united effort aims to protect the region’s most valuable resource: its water.

Southwest Florida Businesses Learn How to Preserve Paradise

A new “on-site” educational program is teaching Lee County business owners about the importance of water quality and its impact on their businesses.

Organized by Captains for Clean Water, the Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation, The Everglades Foundation, and the Sanibel Chamber of Commerce, the program offers an immersive experience, helping business leaders understand the science, policy, and advocacy around water preservation.

Leaders like Joe Orndorff and Bill Waichulis emphasize how poor water quality can hurt their businesses and the local economy, showing the vital link between clean water and a thriving tourism-driven economy.

The very bedrock of both our economy and our quality of life here in Southwest Florida is clean, usable beaches and waterways. I feel like Preserving Paradise is helping business leaders become better participants in ensuring this critical foundation of our local economy is not compromised.

Chris Davison

The Everglades Foundation is proud to have joined our partners in bringing Everglades restoration to Southwest Florida’s business leaders. Businesses depend on a restored Everglades in order to thrive. Our team of scientists, advocates and educators are honored to join other experts in engaging those who are essential to the success of Everglades restoration for the future of our state. We look forward to working with a broad coalition of Southwest Florida leaders in preserving our paradise.

Eric Eikenberg

The fight for clean water led by Preserving Paradise has shown us that environmental advocacy can lead to real, tangible benefits for our community’s health and future. Water policy equals economic policy

Scot Burris

The impact of advocacy through such programs is significant. Captains for Clean Water, SCCF and the Everglades Foundation have shown us the change that can be made by raising awareness, driving policy changes, and encouraging community involvement. By supporting and participating in these initiatives, we as business leaders can contribute to preserving our natural resources, helping to maintain a more sustainable and healthy future.

Sarah Foegen