The Central Florida Political Leadership Institute (PLI) today announced applications to be considered for the 2012 PLI Class are now being accepted through Friday, March 23, 2012.  PLI is an innovative, groundbreaking initiative designed to strengthen and equip the region’s future leaders with training prior to their decision to run for public office.   Already, ten members from the first four PLI classes have been successfully elected to state and local public office in Central Florida. 

The 2012 Institute sessions will be held Thursday, May 17 through Saturday, May 19, 2011 on the campus of the Roy E. Crummer Graduate School of Business at Rollins College in Winter Park. During the course of the bipartisan two and one half day session, Institute participants will hear from prominent state and national experts discussing a broad range of topics – government, media, campaigning, fundraising, ethics and key public policy issues.  

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

Following the Institute, quarterly Mentoring Workshops will be scheduled throughout the year focusing on timely and relevant campaign management and public policy topics of interest.  Applicants from the seven-county Central Florida region, which includes Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Seminole and Volusia, are encouraged to apply. 

Working closely with Michael L. Ketchum, President of BusinessForce, will be Christina Johnson, Director of the Central Florida Political Leadership Institute. Ms. Johnson is President of On 3 Public Relations and is one of Florida’s most highly regarded political and public affairs consultants. 

A Selection Committee consisting of Investors and Members of BusinessForce will review the strength of applications, conduct personal interviews and select twenty-five (25) participants, ensuring representation from a wide range of business, civic and community organizations across the seven-county Central Florida region. The application deadline is Friday, March 23, 2012. 

Applications are online and may be accessed at www.orlando.org/pli .  For additional information, please contact Mike Ketchum, President of BusinessForce at 407.835.2464 or via email at mike.ketchum@orlando.org, or Christina Johnson, Director of the Central Florida Political Leadership Institute at 850.391.5040 or via email at Christina@on3pr.com. 

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