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PRESIDENT'S REPORT
By Kaye Schmitz
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Dear FPP Members and Friends,
It's that exciting time of year and the fall adrenaline rush is exploding all over the place. Our football teams keep our spirits stirring and our clients keep our passions pouring. We're moving through that wonderful window of time between summer's lulls and January's frenzies with renewed energy to complete all our tasks and make certain that all the pieces are in place to start a new year. And we have the added bonus of several family holidays thrown in to spice things up.
Like you, we at the FPP are moving forward. And we're always looking for ways that will make it easier for you to connect the dots with other partners and programs in your area and to get your successes in front of our national partners and peers.
One way the FPP is working to highlight your accomplishments is through the CFED's Assets and Opportunities Network. I am happy to report to you that the Florida Prosperity Partnership was chosen as The Lead State Organization for Florida in the newly formed nationwide CFED Assets & Opportunities Network-one of 27 states to receive this honor. Even more important, six of the 26 Lead Local Organizations in this network (more than from any other state) are also from Florida-all of them FPP partners. The six Lead Local Organizations are: Catalyst Miami, United Way of Marion County, Family Foundations, United Way of Tampa Bay, The Real$ense Prosperity Campaign-an initiative of United Way of Northeast Florida, and United Way of North Central Florida. Please see the map inset that shows all of the Lead State and Lead Local Assets & Opportunities partners.
CFED, as you probably know, is a nationwide organization that influences policy affecting the populations we all work with and providing critical information on existing policies in all fifty states. This newly formed network will give FPP members opportunities to work with their peers across the country, to provide input on policy making, to compete for potential funding, and to work on program initiatives that will benefit all of us. The opportunity to apply as a Lead Local Organization will open again in January 2012-and we hope more of you will apply. For additional information, please see the CFED website at http://cfed.org/blog/inclusiveeconomy/cfed_selects_assets_opportunity_network_partners/.
There is a lot more news...Please read on...
News from the National Community Tax Coalition
The National Community Tax Coalition will be holding its Fall Steering Committee Retreat in Washington, D.C. on October 12 followed by a Capitol Hill Day on October 13 for NCTC Steering Committee members where we will be calling on our elected officials in Washington.
In other NCTC News:
- VITA Grant Funding: The House Committee on Appropriations has recommended in its report of the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Bill to sustain the current level of funding for the VITA grant program. Funding for Fiscal Year 2012 is proposed at $12 million, which is a $4 million increase over the Administration's initial budget request. Let's all keep our fingers crossed.
- Asset Building Products & Practices Guide Release: NCTC has released the 2011 Asset Building Products & Practices Guide that includes best practices from across the country for implementing and expanding asset building services. For the complete report, please go to the following link: http://hosted.verticalresponse.com/734060/b89ec9bd08/1471573405/2c5f066738/.
FPP Regional Meetings
Dates and times for the FPP Regional Meetings have been finalized (please see the sidebar for detailed information) and the agendas are being set. At each of our Regional Meetings we give an update of what's been happening within the FPP, we highlight local programs, initiatives, and successes, and we introduce new topics that we haven't covered before to make certain all of our members hear about them.
We are happy to announce that the new topics for this fall's set of Regional Meetings will include presentations by DCF officials that will outline the four platforms of Secretary David Wilkins's Strategic Vision-platforms you're sure to like because they dovetail perfectly with the same kinds of programs and organizational partnerships that you're already engaged in.
In addition, we will have presentations from the Florida KidCare organization, so you won't want to miss those either. Please RSVP for the meeting of your choice-and feel free to come to more than one if you can. If you have a particular topic you would like to see covered, please contact your Regional Meeting host. We're looking forward to seeing you somewhere across the state during the next two months.
CFO Atwater to host "Your Money Matter$" workshops featuring FPP member Angie Hollerich
Florida CFO Jeff Atwater has launched a new initiative to help Floridians take charge of their financial future. The initiative, Your Money Matter$, begins with a series of workshops throughout the state during October in recognition of Women's Small Business Month (please check sidebar for locations, dates, and times). FPP member and conference presenter Angie Hollerich, of Brass Ring Productions, will lead all four of the workshops. Please let all of your clients know about the upcoming events and help them to get registered. To learn more about this initiative, please visit the CFO's website at http://www.myfloridacfo.com/Consumers/Events/WomensSmallBusiness.htm .
Save the Date for Florida Prosperity Caucus and Calls on Legislators
Please make plans to join us in Tallahassee on December 6-7, 2011 for our second Florida Prosperity Caucus, hosted by Florida Representative Alan Williams. It will be an exciting day that will include time to make calls on your legislators. Stay tuned for more information.
The Fourth Annual FPP Statewide Conference
Make sure you save the date for the Fourth Annual Florida Prosperity Partnership Statewide Conference to be held at Universal's Portofino Hotel, in Orlando, FL, from May 30-June 1, 2012. Room rate is $109 per night, with a reduced self-parking rate of $6 and free in-room Internet. We are now accepting conference sponsorships, so contact me at any time to get your organization added to the list.
Client Stories on the FPP Website
We are planning to have a client section on the FPP website that will feature your clients and link to your website. Please send us whatever stories-along with pictures-you may already have and then collect additional stories throughout the year so we can build a Florida client story showcase.
Thanks again, everyone! Have a great October.
Kaye D. Schmitz
President /CEO
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 | Bill Mills
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BANK ON FLORIDA
By Bill Mills Director of Strategic Initiatives 
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The Bank On Florida eBox is here! Visit the BankOnFL.orgMember Page for a treasure trove of items to help you launch your Bank On Initiative. This page will be updated regularly, since we want to bring you the most current information. So, if you would like to see something else in this eBox, let us know!
Some news from across the state...
Please join us for the Bank On Southwest Florida (Lee, Hendry, and Glades) launch! They have scheduled their launch to coincide with the FPP Regional meeting on October 27. Prior to the launch, they will be holding training sessions for both Bank Branch Representatives and Community Partners on October 11th and 12th respectively. If you are interested in attending any of these events, please email Roger Mercado at roger@unitedwaylee.org.
Bank On East Central Florida (Volusia and Flagler) is now looking for some committee members for their initiative. This group, headed up by the Campaign For Working Families, will be holding a community meeting on October 24. If you are interested in participating in this initiative, please email Shelia Jackson at sjackson@unitedwayvfc.org.
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Joshua's Heart Foundation launches Food Drive Initiative to collect 250,000 pounds of food between Sept. 1 - Nov. 12
By Claudia McLean
Foundation seeks organizations & businesses to serve as collection/drop off sites
Miami, Fla. -Joshua's Heart Foundation is hosting its annual food drive Sept. - Nov. 18. September is national Hunger month, and the week of Nov. 14 is Hunger and Homeless Awareness Week. We would like to use this time to collect food to distribute to the South Florida families who are in need.
Help us to collect 250,000 pounds of food to distribute to the South Florida community. For a complete list, click here. Now, more than ever, we need your help. Imagine what we can do together as a community. Help us to help those who are in need. One out of every four children is hungry. Let's reduce that number.
If you are in Miami Dade, Broward or Palm Beach County and would like to volunteer your business or site as a drop off/collection site for food, please contact us at (305) 788-8295 or email us at info@joshuasheart.org so that we can list you as such. We are also seeking sponsors for this event.
About Joshua's Heart Foundation:Joshua's Heart Foundation, a 501(c) 3 not-for-profit organization, empowers, needy people to improve their quality of life. The foundation was founded by a five-year-old boy by the name of Joshua. His heart conceived a passion for assisting those who struggle daily to procure food for basic survival. The main focus of his vision is to "Stomp out Hunger" in indigent and underprivileged communities, as well as from among those who battle debilitating diseases that affect their ability to earn enough to feed themselves. For more information about Joshua's Heart Foundation, our local events or how to get involved, please contact us at 305.788.8295 or 305.401.4305. You can also send us an email at info@joshuasheart.org and visit our website at www.joshuasheart.org.
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FPP Member Professor Patrick Tolan, Barry Law School, Recognized by the American Bar Association, the IRS, and Heart of Florida United Way
By Kaye Schmitz
 | | Pat Tolan |
The Barry Law School VITA Program was honored recently by the American Bar Association as the "Most Outstanding Law School VITA Program" in the nation. Professor Patrick Tolan, or "Pat" as he is known to most of us, worked with students, staff, and administration at the law school and with the IRS to establish a site at the Barry Law School campus in 2005. Over the years, Barry's VITA operations have expanded exponentially to include opening a satellite VITA location on the Barry Orlando Campus for Adult and Continuing Education near the University of Central Florida and operating at a number of other locations within the community. Through Pat's leadership, a number of new organizations were served over the past several tax seasons. Pat, along with Gene Brown, Senior Tax Specialist of the IRS, led the charge for Barry Law School's student volunteers to prepare returns at the Central Florida Coalition for the Homeless and their associated Women's Center, at Workforce Central Florida, at two low-income housing developments operated by the Orlando Neighborhood Improvement Corporation, and for the Veteran's Administration domiciliary residents. In addition, Pat and his VITA volunteers set up a new satellite program at Walt Disney World and, in partnership with One Economy's Beehive, operated a mobile tax van at Disney's Magic Kingdom where they were challenged with individual and Non- Resident Tax Returns. Pat serves as Chairman of the Prosperity Campaign of Central Florida and works closely with the Heart of Florida United Way as a major partner for this effort. Congratulations Pat and the Barry Law School students.
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CFO Jeff Atwater Recognizes Women's Small Business Month and Offers Free Workshops, Tips
By Tasha Carter and Iris Collier
In today's challenging economy, women business owners need to do more with less while expecting greater outcomes from their company finances. CFO Jeff Atwater is focusing on these real issues by providing financial education for women business owners during the month of October, which is Women's Small Business Month.
CFO Jeff Atwater believes these workshops will have a positive impact on the financial success of the participants, which in turn will have a positive effect on their bottom line, as well as the overall economy.
These workshops will be offered in four cities, Jacksonville, Orlando, Ft. Lauderdale and Tampa, and will address areas of financial concern, specifically, programs that will provide easy to understand training and financial education that will increase knowledge and improve business success. Topics presented will include:
- Are You an Entrepreneur?
- The Ten Most Common Money Mistakes
- Are You Certifiable? Certifications that are available to Women Business Owners
In addition to the resources offered by the Department of Financial Services, other agencies and organizations will be on hand to provide information and tools to maximize the financial foundation of your business.
To register and for more information, visit www.MyFloridaCFO.com/Consumers or call 1-877-My-FL-CFO (693-5238).
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SAVE THE DATE FOR FPP EVENTS FPP REGIONAL MEETINGS (Click on date for more information) - October 26, 2011 - RSVP By October 21st
12:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Catalyst Miami
1900 Biscayne Blvd., Ste. 200
Miami, FL 33132
RSVP To:
or 352-634-4360
- November 2, 2011-RSVP By October 28th
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
United Way Of The Big Bend
307 East Seventh Street
Tallahassee, FL 32301
RSVP To: Megan@uwbb.org or 850-488-8342
- November 9, 2011-RSVP By November 4th
9:00 AM - 12:00 Noon
Real$ense Prosperity Campaign
United Way Of Northeast Florida
1301 Riverplace Boulevard, Suite 400
Jacksonville, FL 32207
RSVP To: Lindsayf@uwnefl.org or 904-390-3200
SECOND FLORIDA PROSPERITY CAUCUS - December 6-7, 2011 -Second Florida Prosperity Caucus in the Capitol Building, Tallahassee. Stay tuned for details.
SAVE THE DATE FOR MEMBER AGENCY EVENTS - October 7, 2011 - Hispanic Heritage Month Luncheon - 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.; Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront, 225 East Coastline Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32202
- November 4, 2011 - NANAY's 17th Anniversary Gala - 6:30 to 11:30 p.m., Signature Grand, 6900 State Road 84, Davie, FL 33317
- Now through November 12, 2011 - Joshua's Heart Foundation Food Drive Initiative. To donate, call 305-788-8295 or email at info@joshuasheart.org. Please see article in Member News.
FINANCIAL CLASSES FOR WOMEN IN BUSINESS - SPONSORED BY FLORIDA CFO JEFF ATWATER - October 7, 2011- 8:00 a.m.- Noon Orange County School District Office; 445 West Amelia Street; Orlando, Florida 32801
- October 14, 2011 -8:00 a.m.- Noon Nova Southeastern University; Carl DeSantis Building, Grand Room, 3301 College Avenue; Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33314
- October 21, 2011 -8:00 a.m.- Noon Marshall Student Center - University of South Florida; 4202 East Fowler Avenue, MCS 4100; Tampa, FL 33620
- October 28, 2011 -8:00 a.m.- Noon Ramada Conference Center - Mandarin; 3130 Hartley Road; Jacksonville, FL 32257
For more information, and to register for an event, please visit
or call 1-877-MY-FL-CFO (693-5236).
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THE FLORIDA PROSPERITY PARTNERSHIP (FPP)
| The Florida Prosperity Partnership (FPP), was formally established in March 2009, evolving from a number of parallel and earlier efforts to create a statewide coalition dedicated to improving the financial stability and capability for low-to-moderate income Floridians.
FPP PURPOSE: To convene individuals and organizations with the desire to leverage their talent, resources, and passion to improve the prosperity of Florida's families.
FPP VISION: All Floridians have equal opportunities to attain financial stability.
FPP MISSION: Establish a statewide collaboration holistically focused on providing life-enhancing services to Floridians.
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FPP EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Janet Hamer, Chair
Sr. Community Development Manager
Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta
Daniella Levine, Vice-Chair
President and CEO
Catalyst Miami
(Formerly Human Services Coalition)
Sandra Bernard-Bastien, Secretary
Dir. Of Public Affairs/Org. Dev.
Children's Services Council of Broward
Ted Granger, Treasurer
President
United Way of Florida
Evan Goldman
CSC of Broward County
George Owen
Regions Bank
Maureen Quinlan
United Way of Marion County
Mike Smith
TD Bank
FPP BOARD MEMBERS
Erbi Blanco-True
Great Florida Bank
Amanda Clements
United Way of the Big Bend
Anika Coney
Hillsborough County
Sokoya Finch
Florida Family Network
Michael Gutter
University of Florida
Valerie Hendriex
Wachovia a Wells Fargo Company
Dorothy Inman-Johnson
Capital Area Community Action Agency
Iris Jones
BB&T Bank
Karen Landry
War on Poverty
Rosa Morgan
Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence
Kasha Owers
United Way of Palm Beach County
Felipe Pinzon
Hispanic Unity of Florida
Michael Roush
National Disability Institute
Ellen Stoffer
United Way of Tampa Bay
Barbara Travis
Internal Revenue Service
FPP STAFF
Kaye Schmitz
President and CEO
Bill Mills
Director of Strategic Initiatives
Penny Zaphel
Coordinator of Special Projects
Jennifer Cooper
Graphics Designer
Lynn Gill
Bookkeeper
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FPP FUNDERS
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To become a member of the FPP or submit articles for this newsletter, please contact Penny Zaphel at
floridaprosperitypartnership@gmail.com
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