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25 Days — 2,348 Miles

Lynda Keever
Lynda Keever, Publisher

One part of my job that I really enjoy is having the opportunity to travel all over the state. I run into lifelong friends, get to renew acquaintances and make lots of new ones. April was a whirlwind month. As you can tell by the headline on this column, I covered a lot of ground — some of it by air, a lot by car. Here are some of the most memorable appointments and meetings.

April 10

Education Commissioner’s Business Recognition Awards — Jacksonville

» 5:15 p.m. — Reception (sponsored by Florida Trend & Florida Trend’s NEXT) and dinner. Education Commissioner Eric Smith gave kudos to 80+ businesses that have shown a commitment to improving student academic success.

April 16

Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce

» 11:30 a.m. — Board of directors luncheon. Updated this high-powered group on Florida Innovation Initiative (first issue of Florida Innovation publishes inside this issue of Florida Trend). Heard lots of interest in the connection between education, workforce and innovation.

April 18

My Birthday Dinner at Michael’s on East — Sarasota

» 8 p.m. — I never miss a chance to visit this longtime Golden Spoon Award winner. Michael Klauber does such a fantastic job. Especially fun to see Pam Akins Taylor, my lifelong best friend who was down from Highlands, N.C.

April 19

The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort — Longboat Key

» 7 p.m. — Enjoyed another birthday celebration dinner. Must remember to thank Katie Klauber Moulton and her staff for their fantastic job putting together an elegant dinner on the beach for me and my husband, Bill. It’s obvious why The Colony Dining Room consistently wins a Golden Spoon.

April 21

Innovation Caucus Meeting — Tallahassee

» 1 p.m. — Tony Carvajal, Florida Chamber Foundation president, led caucus members through a timetable for moving ahead with Innovation Initiative.

April 30

Jim Moran Institute’s Entrepreneurial Excellence Showcase — Tallahassee

» 6 p.m. — Dinner and showcase. Emceed this event at request of JMI director Jerry Osteryoung for 13th year in a row; largest crowd ever. Florida Trend a platinum sponsor. Showcase theme “Winds of Change” an opportunity to say that Florida Trend’s Florida Small Business magazine (published this month) has information that can help entrepreneurs and small-business owners deal with change. Florida State University President T.K. Wetherell and business school Dean Caryn Beck-Dudley gave moving tribute to the late Jim Moran.

May 1

North Florida Community College Commencement Speech — Madison

» 7 p.m. — Talked about “finding your passion and the importance of relationships.” Standing ovation for retiring NFCC President Morris Steen. My first visit to Madison and its beautiful, historic downtown.

May 3

Lake-Sumter Community College Commencement Speech — Leesburg

» Noon — Enjoyed a nice lunch with LSCC President Charles Mojock and board. Introduced by my friend Margo Odom, the board’s vice chair. Most embarrassing moment: Mispronouncing my husband’s last name (Eshenbaugh). Sorry, Bill. Overnight stay at Mount Dora’s Magnolia Inn following a delicious dinner at The Goblin Market Restaurant.

May 4

» 10 a.m. — Home to St. Petersburg.

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