Thank you for attending the LED

Thank you for attending the Water Challenges, Economics, and Nature-Based Solutions LED (Land Economics Dialogues) on Wednesday, February 25 in Sarasota, FL.

With attendees from across the nation and globe, the LED was a HUGE success!

Morning speakers - John Taylor, Ryan Gandy, Ph.D.,, Jon Thaxton, and Bob Bunting - gave superb presentations and set the stage for the afternoon brainstorming/strategy session.

LED Moderator John McCarthy spearheaded a dynamic afternoon session organized by the following discussion points:

• Part 1. What’s going on with water? What is going on with water in your world – either your professional or personal observations?
• Part 2. Where are the gaps in our efforts to protect water resources and related economies?
• Part 3. LAI is multidisciplinary - What kind of professional intersections will help us bridge the gaps?
  

Once the LED Documentation is complete, I will connect to explore who chooses to continue the Dialogues.

With Appreciation,

Holly Elmore, LED Chair

Strong documentation is essential for long-term and maximum impact of the  LED. An impressive foundation was established on February 25.

The Regeneration in ACTION article, Water Challenges, Economics, and Nature-Based Solutions, documents the empowering day in a detailed fashion. The Holly Elmore Images LED Photo Gallery contains related images.

Future LED documentation includes:
- 5 - 10-minute video recapping the LED filmed and produced by Bill Wagy Productions.
- An Executive Summary.
- Formal LED Report, contingent on funding.

John Taylor, Ralph Taylor Nurseries Co-Owner

Coastal Water Dynamics

Water is the life blood of our economy and our quality of life. Our lives are so intertwined with water that we assume it will always be there and be benevolent. But the growth of population and our demand upon its services has altered our relationship with water. This presentation highlights the degree to which the partnership of water, nature, and humanity has changed and indicates ways in which water can again become a shared resource.

John's PPT presentation is available for download HERE.

Ryan Gandy, Sarasota Bay Estuary Program Executive Director

Jon Thaxton, Gulf Coast Community Foundation Sr. Director of Public Policy and Advocacy

Why the Economics of Water Matters to our Community

This presentation will explore the profound influence of water resources and water quality on the vitality and economic health of the Sarasota region. Since our community is surrounded by water, it takes community education to get everyone onboard with helping to keep local waterways healthy. The Gulf Coast Community Foundation developed a “Community Playbook” to inspire everyone to do what they can to keep our waters clean and our economy thriving.

Jon did not use a PPT presentation.

Bob Bunting, Founder & CEO Climate Adaptation Center

To maintain the momentum of the LED, the leadership outlined a series of strategic questions that will guide our regional focus:

• Expanding the Horizon: Does the LED focus remain strictly on the Florida Suncoast, or do we expand our focus to broader regional challenges? How can we scale our effectiveness while maintaining our local roots?
• Evolving the Convocation: How do we continue to engage LAI members to share their wisdom and vast expertise? What defines LED action and success?
• Future Engagement: Do we host quarterly LED session via Zoom? Who is invited? Do we host an annual in-person LED meeting? An in-person meeting located in sunny Sarasota during the winter may prove enticing!
• Fiscal Responsibility: Who will oversee the LED? A volunteer-run LED is not a sustainable model. What are funding sources? Do we partner with other organizations such as Rotary?
• Immediate Action: The LED on the Airwaves - WLSR Radio requested an LED interview with Holly.