Our History
The Speakers Assembly met a Community Need
In 1994, the Bonita Springs Area Chamber of Commerce brought together a group of community leaders and retired executives to discuss how retired talent and interest might benefit the community and provide additional opportunities for all residents. A group entitled the Leadership Council developed out of that session and the educational and cultural committee established an independent organization named the Bonita Springs Speakers Assembly.
Established in 1996 as a non-profit, non-partisan organization, the Bonita Springs Speakers Assembly was based on the concept of the ancient Greek forums. Thus, its purpose was to assist in the development of an informed participatory citizenry. Community leaders and retired executives who were willing to use their professional connections to recruit distinguished speakers were asked to serve on a voluntary board of directors. Believing in the power of education, six local students were invited to participate in a private forum with each distinguished speaker. This student guest program was sponsored through local businesses. The charter membership goal of 200 was reached before the opening luncheon. Dave Thomas, Founder & CEO of Wendy’s International, Inc drew an overflow crowd and set the benchmark for an ongoing series of distinguished speakers.
18 Years of Enhancing Cultural and Educational Opportunities
1999: The Assembly initiated the practice of conducting a semi- annual membership survey. The rate of return has remained over 50 percent. Members’ responses determine the issues that have been presented by the rosters of eight prominent speakers per season. To date we have enjoyed 140+ guest speakers.
Seeking continuity for a volunteer board, the first staff member was employed in 2000 as executive director, who was responsible for the executive management of the programs and objectives of the assembly. Two years later this position was supported by an administrative assistant.
2002: The Speakers Assembly achieved 501(c)6 status as a non-profit, non-partisan corporation. In 2002, to accommodate the increasing number of luncheon participants and to expand the professional ambiance, The Speakers Assembly opted to host all its events at the luxurious new Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa in Bonita Springs.
2006: The membership had grown to 525 and represented a wider geographical area. To reflect this expansion, the name was changed to
The Speakers Assembly of Southwest Florida.
From the beginning, as part of our educational mission, we have included student guests at our luncheon / lecture events. In 2009, the student initiative was expanded to include the annual awarding of two $1,000 scholarships.
Responding to the unique challenges of the current economy, in 2009 & 2010 the board and administrative staff developed a strategic plan and sustainability initiatives. These efforts have strengthened the assembly, enable it to meet membership / community needs and achieve established performance targets.
2014: The Speakers Assembly of Southwest Florida established a tax-deductible scholarship fund. Four $2500 scholarships were awarded.
Thus, for the future, The Speakers Assembly of Southwest Florida is positioned to continue to be a pinnacle resource for cultural and educational enrichment within Southwest Florida.
In 1994, the Bonita Springs Area Chamber of Commerce brought together a group of community leaders and retired executives to discuss how retired talent and interest might benefit the community and provide additional opportunities for all residents. A group entitled the Leadership Council developed out of that session and the educational and cultural committee established an independent organization named the Bonita Springs Speakers Assembly.
Established in 1996 as a non-profit, non-partisan organization, the Bonita Springs Speakers Assembly was based on the concept of the ancient Greek forums. Thus, its purpose was to assist in the development of an informed participatory citizenry. Community leaders and retired executives who were willing to use their professional connections to recruit distinguished speakers were asked to serve on a voluntary board of directors. Believing in the power of education, six local students were invited to participate in a private forum with each distinguished speaker. This student guest program was sponsored through local businesses. The charter membership goal of 200 was reached before the opening luncheon. Dave Thomas, Founder & CEO of Wendy’s International, Inc drew an overflow crowd and set the benchmark for an ongoing series of distinguished speakers.
18 Years of Enhancing Cultural and Educational Opportunities
1999: The Assembly initiated the practice of conducting a semi- annual membership survey. The rate of return has remained over 50 percent. Members’ responses determine the issues that have been presented by the rosters of eight prominent speakers per season. To date we have enjoyed 140+ guest speakers.
Seeking continuity for a volunteer board, the first staff member was employed in 2000 as executive director, who was responsible for the executive management of the programs and objectives of the assembly. Two years later this position was supported by an administrative assistant.
2002: The Speakers Assembly achieved 501(c)6 status as a non-profit, non-partisan corporation. In 2002, to accommodate the increasing number of luncheon participants and to expand the professional ambiance, The Speakers Assembly opted to host all its events at the luxurious new Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa in Bonita Springs.
2006: The membership had grown to 525 and represented a wider geographical area. To reflect this expansion, the name was changed to
The Speakers Assembly of Southwest Florida.
From the beginning, as part of our educational mission, we have included student guests at our luncheon / lecture events. In 2009, the student initiative was expanded to include the annual awarding of two $1,000 scholarships.
Responding to the unique challenges of the current economy, in 2009 & 2010 the board and administrative staff developed a strategic plan and sustainability initiatives. These efforts have strengthened the assembly, enable it to meet membership / community needs and achieve established performance targets.
2014: The Speakers Assembly of Southwest Florida established a tax-deductible scholarship fund. Four $2500 scholarships were awarded.
Thus, for the future, The Speakers Assembly of Southwest Florida is positioned to continue to be a pinnacle resource for cultural and educational enrichment within Southwest Florida.