Meet the President

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Wednesday, May 23rd, 2012

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Letter from the President

Melanie Fernandez
Partner, Director of Assurance Services
Cross, Fernandez & Riley

I look forward to the year ahead and serving as President of the ACG Orlando Board. Our organization is stronger than ever with many successes to leverage us into 2011-12. Let’s continue to rely on our strengths to keep our businesses growing and community thriving.

We will begin our year coming off a very successful Smart Awards with over 250 attendees. Many of our members have been productive over the summer, thanks to the planning and hard work of the program, membership, and marketing committees.

There are exciting programs planned for the year, beginning in September with the 5th Annual State of the Economy and Outlook on the M&A Environment and October’s Wine Tasting. ACG Orlando’s 1st Annual Cup Competition, Round 1, is planned for Spring 2012 with involvement from local colleges and universities. Winners will compete in a Round 2 Cup competition in connection with ACG Tampa.

You don’t want to miss the Florida Capital Connection in Miami at The Ritz Carlton, Key Biscayne on November 16th - 17th. This is a one-of-a kind event for middle market deal making in the southeast, bringing together representatives of private equity firms, commercial and investment bankers, growth-oriented companies and other professional service providers with a focus on the art of the deal. Governor Rick Scott will be attending the CEO breakfast roundtable on the last day of the conference.

Be on the lookout for sponsorships opportunities aimed at membership and programs, and other unique ways to showcase your business. I encourage members to consider taking an active role in one of the committees serving our Chapter. I can assure you the experience will be invaluable and a great way to network and build upon existing relationships.

At ACG Orlando , we value each member’s unique strengths, influence and versatility. Please take time to reflect on why you have joined, or are considering, ACG Orlando and how you can use your skills to enrich our members, their businesses and contribute to middle market growth in Central Florida. I am here to serve the board and our members, so please reach out to me if there is ever a need or recommendation. I know we are in for an exciting year and the many opportunities, challenges and deals that it will bring.

Want to Join a Committee?

ACG Orlando has several standing committees. Why not roll your sleeves up and get more involved? E-mail us if you would like to serve on a committee.

The SMART Awards Committee actively solicits award nominations, aids in the creation of program and presentation content and manages the due diligence in the judging process

The Membership Committee actively recruits new members in alignment with the Chapter's core mission, as well as personally contacting expiring members and members in renewal phase to boost retention. The committee also facilitates the introduction of new members to other members.

The Programs Committee plans the business of Chapter meetings, selects topics, secures speakers, and promotes meetings to Chapter members and non-members. The Committee plans 5 to 6 regular chapter meetings each year, the Member Appreciation Event, and the Annual Holiday Party.

The Marketing Committee coordinates and plans all marketing initiatives of the Chapter. The Committee sets strategies in accordance with the Chapter's core mission and value proposition, and communicates the Chapter's brand to members and non-members through a quarterly e-newsletter, press releases, strategic media partnerships and provides business media with sources for related articles.

The Sponsorship Committee coordinates and plans the Chapter's efforts to recruit and maintain Chapter sponsors. The Committee actively seeks new Annual Chapter Sponsors as well as Event Sponsors, manages the sponsor renewal process, and interacts with current sponsors to maintain beneficial relationships.

E-mail us if you would like to serve on a Chapter Committee!

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