The following is a recap of the sessions and guests:

• Florida Retail Masters Orientation
• Florida Retail Masters Alumni Welcome with Melanie Lee, Kia Autosport (FRF Board Member and Florida Retail Masters Alumni Class VI)
• Interactive Discussion: Top Challenges Facing Florida Retailers with Rick McAllister, CEO, Florida Retail Federation
• FRF, Retailing & Government 101 with John Rogers
• Effective Lobbying for the Non-Lobbyists with FRF’s AIP (Advocacy, Intervention & Protection) Team and FRF Member Government Affairs Representatives
• Retail Masters Tour of FRF Offices & Florida’s Capitol with John Rogers – access to Florida Senate and Florida House of Representatives chambers
• Special Legislative Guests/Speakers included:
• Governor Rick Scott
• CFO Jeff Atwater
• Commissioner Adam Putnam
• Senate President Don Gates
• Senator Mike Haridopolos
• Representative Ben Albritton
• Representative Mike Horner
• Representative Elizabeth Porter
• Back to Basics: Applying Good to Great’s Input and Output Principles with Catch Your Limit (Resource: Good to Great by Jim Collins)
• Leading with Effective Communications with Catch Your Limit
• Interactive Discussion: Growing Future Leaders with Catch Your Limit
• Retailing Education & Student Panel with Florida State University & University of Florida
• Leadership Reflection and Developing Your Personal Action Plan
• Networking receptions and dinner functions with FRF Board of Directors, FRF Staff and other special guests at Hotel Duval and The Governor’s Club.

Tallahassee Feedback

Your feedback of the entire session was very positive.

The Tallahassee session ranked “excellent” by everyone in terms of being of value to you.

All sessions were ranked very high by the class. Many of you noted that you had not been exposed to legislative/political process to this extent before. In addition, you are looking forward to the networking and future discussions among the class members. Below are some of the take-a-ways that were mentioned:

• The importance that FRF plays in government affairs and representation of retailers’ best interest in regards to laws being passed
• Emphasis on issues affecting our industry
• Networking 
• Understand of local government 
• Passion of legislators and FRF team 
• Quality of Retail Management students at UF/FSU
• Interaction and bonding of class
• Relationships
• I am going to get more involved in government affairs 
• Day 1: the concept of “in” vs “on”
• Meeting and hearing the Governor and legislators was huge 
• Understanding communication styles will build better teams in my stores and put the right employees in the store 
• FRF is the hub for knowledge of the issues 
• Students from UF/FSU were fantastic and the Professor interaction was great 
• The whole experience went from “what the hell?” to “can’t wait for the next session” Thanks 
• Speakers were fantastic and very enlightening. But, it is hard to believe politicians when they say they want to hear from people. It is very hard to reach a politician unless you know somebody. The sincerity of their wanting to speak to people is hard to believe. 
• Realization of the impact that retail has on politics 
• Realization of how important it is to have business people as politicians 
• Really enjoyed the OrdinanceWatch conversation in addition to the student panel 
• Understanding the next generation of leaders 
• Re: Communication Styles – even though I’ve done this before, it’s always good to re-visit and measure progress 
• Well structured and good content – very good start to program 
• Leadership experience of other members of the Retail Masters class