Events throughout October, in town and on the road, kick off a fall schedule filled with regional initiatives.

The Central Florida Partnership continues to lead the region on issues and opportunities that are important to future success, staying true to its tagline, “Ideas to Results.” This fall, “Regional Transportation,” “Statewide Transformation” and “Community Thanks” are on the agenda.

On Oct. 6-7, 50 business and community leaders travel with the Central Florida Partnership to Washington, D.C., to advance regional transportation and properly introduce the important work of the Central Florida Partnership to top federal transportation officials and elected officials who are part of the Central Florida congressional delegation.

The Baker & Hostetler Central Florida Partnership “Trip to Washington, D.C.” begins with a VIP reception and brunch, hosted by the Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport, and concludes with an executive briefing and luncheon with U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson. Between the two events, participants are provided with a look at “The New Administration” as well as “An Inside Look at Obama’s Washington” with Charlie Cook, editor of the Cook Political Report. Also, a VIP tour of the new U.S. Capitol Visitor Center is personally guided by Congressman John L. Mica, and a private reception/dinner, honoring the freshman members of the Central Florida congressional delegation, takes place at the U.S. Botanic Garden Conservatory. Those events set the stage for discussions about regional transportation, with a briefing by Ray LaHood, secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation.

On Oct. 12-14, the Florida Chamber of Commerce hosts its Annual Meeting & Future of Florida Forum at Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resort. The Central Florida Partnership joins with the state’s business and elected leaders, economic development and workforce experts, educators and local chambers from around the state. In addition to workshops on the six key economic drivers identified by the Florida chamber, the event’s agenda includes a Summit on Talent and Workforce Development, and State of the State Report, with regional analysis of the Florida chamber’s political and policy briefings.

Taking advantage of this unique opportunity for conversation and collaboration, Leadership Orlando, a business unit of the Central Florida Partnership, has included the forum in its new curriculum. The 50-plus members of Leadership Orlando Class 78 will be in attendance to listen and learn about the opportunities and challenges facing Florida as they begin their eight-month leadership journey.

On Oct. 16, celebrating the Orlando Magic’s recent success as 2009 NBA Eastern Conference champions, the Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce is teaming up with the Central Florida Sports Commission to host the “hottest ticket in town,” the Orlando Magic “Thank You” Luncheon, at the Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport. Aside from this new venue and an all-new program, the luncheon will feature the ever-popular appearances by players and coaches. The sold-out event gives Central Floridians an opportunity to show their appreciation for last season’s exciting roller-coaster ride through the playoffs.

Central Florida had not seen that kind of team spirit since the Magic’s first run to the finals in 1999. One can only imagine the kind of energy that the Magic will bring to town in the years ahead at Amway Center, which opens in fall 2010.

The Central Florida Partnership also continues to monitor the region’s progress on high-speed rail, recently hosting a formal rollout for Connect Us, a statewide grass-roots effort designed to support High-Speed Rail for Florida. Ed Turanchik, president of Connect Us, attended, along with civic, community and government leaders from Tampa and Miami.

Through its lines of business, the Central Florida Partnership keeps many issues top of mind for business and community leaders. They include the recent “How Shall We Grow?” anniversary celebration; Central Florida Health Innovation Summit (Broadband Stimulus Meeting); Trade Roots Meeting with the U. S. Chamber of Commerce on expanding the Florida-Panama Partnership; and the Federal Stimulus for Florida Meeting with Don Winstead, the governor’s special advisor on economic recovery, Congressman Alan Grayson and Congresswoman Suzanne Kosmas.

With the support of its investors, the Central Florida Partnership continues to keep its ear to the ground on the issues that matter most to those who live and work in Central Florida.