by Max Marbut
Staff Writer
While the future is difficult to predict, every person, every city, every state in America and every country in the world has a part in the shifting global economic environment. Understanding the issues will play a critical role in terms of success or failure.
In an effort to offer a more comprehensive treatment of the often complicated concepts involved, Jacksonville University is launching the “Thought Leaders Speakers Series,” a new program open to the public that will combine information, education and interaction.
“I think people are ready for deeper thinking than you get via sound bytes. We are creating a forum through which we can delve deeper into the issues with some of the key players,” said Davis College of Business Dean Joe McCann.
He also said the format will differ from the standard, half hour or 45-minute presentation followed by a question and answer period.
“It will be more like a conversation, which we believe will lead to a much more thoughtful treatment of current events and conditions,” he said.
Each speaker will offer a short introduction to each topic, then McCann will serve as moderator while guests ask questions. The debut presentation Jan. 15 will feature Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink and the topic will be Florida’s role in the global economy.
The CFO post was created in 2002 and is a combination of the former offices of Comptroller, Treasurer, Insurance Commissioner and Fire Marshal. Sink, a Democrat, is also a member of the State Cabinet. She oversees 3,000 State employees and an annual budget of $300 million. Prior to her election in 2006, she had a 30-year career in the private financial sector, including seven years as president of Bank of America Florida.
“I think Alex Sink is the perfect person to lead off the series,” said McCann. “She’s not going to talk about the state budget, but rather Florida’s place in the global economy. It’s clear that world events are affecting the state and will continue to do so.”
The series will invite four speakers each year and McCann said they plan to invite some nationally-known experts and authors in the fields of business and economics.
“The series is funded by endowments that were set up at the university years ago by J.C. Penney and the Seaboard Coast Line Railroad,” he said. “Now we’re tapping into those funds.”
McCann also pointed out only a few seats are left for the Jan. 15 debut program of “Thought Leaders.” For ticket information, call 256-7456.
356-2466