<br><font size=3 face="Times New Roman">SHRUGgers,</font>
<br>
<br><font size=3 face="Times New Roman">This is a follow-up invitation
for the strategic planning sessions for statewide GIS coordination...please
come join us if you are able. The session for North Florida is --</font>
<br><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><br>
December 4, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM <br>
R.A. Gray Building, Department of State <br>
500 South Bronough Street Tallahassee, FL 32301 </font>
<br><font size=3 face="Times New Roman">Please RSVP to: solutions@earthdata.com
</font>
<br>
<br><font size=3 face="Times New Roman">----------------------------------------------------------------------------</font>
<br>
<br><font size=3 face="Times New Roman">The Florida Division of Emergency
Management (DEM); together with a consortium of state, local, federal,
academic, and private partners, has begun a strategic planning process
to foster statewide coordination of geographic information systems (GIS)
activities in Florida, and is seeking the input of the GIS community over
the next several months. <br>
<br>
“This is a ‘casting call’ for expertise and input,” said DEM Director
Craig Fugate. “GIS technology is a dynamic resource that impacts and benefits
all Floridians, and this is an excellent opportunity for the user community
to help shape a plan for the future.” <br>
<br>
Several opportunities will be made available for GIS stakeholder involvement
in the development of the strategic plan. A survey designed to collect
information on organizational needs and experiences with geospatial program
coordination can be completed by visiting the project web site at www.floridadisaster.org/gis/capgrant
and following the link for the survey. The survey will be available until
December 7, 2007. <br>
<br>
“We’re actively reaching out to our colleagues across the state to give
us input on this vital project,” said Richard Butgereit, DEM GIS Administrator,
and project director. “We want to craft a strategic plan that clearly
defines the criteria, characteristics, and activities required for sustainable
GIS coordination in Florida.” <br>
<br>
Regional workshops will also be held throughout the state In December to
provide additional opportunities to influence the strategic plan. Agendas
for these workshops as well as directions will be available on the project
web site: www.floridadisaster.org/gis/capgrant. <br>
<br>
The workshops are scheduled as follows: <br>
<br>
North Florida - December 4, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM <br>
R.A. Gray Building, Department of State <br>
500 South Bronough Street Tallahassee, FL 32301 <br>
<br>
South Florida – December 10, 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM <br>
Volunteer Park Community Center, City of Plantation <br>
12050 W Sunrise Blvd Plantation, FL 33317 <br>
<br>
Central Florida – December 11, 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM <br>
Orlando Urban Office, FDOT District 5 <br>
133 South Semoran Boulevard Orlando, Florida 32807 <br>
<br>
To participate in any of the regional meetings please RSVP to: solutions@earthdata.com
<br>
<br>
This project is in support of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure
and in cooperation with the USGS National Geospatial Program Office, Federal
Geographic Data Committee, and the National States Geographic Information
Council. The strategic plan is slated for completion in March 2008. <br>
</font>
<br><font size=2 face="sans-serif">Thanks,<br>
Richard Butgereit<br>
GIS Administrator, Florida DEM<br>
richard.butgereit@em.myflorida.com<br>
www.floridadisaster.org/gis<br>
850-413-9907</font>