2006 Workshop Summary Revenue and Expenses

Workshop Events

The workshop was held as planned on 12/1/06 and was attended by approximately 150 people. Exact numbers are difficult to provide because many people did not register online but just showed up (an online registration process was available and encouraged). Many were standing or sitting in the isles because there were not enough seats.

Most of the participants are actively involved in natural areas management in southwest Florida and will find the information useful in their daily work. Presentations from various researchers and experts were punctuated by interactive breakout sessions that encouraged sharing of ideas, experiences and strategies for dealing with invasive exotic species in southwest Florida.

A relatively inexpensive luncheon and two breaks were provided for the participants. Having the luncheon on site allowed a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere to network and share ideas with others and more time for presentations, as participants did not have to drive to restaurants in Naples. Participants had the opportunity to also explore the superb education center at Rookery Bay (and do a little shopping at the gift shop). The additional of live invasive animals added to the experience for many participants. And freshly collected plant material also elicited positive feedback and interest by the group.

Support for the Event

Registration, logistics and food prep and service and cleanup were provided by a cadre of volunteers from The Friends of the Florida Panther Refuge and Friends of Rookery Bay. Their support both financially and logistically was invaluable. Additionally, the local community contributed a number of products and services that were offered as raffle prizes to keep the workshop lively and interesting. And Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve provided the facilities of the environmental education center at no charge.

An evaluation form was passed out to participants to gather feed back regarding the success of the event and seek input for next year's event. They are still being compiled and evaluated by the planning committee. Overall, most were very positive and reinforced the need for similar workshops in the future.

Participants could also sign up for the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary newsletter Harbor Happenings and five individuals from the NEP study area did so.

Budget Report

The following are the financial and in-kind contributions for the event and the responsible parties.

DONATIONS:

Grant Funding:
Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program - $250

Matching contributions:
Friends of Florida Panther - $200
Friends of Rookery Bay - $250
Ding Darling Wildlife Society - $200

Sub-total (Grant Funding and Matching Contributions) = $900

Other In-Kind Donations (goods and services):
Everglades National Park donation - $200
*Ding Darling Wildlife Society door prizes - $100
Dow AgroScience donation - $200
*Saltwater Sports - Kayak valued retail - $508
*Key West Express - two sets of roundtrip to Key West - $300
*Earth Outfitters - his/her outdoor set - $120
*Friends of Fakahatchee t-shirts and hats - $50
*Naples Chapter of Native Plant Society - native plants - $ 50
*Starbucks - donated all coffee in the morning 10 x $10 jugs of coffee - $100
*Starbucks - donated 1 lb of coffee and mug - $25
*University of Florida IFAS - 6 exotic posters - $120
*Capri Lawn - yard clippers and hats - $40
*Dennis Giardina - parrot posters (no value declared)

Total In-Kind Donations = $1,813
*Indicates door prize items

Grand Total (Donations) = $2,713

EXPENDITURES:

Little Cesar's Pizza - $250
Olive Garden Salad and breadsticks - $300
Publix - Water, sodas, fruit, cookies, etc. - $300
Name badges, printing agenda costs - $150
Einstein Brother's Bagles - $200
Misc costs (supplies) - $75

Total expenses = $1,275