Media Release

9:45 a.m.

-This press release sent out on behalf of the Florida Association of Counties-

 Florida Association of Counties and UF completes advanced training for county commissioners

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - Today, the Florida Association of Counties (FAC) and the University of Florida complete the 2007-08 cycle of the Advanced County Commissioner (ACC) training.  This year the program is being held in Gainesville, FL and will see 20 commissioners graduate in June with 46 graduating since the inception of the program in 2006.

"County commissioners are citizens elected to serve as leaders within our communities and state," said FAC Executive Director Christopher Holley, "By partnering with UF we have been able to provide county commissioners across the state with advanced leadership training allowing them to better serve their constituency."

Launched by FAC in 2006, the Advanced County Commissioner (ACC) education program "The Florida Forum for County Leaders" is an advanced leadership program designed for graduates of the Certified County Commissioners (CCC) program.  The course is limited each year to 30 CCC graduates.

"UF-IFAS Extension Program was a perfect fit to partnership with counties across the state to help advance our elected officials and the citizens they serve," said Dr. Larry Arrington, Dean and Director of the UF-IFAS Extension Program.  "By working with commissioners IFAS is able to advance its mission of developing knowledgeable leaders on the many issues facing Florida's future."

The ACC program is organized as a series of three seminars, with 27 hours of course work.  The course content focuses on leadership with an overarching theme of growth and development in Florida. Courses are different for each series and cannot be repeated.  Participating Commissioners must commit to participate in all three seminars in order to graduate.  Seminars include Leadership Skills in Florida"s Growth Environment, Strategic Visioning & Implementing that Vision, and Understanding and Working with Stakeholders in Florida's Growth Environment.

Founded in 1929, the Florida Association of Counties is a non-profit association representing the diverse interests of Florida's 67 counties.  Created in 1998, the Florida Association of Counties County Commissioners Voluntary Certification program has trained 196 county commissioners on the complexities of county government and public life. 

For more information, contact Florida Association of Counties Communications Director, Cragin Mosteller at 850-922-4300

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