Looking for good speakers

[WLD]

I am looking for 'local' experts who are also engaging speakers.

These people could have a prepared presentation that they regularly give; or be experts who give presentations on different topics as part of their job or hobby.

Here are the areas I am particularly seeking, but I am interested in ALL ideas and suggestions:

• biologist or other scientific expert who can talk about effects of recent hurricane seasons on various eco systems in area
• historian who can talk about development of SoWal area
• development expert or gov official who can talk about balancing the demand for real estate with the fragility of the ecology
• psychologist or other behavioral expert who can talk about changes in people in the aftermath of area storms/hurricanes

Also, have you heard any of the folks who give the ranger/forester talks in the area State Parks? Anybody you've heard who is really engaging?

I am looking for a 90-minute commitment--presentation and Q&A session or discussion. Informal setting, group size is 15-18 people. About 8 times a year.

Many thanks for your help!

 

[Kurt]

I assume you mean 8 different people, not 1 person 8 times? If you can tell us who it is for that might help - or you can PM me if you don't want to post it.

 

[WLD]

Sorry for being confusing.
I'm looking for 2-3 experts, each with their own topic. Each speaker would present about 8 times a year, giving the same presentation each time.

The audience is 15-18 participants who are managers at large companies and large public institutions from all over the country. They will be attending seminars in the 30-A area, which are sponsored by a management consulting firm.


Some of the folks on this board may be excellent speaker candidates--please don't hesitate to suggest yourself!

 

[Georgian]

You may want to try
Gulf Coast Etiquette; Sherri Schaler 850-960-4629
She gives presentations to local Chambers and businesses. I have not attented but have heard from friends that they're great.

 

[Franny]

We have quite a few "historians" in Seagrove that would be wonderful speakers..Jim Foley, Gene Wesley, Mr. Joe Taylor, etc....what do you think Kurt.

 

[Kurt]

Chick Huettel, proprietor of Bayou Art & Antiques, will present local history. He may also have some other contacts, 850-267-1404.

Phillip Ellis of the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance is the Coastal Dune Lakes Coordinator. http://www.basinalliance.org/bios.htm He is always presenting lectures on the ecosystem.

Brad Pickel is the Director of Beach Management at the TDC and he also is constantly presenting - www.beachesofsouthwalton.com, he will also put you in touch with one of his coworkers that will give you some contacts.

Also contact the chamber: www.waltoncountychamber.com, and the Chautauqua Center: http://www.florida-chautauqua-center.org

You might also try the SWCC for contacts - http://southwaltoncc.org and Beach To Bay - http://beachtobay.org.

 

[SlowMovin]

Brenda Rees is doing a lot of work on compiling and documenting Walton County history. Let me know if you want to get in touch with her.

 

[ShallowsNole]

Chick Huettel would be my pick for a historian. I know of others that may be more familiar with the eastern end of the county, but, bless their hearts, they wouldn't fit the "engaging" requirement.

 

[WLD]

Thanks ShadowsNole. For these seminars, being 'engaging' is just as important as being knowledgeable.

 

[ShallowsNole]

"Engaging" is important. A couple of months ago, while adapting to some new medication, I fell asleep during a presentation at a meeting of a group that I'm the director of.