“Take 5” – 5 Questions with Antranette Forbes – City of Apopka, Economic Development Director FRA Board of Directors Q: What is your best piece of business advice for a new FRA member? Antranette: Get invested early and often. The Florida Redevelopment Association isn’t just a membership—it’s a network, a brain trust, and occasionally a…
Michele Hylton-Terry Executive Director Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency Q: What is your best piece of business advice for a new FRA member? Michele: “The best business advice I would offer is to be intentional and focused on the goal you are working to achieve. It’s important to understand that it may not come together…
Renee Jadusingh FRA Treasurer, Board of Directors Executive Director, Delray Beach CRA Q: What is your best business advice for a new FRA member? Renee: “Get involved! Take an Academy class…join a Committee…sign up for members’ access… take your pick or do all of the above. When I started working for a CRA, I signed…
Brenda Thrower President-Elect, FRA Board of Directors Economic Development Specialist II, City of Tampa, Ybor City CRA Q: What is your best business advice for a new FRA member? Brenda: “As a new member, I would get involved and take advantage of what the FRA has to offer. I would attend the annual conference, participate…
Jessica Newman Wauchula Community Redevelopment Agency Director Q: What is your best piece of business advice for a new FRA member? Jessica: My best piece of advice is to have patience with perseverance. Redevelopment can take time. There will be setbacks and unexpected obstacles; however, your work will make a lasting change and will be…
Clarence Woods CRA Manager, CRA – City of Fort Lauderdale Q: What is your best piece of business advice for a new FRA member? Clarence: Be collaborative and develop relationships with members in your area of business as well as those across different areas and disciplines. Sometimes relationship capital is just as important as financial…
Joan Oliva Executive Director, CRA – City of Lake Worth Q: What is your best piece of business advice for a new FRA member? Joan: New FRA members should take advantage of the wealth of information provided on the FRA website, FRA emails, and links to stories about other cities and towns. The FRA is…
Marc Kleisley FRA Board of Directors Vice President, Burkhardt Construction Q: What is your best business advice for a new FRA member? Marc: “Get involved, participate in the redevelopment academy, and attend the annual conference!” Q: If you had a superpower, what would it be and why? Marc: “Multiplicity. I wish I could revitalize more…
Charles Rudd FRA Board of Directors City Manager, CRA – City of Crescent City Q: What is your best piece of business advice for a new FRA member? Charles: Pull the benefits of membership to you. Don’t just sit back and say you didn’t get any benefit. Volunteer on committees, attend the conference, respond to…
Sherri Curtis FRA Board of Directors Community Redevelopment Coordinator, CRA – City of Tallahassee Q: What is your best piece of business advice for a new FRA member? Sherri: To open your mind to new ideas and new ways of looking at redevelopment, gathering as much information as possible from those who are subject matter…
Beneshea Frazier Program Manager, Economic Development Central Florida Regional Planning Council Q: What is your best business advice for a new FRA member? Beneshea: “Get out of your comfort zone and engage with your colleagues. The academy courses and annual conference are great opportunities to grow your network and leverage the expertise of your peers…
Dr. Jeff Burton Past President, FRA Board of Directors Urban CRAs Manager, CRA – City of Tampa Q: What is your best business advice for a new FRA member? Jeff: “To the CRA professional and new FRA member, almost all CRA boards are seated by elected officials and their authority must be respected. With that…