Inaugural Florida Nonprofit Conference a Big Success!

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., March 12 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Nonprofits First® is delighted to announce that the first statewide nonprofit conference, held at the Palm Beach Convention Center, was a great success for the nonprofit community. More than 250 participants from Southeast Florida engaged with thought leaders to discuss sustainable nonprofit practices and innovations.

"I look around the room and I see leaders -- leaders in knowledge, innovation and best practices. I invite you to join me in embracing innovation in our sector through social enterprise, technology and new relationships," said Pedro del Sol, President & CEO of Nonprofits First.

Designed for nonprofit leaders to learn, network, and exchange ideas, the conference workshops were filled with nonprofit leaders and professionals eager to learn about subjects ranging from Leadership and Governance to Fund Development and Marketing and Social Media.

The Keynote Speaker, W. Hodding Carter, III, currently university professor of leadership and public policy at the University of North Carolina, spoke about the importance of the greater good and the future of the nonprofit sector. Carter has committed his career to public service and philanthropy having served as President and CEO of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation in Miami and is a former Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs and Department Spokesman under President Jimmy Carter.

"The next generation of nonprofits will depend less on the government; it will reinvent itself and become more self-reliant. Social Entrepreneurs will focus exclusively on the greater good while maintaining sound business practices and sustaining their organizations. This sector -- uniquely American -- also must maintain a shared sense of purpose," said Mr. Carter.

Cathy A. Trower, Ph.D., Harvard University Graduate School of Education, addressed the Plenary Session on March 10 and shared with the attendees that "creating a collaborative, team culture in your boardroom is one way to take your board from responsible to exceptional."

FAU Pine Jog Environmental Education Center winners of the Clerk & Comptroller 2010 Best Practices Award

Clerk Sharon A. Bock presented the Clerk & Comptroller's Best Practices Award for Nonprofit Management to FAU Pine Jog Environmental Education Center for its innovative Green Schools Recognition Program. The Green Schools Recognition Program recognizes schools for taking a holistic approach to going green that incorporates school ground enhancement, resource conservation, curriculum connections, and community involvement with a school wide commitment and focus on sustainability.

"As this innovative program continues to grow and inspire enthusiasm for the greening of Palm Beach County, just imagine what it could do if it was duplicated at even a fraction of the more than 124,000 other public and private schools in the United States," said Clerk Bock during the award presentation.

Conference lead sponsors included: Merrill Lynch, Gehring Group, Marsh & McLennan, and ConstantContact.

Nonprofits First is a 501(c)(3) organization established by a coalition of public and private funders to strengthen the administrative and operational capacity of nonprofit organizations.  Composed of experienced executives, consultants and volunteers, the vision of Nonprofits First is a community in which all nonprofits achieve their highest level of success.  For more information, visit www.nonprofitsfirst.org

SOURCE Nonprofits First