Quick Links

• About the Ritz Carlton Grande Lakes
• Agenda (or download a pdf version)
• Register for the meeting Deadline is Friday, July 16
• Register online for a Ritz Carlton room (Make sure you click on the circle next to the room rate and it will take you through the reservation process.) Deadline for special rate is Friday, July 16
• Find out about the Gene Trotter Leadership Award Deadline is Friday, June 9
• Find out about the Silent Auction

About the Ritz-Carleton

An unparalleled resort experience

The Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes in Orlando invites you to enjoy their exceptional standards and services. Inspired architecturally by the grand palazzos of Italy, the Ritz-Carlton promises the very best in personalized offerings and first-class recreational amenities. Whether it's to calm your craving to play golf, setting on a quest to find indulgences that sooth your senses, or providing a once-in-a-lifetime family-fun experience, a luxurious haven awaits your arrival. This exceptional Orlando vacation resort's amenities provide families with a stylish way to indulge in the playful offerings of this all-American city.


The Ritz Carlton is a resort not to be missed! Make your hotel registration by July 16 to benefit from their special room rate for WLI alums: $129 per night! Two ways to book: online or call (800) 682-3665--be sure to tell them you're with WLI or Wedgworth Leadership Institute to get our special rate.

Other amenities
additional costs may be incurred

• A gorgeous pampering spa featuring a private lap pool, wellness center, spa caf‚, and boutique
• 18-hole Greg Norman-signature golf course featuring The Ritz-Carlton Golf Caddie Concierge program
• A total of 11 dining options
• Poolside cabanas with personal concierge service
• The Ritz Kids program offering a variety of supervised activities designed especially for children aged 5 to 12.
• Explore the resort's natural surroundings by taking advantage of morning rows and private guided eco-tours of Shingle Creek, the Headwaters to the Florida Everglades.  Grande Lakes is home of the Emotion Kayaks Flat-Water School.
• Fly Fishing experiences for beginner to advanced casters include private fly-fishing excursions, and the world's first G. Loomis Fly Fishing School.  Largemouth Bass fishing also available for both the fly and conventional angler.
• Experience a multi-level adventure course consisting of poles, cables, and platforms with 25 unique traversing and climbing elements.

WLI Alumni Association Silent Auction

Bid Early! Bid Often! Make sure you check out the silent auction in the Hospitality Room during the Annual Meeting! This fun event livens up the weekend and allows us to raise funds to support worthy causes. Need a gift for an upcoming birthday, anniversary, shower or wedding? You just might find it here! Gorgeous gift baskets, jewelry, special event tickets, sports memorabilia, restaurant gift certificates and more.

Want to participate in another way? Get your company name and products in front of the 200+ attendees of the event--just provide us with a silent auction item! You will receive exclusive exposure to hundreds of WLI graduates and agri-business owners & residents. Gift certificates for products or services are welcome too! Take advantage of this outstanding marketing opportunity and call Lyn today to participate--we have limited space available. Don't think you have anything to contribute? Call me--we'll work together to come up with something. Items will be included in the event program and online. Deadline to enter - August 1st. Call Lyn Cacella- 1.800.432.4156 or LCacella@FarmCreditsFL.com.

Know a Leader?

Nominate him or her for the Eugene Trotter Leadership Award!

Eligibility: Any individual who has been involved with agriculture for a minimum of 10 years and has made significant contributions to Florida's agricultural industry is eligible for this award.

Recognition: The award winner will be recognized with a plaque during a ceremony at the WLIANR Alumni Association annual meeting. A presentation will be prepared to publicize the award winner's achievements in providing exemplary leadership for Florida agriculture.

Deadline for award nominations is Friday, July 9, 2010. For more information, click here. Please email Dr. Hannah Carter (hscarter@UFL.EDU) a brief description of the individual's contributions to Florida's agriculture and natural resource industries and why you believe they are worthy of this honor.