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A First For Fla. Lobbyist Conference: A Governor's Top Aide Gives Input

Lobbyists from all over the state are gathering in Jacksonville over the next few days for the Florida Association of Professional Lobbyists 8th annual conference. The three-day seminar will include several firsts, including a workshop held by a top official at the Governor’s Office.

Florida Association of Professional Lobbyists CEO Mark Landreth says for the first time in the history of the conference, a Governor’s chief of Staff is weighing in:

“We’re just really blessed because Adam Hollingsworth is originally from Jacksonville, and I think this is an opportunity for him to go home and visit because I know he’s spending a lot of time here in Tallahassee," said Landreth. "So, we’re really looking forward to hearing his perspective on what the Governor thinks are going to be the important issues for the 2013 [Legislative] session.”

Hollingsworth presentation is called “Where Does Governor Rick Scott See Florida in 2013 and Beyond.”  Another never-before-seen presentation conference goers can attend is “The Social Lobby: How Social Media Can Help You [Lobbyists] Win,” a workshop by Kevin Cate of Kevin Cate Communications.

"I am really excited to see what Kevin Cate has to say. Kevin is a renowned public relations executive here in the state of Florida," remarked Landreth.

This year’s seminar will also feature presentations on elections, including one on how the presidential campaigns will impact the 2012 races in Florida.

“Brett Doster , the senior advisor to Governor Romney’s campaign this year and Steve Schale, who managed the Florida effort for President Obama in 2008 are going to speak," said Landreth. "We’ve got them talking about the Presidential election in general and also about how that election will affect the down ballot ticket. For example, the U.S. Senate Races and the Congressional Races."

Governor Scott’s Chief of Staff Adam Hollingsworth will speak Friday, the last day of the conference, which began Wednesday at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront Resort.

For more news updates, follow Sascha Cordner on twitter @SaschaCordner.

Sascha Cordner has more than ten years of public radio experience. It includes working at NPR member station WUFT-FM in Gainesville for several years. She's worked in both radio and TV, serving in various capacities as a reporter, producer and anchor. She's also a graduate of the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in telecommunications. She is the recipient of 15 awards from the Associated Press, Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), and Edward R. Murrow. Her award-winning stories include her coverage on the infamous “Dozier School for Boys” and a feature titled "Male Breast Cancer: Lost in the Sea of Pink." Currently, Sascha serves as the host and producer of local and state news content for the afternoon news program "All Things Considered" at WFSU. Sascha primarily covers criminal justice and social services issues. When she's not reporting, Sascha likes catching up on her favorite TV shows, singing and reading. Follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter:@SaschaCordner.