Article authored by:
Holly Elmore - LAI At-Large Member & LAI Global Water-Land Series Group Co-Chair
Holly's eclectic career path includes multiple facets ranging from the corporate arena (Arthur Andersen Auditor & Trammell Crow Controller) to the foodservice industry (owner of a corporate catering business & restaurants) to sustainability-industry leader (Zero Waste Zones & Elemental Impact Founder). In addition, Holly is an avid nature & documentary photographer and respected journalist with prominent articles and photographs featured in national publications.
On Thursday, June 13, LAI FL Suncoast Chapter underdevelopment hosted their third official meeting at the Gulf Coast Community Foundation (GCCF) offices. Thanks to the GCCF's generous sponsorship, the well-attended event was open to LAI members and prospective members at no charge. The meeting ended with a lovely reception that was much appreciated by the attendees.
 John McCarthy introducing his longtime colleague and friend Jon Thaxton |
 John Thaxton speaking |
 Mark Vengroff speaking |
Prior to the program, four new LAI FL Suncoast members – GCCF SVP Community Investment Jon Thaxton, Stantec Project Manager, Planning Katie LaBarr, MSC Commercial Real Estate Advisor Kevin McQuaid, and Wetland Extend Landward Owner Ray Goldsby – were inducted by LAI members Holly Elmore, Elemental Impact (Ei) Founder & CEO, and John McCarthy, Selby Gardens VP for Regional History.
Jon gave an excellent presentation on Affordable Housing: There are Simple Solutions. With affordable housing a national and global crisis, it was important to share the local-housing scenario, learn about successes and projects under development, and understand the magnitude and implications of the housing crisis.
After Jon’s excellent presentation, One Stop Housing (OSP) Managing Director Mark Vengroff gave a spontaneous presentation on their innovative solutions for affordable housing. OSP developed a sustainable, profitable AH business model that focuses on reduced building and maintenance costs while building quality housing.
It was unanimously decided to forego the formal Q&A session and segue into the awaiting reception where discussions continued in an informal setting.
The IMPACT article, LAI FL Suncoast Pursues Formal Chapter Status, published with an overview of the June 13 meeting; the Holly Elmore Images-photo gallery, 06-13-24 LAI FL Suncoast Meeting, gives a meeting pictorial recount.
 Jon Thaxton LAI Induction with John McCarthy |
 Katie LaBarr Induction with John McCarthy and sponsor Jim Paulmann |
 Kevin McQuaid Induction with John McCarthy and sponsor Jan Pitchford |
 Ray Goldsby Induction with John McCarthy |
All photos are courtesy of Holly Elmore Images.
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