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First Meeting Scheduled for the Cocoa Beach Area Chamber’s Citizens for Space Exploration

Written by BrevardCounty.com | 26 February 2010

CBChamberlogo The Citizens for Space Exploration (CFSE) Committee of the Cocoa Beach Area Chamber of Commerce will have their first meeting to discuss their 19^th annual trip to Washington, D.C. on March 9^th, at the Cocoa Beach Area Chamber of Commerce (400 Fortenberry Road, Merritt Island), beginning at 4:00 p.m.

The Citizens for Space Exploration (CFSE), a grassroots committee of the Cocoa Beach Area Chamber of Commerce comprised of aerospace companies, area businesses, students and community leaders will meet with the United States House and Senate members to advocate for continued investment in space research and exploration during their annual trip to the nation’s Capital - May 17^th through 19^th.

This is a collaborative effort with five other states Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas and Ohio that have a similar interest in maintaining and expanding their roles in the development of new modes of space transportation, launch capabilities, research, experimentation and exploration.

Working in teams during their visit, the committee has scheduled appointments with legislators who have influence in the direction and funding of the nation’s space program. They meet with all members of Congress to stress the importance of the space program. Special meetings have been set for Florida’s delegation.

CFSE is headed by Jon McBride, Kennedy Space Center, Frank DiBello, Space Florida and Melissa Stains, President/CEO of the Cocoa Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, along with over fifty community leaders from central Brevard County. “I am thrilled at the enthusiasm of the Florida members of the Citizens for Space Exploration, said Melissa Stains. ”All of our businesses are affected by NASA and space exploration. Let’s take this opportunity to be a voice for Human Space Exploration and save jobs in our county!”

For more information, contact the Cocoa Beach Area Chamber of Commerce at (321) 459-2200 or visit www.cocoabeachchamber.com.

The Cocoa Beach Area Chamber of Commerce was established in 1968 and serves Cape Canaveral, Cocoa, Cocoa Beach, Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island, Patrick Air Force Base, Port St. John, Rockledge, Suntree and Viera.

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Health Care Reform: It Starts with You

Written by BrevardCounty.com | 11 January 2010

shutterstock_24677626_edited-1 Trying to separate fact from fiction when it comes to health care reform can feel like a full-time job. President Obama’s health care plan continues to spark heated debate, but while politicians point fingers and Americans divide into their respective camps, it’s important to remember that we live (and die) by the health decisions we make as individuals.

If you visit any retirement community in the United States, it’s painfully easy to spot residents suffering from serious health conditions brought on by bad decisions in their past. Too many people don’t make the connection between their health history and current conditions that affect their mobility, balance, mental clarity and quality of life. Although access to quality wellness programs continues to increase, it is up to the individual to break bad habits and maintain a consistent, well-balanced regimen.

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America’s Future in Space: The Edge We Can’t Afford to Lose

Written by Congressman Bill Posey | 02 November 2009

world At the time of writing this article in mid-September of 2009, the future of our nation’s human space flight program is being reviewed by the presidential-appointed U.S. Human Space Flight Plans Committee. Chaired by Norman Augustine, the committee has prepared a preliminary report but the final report is not expected until late September.

I have been very concerned about the direction of our space program and preliminary data out of the Augustine Committee gives us reason for even greater concern. Our space program faces difficult challenges. With the proper attention these challenges cannot be completely avoided, but the transition from the Space Shuttle to the next generation of American human spaceflight vehicle can be a much smoother one.

Our workforce and community can and must have a smoother landing. It is for these reasons that I introduced legislation in the Congress that would extend the life the Shuttle program into 2011 and beyond and close the gap from both ends by (1) extending Shuttle flights beyond 2010 and (2) providing additional resources to bring the next generation vehicle on line earlier.

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Brevard Mails 2,000 Letters to President Obama, Commissioner Urges Others to Join Campaign

Written by BrevardCounty.com | 29 October 2009

TITUSVILLE, Fla. – Brevard County Commissioner Robin Fisher, the leader of the “SaveSpace.US” campaign, this week delivered 2,000 letters to the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast, to be mailed to President Barack Obama.

“These letters are ones that have been dropped off at my office, picked up by my staff at various businesses, or e-mailed to us,” said Fisher. “I believe thousands more are being sent directly to the White House.”

Now that the Augustine Commission’s report “Seeking a Human Spaceflight Program Worthy of a Great Nation” has been submitted to the President, the SaveSpace campaign has been extended until a decision about the direction and funding for NASA is made. Commissioner Fisher has also contacted local legislators.

“I have spoken directly with the Administration on this issue,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Kosmas, “and ensured that they are aware of the Save Space campaign.”

“From what people are telling us about the number of times they copy and hand out each of the downloaded letters, we’re projecting that 50,000 letters have been sent,” said Fisher. “But that’s nowhere near enough. We need to keep this going. As important as this is, we ought to have a million letters.”

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Governor Crist Appoints Members to Early Learning Coalition of Brevard Board of Directors

Written by BrevardCounty.com | 29 October 2009

elc Governor Charlie Crist recently re-appointed Shannon Smithwick of John Hancock Life Insurance Company as the Chairperson of the Early Learning Coalition of Brevard County for a term ending April 30, 2013. Board member, Mike Durante of Berman, Hopkins, Wright and LaHam was appointed by the Governor’s office as a private sector member with a term ending April 30, 2012.
Additional board officers for 2009/2010 include: Marci Brilley of Brevard Workforce (Vice Chair); Nancy Grzesik of the Brevard Zoo (Treasurer); and Myrna Shimei of the Department of Children and Families (Secretary).
The Coalition was established by the 1999 Legislation for the state’s at-risk birth to age five population. The Coalition receives funding for early education and child care programs, including the state’s Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Program.
For additional information about the Early Learning Coalition and services provided to the community visit www.elcbrevard.org.