The 2012 Annual Corporate Meeting and Luncheon was held on Saturday, January 28 at the Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando, Florida. This year's meeting celebrated 44 years of service to socially and economically disadvantaged children and families throughout the State of Florida. Almost 400 Corporate partners, Board members, and guests attended the ALPI's largest annual event. The theme for this year's event was: "Realistic Strategies to Empower People and Change Lives."

Mistress of Ceremony for the luncheon this year was Queen Townsend, Assistant Superintendent of St. Lucie County (retired). Pictured Right: Queen Townsend (sitting) and Deloris Johnson, ALPI Chief Executive Officer (at Podium). Presentation of Colors was performed by the American Legion Post #201 of Winter Haven, FL. Greetings were extended to all those gathered by Nancy Z. Daley of Lake Alfred, FL (Mayor of the City of Lake Alfred and ALPI Board Member) and Samuel B. Ings of Orlando, FL (Commissioner for the City of Orlando). Words of Inspiration were delivered by Mark Thomas of Lakeland, FL (ALPI Board Member) followed immediately by the message from the ALPI Board Chairperson, William Holt of Vero Beach, FL. Terry Wellington of Avon Park, FL (ALPI Board Member) introduced the Keynote Speaker, Richard D. Davison, Esq. of Tallahasee, FL.

Professionally, Rick Davison has served in various legal and administrative positions including: Assistant State Attorney in Orlando, Staff Attorney for the Florida House of Representatives, and Assistant Statewide Prosecutor. Rick Davison has had the honor of having served as the Deputy Secretary for two state executive agencies. Currently, Rick is employed with the City of Tallahassee as the Coordinator for the Community Connections Restorative Justice Program.

Attorney Davison's message centered around the concept of self-empowerment. He described a childhood that although took place in public housing, was filled with an optimistic hope for the future. Raised by a single, teenage mother, the family's life was one of struggles and hardship. Regularly working two jobs at a time, Rick's mother impressed upon him the critical importance of having a solid work ethic. He took on that work ethic and began working himself as a very young boy. He worked through high school, university, and ultimately through law school.

Rick gave statistical information regarding many of the problems (political, social and economic) that are currently affecting African-Americans and Hispanics in the United States. Vulnerable groups have struggled disproportionately more amid the weak labor market of the past few years. The African-American unemployment rate in December 2011 stayed well above average with a high 15.8 percent, and the Hispanic unemployment rate stayed high with 11 percent. The prolonged economic slump, following an exceptionally weak labor market before the crisis, has taken a massive toll on the most vulnerable populations. Rick stressed that given enough persistence, hard work, and dedication, people can rise above their circumstances and have real hope for a better future. His own success was not an anomaly, but rather a reality that can be attained by anyone through focused hard work and perseverance. Rick closed by encouraging ALPI staff to continue making a difference in people's lives through the work everyone performs daily to meet the needs of the communities ALPI so proudly serves. Pictured Left: Richard D. Davison, Esq. (at Podium)

Following the Speaker, Awards and Recognitions were bestowed by William Holt, Deloris Johnson, and Marva Hawkins of Sanford, FL (ALPI Board Member), as follows:

CEO Recognition Award: Deloris Johnson
The Board of Directors Chairperson Award: William Holt
The Board Chairperson's Award: Cheryl Burnham
Robert J. Bryant, Jr. Award: Patricia Gamble and David Walker, Esq.
Housing Board Chairperson Award: Phillip Howard
Head Start/Early Head Start Policy Council Chairperson Award: Everett Roland, Jr.
Head Start Policy Committee Award: Latisha Sparks
Community Services Award: Britt Henderson; Melton Clarke; Larry Lee, Jr.; Sportsman's Club
Corporate Support Award: Michael J. Lannon, Superintendent of St. Lucie County Schools
Thank You Award: Queen Townsend; Richard D. Davison, Esq.
Certificate of Appreciation: American Legion Post #201, Winter Haven, FL (pictured Right)

William A. Sweat, Esq. of Sweat & Reed, PA (Lakeland, FL) performed the Board Installations and Closing Remarks were given by William Holt.