Name: Sally Jarrett
Date Posted: 4/4/2008 5:07:09 PM
Comment:
I have enjoyed working with Frank for 23 years at the Chamber. He's is the definition of a "leader" and a great person too. It has been a learning experience of the best kind. Everyone should have the opportunity to work with such a special person.
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Name: Ed Peddie
Date Posted: 4/17/2008 2:42:13 PM
Comment:
Frank
You have been a "guiding star" to the business community for many years. More than anyone I know, you have conveyed the concept of Charles de Gaulle when he said "I have come to the conclusion that politics are too serious a matter to be left to the politicians." Florida is a much better place to live, work, raise a family and retire due to your contributions.
I welcome you into the world I now live: Retirement. While it takes time for it to 'grow on you' it is a wonderful world within another passage of one's life.
Good luck and let's have lunch soon.
Ed Peddie
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Name: Bob Beall
Date Posted: 5/14/2008 8:44:24 AM
Comment:
Frank, I cannot be at the June event because Aldona wants to be in Rome for her 65th birthday. As close as you and I are.... well, you understand.
I have always been in awe of how you went about successfully building the Chamber. When you began we were one voice among many in contributing from a business perspective to the governance processes of the state. As you move to a new challenge it is clear that you have built the Chamber into the most visionary, relevant, powerful, and respected voice for enlightened business interests in the state.
Bob
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Name: Mike Jones
Date Posted: 5/23/2008 2:10:27 PM
Comment:
I regret I am unable to attend to congratulate and thank Frank in person. He has provided great leadership to the business community and has helped to make this a great state in many ways. Best wishes as he embarks upon the next phase of his remarkable life.
Mike Jones, President and CEO
Economic Council of Palm Beach County, Inc.
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Name: Russ Sloan
Date Posted: 5/28/2008 8:07:38 AM
Comment:
Frank, Over my 20 year Chamber career I crossed paths with many superb State Chamber Presidents but none better than you! I value your integrity, honesty, intellect, judgement and down to earth management style. St. Petersburg produced one really outstanding Chamber President for our beautiful Sunshine State. See you on the 12th! Warmest regards, Russ Sloan
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Name: Deanne Roberts
Date Posted: 5/28/2008 10:18:36 AM
Comment:
Frank, you have left so many legacies to Florida, but Leadership Florida has to be among the greatest. Thank you for your vision in forming this group more than 25 years ago. I look forward to seeing you at the alumni events!
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Name: Bob Helms
Date Posted: 5/28/2008 4:23:19 PM
Comment:
Frank, I regret that I can't be with you on this special evening. Look forward to seeing you later this year. What a great career you have had with the Florida Chamber and what a great contribution you have made to the betterment of our state.
Congratulation on a great career.
Bob
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Name: Don Upton
Date Posted: 6/3/2008 2:42:08 PM
Comment:
Many thanks to a man who led the most welcoming State Chamber in the U.S. I admired the Chamber team's commitment to research from the start, and I have continued to learn the most meaningful things about Florida and its economy through the Chamber enterprise. The Florida Chamber has the best volunteers because of Frank Ryll. The Florida Chamber deals with tough challenges becasue of Frank Ryll. I'm thankful that the Chamber family will still benefit from Frank's leadership and knowledge into the future.
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Name: Fred donovan
Date Posted: 6/3/2008 3:52:24 PM
Comment:
Well Frank.....it has been quite a ride...No excuse now to not enjoy the comfort of the Pensacola Country Club tennis courts during the middle of the summer...GOTCHA......Fred -(no longer the immediate past president)- Donovan
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Name: Mary Lane
Date Posted: 6/4/2008 1:37:46 PM
Comment:
The first time I met Frank Ryll was in the spring of 1985. I was at the chamber for a job interview. While waiting in the lobby, a gentleman walked up to me and introduced himself as Frank Ryll. From the moment I met Frank, I was always impressed with how much of a gentleman he is.
My association with the chamber lasted 14 years and in all those years Frank was a mentor, motivator, teacher and because of excellent leadership, the Florida Chamber grew and flourished.
Everyone in their working career should be fortunate enough to have a supervisor like Frank Ryll!
My best very best to y
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Name: Gail Loefgren, Longboat Key
Date Posted: 6/4/2008 2:02:52 PM
Comment:
Hi Frank,
Congratulations on your retirement. I have been at my job for 15 years and was fortunate to meet you during my first few years in the state. It has been a pleasure working with such a professional and generous person such as you. Every time I called on you for assistance, your response was always quick and extrememly helpful. Your staff is the knowledgeable, responsive and always helpful and that attitude and customer service culture comes from the top! I completed my Institute experience at UCLA some years ago and even there you were a legend. So, thanks for all you have done for
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Name: Pat Engfer
Date Posted: 6/4/2008 3:19:50 PM
Comment:
I am so sorry that I will be out of the country for your big night. I know it will be very special because of all the wonderful people that have chosen to spend so much time with you over the years. Your contributions are too many to list, but your passion for what you do is evident throughout the organization. You have built a great team and I know that you and the Chamber have much to look forward to in the future. All the best and thank you.
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Name: Carol Conner
Date Posted: 6/6/2008 12:01:02 PM
Comment:
I'm so glad to have shared so many wonderful times with you during the nearly 13 years I was associated with the Florida Chamber. You taught me so many life lessons with your calm, steady leadership style. I'm tremendously enjoying my retirement & hope you will too. Best wishes always,
Carol
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Name: Walter Revell
Date Posted: 6/8/2008 3:50:11 PM
Comment:
Frank: Your legacy of innovative leadership and your record of significant accomplishments -- with high standards and strong commitment for the entire 25 years -- are exemplary for everyone in the Florida business community and in Florida public service. With a fine staff and a wonderful cast of volunteers, you transformed the Florida Chamber. One of your "simple" techniques really worked -- you put together better materials than anyone else so you were able to make your case better than anyone else, and the influence and impact on Florida business and Florida government have been profound.
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Name: Jane McNabb
Date Posted: 6/10/2008 9:41:29 AM
Comment:
Dear Frank,
On the occasion of celebrating your leadership legacy, I send my heartfelt congratulations and my regret that I am unable to attend your party.
My ten-years of service with you provided a wonderful opportunity for both of us to stretch the Foundation's research agenda. Frank, your Wisdom, plus your Knowledge of the political landscape and your Experience helped us to make sensible decisions! You were always driving the bus, not sitting in the back. We hope you keep on driving but watch out for the radar at Live Oak!
With warmest personal regards,
Jane
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Name: Teala A. Milton
Date Posted: 6/10/2008 2:33:57 PM
Comment:
Frank, I am so glad I knew you when...you were one of my very first heros in Tallahassee. You took my call and gave me counsel while I was forming the public affairs program for Florida National Bank. And, through all of my career moves you were supportive and encouraging.
That was in 1984! My how time flys when you are having fun. Your Leadership for the Florida Chamber has been and will be legend.
To the Father of Leadership Florida, and
as Chair of this year's Board of Directors, I salute you and your many accomplishments in the past and look forward to the Foundation work in the
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Name: Margaret LaRoe
Date Posted: 6/10/2008 10:56:58 PM
Comment:
Dear Frank,
I look at this website every day and then don't know what to say-but time is running out. I can echo the applause for your contributions to Florida's future, and add to that my appreciation for the integrity that has distinguished your career and set an example for hundreds of employees and volunteers that passed through the Chamber. Wow! At least one dream has come true--a vibrant Foundation dedicated to improving life and leadership in Florida. Quite a legacy in itself. I am honored to have worked for and with you. Congratulations and thanks. Margaret
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Name: Jim Morgan
Date Posted: 6/11/2008 10:27:03 AM
Comment:
Frank,
I remember the many creative management Board ideas and so many creative thinkers serving on those boards. The chamber's building plans were reviewed and ownership entities changed for better economic performance.
The only thing I remember clearly is a tennis game driven by desire for perfection limited by the skills of an aging warrior. Jim Morgan MGT Bd Chm 1993-94, L-FL Class IV
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Name: Jerry Dye
Date Posted: 6/11/2008 12:52:07 PM
Comment:
Frank,
Please add my congratulations to you on being honored in Orlando Thursday evening. You deserve more than most people know. Sorry I will not be able to be with you, but know that I can not thank you enough for giving me the opportunity in 1983 to become a part of the Florida Chamber and especially giving me the opportunity to lead the membership effort. Thanks for all the years you gave to the development of the Chamber.
Best regards,
Jerry Dye
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Name: Denise Mercier
Date Posted: 6/12/2008 10:07:22 AM
Comment:
Frank, I wish I could be there tonight with the rest of your fans and friends to celebrate your remarkable 25 years at the Chamber’s helm. Not long after you stepped into that position, I was in your office, resume in hand, a new Floridian with little job experience looking for work in a town where everyone asked how fast I could type. Amazingly, you had enough faith in me to give me one great opportunity after another for almost six years. What I learned working for you – not only from you but from those you led and inspired – has enriched the rest of my career more than you can imagine.
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Name: Jim McGraw
Date Posted: 6/16/2008 11:44:11 AM
Comment:
What an incredible legacy you leave upon your retirement and what an amazing feeling you must have as you realize that in the history of our great state of Florida, you will forever be known as one of the most important and impactful leaders of one of the most dynamic and important states in our wonderful country.
Your style of leadership over these many years is one which so many others continue to emulate and you have done it with such class and in a fashion that everyone you have touched, from the largest CEO to the entry level staffer, has had your total respect and now form a Frank Ryll
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