September 9, 2015 Naples Gulf shore Sunset Rotary Meeting was called to order by President Dan Herrington followed by Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance. Folowing introduction of guests and visiting Rotarians the Happy Dollar was presented. Our guest speaker was the Mayor of Naples, Florida John F. Sorey, III who discussed the many exciting past, current and future events and happenings in Naples, Florida. Mayor John F. Sorey III served on City Council from 2004 to 2012, and was elected Mayor in 2012. With an MBA from the University of Tennessee, his professional background is in manufacturing and distribution management. Mayor Sorey is currently the Executive Director of the Naples Players which is a local community theatre. He was an Army Infantry officer in Vietnam. His volunteer activities include: Chair, Coastal Advisory Committee: Member Tourist Development Council; Board Member, Harvard Club of Naples; Board Member, Community Foundation; and a Member of the Collier County Republican Party Executive Committee. Mayor Sorey is the first mayor of Naples elected to the Florida League of Mayors, Board of Directors. He first came to Naples in 1979 and moved here fulltime in 1998. Mayor Sorey has served many organizations to include: Board Member of the Naples Players, 2000-2013 and President 2001-2003; Member Planning Advisory Board, 2000-2004, and Chairman, 2003-04; Past Board Member, Friends of the Library; Past Member, Environmental Affairs Committee; Past Vice Chair, Big Cypress Basin Board, 2006-2012; Past Board Member, Naples Zoo, 2007-2013; and is a Master Gardener. He and his wife Delores have two children and twin grandsons. Many questions were asked from members after his excellent presentation and all were very excited about the bright and positive picture for Naples now and in the future. Additional information may be found by clicking
here. John also mentioned the Naples Players and handed out literature for the upcoming season. The meeting was adjourned at 8:45am. The next meeting will be next Wednesday September 16th at 7:30am at Janes's Cafe on Third with our guest speaker Collier County Commissioner Penny Taylor.
