Gulf Coast Venture Forum Elects Two New Board Members

Naples, FL, December 02, 2010 --(PR.com)-- The Gulf Coast Venture Forum Board added two members at their latest meeting in November. Dr. David Kakkuri and John Gleeson are the newest board members, and Gleeson will also be serving as President Elect.

Dr. Kakkuri is the Director of the Center for Leadership, Innovation, and Economic Development in the Lutgert College of Business at Florida Gulf Coast University. He serves on the boards of the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce, the Region 24 Florida Works, the SW Florida BioFlorida Chapter, as well as the Florida Network of Research, Science and Technology Parks.

Gleeson is the owner of Gleeson Real Estate Group and CFO Vision LLC; both companies specialize in advising organizations on start-up/growth strategies, and business plans, though the former focuses on building/development. Currently, he is involved with Urban Land Institute Southwest Florida District Council, where he serves as Treasurer, and the Economic Development Council of Collier County, where he serves as Vice President Finance.

“The current GCVF board is excited to welcome the knowledge and talent of these new board members,” states Tim Cartwright, president of the Gulf Coast Venture Forum. “By engaging new leaders, we can continue to identify and promote investment opportunities to support early-stage entrepreneurial companies which are an integral part of growing local communities and economies.”

The April meetings will prove to be fast moving and exciting as six Florida entrepreneurs will present their new businesses to the membership/attendees. In these last two meetings of the 2009-2010 season, the presenting companies will be featured in a “Lightening Round” of presentations.

“We’re excited to have six presenting companies for April,” said Cartwright. “This is the first time in our history of the organization that we have offered this many companies the opportunity to present their business plans to the membership. We are dedicated to helping new upcoming entrepreneurs in Southwest Florida grow their businesses through local investments.”

These April meetings are the last of the 2009-2010 season of company presentations. In May, the Annual Member Meeting will be held in Naples and no Sarasota Chapter meeting will take place is a meeting for the combined membership of the Gulf Coast Venture Forum from both the Naples and Sarasota chapter.

The purpose of the Gulf Coast Venture Forum is to promote the success of Southwest Florida's new and emerging businesses by bringing together the best entrepreneurs, early stage venture capital firms and Angel Investors. They promote the success of the region's new and emerging businesses by bringing together entrepreneurs, educational resources, capital providers, and service providers. Members of the GCVF meet monthly to hear about local investment opportunities, and they also offer informative educational programs presented by seasoned, recognized professionals and business people, providing a place for the sharing and exchange of business and technical experience. To encourage capital investments in Southwest Florida businesses, the GCVF seeks to identify sources of private equity investment and venture capital. Gulf Coast Venture Forum is always open to new members. Monthly meetings are scheduled October through June each year. GCVF is also available to provide speakers to local organizations who want to learn more about the purpose of the GCVF and local investment opportunities.

The Gulf Coast Venture Forum is open to new members. Interested parties must qualify as an accredited investor as defined by the US SEC and are encouraged to view www.gcvf.com or call 239-262-6300 for more information.

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