Dear METRA Members and Friends,

 

After more than 25 years of partnership, education, and community impact, the METRA Board of Directors has made the thoughtful decision to begin the process of formally dissolving the organization.

 

METRA was founded in 1998 as a collaboration between the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Central District and local governments including Orange and Seminole Counties, the City of Orlando, the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, and the Reedy Creek Improvement District. Together, these founding partners shared a vision of improving environmental compliance through education, training, and partnership rather than enforcement alone.

 

Since that time, METRA has proudly served as a bridge between regulators, industry, and the community promoting environmental excellence through education, technical training, and outreach. From our early workshops on hazardous waste and stormwater management to our long-running Environmental Excellence Day, METRA has trained thousands of professionals and inspired a generation of environmental leaders.

 

None of this would have been possible without the dedication of our volunteer Board of Directors, committee chairs, partner agencies, sponsors, and you - our members. Your engagement and support have been the foundation of METRA’s success and the driving force behind its impact in Central Florida and beyond.

 

As part of our transition, the Board has voted to transfer METRA’s remaining funds to the Central Florida Association of Environmental Professionals (CFAEP). This transfer will ensure that the spirit of METRA supporting environmental education, training, and collaboration continues through scholarships and programs administered by CFAEP.

 

On behalf of the entire Board of Directors, thank you for your years of participation, support, and friendship. It has been an honor to serve this community and advance our shared mission of protecting Florida’s environment through knowledge, cooperation, and partnership.

 

With sincere appreciation,
The METRA Board of Directors