Paul R. Clifford, Ph.D. Executive Director

FIPR was always a quiet agency. It performed important research for the benefit of Florida citizens, the phosphate industry and the environment, but its efforts were not well known.  Over the past several years that has changed as FIPR substantially increased efforts to inform the public about its research. We have increased our interaction with the media through the efforts of our Communications Coordinator. FIPR's research directors and I have made many presentations to public service groups such as Rotary Clubs and public interest groups such as the Sierra Club. We have also entered the word wide web of internet information. Our web site (www.fipr.state.fl.us) attracts an astounding 150 user sessions per day that average about nine minutes in length. I invite everyone to visit our web site.

Our library is also a vital component of our public outreach. The library collection of phosphate-related information is likely the most extensive in the world and it is available to teachers, students industry members, environmental groups-any member of the public. The library staff answers thousand of inquiries each year from citizens and the industry. Our library may be contacted by telephone (863) 534-7160 or via e-mail to kstewart@helios.acomp.usf.edu. I certainly encourage everyone to visit our library in person or electronically through our web page.

Perhaps our most important new public information effort is our K-12 education program, which began in 1997. The program has quickly become a unique educational resource for Florida teachers and students. The program uses FIPR research and information to teach teachers about the phosphate industry and its issues. It then provides lesson plans and materials that correlate the information to the Sunshine State Standards that Florida students are required to achieve.

FIPR is no longer quiet. I believe there is much for FIPR to crow about. If you would like to find out why, please read this report. It will show you how our efforts are helping to improve Florida's environment and economy.

Paul R. Clifford, Ph.D.

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