My decision to lead the effort to build a performing arts center for our region is an exciting challenge. With Jim Seneff and Dick Nunis joining me at the helm, and the support of the city of Orlando, Orange County and the University of Central Florida, I believe we can bring this project to fruition.

In 2005, we'll be surveying the community and conducting public forums to involve everyone who has an interest.

Working with a 22-member planning board, we move into the New Year with our mission firmly established and the hard work on the horizon. We don't know yet what this facility will look like or specifically what programs it will embrace. We do know that it will absolutely need to be a place that celebrates excellence in all types of performing arts and provides an educational environment that is second to none.

Most important, a performing arts center for our region must be for everyone, from the disadvantaged pre-K student to the black-tie crowd. If we can inspire one child who otherwise would not have the opportunity to experience great artistic and educational programming at the Orlando Performing Arts Center, then I will be able to say that it was worth the effort.

No one said it would be easy, but worthwhile projects never are.

We're going to make significant progress in 2005 toward our goal of building a performing arts center for our community. My hope is that Central Florida citizens will get behind this project, take advantage of the opportunity to lend their voice, and work toward bringing to our region a facility that everyone can enjoy.

Jim Pugh is the owner and president of Epoch Properties Inc. and chairman of the Orlando Performing Arts Center.