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COMMAERNTTARY A WORD FROM RAY FERRARA Take a Tour of the USA By Aaron R. Fodiman Ray Ferrara You could benefit from having a friend like Ray Ferrara for more reasons than I can count. If I were to mention any of his many worthy accomplishments, he would probably shake his head and deny that he has ever done anything special. Those of us who know him, understand how modest he is. However, I am not here to praise him, but rather to give you a glimpse into the living soul of this very special person. Below is an email I received from Ray, who is Chairman/ CEO of ProVise Management Group, LLC. First, please let me say how much you mean to me as a friend, client, board member, team member, relative, etc. It is that time of year for reflection not only on the past, but to look forward to the promises of the future. This past year, we were reminded almost everyday about the differences that exist (which is okay), but even more about how far it has driven us apart (which is not okay). We all sense it, feel it, and see it yet we are powerless to stop it… or are we? If each person takes that extra minute to listen and absorb what the other is saying and to try to understand their point of view, we might have less division and arguments and instead have greater communication. If we were not so grounded in our own positions, we might learn that there is a better/easier 52 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE | MARCH APRIL 2017 way. If we could just follow that old Golden Rule each time we interact with another, we might get a smile in return instead of a frown. Maybe it will be catching, just like a flu bug, if each of us as individuals practices in each interaction going forward. It might even become an epidemic. So my New Year’s resolution was to try to do all this myself, not only with each of you, but with every interaction I have. Yes, I am sure I will slip, but maybe, just maybe, by trying harder, it will make a difference. The video below was sent to me by one of you, and I felt that its important message was so powerful that I wanted to share it with you. In spite of it all, we live in the best country on earth, and we need to work hard to keep it that way. May 2017 bring you health and happiness. Best personal regards, Ray To view the short video narrated by Charlie Daniels, go to youtube.com and watch “My Beautiful America” – The Charlie Daniels Band (Official Video). Charlie Daniels may have made this video, but it is exactly who Ray Ferrara is. If you see Ray, tell him if you enjoyed his message. This is my way of doing so. – Aaron R. Fodiman, editor/publisher of Tampa Bay Magazine 9


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