GUY HARVEY
Love the Blue Gala
FOUNDER | Jay ShapiroLuxury Chamber Media Group jay@southflorida.in
Fashion Editor | Juliana LaBonte juliana@southflorida.in
Travel Editor | Christina Ricci
Business Editor | Cindy Ragan
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Joe Freer, Frank LoRe Jr, Roger Craft
PHOTOGRAPHER
Ilmar Saar
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Florida International Trade and Cultural Expo October 23-24
The 9th Annual Florida International Trade and Cultural Expo (FITCE) returns with expanded opportunities for international trade and cultural exchange International heads of state and high-level government officials and their delegations representing more than 70 countries, national agencies, businesses, and attendees will gather for the free event Wednesday through Thursday, October 23-24, 2024, at the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale. Registration is open now and strongly encouraged.
Florida's #1 international trade and commerce expo is a mega-event providing unprecedented access for one-of-a-kind networking that has been proven highly profitable for those pursuing import and export opportunities. Over 2,000 international attendees, including local and international businesses, are anticipated. The main themes for FITCE2024 are manufacturing and tourism. Visit Lauderdale will highlight aspects of Florida's $121.5 billion tourism industry while the South Florida Manufacturers Association (SFMA) will feature the manufacturing industry accounting for a $2.5 billion impact to South Florida's economy. Additional event highlights include:
Who's who of international dignitaries (confirmed dignitaries to be announced)
South Florida Manufacturers Association (SFMA) Symposium
Sustainable Agro Fashion & Tech Week (SAFT) and sustainable fashion show
Award-winning seminars, workshops, and panel discussions
Access to government services and business development resources
World Expo Marketplace and Country Pavilions
International Organizational Speed Matchmaking and Meet & Greets
Cultural immersion experiences
International cuisine demonstrations and tastings
Surprise celebrity appearances and cultural performances
Networking receptions
"FITCE is a signature event designed to provide exceptional access and opportunities for international and local businesses to cultivate commerce through exploration of import, export, and cultural exchange," said Broward County Mayor Nan H. Rich. "The impact of FITCE cannot be overemphasized for its ability to deliver award-winning and worthy panels, educational resources, and global networking in Broward's backyard. FITCE fosters economic development and international trade by disseminating key information while providing access to representatives, essential services, resources, and programs from around the world," said Sandy-Michael E. McDonald, Director of the Broward County Office of Economic and Small Business Development
General admission is free Pre-event attendee registration ends Tuesday, October 15, 2024
Exhibitor opportunities are available for local and international vendors until Monday, September 30, 2024
Guy Harvey Foundation’s ‘Love The Blue Gala’ to Raise Funds for Ocean Conservation and Marine Science Education Initiatives
Outstanding individuals and organizations will also receive recognition during 16th annual event
For the last 16 years, the Guy Harvey Foundation (GHF) has hosted an annual dinner to raise awareness of and funds for ocean conservation and marine science education. This year, the “Love The Blue Gala,” presented by Norwegian Cruise Line, kicks off on Wednesday, October 30 with a cocktail reception at 6 p.m., followed by a formal dinner at the Lauderdale Yacht Club, 1725 SE 12th Street in Fort Lauderdale
World-renowned artist, scientist, conservationist and GHF Founder, Dr Guy Harvey, and his daughter, GHF CEO Jessica Harvey, will once again co-host the gala and share anecdotes of their exciting adventures as they recap an incredible year filled with leading-edge research and innovative education programming The evening will feature silent and live auctions where guests will have the opportunity to bid on original Guy Harvey works-of-art, exciting trips, and unique gift items Supporters not able to attend the gala will have the ability to bid on silent auction items online
During the “Love The Blue Gala”, the GHF will also recognize two individuals and two organizations that have had a substantial positive impact on marine science education and ocean conservation Jennifer Bakakos, a teacher at Frontier Elementary School in Palm Beach County will receive the Education Award for Outstanding Individual and the School District of Manatee County will receive the Education Award for Outstanding Organization Paolo Coen of Grupo Coen will receive the Conservation Award for Outstanding Individual and Beyond Our Shores will receive the Conservation Award for Outstanding Organization
“We are extremely proud to once again honor the exceptional individuals and organizations that share our passion and dedication to advancing marine science education and ocean conservation initiatives,” said GHF CEO Jessica Harvey “As we celebrate everything they do for our oceans and future generations, I’d like to also thank our wonderful partners, supporters and friends for their continued support to our Foundation They are the reason we can have such a positive impact on the ocean and its inhabitants ”
Proceeds from the evening benefit the GHF’s ocean research and education efforts Each year, the GHF expands its marine science curriculum for elementary, middle and high school students based on Dr Harvey’s decades of scientific research The GHF is making marine and environmental science more engaging with virtual field trips that include handson enrichment activities, which allow students to interact with the environment, immersing them in case studies of environmental problems and success stories around the world This year, the GHF also launched the Guy Harvey Conservation Education Program, which allows educators and schools to participate in regional professional development opportunities dedicated to environmental Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) education “The incredible support from all the people who believe in our mission is crucial in stewarding the health of our oceans,” said Dr Harvey “Thanks to the generosity of our new and longtime partners over the years, we can continue to expand our programs and reach ”
Love The Blue Gala table sponsorships start at $3,500 and individual tickets are $350 To purchase tickets and sponsorships, please visit https://tinyurl com/yc7h5njb
Helping a Hero, Bass Pro Shops and Lennar Welcome Wounded Veteran, SGT Luis Rosa-Valentin, USA (Ret.), to his new Adaptive Home in Homestead, FL
Helping a Hero, a non-profit providing support for military personnel severely injured in the line of duty, Bass Pro Shops, and Lennar, one of the nation's leading homebuilders, today welcomed SGT Luis Rosa-Valentin, USA (Ret ), a triple amputee injured by an explosion while on duty in Iraq, to his new adapted Lennar home in South Miami-Dade County
The community came together to support and welcome SGT Luis Rosa-Valentin, USA (Ret ), to his new home SGT Rosa-Valentin and his family were greeted by special guests from Helping a Hero, including Founder Meredith Iler; country music singer Lee Greenwood; Fred Rothman, Lennar Chief Operating Officer; Phil Serrate, Lennar Southeast Florida Division President; and many proud Lennar Associates.
The home is part of Helping a Hero's 100 Homes Challenge, which was launched by Johnny Morris, Founder and CEO of Bass Pro Shops In partnership with Helping A Hero, Lennar has completed eight homes for Veterans across the country and is committed to more homes
Lennar adapted the new home with features such as ADA appliances and cabinets in the kitchen and master bath, a pot filler, a roll in shower with added safety features, widened laundry area for ease of access, motorized blinds and much more to make daily life easier for the amputee Encompassing 2,806 square feet, the home contains five bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths, and a two-car garage, which is fully accessible
The home is in a stunning location situated near Route 1 offering easy access to downtown Miami, as well as the Florida Keys, offering the best of what South Florida has to offer – including sandy beaches, restaurants, nightlife, entertainment venues, and excellent ocean adventures on the Gulf Coast. The home is also in close proximity to VA services.
SGT Luis Rosa-Valentin's first day of basic training was September 11th, 2001. After basic training he went to Air-borne school and was sent to the 3rd Infantry Division where he participated in the invasion of Iraq in 2003 with the C-co 2/7 Infantry and fought as part of Task Force 3-69, which notably seized Saddam International Airport and Saddam's personal palace. On April 21, 2008, two days before SGT Rosa-Valentin's 25th birthday, he was part of the 4th Infantry Division, acting as a point man on a dismounted combat raid just outside of Baghdad During a firefight, SGT Rosa-Valentin was scanning for snipers when an IED exploded next to him He lost both legs, his left arm, sight in one eye and his hearing in the blast He was airlifted to Landstuhl, Germany and then to Walter Reed Army Medical Center where he remained for a year and a half, in recovery
"Helping a Hero and Lennar met with me throughout the building of my home to make sure every adaptation worked the best for me in my new home," said SGT Luis Rosa-Valentin. "I can stop on a dime, turn around and do my thing. I am going to take this investment into my future and my children's future, and we are going to serve our community and nation. I am going to spend my life fighting for others."
"SGT Luis Rosa-Valentin is an eternal optimist," said Meredith Iler, Founder of Helping a Hero "He lights up a room and inspires joy in everyone he meets Seeing him roll through his house and dream of everything he will be able to do independently was very special Helping a Hero is grateful to Lennar and Bass Pro Shops for coming alongside us to serve these heroes "
"On behalf of Lennar and our business partners, it has been a privilege getting to know SGT Luis Rosa-Valentin and to have the opportunity to create this new home where he and his family can live comfortably and enjoy life together for years to come," said Carlos Gonzalez, Lennar Southeast Florida Regional President. "We are committed to giving back to the communities in which we build, and it is an honor to partner with Helping a Hero and honor those who have sacrificed so much for our country."
Photo Credit: Getty Images for Helping a Hero.
Ragan & Associates’ Cindy Ragan Speaks at FICPA Conference
Cindy Ragan is a Professor of Economics at Broward College and the leading expert in the genre of CPA mergers Her speech: “Recent Valuation Trends of CPA Firms“ Received a 4.9 performance review based on feedback from the FICPA.
