B o c a
C h a m b e r
November 2010 - January 2011
The Official Publication Of The Greater Boca Raton Chamber Of Commerce
www.bocaratonchamber.com
Celebrating 20 Years of Supporting Local Public Schools! 1 ■ Boca Chamber CONNECTION ■ November 2010 - January 2011
www.bocaratonchamber.com
1800 North Dixie Highway Boca Raton, FL 33432 p: 561.395.4433 | f: 561.392.3780 e: info@bocaratonchamber.com w: www.bocaratonchamber.com
Contents
Message - Chamber President ������������������������������������������������������������������������� . 3
Officers John T. Mulhall, Rutherford Mulhall, P.A., Chair Cheryl Budd, NCCI Holdings, Inc., Chair Elect Keith O'Donnell, Flagler Real Estate Services,Vice Chair Randy Nobles, Comerica Wealth & Institutional Management, Vice Chair Dr. Kevin Ross, Lynn University, Treasurer Forrest Heathcott, JM Family Enterprises, Inc. & JM&A Group, Immediate Past Chair Troy M. McLellan, CCE, President & CEO/Secretary
Holiday Auction ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� . 5 Chamber Business Plan ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 6 Leadership Boca 2011 ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 6 New Members ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 7-8 Member Anniversaries ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 9 The Boca Chamber "Seen" ������������������������������������������������������������������������ 10-11 See What Members Are Saying ����������������������������������������������������������������������� 12 Trustee Membership ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� . 12
DIRECTORS Steve Ast, Boca Raton Resort & Club
Small Business Update ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 14
Vic Beninate, AT&T
Ribbon Cuttings ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 15
Joe Cilia, Town Center at Boca Raton/Simon Property Group
Twitter ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 15
Melanie Dickinson, South Florida Business Journal Jerry Fedele, Boca Raton Regional Hospital
Facebook ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 15
Mitch Feldman, West Boca Medical Center
Member News ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 16-17
Dr. Peter Gallo, Saint Andrew’s School Geraldine Hussey, Bank of America
Ring the Golden Bell ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 18
Michael Kaufman, Kaufman Lynn General Contractors
Calendar of Events ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 19
Bonnie Kaye, Kaye Communications Inc. Rick Konsavage, Ocean Properties Ltd. Monica Luechtefeld, Office Depot Joseph Pores, Call 4 Health Burt Rapoport, Rapoport’s Restaurant Group Rocki Rockingham, Jarden Consumer Solutions
The BOCA CHAMBER CONNECTION
Tim Snow, George Snow Scholarship Fund, Inc Chuck Stout, Meridian Insurance Group, LLC Ethel Isaacs Williams, Florida Power & Light
Content that is created for and about Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce members!
Professional Team
Published Every:
Troy M. McLellan, CCE, President & CEO Firdaus Dotiwala, V.P., Finance & Administration Audra Hodges, Marketing & Communications Coordinator Chasity Navarro, Events Coordinator Alyssa Kleinman, Executive Assistant
ry
r ua b e F
May
Steven Bleier, Sales Associate
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u Aug
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b m e v No
David Somberg, Sales Associate Kathy Sheridan, Member Service & Administrative Associate
For content submission, please email ahodges@bocaratonchamber.com For more information about the newsletter and advertising, please call 561.395.4433 ext. 235 or visit www.bocaratonchamber.com/newsletter
2 ■ Boca Chamber CONNECTION ■ November 2010 - January 2011
www.bocaratonchamber.com
Leadership for the New Year A Message from your Chamber President by Troy M. McLellan, CCE, President & CEO
As we enter a new Chamber year, we look forward to forging through this pre-boom economy with a renewed sense of optimism for our business community. As we have all gotten used to the “new normal,” our businesses are positioned to rebound quickly when recovery arrives.
committed to the Chamber mission.
In addition to new leadership at the Chamber, we also have new leadership serving our state government. The Chamber’s political action committee, BLU-PAC, endorsed pro-business candidates in the primary and general stateThe vitality and vigor of Boca Raton’s wide elections – and 100 % of business community always has BLU-PAC-endorsed candidates been – and continues to be - a force Troy M. McLellan with the 2010-2011 GBRCC won their races! With more proChairman of the Board John Mulhall and the to be reckoned with. I am confident business candidates serving us in 2009-2010 Chairman Forrest Heathcott that because of the vigilance of our Tallahassee, our business climate members, Boca Raton business will help drive the area’s will improve and our member businesses will have a return to economic prosperity. The positive signs are better opportunity to succeed. Perhaps the most critical all around us and can be seen most prominently in the amendment on the ballot, Amendment 4, was strongly leadership of the Chamber. defeated. This decision by the voting people of the state of Florida sends a loud message that we need to create jobs, We celebrated the transition of leadership of our Board of broaden the tax base and allow our elected officials to do Directors at our Annual Celebration last month. Forrest their jobs effectively on the local level. The effort to defeat Heathcott, of JM Family Enterprises and JM&A Group, Amendment 4 was intense and deep appreciation goes out has effectively lead the Chamber for the past year. We to all the Boca Chamber members for their hard work on now look forward to the leadership of John Mulhall of the long road to victory! Rutherford Mulhall as the new Chairman of the Board for the 2010-2011 I hope that you year. We also will join us in welcomed Dr. celebrating Kevin Ross of Lynn Golden Bell’s 20th University to the Anniversary with Board’s Executive the March to $1 Committee, where Million Donated! he will serve as The Chamber’s Treasurer. education foundation plays Also new to the a critical role Michael Kaufman Chamber Board in providing Ethel Isaacs Williams Dr. Kevin Ross Kaufman Lynn Florida Power & Light Lynn University is Ethel Isaacs supplemental General Contractors Williams of Florida funding for those Power & Light and Michael Kaufman of Kaufman Lynn essential curriculum areas in the classroom that enhance General Contractors, who add tremendous energy and the learning experience. Remember: today's students are business community support. We are very fortunate to add your employees tomorrow! these successful leaders to the existing Board. As you can see, we have many reasons to feel good about At the October membership breakfast, we recognized the upcoming year. With strong leadership and your and honored two Chamber members for their tenacious active participation, the Chamber will yield positive dedication to good business, leadership and involvement business results for 2011 and beyond! As we enter the in the Chamber and community. John Schneyer of Boca Holiday Season, remember to take time to enjoy your Consultants was named the Chamber Person of the Year family and friends – and join us for our Holiday Auction and Jackie Reeves of Bell Rock Capital was the recipient on December 15th! of the Chair’s Award. They exemplify leaders who are
3 ■ Boca Chamber CONNECTION ■ November 2010 - January 2011
www.bocaratonchamber.com
4 ■ Boca Chamber CONNECTION ■ November 2010 - January 2011
www.bocaratonchamber.com
The Holiday Auction Your Holiday Shopping - All Wrapped Up
Wednesday, December 15th 5:30pm to 8:30pm Country Club at Boca Raton (6200 Boca Del Mar Drive, Boca Raton) $25 per person (includes two drinks and hors d’oeuvres) Featuring member restaurants showcasing cuisine and drinks
Plus LIVE and SILENT AUCTIONS! Getaways – Golf Foursomes – Spa Packages – Hotel Stays – Sporting and Concert Tickets ... & much more!
For more information please visit www.bocaratonchamber.com/events or call 561.395.4433
www.bocaratonchamber.com
Boca Chamber CONNECTION ■ November 2010 - January 2011 ■ 5
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HOLIDAY GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE
2010 - 2011 Chamber Business Plan In November 2010 you will be receiving an electronic copy of the 2010-2011 Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce Business Plan. Please take the time to review it, as this is our commitment to you, our members. The Business Plan includes a personal letter from Chamber President & CEO, Troy M. McLellan, CCE and the new Board of Directors Chairman, John Mulhall. Also inside the plan is a description of the Chamber’s focus on and commitment to economic development, a description of committees, an explanation of the networking groups, and mission statements for the Golden Bell Education Foundation and the Business Leaders United for Boca Raton - PC, Inc. (BLU-PAC). A PDF of the most up-to-date Business Plan is available throughout the year online at www.bocaratonchamber.com/businessplan.
Plan to Lead! Leadership Boca 2011
The Chamber is proud to announce that it is currently accepting applications for this popular annual program. Leadership Boca represents the Chamber’s effort to ensure that our community leaders will be able to meet the challenges of the future. The eight-session program is designed to educate civic-minded individuals in the greater Boca Raton area regarding the issues and concerns facing the community. The program develops a pool of leaders available to become involved in creating, maintaining and enhancing the quality of life in Boca Raton. The eight sessions include: SIMSOC (Simulated Society), Economic Development, Health & Human Services, Education, Environmental Awareness, Government, Media, and Culture & Tourism. Participants will become a more valuable asset to their employer by providing face-to-face contacts with current community leaders, identifying concerns and issues, and preparing themselves to assume future leadership roles. Tuition for the 2011 program is $995, which covers the cost of all program content, transportation, meals, and materials. Space is limited, so submit your application TODAY! Deadline for preliminary applications is Friday, January 7, 2011. For more information or to request an application, please email Chasity Navarro at cnavarro@bocaratonchamber.com or call 561.395.4433 ext. 233. Jackie Reeves of Bell Rock Capital will Chair Leadership Boca 2011.
6 ■ Boca Chamber CONNECTION ■ November 2010 - January 2011
Jackie Reeves
www.bocaratonchamber.com
Welcome New Members! *Due to press deadlines, members listed are those that joined from July to September of 2010. New Trustee Members:
Advent Square Independent Retirement Community www.adventsquare.org Lynn Beck Boca Raton, FL
Boca Raton Tribune Heizer Corp, Inc. www.bocaratontribune.com Douglas Heizer Boca Raton, FL
Aspen Air Conditioning www.aspenac.com Steven J. Maguire Boca Raton, FL
Adwear Promotional Products www.uadwear.com Brad Langmo Deerfield Beach, FL
Bryant Concierge, Inc. www.bryantconcierge.com Joyce Bryant Fort Lauderdale, FL
Beighley, Myrick and Udell, P.A. www.bampa.net Adam Beighley Pompano Beach, FL
Air Turbine Technology, Inc. www.airturbinetools.com Terrence Collins Boca Raton, FL
Caring Transitions www.caringtransitions.net Ruth Mather Boca Raton, FL
Buzz Agency, The www.thebuzzagency.net Julie Kaminski Boca Raton, FL
Alexandra Massage and Wellness www.alexandravanhorn.com Alexandra Van Horn Boca Raton, FL
Coastal Star, The www.thecoastalstar.com Jerry Lower Ocean Ridge, FL
Everglades University www.evergladesuniversity.edu Cheryl Lawko Boca Raton, FL
American Business Women's Association - Gold Coast Charter Chapter www.abwagoldcoast.org Sheree Thomas Deerfield, FL
Coldwell Banker/Alan Abramson www.floridamoves.com Alan Abramson Delray Beach, FL
3Cinteractive, L.L.C. www.3Cinteractive.com John Duffy Boca Raton, FL
Habitat for Humanity South Palm Beach www.habitatsouthpalmbeach.org Michael Campbell Delray Beach, FL MDG Advertising, Inc. www.mdgadvertising.com Joanne Del Gigante Boca Raton, FL Shutts & Bowen, LLP www.shutts.com Hank Jackson West Palm Beach, FL U.S. Foodservice South Florida Ron White Boca Raton, FL Weiner & Lynne, PA www.zonelaw.com Jeffrey Lynne, Esq. Delray Beach, FL
New General Members: A & B Insurance and Financial, Inc. www.ab-financialgroup.com Stephen Wind Boca Raton, FL ActionCOACH South Florida www.actioncoach.com/edgagliardi Ed Gagliardi Boca Raton, FL
Ameriprise Financial www.ameriprise.com Katherine M. Regna Boca Raton, FL
Computer Medic On Call www.computermediconcall.com Larry Mann Boca Raton, FL
Atlantic AllCare, Inc. www.atlanticallcare.com Charles Farthing, IV Deerfield Beach, FL BarCharts Publishing, Inc. www.barcharts.com Daniel Sillence Boca Raton, FL Billboard Connection www.bocabillboards.com Mackenzie Ross Boca Raton, FL Boca Raton Life Time Athletic Club www.lifetimefitness.com Donna Everhart Boca Raton, FL Boca Raton Outpatient Surgery & Laser Center www.broslc.com Wendy Blakeslee Boca Raton, FL
www.bocaratonchamber.com
Colliers International South Florida www.colliers.com Sal Bonsignore Fort Lauderdale, FL
D & D Printing Solutions, Inc. www.dndprintingsolutions.com Danielle Caban Boca Raton, FL Dawson James Securities www.dawsonjames.com Don Bateman Boca Raton, FL Defender Resorts dba Ventura at Boca www.defenderresorts.com Frank Baker Boca Raton, FL Exchange Lounge Jonathan Hart Boca Raton, FL Fairchild Photography www.fairchild-photography.com Jodi Fairchild Lighthouse Point, FL
Florida Eye Microsurgical Institute www.fleyedocs.com Gwen Cohan Boynton Beach, FL Florida's Best Realty Services, LLC www.floridasbestrealty.com Marshall Sklar Boca Raton, FL Four Points Media Group www.wtvx.com Brigida Savine West Palm Beach, FL H & A Marketing Herb Roth Boynton Beach, FL Hadley Media www.hadleymedia.com Kristen Humphrey San Francisco, CA Hour Collection Wayne Richter Boca Raton, FL IBIS Wealth Management www.ibiswealth.com Thomas Balcom Boca Raton, FL Kaplan University www.kaplan.com Michael Clancy Delray Beach, FL Lakeside Terrace www.lakesideterrace.com Tammy Amoroso Boca Raton, FL Law Offices of Nathan G. Mancuso, P.A. www.mancuso-law.com Nathan Mancuso Boca Raton, FL Life Coach Laurina, LLC Laurina Anderson Ft. Lauderdale, FL Links Media Corp www.LinksMediaCorp.com Gary Boyd Coral Springs, FL (continued on page 8)
Boca Chamber CONNECTION ■ November 2010 - January 2011 ■ 7
(New Members - continued from page 7) Prudential Florida Realty www.prudentialfloridarealty.com Mary Gerakopoulos Boca Raton, FL
State Farm / Matthew Sipowski www.mattsipowski.com Britney Hodson Boca Raton, FL
MetLife / Patricia Martinez www.metlife.com Patricia Martinez Boca Raton, FL
PT2 Physical Therapy & Personal Training www.pt2therapy.com Mitchell Yass Boca Raton, FL
SuMa Partners, Ltd. (Inc.) www.sumapartners.com Marc Goldberg Boca Raton, FL
MMP Painting, Inc. Modesto Perera Royal Palm Beach, FL
Rebound Fitness, Inc. Benita Kitts Boca Raton, FL
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney / Egerton "Edge" Bullock, CFA, CFP www.fa.smithbarney.com/bullock Egerton "Edge" Bullock Boca Raton, FL
Summit Realty Leasing & Management Corporation www.summitrealtyfl.com Camille Gulisano-Palaez Boca Raton, FL
Regal Home Health www.regalcares.com Ferial Andre Delray Beach, FL
Sunshine Press JST, LLC Scott Furer Boca Raton, FL
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Guy Regalado Boca Raton, FL
Rehmann www.rehmann.com Bill Burnett Boca Raton, FL
Test Tubes of Paper www.testtubesofpaper.com Hal Rosenthal Boca Raton, FL
Revmax Technologies www.revmaxtech.com Esin Davis Boca Raton, FL
Ticktin Law Group, P.A., The www.legalbrains.com Michael Vater Deerfield Beach, FL
Rodan & Fields Dermatologists / Jessica Daly www.rodanandfields.com Jessica Daly Lake Worth, fl
TooJay's www.toojays.com/catering Natasha Bucher Boca Raton, FL
Made in USA Certified, Inc www.usa-c.com Julie Reiser Boca Raton, FL
MTS Software Solutions, Inc. www.mts-software.net Matt Scott Pompano Beach, FL Neighborhood Sports Bar and Grill www.neighborhoodsportsbar.com Alex Goodrich Boca Raton, FL One Source Screening www.onesourcescreening.com Melissa Altman-Weldy Winchester, VA Print-Tee, LLC www.print-tee.com Ginger Novak Pompano Beach, FL Projection Screens Inc. www.proscreensllc.com Jamie Smith Boca Raton, FL
Southern Certified, Inc. www.southern-certified.com Richard Kurzman Pompano Beach, FL Spanish River Community High School / Deborah Stenner www.palmbeach.k12.fl.us/spanishriverhs/ Boca Raton, FL Spanish River High Theatre Arts www.spanishrivertheatre.org Rocco D'Attolico Boca Raton, FL
Twin Dots www.twindots.com Steven Wang Boca Raton, FL Uncle Julio's www.unclejulios.com Jay Wolfson Boca Raton, FL United Way of Palm Beach County www.unitedwaypbc.org Charles Anderson Boynton Beach, FL
Universal Technical Resource Services, Inc. www.utrs.com George Zalcman Boca Raton, FL Visual Eyes at Mizner Park www.bocaeyedoctor.com Dennis Evans Boca Raton, FL Walk In Bath Pros www.walkinbathpros.com Jim Stangl Boca Raton, FL Westchester Country Club www.westchestercc.com Shannon Fitzpatrick Boynton Beach, FL Women In Distress of Broward County, Inc. www.womenindistress.org Mary Riedel Fort Lauderdale, FL Wowies Sports Grill www.wowiessportsgrill.com Estefania Macchiavello Boca Raton, FL WXEL www.wxel.org Ross Cooper West Palm Beach, FL Yanbal, Inc. www.yanbal-int.com Gladys Blanco Deerfield Beach, FL
*Due to press deadlines, members listed joined from July to September of 2010. NOT A MEMBER? If you are interested in joining the GBRCC, please call 561.395.4433 to speak with a Sales Associate.
When only the best will do. Chris Petrucci, Realtor ® 954-274-7529 REAL ESTATE • MORTGAGE • TITLE
Aplicor is a global Cloud Based Software Company which features a full CRM (Customer Relationship Management) and ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) Software Solution for high growth, middle-market and enterprise companies.
1200 Yamato Road, Suite B-1 Boca Raton, FL 33431 ChrisPetrucci@Keyes.com
8 ■ Boca Chamber CONNECTION ■ November 2010 - January 2011
1515 South Federal Highway - Suite 306 Boca Raton, FL 33432 561-347-0300 Ext. 1107
www.bocaratonchamber.com
GBRCC Member Anniversaries Thank you to all of our Members for your continued support! - The Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce Team
10
Years as a Chamber Member
●●Becker Consulting Group, Inc. ●●Bennardo & Bennardo, Attorneys at Law ●●Children's Museum ●●Ergonomics, Inc. ●●Hilton Garden Inn Boca Raton ●●Lima Vision Center, PA ●●Pan American Cigars Export, Inc.
●●Barnes & Associates Certified Public Accountants, P.A.
5
Years as a Chamber Member
●●Corey Leifer, P.A. ●●Corzo Castella Carballo Thompson Salman, P.A. ●●Critter Control ●●Grand Floridian Estate Realty ●●Labyrinth Audiology ●●Self Discovery Group LLC ●●Stratis Business Systems. Inc. ●●Unity School ●●Woolbright Development, Inc. ●●X-Med Medical Information Systems
www.bocaratonchamber.com
Boca Chamber CONNECTION ■ November 2010 - January 2011 ■ 9
Welcome to the Boc hip s r e b Mem fasts k Brea
ful s s e c Suc n in e m o W ess n i s u B ) (SWIB
Keith O'Donnell and Amy Allen at the August Membership Breakfast
Dale King and Rosemary Krieger at the September Golden Bell Membership Breakfast
Jackie Reeves, Joe Riano and Ed Gagliardi at the October Membership Breakfast
Peggy Price and Dawn Burke at the September SWIB Luncheon
Eileen Robinson and Sharon Geltner at the September SWIB Luncheon
Elise Berrin and Kimberly Knapp at the October SWIB Luncheon
Bryan McConnell and Josh Dorman at the September PULSE Luncheon
Tatum Mesorio and Chim Francisco at the September PULSE Luncheon
Daniel Alberttis and Kristy Hartofilis at the September PULSE Luncheon
Scott Creighton and Mahendran Jawaharlal at the September Trustee Luncheon
Stephen Maguire and Carl Anello at the September Trustee Luncheon
Kelly Smallridge and Ioana Grigore at the October Trustee Event
SEnited for L U Pionals U vice &
Ser fess (Pro ership, ment) Lead power Em
e Truste s Event
10 â– Boca Chamber CONNECTION â– November 2010 - January 2011
www.bocaratonchamber.com
ca Chamber 'Seen'!
Margie Osborn, Meredith and Dr. Peter Gallo at the October Membership Breakfast
Tim Snow and Mayor Susan Whelchel at the October Membership Breakfast
Denise Righetti and Jodi Fairchild at the October SWIB Luncheon
Ellen Leibovitch, Jayne Scala and Marie Granning at the October SWIB Luncheon
Dustin Kuehn, Lloyd Berkowitz, Scott Garber and Eric Marbach at the October PULSE After-Hours Network
Shannon Fitzpatrick and Danielle Laskey at the October PULSE AfterHours Network
Special Event!
Sharon Overton, Dawn Pollay and Michal Dildine at the Law of the Garbage Truck breakfast
www.bocaratonchamber.com
Mike Wolfson and Jason Doherty at the October Membership Breakfast
ship r e b Mem ours H r e Aft ork Netw
Chad Tiedt and Tara Ebert at the September Membership After-Hours Network
Darlene Sall and Barbara Sageman at the Law of the Garbage Truck breakfast
We have fantastic networking events happening all the time at the GBRCC. Won't you join us? Visit www. bocaratonchamber.com/ events for info!
Eliot Popper and Susan Kaplan at the August Membership After-Hours Network
Gail Eagle and Bruce Klein at the October Membership After-Hours Network miniEXPO
Cheryl Budd and Judy Joffe at the Law of the Garbage Truck breakfast
Boca Chamber CONNECTION â– November 2010 - January 2011 â– 11
Business is Good!™ ... for Engaging in the Chamber! Members are talking about how the Chamber's educational programs and networking events are having an awesome effect on their business! Tell us how your Chamber involvement is helping you! Email Audra Hodges at ahodges@bocaratonchamber.com! Kim Knapp Skin Apeel Day Spa “The Boca Chamber has been phenomenal in connecting me with new friends. I love the education and each opportunity to grow both as an individual and a business owner.”
Kim Canavan, Fish Window Cleaning "The Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce gives me access to decision makers when they are open to hearing about my services. Everyone is so busy these days and no one has time to handle all the emails, blogs, direct mailings, cold calls, and telephone calls of every sales person. Busy decision makers have to insulate themselves from all the sales noise. The Chamber offers meetings (I particularly love the membership breakfasts!) where purchaser and seller can get together to exchange needs, leads, names, cards, contacts, and solutions. And I, as a buyer, am available to hear about the services and products others have for me. Office Depot is particularly aggressive about making sure I get the best deal. And I do!"
Business is Good!™ ... for Taking Your Business to the Next Level! If you are serious about being a leader, not only in your business, but in the entire greater Boca Raton community, we invite you to become part of the inner circle of local business - the Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce Trustee program! Margaret Mary and John Shuff with Michael Luciano and Stephen Barnett This program was created and designed exclusively for CEO and senior-level executives. Trustee members lend their expertise to issues concerning business, community issues and politics to help ensure a solid future for enterprise and our citizens. Every Trustee member business enjoys the benefits of general membership, PLUS a variety of additional valueadded components. These include access to the Chamber team members who are consistently available to assist them
with all of their Chamber needs, exclusive Trustee events, small group events such as "Straight Talk in the Boardroom” which is designed to connect Trustee members with each other and address various business issues facing our community, access to all Trustee members, discounted ticket prices for select annual events, and much more! Building connections and establishing relationships are critical components to any successful business. Our Trustee members have the opportunity to meet with each other in large groups during exclusive Trustee events as well as smaller, more intimate gatherings which are designed to help members learn more about how they can support each other and our entire community. For more information about the Chamber's Trustee program please contact 561.395.4433 or visit www.bocaratonchamber.com/trustees.
12 ■ Boca Chamber CONNECTION ■ November 2010 - January 2011
www.bocaratonchamber.com
www.bocaratonchamber.com
Boca Chamber CONNECTION ■ November 2010 - January 2011 ■ 13
The Small Business Update Presentation Pitfall No. 1 — Death by PowerPoint
Do your presentations make a powerful point or are you boring your audience to death?
Visual aids greatly enhance a presentation, and PowerPoint© slides are the ones most often used in the business world. But beware of pitfalls that can make your PowerPoint a distraction rather than an attraction. Think of your presentation simply as a tool, and use it wisely, with these easy PowerPoint Dos and Don’ts: • Do use PowerPoint to better convey your message and increase audience comprehension. Your slides should give your viewers an at-a-glance synopsis of your message so they can grasp your main points quickly and easily. • Do keep it simple. Well chosen words, graphs or charts should add clarity to your spoken words, not simply echo them. Experts recommend you use no more than five to eight words per line, and no more than five to six lines on a slide. Use key words only, not full sentences. Remember, this is not your presentation script. • Do include your company logo on the corner of each slide. • Do cut the clutter. Two different fonts is a good rule of thumb, and try not to use more than one graphic image, or chart per slide, beyond a recurring design element or your logo.
• Don't get carried away with PowerPoint’s optional bells and whistles. These can overshadow your message. Keep fades, zips, dissolves, wipes, wedges and other animations to a minimum. When overused, these options distract and confuse your audience, and make you appear unprofessional. • Don’t use charts full of numbers and columns. They are hard to read and hard to follow. You can use more than one slide to make your case.
• Do use spell check. Nothing makes your presentation less credible than spelling errors. • Do use original images. Determine whether you really need images to accompany your presentation. If you do, avoid using clip art and instead, supply your own photographs or graphics available online. Follow these simple rules to make your next presentation one of purpose and simplicity. That way, you will make your point and make it powerfully. Author Judy Joffe is the director of community relations in the Corporate Communications department of Boca Raton-based NCCI Holdings (ncci.com). She also serves as vice president of the Gold Coast Public Relations Council.
Seven Terrific Telecommunications Tips
The following is a set of quick tips you can use to check your own telecommunications bills for errors and inefficiencies. Good luck and good hunting! 1. Cross reference the number of lines you have with the actual phone lines and phone numbers. For example, if your bill says you have 127 lines, you may have 100 in rollover (hunting) on your phone system, 2 fire alarm lines, and 25 fax lines. If you can’t account for all your lines, you have your first clue that you are being billed for lines you are not using! 2. Check the long distance section of your bill for “minimum commitments”. For example, if your long distance minimum commitment is $5,000, and you are only using $3,000 of it because you have downsized, you are giving the carrier $2,000 every month for nothing! Similarly if your usage is $3,000, your minimum commitment of only $1,500 may be robbing you of getting lower per minute rates by not committing to a higher level. Regardless of which of these two situations you might be in, renegotiate your minimum commitment to be in line with your usage to get the most cost efficient long distance rate. 3. Have you downsized? If so, then look at how many lines you have. If you are not a call center, and you have more than 1 line for every 5 employees, you may have too many. Run a traffic study and get help reading it. Usage curves are not linear, so it won’t be as easy as the 1 to 5 rule if you are bigger than 100 people. 4. Cellular or mobile phone bills can be a source of savings, especially if you allow your employees to submit their own bills for reimbursement or allow them to control their features and usage on the corporate bill. The most cost efficient way to handle cellular bills is to get a corporate plan, and appoint an administrator who will review the bill each month for one-time download charges, spikes in voice/data usage, etc. The second
best way is to allow your employees to obtain a reimbursement each month, but have it only be a specific amount that allows for an average month’s usage of voice/data. The employee can notate a single month’s bill for additional consideration if additional work-related usage was charged. 5. Check your provider’s contract expiration date. Most provider contracts have a clause that says that the contract auto-renews if you do not notify them in writing 30-60 days before expiration that you intend to leave. They will enforce this! At least 90 days before expiration, start getting rate comparisons from other carriers. If you end up wanting to leave your current provider, send that notice by fax AND registered mail at least 45 days before expiration, and then call to make sure that it is in your file. 6. Check in with your provider’s sales rep from time to time to see if they are offering any specials or bundling. Bundling is the offering of multiple types of services such as voice + internet at a lower rate than if you were to buy them separately. Taking advantage of specials and bundling will often force you to extend your contract, so make sure you are getting the best deal. 7. Review your Yellow Pages charges. If you are in a consumer business, yes, people still use the yellow pages, but see if you can get a better bang for your buck by focusing more of your dollars into the online version – yellowpages.com. If you are not in that type of business, consider reducing your ad size or reducing it to the free entry only (no ad), and putting your money into beefing up your website and doing some search engine optimization (SEO). Bobra S. Bush is the president of Telcom Corporation. For details, email info@telcomcorp.com or visit www.telcomcorp.com. Bobra is also the GBRCC's 2010 Small Business Leader of the Year.
14 ■ Boca Chamber CONNECTION ■ November 2010 - January 2011
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Best Restorations 601 North Congress Avenue Suite # 107 Delray Beach, FL 33445
Florida's Best Realty 5455 N. Federal Highway Suite # 1 Boca Raton, FL 33487
InterFACE 150 E. Palmetto Park Road Suite # 175 Boca Raton, FL 33432
Neighborhood Sports Bar and Grill 6450 North Federal Highway Boca Raton, FL 33487
United Way of Palm Beach County 2600 Quantum Boulevard Boynton Beach, FL 33426
West Boca High's Calaloo Cafe 12811 Glades Rd Boca Raton, FL 33498
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It's Here! The 2011 Annual Directory! The new Annual Directories are now available! Please stop by the Chamber office to pick up your copy today! If you would like to add an extra category listing ($25 per addition) on the Chamber website, please contact Firdaus Dotiwala at fdotiwala@bocaratonchamber.com.
Boca Chamber CONNECTION ■ November 2010 - January 2011 ■ 15
Member News Florida’s primary economic development organization has recognized Southern Waste Systems, and its sister company, Sun Recycling, for taking a leadership role in making the state a greener place to live and do business. Enterprise Florida, which is a public-private partnership, recently honored the company with the 2010 Governor’s Business Diversification Award in the category called “Green-to-Gold.” The “Green-to-Gold” is for Florida companies, universities or other organizations that through product or process best exemplifies ‘green’ leadership as it pertains to the state’s goals to become a leader in this emerging field. Southern Waste Systems is a full-service waste and recycling company with more than 50 years experience in the solid waste collection, disposal, and recycling business. The company services Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River Counties. For more information log on to www.southernwastesystems.com. Workforce Alliance opened a new Career Center in Boca Raton on Tuesday, October 12th to serve job seekers and businesses in the southern part of Palm Beach County. The new site, 951 Yamato Road, Suite 175, is situated just west of I-95 on the north side of Yamato Road and is easily accessible by car or from Tri-Rail and Palm Tran. Workforce Alliance also offers Professional Placement services for unemployed individuals who have a four-year college degree or five years of managerial experience with commensurate salary history at the new Boca Raton and West Palm Beach Career Centers. For more information on Workforce Alliance programs, visit www.pbcalliance.com or the Career Center locations in Boca Raton, 561.853.0181; West Palm Beach at 1951 N. Military Trail, Suite D, 561.340.1060; or in Belle Glade, 1085 S. Main Street, 561.829.2040. Three attorneys at Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith, PLLC based in West Palm Beach, have been named by Florida Super Lawyers magazine as top attorneys in Florida for 2010. Only five percent of the lawyers in the state are named by Super Lawyers. Managing Partner Gary S. Lesser, Partner Joseph B. Landy, and Partner Mickey S. Smith of the Firm were among these honorees for the fifth time again this year. In addition, one rising Associate, Chad Hastings, has been named one of the magazine’s Rising Stars. Super Lawyers launched Rising Stars in 1998 to recognize the top up-and-coming attorneys in the state. Merryl Silverman Haber, Attorney at Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith, PLLC, has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the Adolph & Rose Levis Jewish Community Center during the JCC’s Annual Meeting to help further the mission and vision of strengthening Jewish continuity. LLL&S enjoys a reputation in the community for superior legal skills, hard work, client service, and high ethical standards. For more information, please call 561.655.2028 or visit the firm’s website at www.lesserlawfirm.com. Robb & Stucky Interiors, the internationally renowned interior design and premier home furnishings retailer, was recognized in July by the Southeast Building Conference for design excellence during the Aurora Award Gala held in Orlando. Robb & Stucky won five awards, including two Grand Auroras. Founded in 1915, in Fort Myers, Robb & Stucky is an internationally recognized interior design and premier home furnishings retailer with showrooms in Florida, Texas, Arizona, Nevada, and Costa Rica. In addition, Robb & Stucky
has expanded, both domestically and internationally, with increasing commercial design assignments for condominiums, hotels, timeshares and fractional properties. For more information, visit www.RobbStucky.com. Redgrave & Rosenthal LLP, a premier estate planning firm in Florida, is pleased to announce that attorney Ryland F. Mahathey has recently achieved board certification in tax law by The Florida Bar. This certification is the highest level of recognition by the Bar of the competency and experience of attorneys in the areas of law approved for certification by the Supreme Court of Florida. Only certified attorneys are allowed to identify themselves as "Florida Bar Certified" or as a "Specialist." For more information, visit www. redgraveandrosenthal.com. MDG Advertising announced that it has signed an agreement with The International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. MDG Advertising will be working on strategic partnerships and corporate sponsors for The 38th International Emmy Awards that will take place on Monday, November 22, 2010 at the Hilton Hotel, New York. This year’s Special Award honorees include American Idol judge and Got Talent executive producer, Simon Cowell, who will receive the 2010 International Emmy® Founders Award, and Saturday Night Live creator and executive producer, Lorne Michaels, who will receive the 2010 International Emmy® Directorate Award. MDG Advertising of Boca Raton, FL and New York, NY is an award-winning, full-service agency specializing in customized communications strategies. Their core capabilities include brand strategy, creative, digital marketing, media planning and buying, public relations, web design and development and SEO. For more information, please log on to www.mdgadvertising.com. Made in USA Certified and The Whole Brain Group, LLC, have formed a strategic business alliance that will focus on fostering technological growth and expansion for U.S.A- based service and manufacturing businesses. The Whole Brain Group recently became "Service in USA Certified™" (www. usa-c.com) and has developed a strong presence in Michigan as a leading U.S. provider of paperless solutions for business, education and non-profit organizations. The company has also expanded its reach beyond Michigan with its successful webbased AccreditStation® product, and has developed a national reputation among research institutions as the leading provider of accreditation management and automation software. The Whole Brain Group and Made in USA Certified are Woman Owned Businesses and both Marisa and Julie Reiser are active members of Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP). For more information, visit www.usa-c.com. The Boca Raton Museum of Art, has announced the retirement of George S. Bolge, Executive Director of the Museum, effective June 30, 2011. Bolge, a decorated Vietnam veteran, began his museum career in South Florida in 1970, when he was hired as Executive Director and, during his tenure, was instrumental in the creation of the new Museum of Art, Fort Lauderdale (now known as Museum of Art, Fort Lauderdale/Nova Southeastern University.) He served as its chief executive until 1988, and remains Director Emeritus for this Broward-based arts organization, which is regarded as one of the most celebrated museums in South Florida.
16 ■ Boca Chamber CONNECTION ■ November 2010 - January 2011
www.bocaratonchamber.com
The Boca Raton Museum of Art has evolved into one of the leading cultural institutions in South Florida achieving international recognition as a world-class visual arts institution, presenting dynamic traveling exhibitions from acclaimed and emerging artists, and an outstanding permanent collection. Some of the Museum’s programs include art films, artist lectures, family programs, the Annual Art Festival and more than 100 classes a week at its studio Art School. Museum Auxiliaries include The Artists’ Guild, Friends Auxiliary and Collector’s Forum. For more information, visit www. bocamuseum.org. Robin Miller of CRUISEONE earns prestigious top rank in Princess Cruises Academy As a Commodore, Miller joins an exclusive group of travel agents who are now recognized by Princess at the Academy's highest level for their unique qualifications and knowledge as a cruise planning professional. Robin Miller earned this distinction after completing the minimum 25 courses necessary to graduate from the program. Princess Academy is the cruise industry’s most comprehensive online training program available to travel agents in the U.S. and Canada. For more information, visit www.planmycruisenow. com. Ibis Financial Group, headquartered in Boca Raton, was recently named one of Florida’s Best Companies To Work For. Additionally, Ibis Financial Group was ranked #2 in the Small Business category (25-49 employees). Ibis Financial Group specializes in offering comprehensive wealth management tailored to the unique needs of individuals and business owners. The advisors of Ibis Financial Group have over 300 years of combined experience in financial service and specialized areas
such as business planning, special needs planning, and estate planning. Ibis Financial Group offers securities and investment advisory services through Securian Financial Services, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. Ibis Financial Group is independently owned and operated and it is located at 7284 W. Palmetto Park Road, Suite 106, Boca Raton, FL 33433. For more information, visit www.ibisfingroup.com or call 561-910-2566. Since launching its SCORE an Angel program a year ago, a program that matches promising businesses with investors, SCORE, Counselors to America’s Small Business, Chapter 412, has doubled its team of angels and added 25 new members within the past four months. The SCORE an Angel program is designed to secure start-up financing in an economy with a shortage of traditional money sources. South Palm Beach SCORE, www.scoresouthflorida.net, is the largest South Florida chapter of the Washington, D.C. association dedicated to entrepreneur education and the formation, growth and success of small business. SCORE offers free consulting to start-ups and existing business. For an appointment or more information, call South Palm Beach SCORE at 561.981.5180 or visit www.scoresouthflorida.net .
We want to know about YOU - our Chamber Members! Please send business news updates and press releases to Audra Hodges at ahodges@bocaratonchamber.com. NOTE: Due to space consideration, we may not be able to run ALL received updates.
FREE Chamber Network TickeT! Expand your network! The more members there are, the more potential people for you to network with and market your company to. Members that refer another company that joins receive a free ticket to an upcoming Membership After-Hours Network! Encourage your business acquaintances to join the GBRCC, send your referrals to: info@bocaratonchamber.com or call 561.395.4433.
• LEADERSHIP • COMMITMENT • GROWTH • OPPORTUNITY Join The Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce Trustee program today! 561.395.4433 www.bocaratonchamber.com/trustee www.bocaratonchamber.com
Boca Chamber CONNECTION ■ November 2010 - January 2011 ■ 17
Business is Good!™ ... for Education!
2011
20 Year
s of Giv
ing!
Ring the Golden Bell!
Every year during the September Membership Breakfast, the Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce awards grants from the Golden Bell Education Foundation to local K-12 schools.
During the breakfast, Ricki Hendrickson, a 5th grader at AD Henderson University School told the local business leaders about the green living program that came to life at her school, thanks to a Golden Bell grant.
This year, there was an enormous outpouring of spontaneous community support. “It was incredible,” said Troy M. McLellan, CCE, President and CEO of the GBRCC. “The business community of Boca Raton is overwhelmingly supportive of Golden Bell and its efforts, but to see our Chamber members offer up $15,000 in donations during the breakfast was astounding. It shows that Golden Bell is making a positive difference in this community.”
Fifth-Grader Ricki Hendricksen and Ms. Robin Barkes of AD Henderson University School
The Foundation presented more than $50,000 in grants to a total of 12 schools and one local scholarship fund. The following is a list of the recipients: • A.D. Henderson University School • Addison Mizner Elementary School • Calusa Elementary School • Hammock Pointe Elementary School • JC Mitchell Elementary School • Sandpiper Shores Elementary School • Whispering Pines Elementary School • Boca Raton Community Middle School • Eagles Landing Middle School • Omni Middle School • Olympic Heights Community High School • West Boca Raton Community High School • The George Snow Scholarship Fund
By the end of the breakfast, more than a dozen Chamber members rang the Golden Bell by making on-the-spot donations to the foundation – totaling more than $15,000! It was an amazing display of generosity that demonstrates the importance of a strong public school system as it relates to the overall economic vitality of our community.
In the spring of 2011, the Foundation will celebrate 20 years of giving with a special Golden Bell community event and fundraiser. Be on the lookout for details so you can help us Ring the Golden Bell! Since its inception, the foundation has distributed more than $978,000 into classrooms for our children. We are on course to reach the landmark donation of $1 Million! It is your commitment to the Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce that allows the Foundation to continue with its critical initiatives – including the enhancement of our public education system in Boca Raton. To find out more about the Golden Bell and how you can help, please visit www. bocaratonchamber.com/goldenbell.
Thank You to All Who Generously "Ring the Golden Bell" including:
Mary Wong and the Office Depot Foundation Pictured with (L to R) John T. Mulhall, Michael Woody of TD Bank (Breakfast Sponsor), Troy M. McLellan, Golden Bell Chair J.C. Perrin and Charles Shane
Randy Nobles and Comerica Pictured with (L to R) John T. Mulhall, Troy M. McLellan, Golden Bell Chair J.C. Perrin and Charles Shane
18 ■ Boca Chamber CONNECTION ■ November 2010 - January 2011
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Boca Chamber CONNECTION ■ November 2010 - January 2011 ■ 19
2011
B O C A
C H A M B E R
November 2010 - January 2011
Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce 1800 North Dixie Highway Boca Raton, FL 33432-1892
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Celebrating 20 Years of Supporting Local Public Schools! 1 ■ Boca Chamber CONNECTION ■ November 2010 - January 2011
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20 ■ Boca Chamber CONNECTION ■ November 2010 - January 2011
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