e-Business Watch Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches
Chamber Announces Community Leader of the Year - George Wedgworth Office Depot Program Helps Small Businesses Save!
April 2011
THESE PENGUINS DON’T BELONG HERE
BUT YOUR AD DOES.
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Contact Business Watch Alexandra Guth at aguth@palmbeaches.org
e-BUSINESS
WATCH
ON THE COVER Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches 401 N. Flagler Drive West Palm Beach, FL 33401 Phone: (561) 833-3711 Fax: (561) 833-5582
7 Chamber Announces
Community Leader of the Year
16 Office Depot Program
Helps Small Businesses Save!
Visit us online at: www.palmbeaches.org
Staff
Dennis Grady Chief Executive Officer Sandy Pullens Director of Administrative Services Kelley Burke Director of Sponsorships and Special Events Donald Burgess Operations Coordinator Alexandra Guth Communications Coordinator/Webmaster Kelly Fanelli Membership Director Bryan Baker Membership Development
57,000 small business owners in Palm Beach County ... How do they leverage the internet? • Research product purchases (51%) • Check late-breaking news (49%) • Search restaurants (39%) • Search local businesses (37%)
Source: 2010 Palm Beach Post Custom Scarborough Study, Release 2
FIND MORE MARKET INFO AT:
RealSolutions.PalmBeachPost.com
Mark Marlowe Membership Development Sharon McIntosh Information Coordinator
April 2011
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Officers
Board of Directors
Larry B. Alexander Jones, Foster, Johnston & Stubbs, P.A. Scott Butler Butler Construction Co.
John Cassidy John C. Cassidy Air Conditioning, Inc. Dr. David Dorfman Mobile Chiropractic of the Palm Beaches
Chair
Carey O’Donnell O’Donnell Agency
Chair-Elect
Michelle Diffenderfer Lewis, Longman & Walker, P.A.
Bill Fleming Palm Beach Atlantic University Clint Glass Balfour Beatty Construction
Treasurer
Russell Greene Grand Bank & Trust of Florida
Secretary
Christine Hanley Christine D. Hanley & Associates, P.A.
General Counsel
Patti Hamilton Southern Waste Systems LLC/ Sun Recycling
At-Large Member
Rick Herman PNC Bank
David D. Brooks, CPA Charles Gerardi The Palm Beach Post Paul Krasker Trident Title LLC
Wesley Lauer Akerman Senterfitt
At-Large Member Harvey E. Oyer III Shutts & Bowen, LLP
Past-Chair
Don DeWoody WGCompass Realty Companies
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Tom Dye Carlton Fields, P.A.
Business Watch
Trish Lowry Florida’s Blood Centers Monica Manolas CEMEX
Danny Martell Florida Crystals Corporation Daniel Miller Broad and Cassel Frank Newman WACHOVIA, A Wells Fargo Company Mark Nosacka Good Samaritan Medical Center Kevin Probel Related Companies Keith Spina Glidden Spina & Partners Jonathan Teaford Digital Domain Media Group John Templeton Templeton & Company, LLP Ricky Wade McDonald’s/”B”ing the Best, Inc. Steve Wasserman WPTV NewsChannel 5
Beth Kigel KBS Strategies Group, LLC
William S. Williams Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath
Don Kiselewski Florida Power & Light Co.
Kathy Willoughby Bank of America Merrill Lynch
Patrick Koenig Flagler Realty & Development, Inc.
Upcoming Chamber Events
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Digital Download Series
Join the Chamber and The Palm Beach Post for its Digital Download Series on three consecutive Friday mornings in April in the Chamber Board Room. In this changing world of technology, learn what local businesses need to know about what’s available online starting with terminologies and/or demographics; what is available for a fee or free, and how to leverage your website to better represent your business online.
April Breakfast
Join the Chamber on Thursday, April 21 at 7:45 a.m. at the Palm Beach County Convention Center for our April Breakfast featuring guest speaker: Jeri Muoio, Mayor of West Palm Beach.
Friday, April 15: Think Outside the
Banner – What’s New & What’s Next This session shows you how to combine display, search, social media and mobile into your marketing strategy. Register online at www.palmbeaches.org or call (561) 833-3711 ext. 231. $10 per session for Chamber Members.
Mayor Muoio Pre-Pay Members: $30 Non-Members: $40 Register online at www.palmbeaches.org For more information please contact Kelley Burke at (561) 833-3711 ext. 231 Sponsored by:
Free parking courtesy of:
April 2011
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The Hyatt is the Place
The Hyatt Place Downtown West Palm Beach, which was recently honored as the top Hyatt Place in the country, hosted the March Mixer. The networking event celebrated the opening of its new, full-service lobby bar. They serve an extensive selection of signature Mojitos, cocktails, beers, wines and spirits, and have an awesome happy hour weekdays from 5 - 7pm. The hotel is celebrating its second anniversary and is located at the corner of Olive and Lakeview Avenue in downtown West Palm Beach. Special thanks to the Hyatt Place’s partners, Gratify, Charley’s Crab and Great Wraps, who sponsored the food for the event.
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Business Watch
Community Leader of the Year
The Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches announces George Wedgworth as the recipient of the 2011 Community Leader of the Year Award.
George Wedgworth has contributed greatly to the viability and growth of the vegetable and sugar industries in the Everglades agricultural area. He was instrumental in the formation of the Florida Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative of Florida and has served as its Chief Executive and President for the 54-grower cooperative for over 50 years. The coop is the largest single employer in Belle Glade and has an economic impact exceeding $285 million annually. He and his family are the owners of Wedgworth’s Inc., the state’s largest fertilizer company, with 150,000 tons of “Big W” brand production each year and Wedgworth Farms Inc., a 5,000-acre sugar cane farm. Wedgworth Farms Inc. committed $1 million for facilities and endowments at the University of Florida’s Everglades Research and Education Center in Belle Glade. Among his many honors, Wedgworth was named one of Florida’s “Most Influential Men” by Florida Trend Magazine and received the Distinguished Service to Florida Agriculture Award from the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association. George Wedgworth will be honored at the Chamber’s Business Awards Breakfast on Friday, May 20 at 7:45 a.m. at the Palm Beach County Convention Center. Seats are on sale now at www.palmbeaches.org. For additional information, please contact Kelley Burke at kburke@ palmbeaches.org
SunFest Kick-Off Mixer Crowne Plaza West Palm Beach West Palm Beach, FL 33406 1601 Belvedere Rd. 5:30PM-7:30PM Register online at www.palmbeaches.org • • • •
Win cool SunFest Prizes Hear Entertainer Highlights Purchase Advance Discount Tickets Mixer admission includes 2 drinks and appetizers
April 2011
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Law & Order at Chamber Breakfast Law and Order was the theme for the Chamber’s March breakfast. Crimefighting partners, Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw and State Attorney Michael McAuliffe, discussed how their two departments collaborate to make Palm Beach County a safer place to live and work. The State Attorney has dedicated prosecutors assigned to areas of concern such as gang violence, pill mills and special victims. This way, the prosecutor is familiar with the ongoing cases before the trial date is set. Sheriff Bradshaw was recently appointed Chairman of the Regional Domestic Security Task Force for Region 7, which covers Martin County to Key West (Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Monroe Counties). This Task Force oversees all Homeland Security for the Region and is appointed by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner with confirmation by the Governor’s Office. The breakfast was sponsored by Solantic walk-in urgent care. It has been an innovator in applying retail concepts to the practice of urgent care medicine and is the largest urgent care company in Florida , operating 32 centers statewide.
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Business Watch
Small Businesses Reap Big Rewards in the Chamber Small businesses have many of the same needs as larger companies. They need a way to reach new customers, advertise, stay current of market trends, network and control their costs. The Chamber is uniquely positioned to provide all these things under one roof. The diversity of the membership creates access to all types of businesses and professionals. Those contacts are vital both in terms of what’s needed to run the business and ways to find new clients and niche markets. Websites and directories make research easy and networking events facilitate introductions. Listings in directories and announcements in newsletters provide small businesses with the same impact larger companies obtain with big budget marketing dollars. Special advertising packages make the Chamber an especially cost-effective way for members to get the word out about what makes them unique, specials they are promoting and member-to-member discounts they are offering. It’s discounted adverting to targeted markets that make sense for small businesses. A dollar saved is a dollar earned, and Chamber members have the opportunity to do both. Member-to-member discounts and savings plans passed from the Chamber to its members give them effective ways to control expenses. Increasing sales and lowering costs are important ways the Chamber helps its members reap the most from their membership and boost their overall bottom line. Both are vital for small businesses looking to grow into larger companies and for small businesses to remain the driving force behind the economy of Palm Beach County.
Small Business + Chamber = Success “As a new member of the Chamber, I was so impressed by the various seminars that are offered as part of our membership. I attended my new member orientation and found it incredibly informative and helpful in navigating all that the Chamber has to offer. I immediately contacted a friend who is launching a new business, but does not have much business background. I suggested she join the Chamber if only for the seminars and coaching. The value of those seminars will more than pay for her membership dues.” Francine Sachs Principal Gilbert Sachs Group
Testimonials:
We are fortunate to have a strong business climate in the Palm Beaches, and small to medium businesses make up the majority of our business community. Small businesses have many of the same challenges and opportunities as large businesses, but some are unique to the small business arena.
Marketing, for example, can be a challenge for small businesses whose owners may be experts in their fields, but have never worn the “marketing” hat before. These companies are not large enough to have the luxury of a full-time marketing manager, but the need is certainly there. Human resource professionals, technology wizards and financial experts would also make a huge impact on these businesses, but they have to function and grow anyway. How do they do that? The Chamber provides its members with marketing tools, programs and valuable seminars on all these topics. Many of the members offer these services and expertise at a discount to fellow members, others function as consultants.
Business advocacy is another issue for small and medium size businesses. Large companies have lobbyists who represent their issues to legislators. What about the small businesses? One of the most important functions of the Chamber is to act as an advocate, representing the interests of its members and making sure legislators understand their challenges and perspectives. Small business concerns are among the highest priorities of the Chamber.
The Chamber is committed to helping its small business members succeed. The well- being of our community depends upon its businesses growing and the Chamber is in the forefront of that support. To learn more about the Chamber, its support of small business and business advocacy, contact Kelly Fanelli, Membership Director, at (561) 833-3711 ext 235.
“FPL is proud of our long-standing partnership with the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches. As our community has changed and grown over the years, the Chamber has afforded businesses the opportunity to express a strong, unified voice on issues critical to our shared success.” Donald Kiselewski FPL
April 2011
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New Members Alex and Ani Debra LeVasseur - Manager 150 Worth Ave. Palm Beach, FL 33480 (561) 837-6497 www.alexandani.com STORES - RETAIL
340 Royal Poinciana Way #302 Palm Beach, FL 33480 (561) 379-3999 www.andrewsurma.com REAL ESTATE - RESIDENTIAL El Dorado Furniture Elke Oerter - Manager 1901 Okeechobee Blvd. West Palm Beach, FL 33409 (561) 478-7807 www.eldoradofurniture.com FURNITURE
Allstate Benefits - Tom Lacaria Tom Lacaria - Agent 4651 Babcock St. NE, Unit 18-347 Florida Stage Palm Bay, FL 32905 Michael Gepner - Director of (321) 501-5544 Marketing INSURANCE 701 Okeechobee Blvd., Suite 300 West Palm Beach, FL 33401 Banyan Printing (561) 515-6372 Tom Ramiccio - Business www.floridastage.org Development / Marketing THEATRES Manager 1937 10th Ave. North Global Wines Florida Lake Worth, FL 33461 Tina Walsh (561) 586-6220 24 Tradewinds Circle www.banyanprinting.com Tequesta, FL 33469 PRINTERS - COPYING (561) 222-0191 www.globalwinesfl.com Believers Academy WINE & SPIRITS Lori Dyer - Principal 5840 Corporate Way Italian Antique Imports West Palm Beach, FL 33407 Linda Just - President (561) 340-2507 1022 N. K St. www.believersacademyinc.org Lake Worth, FL 33460 SCHOOLS (561) 635-1578 IMPORTER Brickman Group Sebastian Verdoliva - Business Joy Communications Development Associate Hollie Littlefield - Business 440 Tall Pines Rd., Suite J Communications Expert West Palm Beach, FL 33413 3461 S.E. Willoughby Blvd. (561) 242-8822 Stuart, FL 34994 www.brickmangroup.com (561) 622-3311 LAWN MAINTENANCE www.joycomm.com BUSINESS TELEPHONE SYSTEMS Buckler Craft Fairs Margaret Buckler - President Lampert Law Firm, P.A. 1697 Doyle Rd. Scott Lampert Esq. Deltona, FL 32725 433 Plaza Real, Suite 275 (386) 860-0092 Ext:12 Mizner Park www.bucklercraftfair.com Boca Raton, FL 33432 EXPOSITIONS, TRADE SHOWS & (561) 376-2110 FAIRS www.lampert-law.com ATTORNEYS - INTELLECTUAL Corcoran Group Real Estate PROPERTIES Andrew Surma - Sales Associate
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Business Watch
Leila Restaurant Akram Alex Awad - Executive Chef 120 S. Dixie Highway West Palm Beach, FL 33401 (561) 659-7373 www.leilawpb.com RESTAURANTS Oxbridge Academy of the Palm Beaches Bob Parsons - President & CEO 1601 Forum Place, Suite 307 West Palm Beach, FL 33401 (561) 972-9600 www.oxbridgeacademy.org SCHOOLS - PRIVATE Palm Beach Plantation Laura Wallraft - Assistant Manager 6860 Lantana Rd. Lake Worth, FL 33467 (561) 967-1661 www.cal-am.com MANUFACTURED HOME COMMUNITIES PC LAN TECHS JC Csonka - Chairman 1622 Latham Rd. West Palm Beach, FL 33409 (561) 682-1277 www.pclantechs.com COMPUTERS - NETWORKING Ras Roofing LLC Juan Roche - Owner 1120 Magnolia St. West Palm Beach, FL 33405 (561) 805-8564 www.rasroofing.com ROOF CONTRACTORS Rodan and Fields Dermatologists Janice Woodall - Independent Business Owner 1231 Singer Dr. Riviera Beach, FL 33404 (615) 974-1188 SKIN CARE SeaDreams Travel Gerri Augustine - Vacation Consultant PO Box 1089 Jupiter, FL 33468 (561) 310-9337 www.SeaDreamsTravel.com TRAVEL AGENCIES & BUREAUS
Ribbon Cuttings
The ALS Association Florida Chapter Donna V. Ghioto - Regional Director of Development 101 1st Court Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410 (561) 429-4242 www.alsafl.org NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION
The Blind Monk Ben Lubin - Owner West Palm Beach (561) 833-3605 www.theblindmonk.com RESTAURANTS
The Blind Monk is a neighborhood beer and wine bar pouring 100 wines and 25 craft beers by the glass and offering another 300 wines on their bottle list. Located at 410 Evernia Street in an intimate 900-sq.-ft. space at The Whitney Building, The Blind Monk started with a vision that became reality over several bottles of wine and countless conversations. The Blind Monk represents everything that is great about this town; its rich history and easy going good people. We welcome you to our bar and hope that you enjoy your experience at The Blind Monk.
The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Michael Lukemire - President, Southeast Region 2056 Vista Parkway, Suite 300 West Palm Beach, FL 33411 (561) 681-7650 www.scottsmiraclegro.com BB&T Mortgage LAWN MAINTENANCE Water’s Edge Dermatology Lewis Bergman - Practice Administrator 600 Village Square Crossing Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410 (561) 694-9493 www.wederm.com PHYSICIANS & SURGEONS - DERMATOLOGY
Renewals
Valarie Nichols - Assist. VP Mortgage Lending Officer West Palm Beach (561) 262-4256 www.bbt.com/vnichols MORTGAGES Photo Id: Ambassador, Ramona Maharaj (Financial Center Leader), Pete Oldbury (Private Financial Services Advisor), Valarie Nichols (Mortgage Lending Officer), Linda Merchant (Mortgage Lending Officer), Paul Chatealain (Relationship Banker), Denise Colombo (Mortgage Lending Mgr), Matthew Westbrooks (Business Services Officer), Natalie Cwick (Sales Officer), Jaymie Hauversburk (ADP Small Business Services, District Mgr), Dale Kahle (City Executive), Ambassador.
1st United Bank General Plumbing Inc. A. Duda & Sons Inc. Goldstein & Jette, P.A. Ackerman Link & Sartory P.A. Gunster Almost Family Ink & Toner USA Bechtel Jewelers Inc. Jacobs Engineering Binks Forest Golf Club Lakeside Health Center - Life Clear Channel Outdoor Care Centers of America Connections for Business Lion Country Safari, Inc. - FL Consumer Debt Help Association Little Smiles, Inc. Creative Matters, Inc. McDonald’s/ “B” ing The Best, Cricket Cleaners Inc. Danny’s Septic and Drain Minto Communities Cleaning Orkin Pest Control - Commercial Dynamex Palm Beach Metal, Inc. Extra Space Storage Panache Florida Atlantic University Jupiter Panera Bread Campus Publix Super Markets Inc. Store Florida Realty Brokers, Inc. #848 at CityPlace
Rehabilitation Center of the Palm Beaches Republic Services of Palm Beach Sailfish Marina Resort/Palm Beach Water Taxi South Florida Science Museum South University Southern Self Storage The Continental Group, Inc. The Gardens Court The Law Firm of Charles D. Jamieson, P.A. TooJay’s USA Contract Furniture, Inc. Workforce Alliance, Inc.
April 2011
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Trustee Happenings
The Chamber Trustees hosted a luncheon for United States Senator Marco Rubio at Ruth’s Chris Steak House @ CityPlace on April 1st. Senator Rubio shared his perspectives on the economy, the Middle East and the future of Florida. The informal format gave the Trustees an opportunity to ask questions and participate in a dialogue with the Senator, while sharing their views on those issues and challenges facing our local business community. This is the first in a series of three luncheons during the month of April. For more information on the Trustee Program and its events, contact Kelly Fanelli, Membership Director, at (561) 833-3711 ext. 235 or kfanelli@palmbeaches.org.
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Business Watch
Chamber Welcomes New Trustees Monica Manolas, Palm Beach/Broward General Manager, CEMEX, Inc. Monica started in the Building Materials industry over 15 years ago as a chemist at what was then Rinker Material’s Cement Plant in Miami, FL. Monica holds her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Miami, her Master of Science in Industrial & Systems Engineering and MBA, both from the University of Florida. As a young engineer, Monica went from chemist to quality assurance manager to production manager in Miami, before getting involved in strategic planning, organizational design, and human resources when she moved to corporate headquarters in West Palm Beach. For five years, she was Vice President of Operations and Human Resources for the Concrete Pipe Division, with 55 sites and 1700 people all across the United States. From the time of the takeover of Rinker by CEMEX in late 2007 to October 2009, Monica was General Manager for Florida Materials for the Treasure Coast through the Space Coast. In October, she took on the role of General Manager for Palm Beach and Broward. She was honored as the Most Outstanding Participant in 2008 in the CEMEX International Management Program. Monica has served on the Board of the Palm Beach Division of the March of Dimes, most recently as Vice-Chair and on the Board of Executive Women of the Palm Beaches. She has served as Chair of their Annual Women in Leadership Awards and raised record donations for scholarships and grants for women in Palm Beach County. She is a graduate of Leadership Palm Beach County’s Class of 2008.
Richard Rampell, President and CEO, Rampell & Rampell, P.A. Richard Rampell is the President and CEO of Rampell & Rampell, P.A., a certified public accounting firm in Palm Beach, FL. Mr. Rampell has over thirty-five years of continuous experience in providing comprehensive services to a wide array of clients, including a specialization in large real estate and financial organizations. He has authored numerous articles on accounting and tax matters. He has written a weekly column for the Wall Street Journal entitled “By the Books”, and co-authored Tax Aspects of Divorce in Florida, published by the National Business Institute, Inc. He is a trustee of the National Public Radio, Inc. Foundation and graduated from Princeton University with honors (A.B.) and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania (M.B.A.).
April 2011
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Members In Motion
ATTORNEY DAVID PRATHER SELECTED TO PRESTIGIOUS SELECTION PANEL David Prather, a partner at the law firm of Clark, Fountain, La Vista, Prather, Keen & Littky-Rubin in West Palm Beach, has been named a member of the prestigious Federal Magistrate Judge Merit Selection Panel.
DAN MARINO FOUNDATION TEAMS UP WITH PANERA BREAD TO COMMEMORATE NATIONAL AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH WITH “A TOUCHDOWN FOR AUTISM”
As part of this overall philanthropic partnership, Panera Bread has created an exclusive “Football” cookie that they will pre-sell the last week in March and the entire month of April 2011. These one-of-a kind cookies will be sold individually or by the bakers dozen, the “Marino Dozen” that is. The Marino dozen will contain 13 cookies and 100% of the proceeds from the sale CHRISTOPHER FINLEY JOINS GUNSTER’S WEST PALM BEACH OFFICE of these cookies will benefit the Dan Marino Foundation and the new Dan Marino Foundation Gunster is pleased to announce that Community Campus that is slated to open Christopher Finley has recently joined the later this year. Customers can place their West Palm Beach office as an associate. orders online at: http://wifi.covelli.com/panera/ touchdown-for-autism/ REG ARCHITECTS, INC. ANNOUNCES THE START OF CONSTRUCTION Ambassador Happenings FOR THE PROJECT FOR PALM BEACH CULTURAL COUNCIL’S NEW Ambassador of the Month HEADQUARTERS.
March
PRIVATE RECEPTION WELCOMES DR. DAVID FITZPATRICK AS CEO AND SCIENTIFIC DIRECTOR OF MAX PLANCK FLORIDA INSTITUTE GUNSTER SHAREHOLDER MICHAEL V. MITRIONE ELECTED TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF QUANTUM HOUSE Michael V. Mitrione, a board member and shareholder at the West Palm Beach offices of Gunster, Florida’s Law Firm for Business, has been elected to the Board of Directors of Quantum House. Mitrione practices corporate law and focuses on mergers and acquisitions, private equity and venture capital transactions, corporate finance and securities, joint ventures and partnerships, financial institutions and licensing in sports representation. FORBES NAMES IRONSTONE BANK’S HOLDING COMPANY, FIRST CITIZENS BANCSHARES, THE FOURTH-BEST BANK IN AMERICA.
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Diane Cunningham - Windstream
It has been a pleasure and an honor to be a part of the Ambassador program here at the Chamber. I have gotten to promote the Chamber and all the benefits it has brought to me and Windstream as well as serve the members. I am a firm believer that the more one gives, the more they’ll receive, so optimize your Chamber membership and GET INVOLVED!!!! (And don’t forget to bring a guest!)
Women in Business What Every Woman in Business Should Know About Personal Injury in Business The Women in Business Committee welcomed Nancy LaVista, a partner in the new law firm Clark, Fountain, LaVista, Prather, Keen & Littky-Rubin, as a guest speaker at their March meeting. Her topic “What every woman in business should know about personal injury in business”, was very insightful and educational. Before deciding to become a lawyer, Nancy worked as a critical care nurse. She uses her extensive knowledge of the healthcare industry to help clients with medical malpractice and health-related claims, including medical product liability. Nancy is also the first female president of the local chapter of the American Board of Trial advocates, an organization whose goal is elevating the standards of integrity, honor and courtesy in the legal profession. The Women in Business Committee meets on the 2nd Thursday of the month at 11:45 a.m. in the Chamber Boardroom. For more information, please contact Kelley Burke at kburke@ palmbeaches.org or call (561) 833-3711 ext. 231.
Leadership West Palm Beach Class 2011 enjoyed Health & Human Services Day in March with a variety of guest speakers and tours. The day began with a visit to St. Mary’s Medical Center and a presentation by CEO Davide Carbone, as well as tours of the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) and Trauma Center. Next came a tour of Quantum House and presentations by guest speakers from Vickers House and Oakwood Center. The afternoon session began with lunch and a presentation at The Lord’s Place/Café Joshua, followed by guest speakers Dr. Alina Alonso, Palm Beach County Health Department Director, and Dr. Harry Orf, Vice President for Scientific Operations and Professor of Chemistry at Scripps Florida. Thanks to our Health & Human Services Day co-chairs, Shannon Bothwell, Huntley Miller, and Dr. Linda DePiano. Special thanks to our Class 2011 sponsors: Grand Bank & Trust of Florida; Florida Power & Light Company; The Palm Beach Post; INTECH; and Palm Beach Kennel Club.
April 2011
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The Young Professionals of the Palm Beaches held their March HotSpot at STORE Self Storage & Wine Storage in Palm Beach Gardens. New and existing YPOP members networked, sampled wines, and took tours of this state-of-the-art storage facility at the evening event. Special thanks to our sponsor, the University of Miami, and Branden Gould, Manager of STORE, for their raffle prize donations and generous hospitality. The next YPOP HotSpot will be held at Leila Restaurant in West Palm Beach on Thursday, April 7. For more information, visit www.ypopconnect.org.
Office Depot Program Helps Small Businesses Save The Chamber Office Depot discount program provides Chamber members with a discount on Office Depot products and services just for being a member of the Chamber.
Participants of the program will benefit from reduced pricing on office supplies and services, four convenient methods of shopping, and free next-day delivery in major markets with purchases of $50 or more. Choose from a list of over 100 most frequently purchased items and receive a 30% discount on general supplies, 15% discount on copy paper and toner, or receive a 5% discount on all other products outside of the core list.
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Business Watch
Sign up for the discount program today to support your Chamber and save time and money while you’re at it! Receive deepest discounts on your top purchased items found on this list. For all additional items, receive 5% discounts over everyday lowest prices. Click Here to Enroll. Receive discounts on: Office Supplies Technology Furniture Digital print services Coffee and break room supplies
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Announcing 2011 Line-up Jason Mraz, Earth, Wind & Fire, MGMT, Sublime with Rome/
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Afternoon concerts start at $8 Evening concerts start at $20
Jeff Beck, Styx, Taking Back
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Sunday/Circa Survive/Anberlin, Gregg Allman, Neon Trees,
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Reserve parking BEFORE you leave home
Mike Posner, Sick Puppies, Never Shout Never, Prince Royce,
Cherry Poppin’ Daddies, Toad the Wet Sprocket,
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or Ziggy Marley
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Discount ends Saturday 4/23
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Visit the Chamber office or sunfest.com/grouptickets
4 one-day admissions
Chamber Discount Available
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It’s the motherload of a deal for the whole carload, it includes: 1 parking spot at the Judicial Center on selected day Fri., Sat. or Sun.
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February 2011
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5 Tips for Buying Business Insurance
Use these steps to assess what types of insurance are best for your business, and how to secure coverage to provide adequate protection and minimize risks. 1. Assess Your Risks. Insurance companies determine the level of risk they’ll accept when issuing policies. This process is called underwriting. The insurance company reviews your application and determines whether it will provide all or a portion of the coverage being requested. Each underwritten policy carries a premium and a deductible. A premium is the price you pay for insurance. Premiums vary widely among insurance companies, and depend on a number of risk factors, including your business location, building type, local fire protection services, and the amount of insurance you purchase. A deductible is the amount of money you agree to pay when making a claim. Generally, the higher deductible you agree to pay, the lower your premium will be. However, when you agree to take on a high deductible you are taking on some financial risk. So, it’s important to assess your own risks before you go shopping. 2. Shop Around. The National Federation of Independent Businesses provides information for choosing insurance to help you assess your risks and to make sure you’ve insured every aspect of your business. The extent and costs of coverage vary from company to company. Some brokers specialize in insuring specific types of business, while others can connect you with policies specific to your business activities. For example, if you operate a tow truck service, you’ll want to find an agent that can help find policies that specifically cover automotive service businesses. Often specialist brokers can get you the best coverage and the best rates. 3. Consider a Business Owner’s Policy. Insurance can be purchased separately or in a package called a business owners’ policy (BOP). Purchasing separate policies from different insurers can result in higher total premiums. A BOP combines typical coverage options into a standard package, and is offered at a premium that is less than if each type of coverage was purchased separately. Typically, BOPs consist of covering property, general liability, vehicles, business interruption and other types of coverage common to most types of businesses. BOPs simplify the insurance buying process and can save you money. However, make sure you understand the extent of coverage in any BOP you are considering. Not every type of insurance is included in a BOP. If your business has unique risks, you may require additional coverage.
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Business Watch
4. Find a Reputable, Licensed Agent. Commercial insurance brokers can help you find policies that match your business needs. Brokers receive commissions from insurance companies when they sell policies, so it’s important you find a broker that is reputable and is interested in your needs as much as his own. Make sure your broker understands all the risks associated with your business. Finding a good insurance agent is as important as finding a good lawyer or accountant. You should always look for one that has a license. State governments regulate the insurance industry and license insurance brokers. Many states provide a directory of licensed agents. 5. Assess Your Insurance Coverage on an Annual Basis. As your business grows, so do your liabilities. You don’t want to be caught underinsured should disaster strike. If you have purchased or replaced equipment or expanded operations, you should contact your insurance broker to discuss changes in your business and how they affect your coverage. This information has been reprinted from the U.S. Small Business Administration website. For more information and additional articles visit www.sba.gov.
Now accepting Raffle & Goodie Bag item donations for the
Annual Golf Tournament Friday, June 24, 2011 Why donate?
• 150 business men and women participate in the tournament • Your company will be featured in our program, Chamber newsletter e-Business Watch and listed on our website www.palmbeaches.org • All prizes must be valid June 24, 2011 to June 24, 2012 • Please drop off or mail the prize accompanied by this form no later than June 15, 2011 to the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches, 401 North Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach, FL 33401 • If possible, please enclose a pamphlet or flyer to help showcase your item
Please Fax Back to (561) 833-5582
April 2011
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print • online • mobile To advertise call 1-800-GET-REAL.
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