Business Watch December Issue
Inside ...2010 Chairman Installed at Annual Dinner ...U.S. Senator Meets with Chamber Trustees ...Amendment 4: an Economic Threat ...Strategic Alliances Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches
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Holiday Mixer 1
November Upcoming Events
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5:30 p.m. When: Wednesday, December 9, 5:30 p.m. Where: Omphoy Ocean Resort 8 10 11 Cost: Members only9 $20 in advance Open House Coffee
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New Member Reception
8:30 a.m. Young Professionals YPOP HotSpot Ruth’s Chris Invitation Only 5:30p.m.
Chamber Closed
Open House Coffee
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First Friday Ribbon Cuttings 8:30 a.m.
12 Women In Business 11:45 a.m.
Chamber Closed
Annual Dinner and Silent Auction 6:00 p.m. National Croquet Center
15 16 17 8:30 a.m. 18 19 20 When: Thursday, December 10, Ambassador Committee Member Money 12:00 p.m. Power Networking Chamber Breakfast Maker 8:30 a.m. Where: Chamber of Commerce Health Care Committee of the Palm Beaches Boardroom Hilton PB Airport PBC Convention Center YPOP Ambassador Happy Location TBA 7:45 a.m. Committee Meeting Hour Invitation Only Cost: Free 11:30 a.m. 5:30p.m. 5:30 p.m. 22
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YPOP Holiday HotSpot
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Open House Coffee 8:30 a.m.
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Chamber Closed
Young Professionals of the Palm Beaches When: Thursday, December 10, 6:00 p.m. 29 30 Where: Hotel Biba Cost: $10 Members in advance, $15 Non-members and at the door
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December December Calendar
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4 Marathon Breakfast WPB Marriot 7:45 a.m.
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6th Annual Palm Beaches Marathon 6:00 a.m.
Member Money 9 Maker 8:30 a.m. Ambassador Committee 12:00 p.m.
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Open House Coffee 8:30 a.m.
5 Palm Beaches Marathon Expo @ CityPlace
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Ribbon Cuttings 8:30 a.m.
YPOP Holiday Party Holiday Mixer Hotel Biba Omphoy Ocean Resort Members Only 5:30p.m. Invitation Only 5:30p.m.
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Open House Coffee 8:30 a.m.
*All meetings are held at the Chamber unless otherwise noted. Events are subject to change
401 N Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach, FL 33401 | Phone: 561.833.3711 Fax: 561.833.5582 | www.palmbeaches.org
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Business Watch
BUSINESS EVENTS
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WATCH
Breakfasts
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YPOP
New Member Jump Start BUSINESS
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Senator LeMieux Meets with Trustees
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Strategic Alliances
The backbone of networking and how they alone will sustain your business
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New Members & Renewals
November Amendment 4/ Hometown Democracy and December Marathon Kickoff Breakfasts
The quaterly event every new member should attend
MEMBERSHIP
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COVER STORY
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Annual Dinner
Donald K. DeWoody Jr., Principal and co-founder of WGCompass Realty Companies, was installed as 2010 Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches on Friday, November 13 at the National Croquet Center.
Ribbon Cuttings
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Ribbon Cuttings
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Health Care Committee
December 2009
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Officers
Board of Directors
Chair Don DeWoody | WGCompass Realty Companies
Larry B. Alexander, Jr. | Jones, Foster, Johnston & Stubbs, P.A.
Chair-Elect Carey O’Donnell | Carey O’Donnell PR Group
Jon Blunk | Crocker Partners LLC
Treasurer David D. Brooks, CPA Secretary Charles Gerardi | The Palm Beach Post General Counsel Michelle Diffenderfer | Lewis, Longman & Walker, P.A. At-Large Member Harvey E. Oyer III | Shutts & Bowen, LLP Past-Chair Mark Elhilow | Blue Ocean Capital
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
Scott Benyon | CEMEX
Davide Carbone | St. Mary’s Medical Center John Cassidy | John C. Cassidy Air Conditioning, Inc. Dr. David Dorfman | Mobile Chiropractic Bill Fleming | Palm Beach Atlantic University Russell Greene | Grand Bank & Trust of Florida Patti Webster Hamilton | Southern Waste Systems LLC/Sun Recycling Lynda Harris | Carlton Fields, P.A. Robin Henderson | Wachovia Bank, N.A. Beth Kigel | KBS Strategies Diego Lezcano | JP Morgan Chase Trish Lowry | Florida’s Blood Centers Daniel Miller | Broad and Cassel Stephen Miller | Regions Bank Catherine McKenzie | AT&T Florida Nat Roberts | Callery-Judge Grove Angel Rodriguez | PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. Joe Santoro | Gunster Nicole Scimone | Akerman Senterfitt Mike Slade | Callaway & Price, Inc. John Templeton | Templeton & Company Ricky Wade | “B”ing The Best, Inc. dba McDonald’s Steve Wasserman | WPTV NewsChannel 5 Kathy Willoughby | Bank of America Merrill Lynch
Ron Walters Membership Development Jaime Crespy Membership Developement Sharon McIntosh Information Coordinator
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Business Watch
Breakfast Provides Information on Amendment 4 The November breakfast featured a presentation by Mark Wilson, CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, regarding the economic threat of an upcoming item on the ballot in 2010 - Amendment 4. Mr. Wilson outlined the pitfalls of passing the proposal and asked for Chamber support in the effort to educate the business community and spread the word to coworkers, employees, neighbors, family and friends. With so many governmental seats up for re-election and the many constitutional amendments on the ballots, part of the challenge is to get the attention of those who will be voting and help them understand the true nature of the issue. Mr. Wilson outlined the amendment and the burden it would place on voters. It would require a referendum on any change to local comprehensive plans. It would affect economic development, roadway improvements and expansions, hospitals, schools, park lands, fire and police stations. Projects would be put on hold until they could be placed on a ballot and voters would have the task of sorting through the issues, educating themselves on them and participating in lengthy and expensive elections. It would result in expensive litigation and frivolous
From left: Mark Wilson, CEO Florida Chamber of Commerce, Commissioner Molly Douglas, Clint Glass and Chamber Chairman Don DeWoody
lawsuits at taxpayer expense, resulting in higher taxes and fees. Tens of thousands of jobs would be lost as the signal is sent internationally that Florida is unfriendly to business and out of the competition for economic development. St. Pete Beach, Florida was used as a sobering example of the dire consequences of passing such legislation. The Chairman of the Board, Don DeWoody of WGCompass Realty Companies, welcomed the attendees, recognized table sponsors and introduced Mr. Wilson. A table top display was provided by Fifth Third Bank.
Friday, December 4, 2009 Palm Beaches Marathon Festival Kick-off Breakfast This year’s Marathon Kick-Off breakfast was held at the Marriott in West Palm Beach and featured guest speaker Sonja Friend-Uhl, 2007 Overall Women’s Marathon Winner of the Palm Beaches Marathon. The event was sponsored by WPBF Newschannel 25 and the speaker was presented by Good Samaritan Medical Center.
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Trustees Meet with U.S. Senator George LeMieux The November calendar included an opportunity to meet with Senator George LeMieux. The Trustees hosted a breakfast at the Chamber where the Senator spoke with them in a relaxed setting, giving him the opportunity to learn what challenges local businesses are encountering. Senator LeMieux spoke about the health care legislation currently under consideration in Washington and what it means to the business community. He described his bill designed to address fraud in Medicare and Medicaid and suggested cutting payroll taxes and giving tax incentives to individuals and small businesses as a way to encourage people to purchase insurance. He heard from Trustees in the health care industry with insights into the needs specific to Palm Beach County and area business men and women trying to meet the insurance needs of their employees. The Trustees had the opportunity to ask questions and the Senator requested to follow up with several of them on their discussions. The Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches’ Trustee Program is an executive level networking group within the Chamber that provides top-level executives a fast track to the individuals they need to meet. The program gives them highlighted presence on the Chamber website and in Chamber directories and newsletters. Trustees are featured with their biographies, photos and company logos and also appear in Chamber articles and press releases.
Chamber Chair Don DeWoody, Wendy Sartory Link and Senator George LeMieux
Senator LeMieux, pictured above, listened to the questions and concerns of the Trustees
Upcoming events for the Trustees include a reception in honor of the incoming Chairman of the Board in January. For more information on the Trustee Program and events, contact Kelly Fanelli, Membership Director, at (561) 833-3711 ext 235 or kfanelli@palmbeaches.org. On behalf of the Board of Directors and the Chamber Trustees, Chairman Don DeWoody presented Senator LeMieux with a copy of the Palm Beach County Centennial Book
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Business Watch
Annual Dinner & Silent Auction Held at National Croquet Center The 96th Annual Dinner & Silent Auction was held at the National Croquet Center on Friday, November 13. The evening began with a Reception & Silent Auction, presented by Akerman Senterfitt, with many fabulous items on which to bid. The Chamber thanks all of its members for their generous gift donations. Champagne sponsored by AT&T and tropical rum drinks sponsored by Blue Ocean Capital were served during the reception. The Valet was sponsored by the Professional Firefighters and Paramedics of Palm Beach County, and Turtle Town Transfer Company shuttled guests from their car to the main entrance. Donald K. DeWoody, Jr. was sworn in as the Chamber’s 2010 Chairman by The Honorable Robin Rosenberg. Mark Elhilow was thanked by Dennis Grady and presented with a digital picture frame loaded with photos highlighting his term as 2009 Chairman as well as a framed rendering of the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches building. Dinner was followed by a delicious ice cream bar, sponsored by SWS/Sun Recycling.
Mark Elhilow with 2010 Chamber Chairman Donald K. DeWoody Jr.
Chairman’s Circle sponsors included: Balfour Beatty Construction; Florida Crystals; Good Samaritan Medical Center; Grand Bank & Trust of Florida; Lewis Longman & Walker, P.A.; Perry & Taylor, P.A.; St. Mary’s Medical Center; The Palm Beach Post; and WGCompass Realty Companies. Special thanks to SandyJames Fine Food and Productions, Atlantico Rum, City Cellar - CityPlace, Custom Signs Today and Mia Farland.
Photographs by Kim Fontaine Photography
December 2009
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Thank You for Joining Us!
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St. Mary’s Medical Center
Blue Ocean Capital
Balfour Beatty
Grand Bank & Trust of Florida
Lewis, Longman and Walker P.A.
Business Watch
Good Samaritan Medical Center
Photographs by Kim Fontaine Photography
The Palm Beach Post
Reception & Silent Auction
Perry & Taylor, P.A.
Valet
Tropical Rum Drinks
Champagne
Sweet Dreams Ice Cream Bar
Special Thanks
Atlantico Rum City Cellar - CityPlace Custom Signs Today Mia Farland
Florida Crystals Photographs by Kim Fontaine Photography
December 2009
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FIRE at Ruth’s Chris North Palm Beach and YPOP The HOT HOT HotSpot at Ruth’s Chris in North Palm Beach was a massive success and the buzz from the aftermath has been spreading like wildfire. Over 60 of the county’s elite young talent attended this SOLD OUT event. The gracious host, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse in North Palm Beach, provided an abundance of their signature dishes. Crowd favorites include the Mini Steak Sandwiches, Sweet Potato Casserole and Sizzling Blue Crab Crabcakes. General Manager Tanya Kutchera, Sales Manager Heydyn Hernandez and all their amazing staff made this a perfect evening for everyone. Special thanks to ESPN Radio 760 for donating 2 give-a-ways good for a round of golf for two at Binks Forest Golf Club. For more information on how to hold your own event at Ruth’s Chris in North Palm Beach, click here. What started in March as gearing towards a more “social” group has erupted into a networking POWERHOUSE. Some major companies in attendance were FP&L, Pratt & Whitney, ESPN Radio 760, Northwestern Mutual, The Palm Beach Post and several wellknown law firms. These young professionals strive to make business happen and getting down to business is what they’re doing best. YPOP is pairing up with the Palm Beach County’s Salvation Army to help less fortunate children in their local community through the Angel Tree Program. To make a donation or to find out more about the Angel Tree Program, click here.
You can join these young Movers and Shakers at their holiday party in the hip and trendy Hotel Biba in West Palm Beach. To check out this stylish Hotel, click here. For more information regarding YPOP or how to attend an upcoming event for free please contact Jaime Crespy at 561-833-3711 ext 230.
“YPOP has been an absolute success for networking and building relationships with local young professionals. I find myself eager to attend every event possible in hopes of finding new and exciting friends and colleagues to work with. I’ve become connected with the youngest, brightest, and most eager business professionals in Palm Beach County and it’s all thanks to YPOP!” - Jason Cardinal Account Executive ESPN 760
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Business Watch
Members In Motion Larry B. Alexander, 2009 American Free Enterprise Medal Recipient Jones, Foster, Johnston & Stubbs, P.A. announces that Larry B. Alexander was recently honored by Palm Beach Atlantic University as a 2009 American Free Enterprise Companion Medial Recipient. Hedrick Brothers Construction Awarded Construction Contract For Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office Training Center Hedrick Brothers Construction has been awarded the contract for construction management services and site improvements to the Palm Beach County Sheriff ’s Office’s (PBSO) new training center on Cherry Road in West Palm Beach, FL. Interior renovations to the existing 32,600 SF, one-story, multipurpose gymnatorium include a training area with state-of-the art firearmstraining simulators. Site development will include an outdoor physical training facility. The architect for this project is Saltz Michelson Architects. The project is underway and scheduled for completion in May, 2010.
Wpb Downtown Development Authority Unveils New Ad Campaign For Clematis District In step with the completion of major capital investments and the arrival of more than 30 new retailers in the Clematis District of Downtown West Palm Beach, the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) will unveil this month a new ad campaign that showcases the many new features and dimensions of the Downtown experience. The campaign features dramatic headlines that play off common phrases involving the word “days,” while the core message of each ad reinforces the essential: “Say Hello to a Brand New Day Downtown.”
Chamber members: Submit your press releases to Alexandra Guth, Communications Coordinator, at aguth@palmbeaches.org
Family Rentals And Guest Services Welcomes New Marketing Director Family Rentals and Guest Services is pleased to announce that Karen Carlisle has joined the company as Marketing Director for the Palm Beach County area. As a long-time resident of Palm Beach County, Karen brings a wealth of experience to the company.
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New Members All Star Window Tinting Larry Soper, Owner West Palm Beach (561) 436-8886 WINDOW TINTING Arnoff Moving & Storage Daniel A. Arnoff, Sales / Business Development West Palm Beach (561) 531-0832 MOVERS & MOVING SUPPLIES Bureau of Rehabilitation & Reemployment Services Gary Henderson, Employment Security Representative West Palm Beach (561) 837-5611 GOVERNMENT AGENCIES, ENTITIES, CONSULTANTS & ORGANIZATIONS
Haile, Shaw & Pfaffenberger, PA. Susan B. Yoffee, Shareholder North Palm Beach (561) 627-8100 ATTORNEYS
Palm Beach Gardens Marriott Elena Peroulakis, Director of Sales Palm Beach Gardens (561) 622-8888 HOTELS
Holiday Inn Palm Beach Airport Silvia Dias, Director of Sales West Palm Beach (561) 659-3880 HOTELS
Physicians WEIGHT LOSS Centers Lisa Schreiber, Manager & Counselor Palm Beach Gardens (561) 691-8229 WEIGHT CONTROL SERVICES
Inside Out Creative Kim Walsh-Phillips, President Palm Beach (877) 888-9339 PUBLIC RELATIONS COUNSELORS Jewels by Park Lane Karen Alleyne-Means, Branch Manager Wellington (561) 306-5055 JEWELERS
CityStyle Realty LLC Amanda Robledo, Realtor Associate West Palm Beach (561) 271-1490 REAL ESTATE
Jon Commander’s Mr. Rooter Plumbing Jon Commander, President West Palm Beach (561) 727-3200 PLUMBING CONTRACTORS
Daniel Herd Empowerment Network & Entertainment Group Daniel Herd, Founder / CEO West Palm Beach (407) 468-0732 FUND RAISING COUNSELORS & ORGANIZATIONS
JustWorld International Naomi Licari, Operations Manager Wellington (561) 333-9391 NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION
Devcon Security Leo Coto, Sales Supervisor Boca Raton (561) 750-9438 Ext:3308 SECURITY SYSTEMS & CONSULTANTS Edward Jones - Jupiter Debra Talarico, Agent Jupiter (561) 625-0220 FINANCIAL SERVICES Family Rentals and Guest Services Karen Carlisle, Representative Delray Beach (561) 279-9355 RENTAL EQUIPMENT Guarantee Floridian Pest Control David Moreau, Branch Manager Lake Worth (561) 533-3833 PEST MANAGEMENT SERVICES
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Keller Williams Realty Chris Callaghan, Realtor Jupiter (561) 818-2120 REAL ESTATE MDG Advertising Inc. Joanne Del Gigante, VP Boca Raton (561) 338-7797 ADVERTISING - AGENCIES & COUNSELORS NAZTEC International Group LLC Sal Pazhoor, President & CEO West Palm Beach (561) 802-4110 MANUFACTURERS Northwestern Mutual Financial Network Rich Miller, Financial Representative Palm Beach Gardens (561) 630-6300 INSURANCE
Business Watch
Pyramid Financial Advisors Neill Aarons, President Palm Beach Gardens (917) 710-5806 FINANCIAL PLANNERS & CONSULTANTS SOSO!!! Row Fine Art Gallery Bonnie Benamar, Volunteer Curator West Palm Beach (561) 891-6619 ART GALLERIES, DEALERS, CONSULTANTS Sundy House Craig Leicester, General Manager Delray Beach (561) 272-5678 RESTAURANTS The Law Office of Korte & Wortman Carol Anne Plowman, Foreclosure Defense Attorney West Palm Beach (561) 228-6200 ATTORNEYS The Palm Beach Institute Jennifer Alfert, Dir. of Business Development West Palm Beach (800) 433-5098 ALCOHOLISM & DRUG ABUSE INFORMATION & TREATMENT Venue Marketing Group Enid Atwater, Senior Account Executive Riviera Beach (561) 844-1778 Ext:21 MARKETING CONSULTANTS
New Member Jump Start New members need help understanding how to get involved and get the most out of their investment in the Chamber, in terms of both dollars and time. The New Member Jump Start is designed to do just that. The presentation highlights a tour of the Chamber website and includes information on: *Keywords – Members provide 25 keywords or phrases describing their businesses that allow visitors to the Chamber website to find them quickly and contact them directly. Contact information, email addresses and website links are all available.
access the Community Calendar. Members can even update their own contact information as needed, including adding additional employees to receive information coming out of the Chamber, such as event notices. *Get Involved - A review of the Chamber Event Calendar gives insight as to which events might work best for the members. Descriptions of committees, executive level networking groups, young professionals groups and leadership programs give everyone something to get excited about. Getting involved is the key!
The November event filled the Chamber boardroom with eager new members looking to make new contacts and grow their businesses. Special thanks to Cabot Cheese for providing a delicious array of gourmet cheeses. Visit them *Members Only - A tour of the Chamber website Members Only section shows members online at cabotcheese.com Look for the next one in early 2010 and JUMP IN! how to use user name and Passwords to rsvp for events, add and change keywords and
Renewals
Accrisoft Corporation Akerman Senterfitt American Cancer Society American Red Cross Greater Palm Beach Area Chapter Anne M. Gannon Artistic Doors, Inc. AT&T Florida Behavioral Health of the Palm Beaches, Inc. Blue Martini Burkhardt Construction Inc. Cafe’ Boulud Caregiver Services, Inc. Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation - UF Classroom Teachers Association Crocker Partners, LLC East Bay Group, Inc. East Coast Mechanical Inc. Exit Realty, The Global Group Express Employment Professionals Families First of Palm Beach County Florida Atlantic University / Jupiter Campus Florida Power & Light Co. Fox Rothschild LLP Havana Restaurant Health Care District of Palm Beach County
Hillcrest Memorial Park /Mizell Faville Zern Funeral Home Hospice of Palm Beach County Foundation J. Sheehan’s Drive-In Cleaners Jones Foster Johnston & Stubbs P.A. KPA Promotions, Inc. Labor Finders of the Palm Beaches Liberty Tax Service Mellon United National Bank Metropolitan Systems Inc. Midnight Sun Tours Inc. Northern Trust Global Investments Ocean Communications, Inc. Okeechobee Steakhouse Paddock Partnerships Pain & Rehabilitation Physicians of Palm Beach, Inc Palm Beach Atlantic University Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections Palm Beach Kennel Club Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League/PBC Humane Society Pepsi Americas Portside on the Inlet Resolutions Medical Services, Inc. Rocco’s Tacos & Tequila Bar Savannah Court
School of the Arts Foundation, Inc. Signature Collection Inc. So. Florida Regional Transportation Authority South Florida Commuter Services spark pr & events Star Ranch Enterprises SunFest of Palm Beach County Inc. Tequesta Agency, Inc. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society The National Multiple Sclerosis Society-South Florida Chapter The Salvation Army The Store Room The Weitz Company Top Drawer Boutique Tropical Financial Credit Union U & Me Records Management & Destruction United Cerebral Palsy of Palm Beach Virtual Media Vitas - Innovative Hospice Care Waste Management of Palm Beach Wells Fargo Insurance Services Southeast Inc. West Palm Beach Marriott Westgate-Belvedere Homes Community Redevelopment Agency Workforce Alliance, Inc.
December 2009
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Ribbon Cuttings
Garden Drugs 561-236-1115 | gardensrx@att.net 2100 45th Street # B1 | West Palm Beach
Gardens Drugs was established on 8.29.09 in Palm Beach Gardens. Gardens Drugs opened its second location in West Palm Beach on November 12th, 2009. Mayor Lois Frankel was there for the formal ribbon cutting ceremony and celebration. Gardens Drugs is a full-service pharmacy with a complete line of medical equipment. PHOTO: Mayor Frankel with Shailesh Shah & Guests
Solantic Walk-In Urgent Care 561-572-3100 | www.solantic.com 1880 Okeechobee Blvd. | West Palm Beach
Open 7 days a week, great care, fast and fair! Solantic Walk-In Urgent Care has opened its 30th location just off I-95 in West Palm Beach. Patients needing urgent care for the treatment of a sudden illness or an unexpected injury have grown to trust Solantic for their walk-in emergency medical services. Visit any Solantic Walk-In Urgent Care Center and find out why their name has become synonymous with affordable and convenient healthcare services. Photo Id: Muffy Forsythe, and Tahlia Harrison cut the ribbon, with Commissioner Jeff Koons and guests
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Business Watch
Shockwave Industries Print & Design (561) 427-0850 | www.swiprint.com 1405 Wilderness Rd. | West Palm Beach
Shockwave is a full-service print provider. Our mission is to consistently provide a superior printing experience. We offer a broad range of products and services to effectively promote a professional image/identity and increase sales for your business. We are committed and have taken steps to offer an environmentally friendly green printing service.
Holiday Inn Palm Beach Airport 1301 Belvedere Road | West Palm Beach 561-659-3880 | www.hiwestpalmbeach.com
The Holiday Inn Palm Beach Airport recently went through a $3M renovation. Located just one half mile from the Palm Beach International Airport, it is easily accessible from I-95 or the Florida Turnpike. Room amenities now include plasma TVs, coffee makers, hair dryers, iron w/ironing board, work areas, and complimentary high speed internet. Microwaves and refrigerators are available upon request. Photo: Shirley Phillips, Chuck Marshall and Brice Phillips flank Mayor Lois Frankel and Sylvia Dias as they cut the ribbon for the newly renovated Holiday Inn Palm Beach Airport.
Strategic Alliances Build your Business the Smart Way – With the Right Contacts Networking is the best way to make new contacts, find new clients and position yourself as a mover and shaker in your field. There are many venues for networking, from Chamber events, to alumni associations, civic groups, professional associations and industry councils. They all have events for their members to meet, social networking opportunities and communication systems for their members. No matter what type of activity you are networking in, it’s always best to have a plan and goals you can track and improve. Part of that plan is having a clear understanding of what type of contact you are looking to meet. That way, if it’s a networking event, you will know from the moment you walk in the door what your goal is and you won’t get distracted by the buffet, the bar or the other people you already know. After a quick hello to the familiar faces, the plan here is to make new contacts and leave with business cards of new contacts you are truly interested in cultivating a professional relationship with. Pretend, for a moment, that you are a mortgage broker. When you walk into a networking function there are two types of individuals you are looking to meet. The first one is someone who absolutely must have a mortgage in the next 24 hours; that is a prospect. We all need prospects, because they become customers and clients, but there is a second type of contact you’re looking to meet and that’s the person who’s advising your prospects. That might be a financial advisor, a CPA or an attorney, but it’s someone who is advising your prospects to have their mortgage reviewed for improvement. That CPA, attorney or financial planner is in a position to send you a referral, possibly multiple referrals – that person is a strategic alliance.
It takes some shifting in your perspective, but if you can approach your networking and prospecting with the goal of targeting strategic alliances, you will see your business grow proportionally. Walk into an event with a list of your best potential strategic alliances and it also takes a lot of the pressure out of the situation. Now you’re not looking for someone to “sell”, you’re looking for someone to build a referral network with. Chances are, you are in a position to send them referrals as well. Now it’s a totally different dynamic, because you are helping them too! The smart way to build your business is one powerful strategic alliance at a time, not one prospect at a time. If you build a strong network of productive strategic alliances, you will never cold-call again. The Chamber is here to help. It’s a professional association with a diverse membership and business categories for every kind of contact you need. An Open House Coffee will give you a better understanding of strategic alliances and suggestions on how to get started. Visit the Chamber website, www.palmbeaches. org, for a schedule of upcoming events, including Open House Coffees. They are open to members and non-members and offer a comprehensive overview of all the Chamber’s programs and services as well as some tips on getting the most out of your involvement – including strategic alliances!
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Ambassadors Gear Up for 2010
2010 plans for the committee include a speaker series on public relations and related topics. As the Chamber’s PR committee, the Ambassadors will receive presentations on how to write press releases, conduct a public relations campaign, social networking, finding free public relations opportunities and effective image and branding management. Their activities will also include a schedule of Ambassador Happy Hours and Call-A-Thons. Want to learn more? What are the responsibilities of an Ambassador? • Help welcome new Chamber members by contacting them through visits, calls, e-mails and helping them with introductions at Chamber events. • Serve as a one-on-one contact for advice on getting the most out of their membership investment. • Assist at Chamber events with event setup, welcoming attendees, raffle ticket sales and seating assistance. If you would like to be contacted by an Ambassador or are interested in becoming an Ambassador at the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches, please contact Jaime Crespy at 561-833-3711 Ext 230 or jcrespy@ palmbeaches.org
Ambassador Happy Hour at Local Bed and Breakfast As the Chamber’s public relations committee, the Ambassadors assist the Chamber with several important tasks. They are essential for the smooth running of the Chamber’s events; helping with seat assignments, raffle ticket sales and acting as greeters. They are important participants at members’ Ribbon Cutting ceremonies and in welcoming new members to the Chamber, making sure they are comfortable and participating. Ambassadors also assist the Chamber in recruiting new members in a variety of ways, through direct referrals and Ambassador Happy Hours. These events are a perfect match of experienced Ambassadors and potential new Chamber members. The
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Business Watch
Ambassador of the Month Christina Bieber is passionate about helping people succeed in improving their health and finances. Recently, she has expanded her business to include fundraising while helping people to lose weight and raise money for their favorite charity. Before having children, Christina served as Past President for The Mother’s Connection, worked as a schoolteacher and in the hospitality industry. Christina lives in Palm Beach Gardens with her husband and two young boys. She enjoys the beach, water sports, cooking and volunteering at her children’s school. Becoming an Ambassador is a great opportunity to share what the Chamber can offer businesses and is a great conversation starter. Christina Bieber www.timefreedomteam.com
prospective members get a chance to talk to the Ambassadors about what works best for them in the Chamber, advice on what will work best for the prospective members and a familiar face to welcome them when they come to that first event. The most recent Ambassador Happy Hour took place Thursday, November 19th. It was held at Casa Grandview, a lovely bed and breakfast in West Palm Beach. A hidden gem in the Grandview Heights neighborhood, it is
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Ambassador Happy Hour Continued actually a series of beautifully decorated, “old Florida” buildings, linked by lush foliage, trickling fountains and shaded pools. Ambassadors and special guests were given tours, including some of the guest rooms, while they enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in the beautifully appointed main building. Many thanks to the gracious hosts, Kirk and Cheryl Grantham, for an outstanding evening! About 50 Ambassadors and prospective Chamber members attended the event, which resulted in several of the potential new members joining immediately, with more still arriving as new members and growing their businesses the SMART way – the Chamber way!
Member Discount
As a member of the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches, you can save an average of up to 83% off list price on more than 300 office supplies you use everyday with Office Depot’s Business Solutions Division. You can also save up to 10% off retail price on more than 30,000 additional items. And, delivery is free for all office supplies for orders over $50.00. Plus, the more you buy, the larger discount you will receive. An extra 1% for orders between $150.00 to $199.99, an extra 1.5% for orders $200.00 to $299.99, and an extra 2% for orders $300.00 and above, on every order. All this at no cost, no contract, no obligation, and no lengthy process enrollment. Simply sign up and save. Log on to the members only portion of www. palmbeaches.org and look for the Office Depot enrollment form in the New Member/Renewal Packet.
Health Care Committee Luncheon Hosted By JFK Medical Center JFK Medical Center once again was a gracious host for the November monthly lunch meeting. Nicole Baxter and her colleagues at JFK provided the lunch, as well as tours of their comprehensive facility. Gina Melby, CEO of JFK Medical Center, spoke about their facility and services. JFK Medical Center, located in Atlantis, Florida, is a 460-bed acute care medical/ surgical facility and healthcare complex specializing in cardiovascular care, neuroscience, oncology services, orthopedics and bariatrics. The guest speaker was Marty Rogol from Marketing Concepts, who gave an amazing presentation on “Palm Beach County: A Community of Wellness”; a campaign with a clear focus on empowering willing participants to work on a common goal of healthier living via traditional and leading edge communication. The committee’s 2010 calendar includes a series of speakers for the monthly meetings on topics of interest to the health care industry and those who market to them. The locations have been scheduled through May 2010 at a variety of impressive venues in the area. Many committee members are able to showcase their facilities, services/products via our lunch meetings. The committee also has two evening committee socials planned so far: First Quarter 2010 - Cleveland Clinic, CityPlace Second Quarter 2010 - The Classic, West Palm Beach The Chamber’s Health Care Committee meets every third Tuesday of the month. If you would like more information about the committee, please contact Ron Walters at (561) 833-3711 ext. 236 or rwalters@palmbeaches.org.
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