e-Business Watch Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches
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February 2011
UM MBA
THERE ARE ONLY so many CORNER OFFICES.
CLAIM YOURS. UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI EXECUTIVE MBA IN PALM BEACH Florida’s #1 Executive MBA Program* • Saturday classes • Same world-class faculty who teach on our main campus • Globally focused curriculum PROGRAM BEGINS APRIL 2011 Learn more at an Information Session 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 17 Kravis Center for the Performing Arts Executive Boardroom 3rd Floor 701 Okeechobee Boulevard West Palm Beach FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO RSVP bus.miami.edu/PBeach 305-284-2510 MBA@miami.edu * Financial Times Executive MBA ranking 2010
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NEVER SETTLE Business Watch
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ON THE COVER
16 Surveys: Stop
guessing and ask!
Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches 401 N. Flagler Drive West Palm Beach, FL 33401 Phone: (561) 833-3711 Fax: (561) 833-5582
18 Sales Strategies and
10 Networking Tips to Keep You on Track
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
Are YOUR Customers Happy? DON’T GUESS – SURVEY THEM! Here’s insight on various methods: Mail: 50% adequate, 60% good Phone: 80% good Email: 40% average, 50% good Online: 30% average Source: 2007 University of Texas at Austin
CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE:
RealSolutions.PalmBeachPost.com
Bryan Baker Membership Development Sharon McIntosh Information Coordinator
January 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.
Chair
Carey O’Donnell Carey O’Donnell PR Group
Chair-Elect
Michelle Diffenderfer Lewis, Longman & Walker, P.A.
Tom Dye Carlton Fields, P.A. Bill Fleming Palm Beach Atlantic University
Treasurer
Clint Glass Balfour Beatty Construction
Secretary
Russell Greene Grand Bank & Trust of Florida
General Counsel
Christine Hanley Christine D. Hanley & Associates, P.A.
At-Large Member
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
Harvey E. Oyer III Shutts & Bowen, LLP
Past-Chair
Don DeWoody WGCompass Realty Companies
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Dr. David Dorfman Mobile Chiropractic of the Palm Beaches
Business Watch
Beth Kigel KBS Strategies Group, LLC Don Kiselewski Florida Power & Light Co.
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 John Templeton Templeton & Company, LLP Dan Thomas Gunster Ricky Wade McDonald’s/”B”ing the Best, Inc. Steve Wasserman WPTV NewsChannel 5 Kathy Willoughby Bank of America Merrill Lynch
Upcoming Chamber Seminars 10
What’s New In Social Media
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Is There an App for That?
Due to popular demand, the Chamber has added a social media seminar to the February calendar. This event, titled What’s New in Social Media, will be facilitated by local social media expert, Jennifer Hampton of Superior Virtual Services. Ms. Hampton will present information on new options and features available in social media for 2011.
The iPhone has several hundred apps - find out which ones can make life easier and more efficient! Attention all Sales & Marketing Professionals, Small Business Owners, and anyone always on-thego: You won’t want to miss this Workshop! Learn about several different iPhone applications.
Attendees will learn: • How to get started using social media in 2011 • The newest changes in online marketing • The nature or communication style of the major social media platforms • Tips for understanding Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Blogs and Video Marketing • How to become an active member of your online community • -20 Social Media Marketing Tips to help you get started today.
Free for Chamber Members! Future members - $10. Register online at palmbeaches.org.
Scheduled for Thursday, February 10 at 8:30 a.m., this seminar will be free for Chamber members and $10 for future members. Register online at palmbeaches.org. For more information please contact Kelly Fanelli, Membership Director, at (561) 8333711 ext. 235 or kfanelli@palmbeaches.org.
Speaker: Chris White: COO, ComRes Voice & Data Chris joined the ComRes team over 12 years ago, as a well experienced technician. Over the years, he has developed quite an extensive amount of expertise which includes developing systems and processes for Operations, Sales, Administration, Marketing and Finance departments. One of the many ways that Chris has succeeded in bringing cutting edge technology to the forefront, is helping businesses integrate multiple database products with electronic marketing and social media. Chris, along with his technical staff, has a strong working knowledge of Apple and Black Berry applications which are widely used in today’s business world. Many of these applications seamlessly tie together in-office necessities with mobile functionality. For more information on this event please contact Donald Burgess at (561) 833-3711 ext. 223 or dburgess@palmbeaches.org.
February 2011
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Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches
CALENDAR OF EVENTS FEBRUARY
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
1
6
13
20
27
Friday
3
4
5
Business Builder 9 10 Seminar 8:30 a.m. “What’s New in Social Media” Seminar 8:30 a.m. Ambassador Committee 11:45 a.m. Women in Business YPOP HotSpot Northwood 11:45 a.m. University 5:30 p.m. Leadership WPB 15 14 16 17 Host Mayoral Candidates Chamber Breakfast Debate 7:45 a.m. PBC Convention Center Muvico - CityPlace 7:45 a.m. Health Care Committee Location TBA 12:00 p.m. 21 22 23 24 Science & Technology Business Builder Seminar: “Is There an App Seminar 8:30 a.m. Chamber Closed for That?” 8:00 a.m. Baseball Bash 6:00 p.m. Roger Dean Stadium 28
11
12
18
19
25
26
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Power Networking at Lunch 11:30 a.m. Crowne Plaza
To Sell is NOT to Sell Workshop 8:30 a.m.
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MARCH
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
To Sell is NOT to Sell Workshop 8:30 a.m.
6
Thursday
2
7
Power Networking at Lunch 11:30 a.m. Crowne Plaza
1
8
13
14
15
20
Health Care Committee Location TBA 12:00 p.m. 21 22
27
28
29
Thursday
2
Business Builder 9 Seminar 8:30 a.m. Ambassador Committee 11:45 a.m. YPOP HotSpot STORE Self Storage 5:30 p.m. 16 Chamber Breakfast PBC Convention Center 7:45 a.m.
Friday
International Travel Seminar 8:30 a.m.
3
Saturday 4
5
11
12
New Member Jump Start 5:30 p.m. 10 Women in Business 11:45 a.m. One-on-One 101 8:30 a.m.
17
23
24 Business Builder Seminar 8:30 a.m.
30
31 Facebook Fan Page Seminar 8:30 a.m.
18 19 Donuts with Dennis Equestrian Event 8:30 a.m. 6:00 p.m.
*All meetings are held at the Chamber unless otherwise noted. Events are subject to change
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401 N Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach, FL 33401 | Phone: 561.833.3711 Fax: 561.833.5582 | www.palmbeaches.org
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Recent Chamber Events
Chamber Members Network at January Mixer The Chamber’s first mixer of 2011 was held at the Ibis Golf and Country Club. Attendees were highly impressed by the skilled culinary staff as well as the top-notch catered offerings including shrimp with Asian vegetables, mini crab summer rolls, mini lobster salad, bacon wrapped scallops, hot dogs in puff pastry, crudités and abundant cheese platters. The Ibis Golf and Country Club, located 7 miles west of I-95 off of North Lake Boulevard in West Palm Beach is the home of three Jack Nicklaus designed golf courses, and bordered by the beauty of Grassy Waters Preserve. It’s the ideal location to host life’s special occasions, whether it’s an intimate group of 10 or overseeing a larger event of 300, the talented staff will plan the special gathering. Ibis was recently awarded a 5-Star rating by www. weddingchannel.com. Finding the time to build your base of business connections can be a challenge, but the Chamber makes it easy – and fun – with regular events when the workday is done.
2011 Market Forecast Carl Domino, CFA, President and Chief Investment Officer of Carl Domino, Inc. made an informative presentation, Why the DOW will soon hit 20,000, as part of the Chamber’s ongoing business education series. Mr. Domino said, “We are at the beginning of an economic recovery that should gain traction as the year progresses. Additionally, the Federal Reserve has committed to a low interest policy until unemployment has improved.” He is a nationally-recognized money manager, community leader and served eight years in the Florida House of Representatives. In 1987, he started Carl Domino Associates, which was renamed Northern Trust Value Investors in 2000. Mr. Domino served as the President of NTVI and grew assets under management to $3.5 billion. He is a graduate of Florida State University and holds an MBA from Harvard University.
Photo ID: Jennifer Byrn, Catering Director, Michael Forgione, Banquet Manager and Amy Nelms, Special Event Coordinator.
February 2011
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Upcoming Chamber Events
Baseball Bash – Takes the Field
This year’s Annual Spring Training event will be held on the main ball field at Roger Dean Stadium. Now called the Baseball Bash, attendees will be able to get autographs from the Florida Marlins and St. Louis Cardinals players (6pm-7pm) from the warning track, sit in the dugout, and children will be able to run the bases. The Baseball Bash will be held on Thursday, February 24 at 6pm at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter. Managers Tony LaRussa and Edwin Rodriguez will give their outlook for the upcoming season and introduce the players. There will also be a silent auction for an autographed team jersey from each team which benefits the Cardinals-Marlins Fund.
February Breakfast Learn all about the new top-tier college preparatory school, the Oxbridge Academy of the Palm Beaches, at the Chamber’s February 17 breakfast. The guest speaker is President and CEO Robert C. Parsons, former United States Navy captain and chief financial officer for the United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD. He will be joined by Academic Head of School Dr. Neen Hunt. This coeducational, non-sectarian school will welcome ninth graders in September 2011. Register now at www.palmbeaches.org for the February 17 breakfast, 7:45 a.m. at the Palm Beach County Convention Center. For tabletop displays or additional information, contact Kelley Burke at kburke@palmbeaches.org or (561) 833-3711 ext 231.
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Business Watch
After the autograph session, Carrabba’s Italian Grill will be serving a sumptuous dinner on the party deck. Refreshments will be courtesy of Pepsi and Brown Distributing Company. Special thanks to our media partners, The Palm Beach Post and 760 AM ESPN. This unique event is very popular, so register now to avoid a shut-out. Tickets are $35 for members and $45 for non-members. It’s a ticketless event, so retain your registration confirmation when you register online at www. palmbeaches.org. The event is rain or shine. For further information, please contact Kelley Burke at kburke@palmbeaches.org or (561) 833-3711 ext. 231.
Mayoral Candidates Debate Leadership West Palm Beach is pleased to present a debate among the candidates for Mayor. Come hear how they plan to address the challenges and issues facing the City and their vision for the future.
February 15, 2011 Muvico at CityPlace 7:45 - 9:00 a.m.
Free Event Coffee and Donuts sponsored by the Morganti Group. Mandatory RSVP at www.palmbeaches.org
2011 State of the City Address Breakfast
Addressing an enthusiastic crowd of over 850 business and community leaders, Mayor Frankel delivered her final annual State of the City address on January 19. The speech, presented by Grand Bank & Trust of Florida and titled “The Next Great American City”, was one of optimism for the future.
Thanks to the Forest Hills High School Choir Group “Dimension 20” for performing at the breakfast. Special thanks to our sponsors, Hedrick Brothers Construction, Oxbridge University, Gunster and the O’Donnell Agency.
The Mayor spoke about the initiatives and projects that the city has undertaken during the last eight years and how the city is in a position to prosper. She also mentioned some of the challenges that the city has faced. She concluded her speech with an announcement of new educational entities entering West Palm Beach, including the September 2011 opening of the Oxbridge Academy of the Palm Beaches. Founded by visionary and philanthropist William Koch, who attended the breakfast, the high school’s staff will include president and CEO Robert Parsons, former United States Navy Captain and CFO for the United States Naval Academy. She also spotlighted the collaborative effort among the city of West Palm Beach, internationally acclaimed Florida State University Film School, and the new Digital Domain Institute. © Katie Smith Photography
© Katie Smith Photography
February 2011
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First Impressions Creative Services Inc. Pam Triolo - President Atlantis Golf Club (AGC) N. Federal Highway, Suite 105 Geoff Gilliand - Dir. of Membership 120 Lake Worth, FL 33460 & Marketing (561) 585-8668 301 Orange Tree Dr. www.ficreates.com Atlantis, FL 33462 ADVERTISING - MARKETING (561) 966-7602 AGENCIES www.atlantisgolf.org COUNTRY CLUBS Furniture TLC Tripp House - President BB&T Mortgage 7891 Central Industrial Dr., #800 Valarie Nichols - Assist. VP Riviera Beach, FL 33404 Mortgage Lending Officer (561) 319-2412 320 Lakeview Ave. www.furnituretlc.com West Palm Beach, FL 33401 FURNITURE (561) 262-4256 www.bbt.com/vnichols Gardens Urgent Care MORTGAGES Rebecca Sasser - Marketing Representative Concentra 3555 Northlake Blvd., Suite 2 Amy Zoete - Client Relationship Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33403 Manager (561) 267-2550 4455 Medical Center Way www.gardensurgentcare.com West Palm Beach, FL 33407 URGENT CARE (561) 214-0405 www.contentra.com Mark A. Greenberg, PA URGENT CARE Mark Greenberg - Principal 2101 Vista Parkway, Suite 244 Digital Domain Holdings West Palm Beach, FL 33411 John Textor - CEO (561) 939-4893 8881 S. US Highway 1 www.markgreenberglaw.com Port St. Lucie, FL 34952 ATTORNEYS (772) 345-8103 www.digitaldomain.com Noujour Rush E. Simonson - CEO Eques Solutions, Inc. 601 Heritage Dr., Suite 100 Bobbi Rottman - President Jupiter, FL 33458 14100 Wellington Tr. (561) 768-7770 Wellington, FL 33414 www.noujour.com (561) 436-1165 PHYSICIANS & SURGEONS www.equessolutions.com REGENERATIVE MEDICINE MARKETING CONSULTANTS Palm Beach Community Bank Escape from Dubai William Martin - Exec. VP-COO & Helene Jaubert - Co-Owner CLO P.O. Box 133 8101 Okeechobee Blvd. Loxahatchee, FL 33470 West Palm Beach, FL 33411 (772) 342-3467 (561) 681-7200 www.escapefromdubai.com BANKS AUTHORS
New Members
Fifth Third Bank John Bechtold - Financial Center Manager 515 N. Flagler Dr., Suite 100 West Palm Beach, FL 33401 (561) 514-9900 www.53.com BANKS
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Business Watch
PGA National Resort & Spa Jaime Crespy - Corporate Account Manager 400 Ave. of the Champions Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418 (561) 627-2000 www.pgaresort.com RESORT The Law Office of Jaimie R. Goodman Jaimie Goodman 319 Clematis St., Suite 700 West Palm Beach, FL 33401 (561) 833-6180 ATTORNEYS - LABOR & EMPLOYMENT LAW Theodore A. Deckert, Attorney / Mediator / Third-Party Neutral Theodore A. Deckert - PA 1655 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd., Suite 700 West Palm Beach, FL 33401 (561) 835-9800 www.deckertmediate.com MEDIATION TrainingBusinessPros.com a Div. of Pilgrim Productions, Inc. Nancy Houle - V.P. Operations 3860 NE Sugarhill Ave. Jensen Beach, FL 34957 (877) 790-7767 www.trainingbusinesspros.com TRAINING PROGRAMS
Renewals
Alley Maass Rogers & Lindsay P.A. American Commercial Realty Corp. Aquatron, Inc. Bohren’s Moving & Storage Caldwell Pacetti Edwards Schoech & Viator LLP Callery-Judge Grove L.P. Chase Management, LLC Coalition for Independent Living Options Cochrane & Company D. Brooks and Associates CPA’s, P.A. DedicatedIT Palm Beach Photographic Centre, East Coast Mechanical Inc. Inc. Easter Seals Florida Inc. Fatima NeJame - Executive Director Executive Coffee Service Inc. 415 Clematis St. Florida Public Utilities Company- West Palm Beach, FL 33401 Natural Gas & Propane (561) 253-2600 Focus Video www.photofusion.org Folding Shutter Corporation SCHOOLS Fritz Stein Farms Glidden-Spina & Partners,
GREENSPOON MARDER NAMED AS TOP LAW FIRM Greenspoon Marder, a full-service business law firm, has been named by the South Florida Legal Guide as one of the “2011 Top Law Firms” in South Florida. The list is a compilation of nominations by the South Florida Legal Guide’s Top Attorneys and Top Up & Comers for 2011.
Renewals Continued
Architecture - Interior VIP Very Important Paws Design, Inc, Wafer World Inc. Gratify - American Gastro Pub Waste Management of Palm Health Care District of Palm Beach Beach County Weiss Capital Management Ibis Golf & Country Club West Palm Beach Golf Course INTECH Investment Mangement West Palm Beach Housing LLC Authority John C. Cassidy Air Conditioning, Inc. HEDRICK BROTHERS Jones Foster Johnston & Stubbs P.A. CONSTRUCTION ANNOUNCES JP Morgan Chase NEW VICE PRESIDENT Keiser University Hedrick Brothers Construction GUESTS FASCINATED BY Lake Worth Gardens announces that Jack Ullrich joined SCIENCE AT FIRST LECTURE Lund & Pullara Inc. the company as a Vice President. Mr. Massey Clark Fischer Inc. IN SERIES HOSTED BY MAX Ullrich has more than 25 years of Max Planck Florida Institute PLANCK FLORIDA INSTITUTE General Contractor and Construction Midnight Sun Tours Inc. The Max Planck Florida Institute Manager experience in South Florida Northwood University lecture series will continue on with a wide range of project types, Palm Beach Kennel Club February 23 when Dr. Martin both in the private and public sectors, Palm Beach Maritime Museum & Heimann, director of the Max Planck specializing in K-12 and higher Academy Institute of Biogeochemistry in Philip D. Lewis Real Estate education and commercial building. Jena, Germany, leads a discussion Pioneer Linens He is knowledgeable in designPremier Tenting Solutions & Event on climate change. Dr. Stefan build, “fast-track” projects, major H.E. Kaufmann, founding director Rentals renovations, subcontract negotiations, and director of the department of Raindancer Steak House project management, estimating Rampell & Rampell P.A. immunology at the Max Planck and project scheduling, and is LEED Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Institute for Infection Biology in trained. Mr. Ullrich resides with his Performing Arts Berlin, will conclude the series on family in Wellington, FL. REG Architects Inc. March 30 with a presentation on the Rosner’s Inc. threat of plagues. Rybovich The Max Planck Florida Institute MORSE GERIATRIC CENTER Schulz Training and Consulting lecture series is free and open to Slaton Insurance RECEIVES DESIGNATION AS Steele the Show Public Relations, the public. All lectures will be held “TEACHING NURSING HOME” in the Fellowship Hall at the Royal Inc. IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA Poinciana Chapel, 60 Cocoanut Suddath Relocation Systems – ONE OF ONLY TWO SUCH Sunshine Aluminum Specialties Row in Palm Beach. Seating is FACILITIES IN STATE TO EARN Inc. limited and can be reserved by DESIGNATION Templeton & Company, LLP calling 561.972.9007 or rsvp@ With a solid commitment to The Colony Hotel maxplanckflorida.org. researching and disseminating The Homeless Coalition of Palm best practices in geriatric care, and Beach County, Inc. SID STUBBS IS RECOGNIZED AS ongoing validation of its highest The Palm Beach Post A “DISTINGUISHED ATTORNEY” standards of excellence, Morse Tires Plus By the 2011 edition of the SOUTH Tires Plus Store #245789 Geriatric Center in West Palm Beach, FLORIDA LEGAL GUIDE Tires Plus Store #427160 Florida has received designation as The 2011 edition of the South Florida Tires Plus Store #46400 a “Teaching Nursing Home” in the Legal Guide names Sidney A. Stubbs, Tires Plus Store #46493 State of Florida. The nursing facility Jr. as one of just seven South Florida Tires Plus Store #520780 is one of only two out of 700 such Tires Plus Store #544566 “Distinguished Attorneys” for 2011, facilities in Florida to have earned Tires Plus Store #551007 calling him “A Lawyer’s Lawyer.” this coveted designation. Tires Plus Store #610208 Trucane Sugar U & Me Records Management & Submit your press release for consideration to Alexandra Guth, Destruction Communications Coordinator, at aguth@palmbeaches.org. Village Tavern
Members In Motion
February 2011
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Chamber Trustees Host Congressman Allen West The Chamber’s executive level networking group, the Trustees, are guests at monthly luncheons where they have the privilege of meeting with elected officials and local business leaders. The luncheons provide the Trustees the opportunity to meet the speakers in an informal atmosphere, hear their comments and ask questions. The speakers hear first-hand the concerns and perspectives of local business, large and small, private and public. Congressman Allen West met with the Chamber’s Trustees for the February luncheon and gave the attendees an overview of the economy and his first months in office. He spoke of the need to address the federal budget and bring a business agenda to Washington. His comments on corporate taxes, social security and health care reform were followed by questions from the audience. Congressman West plans on returning in the fall with additional updates for the Trustees. The next Trustee event will be a reception to welcome the new incoming Chair of the Board, Carey O’Donnell at PGA National Resort and Spa. For more information on the Trustee Program, its events and speakers, contact Kelly Fanelli, Membership Director, at (561) 833-3711 ext 235 or kfanelli@palmbeaches.org.
Pictured: Patrick Koenig - Flagler Realty and Development, Inc.; Pam Johnson - Ruth’s Chris Steak House; Danny Martell - Florida Crystals Corporation; David Goodlett - Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative of Florida; Congressman Allen West; Carey O’Donnell - Chamber Chair; Steven Templeton - Templeton & Company, LLP; Jay Shearouse - First Bank of the Palm Beaches
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The January YPOP HotSpot was hosted by Taverna Opa in CityPlace. Young professionals from all over Palm Beach County attended this evening event on January 12 for networking, cocktails and of course, Greek food. YPOP would like to thank the management team of Taverna Opa for their generous hospitality. The next YPOP event will be held on Wednesday, February 9 at Northwood University. Attendees of this free event will enjoy a complimentary reception in addition to free admission to cheer on the NU Seahawks Men’s Basketball team as they take on Ave Maria. For more information visit www.ypopconnect.org or contact Alexandra Guth at (561) 833-3711 ext. 234 or aguth@palmbeaches.org.
February 2011
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Leadership West Palm Beach Kicks Off 2011 Program Following a reception and orientation at the Palm Beach County History Museum on January 18, during which they received a presentation about the history of West Palm Beach by Harvey E. Oyer III, the 2011 Class of Leadership West Palm Beach embarked upon the first of six full-day sessions that explore the following: CityPlace; Western Communities; Health & Human Services; City Center; Community & Culture; and The North End. On January 19, the Class kicked off CityPlace Day by attending the Mayor’s State of the City Address Breakfast at the Palm Beach County Convention Center. The Class also enjoyed a Q&A with City Commissioners, an Economic Forum of Palm Beach County luncheon presentation, a tour of the Dreyfoos School of the Arts and presentations by Digital Domain Institute and INTECH Investment Management. We would like to thank our CityPlace Day co-chairs, Russell Greene of Grand Bank & Trust of Florida, and Ryon McCabe of McCabe Rabin, P.A.
Members of Class 2011 of Leadership • Brian Lamb – West Palm Beach Fire West Palm Beach are: Rescue • Dr. Rose Bellanca – Northwood University • Peter Camacho – CP Associated Services, Inc. • John Cohen – Community Mediation Network, Inc. • Christopher Cortez – Jones, Foster, Johnston & Stubbs, P.A. • Kim Daniel • Martha Franco – INTECH • Kent Frazer – Akerman Senterfitt • Philip Goombs – West Palm Beach Housing Authority • Douglas Greene – West Palm Beach Association of Firefighters • Jacquelyn Halderman – Workforce Alliance • Wesley Jolin – West Palm Beach Fire Rescue • Gregory Kino – Casey Ciklin Lubitz Martens & O’Connell
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• Barbara LeBrun – NAI Merin Hunter Codman, Inc. • Jon Schmidt – Jon E. Schmidt & Associates, Inc. • Laurie Steele – Steele the Show Public Relations • Mary Ann Stetson – West Palm Pools, Inc. • Julie Timm – St. Mary’s Medical Center • Stuart Weinstein – Weiss Capital Management • Vernique Williams –Florida Power & Light Co. • Jennifer Xie – Downtown Development Authority • Christopher Zachritz – City of West Palm Beach Thank you to our 2011 Sponsors, Grand Bank & Trust of Florida, The Palm Beach Post, FPL, Palm Beach Kennel Club, and INTECH.
Ambassador Happenings The Ambassadors recently welcomed six new members to the committee: Gary Baja – Costco Wholesale Bo Batchelor - John Fiorentino Insurance Agency Geoff Gilliand – Atlantis Golf Club Sharon Hoffman – SunFest of Palm Beach County, Inc. E.J. Matot – Seacrest Services Inc. Michael Thorson – Palm Beach Opera Inc. The next monthly committee meeting taking place on Wednesday, February 9, in the Chamber Boardroom at 12:00 p.m. For more information about the Ambassador Committee please contact Bryan Baker, Membership Development at (561) 833-3711 Ext 230 or email at bbaker@palmbeaches.org.
Ambassador of the Month November Joan Quittner – Pre-Paid Legal
Ambassador of the Year
David DuHamel, President/CEO, Seminole Marketing, LLC
After a 30 year career in the Hospitality Industry I retired to South Florida and started a small executive search firm (DuHamel & Associates) that company eventually turned into Seminole Marketing that offered both executive search and business consulting… Today the executive search part of the company is gone and the focus is on assisting small business in ways to increasing their bottom line without any major expense. In today’s economy small business owners have to use every tool available to them in order to stay in business; that’s where we come in. “After trying a number of network groups around the County without much success I decided to focus in on one organization and compare the results… I chose The Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches because of its reach, not only in Palm Beach County, but all of South Florida… The results have been incredible and the business I’ve developed far out reached anything I did in the past. The Chamber’s networking events have given me the opportunity to meet and mingle with far more business leaders then I could ever do on my own and the monthly ‘Business-Building Seminars’ and leadership meetings keep me up-to-date on the latest trends and technical advancements available to me as a small business owners.”
Ambassador of the Month December
Michael Thorson – Palm Beach Opera Inc.
“It has been my privilege and an honor to serve the Chamber of the Palm Beaches as an Ambassador. May 2010 started my role as an Ambassador and the time has been well spent. The Chamber has enhanced my business by establishing relationships in many business fields and has afforded me the opportunity to connect with numerous local companies and Chamber members. Attending the various Chamber events has been, and continues to be, a very effective way to grow your business and, at the same time, meet very exceptional people.”
“It has been a tremendous pleasure to serve as an ambassador for the Chamber of the Palm Beaches. Chamber membership has allowed me to establish connections with business and individuals I would never have had the opportunity to meet. Events and special programs are top-notch, and provide multiple opportunities to learn about and become a part of the Palm Beach community.“
February 2011
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Surveys: Stop guessing and ask! Do you know what your customers think about your products and business? Take the guesswork out of customer satisfaction by doing simple surveys! By using effective survey methods you can: *Track your marketing efforts *Measure customer satisfaction *Uncover hidden problems Make your survey available in a number of places including: on your website, in your office, on order forms and printed materials. Survey suggestions: Include a “rate your experience” survey link at the end of online transactions. Include a printed survey with purchases. Some companies even offer a toll free telephone survey with opportunities to receive free goods.
Other ideas include: “How did you hear about us?”, “What is your favorite product/service?”, “Do you have any suggestions on how we can improve our service in the future?” The possibilities are endless and the answers you receive invaluable! Tips: *Keep them short 1-3 questions are bound to get the most response *Only ask important questions *Use a number of different methods to ensure the best response
Chamber conducts S.W.O.T. Analysis The Chamber is doing its own survey in the form of a S.W.O.T. Analysis. What’s a S.W.O.T. Analysis? Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. The Chamber focused on the areas of Events, Communications and Membership in an exercise designed to be thought-provoking, strategic and productive.
Strengths What are the Chamber strengths? What programs did the members use the most in 2010? What communications tools work best for the members? Weaknesses What does the Chamber need to do better? What needs do the members have that are not being addressed? What stands in the way of the Chamber reaching the next level of excellence?
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Opportunities What opportunities exist for the Chamber to increase its membership and provide new contacts, customers and clients for its members? What kind of programming gives members the most powerful ways to stay connected and do business together? Threats What are the threats to the business community? How can the Chamber protect its members? What kind of information do the members need to protect themselves? What about your observations and opinions?
Click Here to share your thoughts!
We value your opinion and need your suggestions as we strive to continue our pursuit of excellence. It’s YOUR Chamber and we want it to be the most valuable investment you make for your business!
.com Facebook.com/SunFest
Get the most fun out of SunFest by becoming a corporate member!
SunFest Corporate Membership Program offers an opportunity to host clients, partners and employees with benefits including: • Savings on VIP Hospitality tickets • Festival Admission tickets • Recognition on SunFest Web site • Recognition on SunFest billboard Opportunity to offer your employees and clients a 25% savings on one-day admission tickets. For more info: Sharon Hoffman 561-837-8074 shoffman@sunfest.com
n Pla
to become a SunFest sponsor
now
Event marketing is a great way to advertise and reach customers. “Experiential marketing” drives purchases and consideration across age, gender, and ethnicity. 70% of consumers say that they would be more likely to purchase a product or brand after experiencing it at an event. SunFest is experiential marketing at its best, providing a unique and targeted way to get your message in front of potential customers. For more info: Stacey Halpin 561-837-8068 shalpin@sunfest.com
SunFest’s TGi5K
The Race ends where the party begins!
WHEN: Friday, April 29, 2011 WHERE: Downtown West Palm Beach TIME: Start Time 5:15 pm Register Today Sunfest.com/TGi5K
Race highlights include: • Admission to SunFest ($34 value)
• Tech shirt
(for the first 500 registrants)
• Beer at the finish line • Special concert and awards ceremony for runners at the Tire Kingdom Stage (Meyer Amphitheater) immediately after the race.
Course: Begins at the intersection of Edmor Road and Olive Avenue, continues North to Evernia Street, ending in the heart of SunFest for all the Friday night fun. Starting line parking and shuttles will be available to race participants.
February 2011
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New Members Get New Sales Looking for new business? The Chamber has created a training program to ensure that members find the customers and clients they are looking for. Held in the Chamber boardroom, these events get members “plugged into” the Chamber machine of never-ending prospects. With new members coming in every month, the Chamber is an excellent business development tool and a proven sales generator. The Chamber Business Builder is designed to provide an introduction to everything the Chamber offers and make sure members are taking advantage of it. Sales are generated from activity. From networking events to sales seminars, the Business Builder is a check list of events, a timeline of what to do first and insights on to find the relationships that lead to repeat customers. Free for Members and Non-Members, next date: Wednesday, Feb. 9th Attendees leave with an information packet that includes: • Copies of all the Chambers publications • A complete calendar • Committee descriptions • Tips on building their businesses and networking in the Chamber.
To Sell is NOT to Sell
Most members join the Chamber with business development as their primary goal. They may know everything in the world there is to know about their particular business, but they may be wearing a sales hat for the first time or just need a reminder of what denotes a solid selling strategy. Free for Members, next date: Tuesday, March 1st To Sell is NOT to Sell takes the guess work out of selling. The workshop includes: • How to sell in today’s economy • How to increase referrals • How to close more clients in less time
One on One 101
What do you do with all those cards you’ve collected networking? If you’re like many, you put them on the corner of your desk and look at them until they make you feel so guilty that you finally throw them away. Right? Wrong! The One on One 101 takes those cards off your desk and turns them into money. Free for Members, Next date: Thursday, March 17th • Get the appointment with the right person, recognize the decision maker • Plan a productive agenda for the meeting and take control • Track your activities. What is working, what is not? The combination of these events has proven to be a formula for success for Chamber members. Not a member yet? Contact Kelly Fanelli, Membership Director, at kfanelli@ palmbeaches.org or (561) 833-3711 ext 235 to attend one as our guest. You’re a member, but these are not on your calendar? Visit the Chamber website and make your reservation. The Chamber is here to serve you, our members. Come; let us show you how the Chamber can help your business jump to the next level.
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Business Watch
Sales Strategy If your business involves selling a product, you are probably looking for ways to improve sales. A sales strategy will focus your efforts on your most important customer audiences, existing or potential. Here are the most important things to keep in mind when designing a sales strategy. • Create a sales plan. Having a document that outlines your sales goals and strategies will help you to stay on track and assess your progress. As you begin to define your sales plan, keep these things in mind: • Sales goals: These goals should be specific and measurable, not something like selling a million units. Base them on the nature of your product and try to break them down into manageable parts. For example, sell 50 units to end-users in 30 days and sell 100 units to local independent retailers in six months. • Sales activities: These are your tactics -- how you plan to make the sale. You may say you’ll sell direct-to-consumer through a website or via craft shows, for instance. Or this part of the plan may include activities like developing a sell sheet to send to independent retail stores. • Target accounts: Your sales plan should also include the accounts you want to sell to. If it’s end-users, for example, plan how you’re going to reach them through eBay, classified ads or your website. • Timelines: Put dates to all of the above elements so you can define your steps within a realistic timeline. Don’t forget that your timelines should be fluid--if you’re underachieving, your sales plan can help you figure out why and define the corrective steps you need to take. • Expand to new markets. Once you have established success in your current market, consider expanding to include other markets. This will open doors to bigger buyers. • Get the correct buyer: One of your biggest challenges is finding the right buyer within a large organization, so do your homework. If you’re experiencing roadblocks, consider hiring a distributor or manufacturer’s rep who already has established relationships in your industry • Be prepared: Develop a presentation and have professional-looking sell sheets ready. Your product should also have packaging that’s ready to go. • Know your target: Understand what products they already carry and how yours will fit in. Don’t waste your time pitching to a retailer who’s unlikely to carry your product. • Take advantage of special programs: Some mass retailers, such as Wal-Mart, have local purchase programs that give managers authority to try local items. And other retailers may have different initiatives, such as minority business programs. • Be patient: It can take up to a year or longer before you see your product on store shelves, so don’t get frustrated. And if the final answer is no, try to turn it into a learning experience.
This information has been reprinted from the U.S. Small Business Administration website. For more information and additional articles visit www.sba.gov.
February 2011
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Top Ten Networking Tips 1. Don’t hang out with the people you already know and don’t sit with your coworker, spouse or friends. A quick hello and you’re off; we’re here to meet new people, right? 2. Name tag goes on the right-hand side. When you extend your hand, your new acquaintance’s eyes can easily travel from your hand, right up your arm to your name tag. 3. Don’t walk around with your hands full of cups and plates. Eat before you go if you need to, but keep your hands free to pass business cards and shake hands. 4. When you attend a networking event, set some goals, make them realistic and don’t leave until you accomplish them. You don’t need a business card from every person in the room, but you do need to leave with at least 2-4 that are excellent contacts. 5. Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to strangers. Remember, everyone is there for the same reason you are - to meet new people! 6. Make notes on the backs of the cards you collect right away; something that will remind you of who the person is and what you are looking to accomplish with them. “Red tie, e-mail for appointment” or “new business, stop in” 7. Don’t try to “sell” someone at an event. This is not an opportunity to make a sales presentation. Collect the card, agree to get together at another time and move on. 8. Always say, “Nice to see you” not “Nice to meet you”. Saves you from embarrassment if you’ve already met. 9. Don’t do all the talking, instead ask questions. The answers will give you insight as to whether this person is a good contact for you. People love to talk about their favorite subject- themselves! 10. Smile! It makes you approachable and your new contact more comfortable.
20 Business Watch
ABC’s of Employment By Bari L. Goldstein Christine D. Hanley & Associates, P.A.
On January 18, 2011, Christine D. Hanley and I had the pleasure of presenting ABC’s of Employment at the Chamber. The 3-hour workshop provided participants with information, tools and techniques covering the employment relationship from A (Applications) to E (Exit Strategies). The workshop stressed the importance of making thoughtful, educated decisions early on in the employment process to minimize or eliminate issues during employment and/or at separation. Using our alphabet guide, participants learned: Application for Employment. Applications provide a first look at a candidate’s responsiveness and willingness or ability to follow directions. Applications are a candidate’s first test and designed to determine the candidate’s basic qualifications for the work of the company and provide a measure of the candidate’s honesty and truthfulness. In all cases, resumes should never be accepted in lieu of a completed application and, in some cases, applications may need to be immediately placed in the “reject” pile. Background Checks. Background checks are essential! Background checks verify the accuracy of information on the application and provide employers with the ability to make educated decisions. They must be tailored to the position and administered to (at least) each final candidate. The standard for analyzing the results of any background check must be job-related and applied equally to each candidate. Never let a candidate begin work before receiving and analyzing all background check results. Choice. Choosing the right candidate is hard work and employers must do their homework before making any final decision, e.g., preparing tailored interview questions, establishing uniform standards for selection and confirming all the particulars (preferably in a written offer letter) before the candidate begins work. Discipline and Documentation. Discipline must be timely, documentation must be factual and thorough and all documentation is susceptible to disclosure. Helping employees understand what they are doing well and what they may do better (especially in the early weeks of their employment) ensures that employees know what is expected of them and that employers know whether they can perform the job up to expectations and standards. Exit Strategies. Separating an employee is never easy and admitting that we erred is difficult. When an employee is terminated for performance reasons, the employer must admit that he or she erred, deal with it and take the necessary action -- the employer will be better off in the long run. Likewise, employers should take advantage of the 90-day introductory period and take prompt action when warranted. When it comes to unemployment compensation, employers need to prepare appropriately, but understand that winning is never a sure thing. Attendees received a booklet of reference materials to assist them in making future employment decisions.
February 2011
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