e-Business Watch Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches
2011 Business Awards Breakfast Be a Star at the Chamber Business Expo
June 2011
Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches
CALENDAR OF EVENTS JUNE
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
To Sell is NOT to Sell 1 2 Science and Technology 8:30 a.m. Committee 8:00 a.m. YPOP HotSpot - World of Beer - Clematis 5:30 p.m. 5
6
12
Business Builder Seminar 8:30 a.m.
13
19
7 Ambassador Committee 8 11:45 a.m. Chamber Mixer Carlos’ n Charlie’s CityPlace 5:30 p.m.
14 Power Networking @ Lunch 11:30 a.m. Crowne Plaza
15 Chamber Breakfast Renewable Energy PBC Convention Center 7:45 a.m.
21
22
20
3
4
9
10
11
16 Marketing & Branding Seminar 8:30 a.m.
17
18
24 Chamber Golf Tournament PGA National 7:00 a.m.
25
Women in Business 11:45 a.m.
Business Expo - WPB Event Hall 4:00-7:00 p.m. Business Builder Seminar 8:30 a.m.
23
Health Care Committee Location TBA 12:00 p.m. 26
27
28
Monday
3
Chamber Office Closed
JULY
Tuesday
4
29
Wednesday
5
Chamber Closed
10
11
12
17
18
19
To Sell is NOT to Sell 8:30 a.m.
6
30
Thursday
Friday 1
2
8
9
15
16
7 Science and Technology Committee 8:00 a.m.
YPOP HotSpot - iBar- PGA National 5:30 p.m. 13 14 Business Builder Chamber Mixer Seminar 8:30 a.m. Tiki Bar - Hilton PB Airport 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Ambassador Committee 11:45 a.m. 20
21
22 FLSA Executive Briefing Seminar 8:30 - 9:30 a.m.
23
27
28
29
30
Health Care Committee Location TBA 12:00 p.m. 24
25
30
2
26
Business Builder Seminar 8:30 a.m.
*All meetings are held at the Chamber unless otherwise noted. Events are subject to change
Business Watch
401 N Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach, FL 33401 | Phone: 561.833.3711 Fax: 561.833.5582 | www.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
9 Be a Star at the Chamber Business Expo
19 2011 Business Awards Recipients
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 Alyc Maselli Membership Development
1.1 Million+ local adults are online each month; more than half use social media to connect. Is your online strategy social enough? Source: 2011 Scarborough Report, Release 1
FIND MORE MARKET INFO AT:
RealSolutions.PalmBeachPost.com
Mike Penn Membership Development Sharon McIntosh Information Coordinator
May 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.
Tom Dye Carlton Fields, P.A. Bill Fleming Palm Beach Atlantic University Clint Glass Balfour Beatty Construction
Treasurer
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 Paul Krasker Trident Title LLC
Wesley Lauer Akerman Senterfitt
Harvey E. Oyer III Shutts & Bowen, LLP
Past-Chair
Don DeWoody WGCompass Realty Companies
Business Watch
Trish Lowry Florida’s Blood Centers Monica Manolas CEMEX Danny Martell Florida Crystals Corporation 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.
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Scott Lampert Broad and Cassel
Upcoming Chamber Events
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June Breakfast
The Future of Renewable Energy The June 15 Chamber Breakfast will address the Future of Renewable Energy in Florida. On the heels of another legislative session where Florida failed to pass any comprehensive energy policy, be sure to hear Eric Silagy, Florida Power and Light Company’s Senior Vice President of Regulatory and State Governmental Affairs, thoughts on how FPL, a subsidiary of NextEra Energy – the nation’s leading generator of renewable energy, will fare in building additional solar generation in the Sunshine State.
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Creative That Sells Seminar
Is your advertising NOT getting results? Have you wondered…Is it your product, or is it your creative? Even the best product or service can be doomed by bad art and messaging. Find out the basics of making your advertising both compelling AND effective. The Chamber’s Business You Need To Know Series continues on June 16 with “Creative that Sells”. The presentation by The Palm Beach Post will be held in the Chamber board room at 8:30 a.m. A special bonus for Chamber members - buy a registration for $10 and bring a guest for free. Visit www.palmbeaches.org to register and for additional information, contact Kelley Burke at kburke@palmbeaches.org.
The breakfast will be held at the Palm Beach County Convention Center at 7:45 a.m. Please register online at www.palmbeaches.org or for more information, contact Kelley Burke at kburke@palmbeaches.org.
June 2011
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June Mixer at Carlos’ n Charlie’s The Chamber celebrated the opening of Carlos’ n Charlie’s at CityPlace on Wednesday, June 8. This 100% authentic Mexican restaurant, with locations in Mexico and throughout the Caribbean, is family-friendly in a laid-back, casual setting. It features lunch specials called bundles, as well as nightly specials like Cheap Date Night Friday and Happy Hour 3pm - 7pm with half price appetizers even on Saturdays. Attendees enjoyed the plentiful Mexican appetizers and Margaritas.
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Business Watch
Scott Lampert Appointed to Chamber’s Board of Directors Scott Lampert is Of Counsel in the West Palm Beach office of Broad and Cassel. He is a member of the Firm’s Corporate and Securities and Intellectual Property Practice Groups. Mr. Lampert has been practicing law in the South Florida area for over 14 years. His business background is extensive and has a worldwide reach. Prior to joining Broad and Cassel, Mr. Lampert served as Vice President and General Counsel of a NASDAQ listed manufacturing and distribution company and its subsidiaries in the U.S., Hong Kong, The Peoples Republic of China, United Kingdom, Germany, France and Canada. Mr. Lampert is active in various community and professional organizations.
May Mixer Held at CityPlace South Tower CityPlace South Tower showcased its tropical resort and spa-like ambiance throughout the ninthfloor club deck with expansive views over the Intracoastal and Atlantic Ocean at the Chamber’s May Mixer. This residential tower is the perfect place to live, work and have fun in West Palm Beach, just across the street from CityPlace. Attendees were invited to go on a guided tour of its designer models and hear about all of the amenities.
Photo ID: Left to right Mary Flor Gavidia – sales associate, Robert Kemp – sales associate, Jo Perez – Leasing manager, Zaicha MartellSpodak – Sales Director, Christina WilsonFreudenthal – sales associate
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Business Expo Thursday, June 16 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
The Business Expo is a convenient and affordable tradeshow guaranteed to give your company maximum exposure. By exhibiting, you’re making an investment in your company’s future. This event consistently assembles a large collection of companies, bringing many businesses together under one roof to showcase their products and services. Join us on Thursday, June 16 from 4 – 7 pm in The Box at the West Palm Beach Event Hall. The new complex can accommodate small intimate groups and parties up to 500 guests. Along with its three halls, they offer kitchen, dressing room and an office area. It is located one block west of Village Boulevard at 2223 Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard in West Palm Beach. The Expo is open to the public to attend and is free. It is sponsored in part by Tenet Healthcare, which announces the end of ER waiting with InQuickER, a hold your place in line program. Register to be an exhibitor at www.palmbeaches.org. Please Note: You must be a member in good standing of the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches to exhibit at the Business Expo
West Palm Beach Event Hall - The Box 2223 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd (one block west of Village Blvd.) West Palm Beach, FL 33409
Free to Attend!
Visit the Chamber Expo and see over 20 exhibitors, enjoy food and wine sampling and enter to win the door prize - a 23” Samsung LCD High-Def PIP w/ PC input television from Costco!
Sponsored by Tenet Healthcare
Announcing the End of ER Waiting, Hold Your Place Online brought to you by Good Samaritan, Palm Beach Gardens and St. Mary’s Medical Centers. Visit www.tenetflorida.com for the hospital nearest you.
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Business Watch
Show Time! Be a STAR at the June Expo! This is your company’s opportunity to shine, reach a large audience and position yourself as an expert! Reserve your spot and use these hints to ensure a winning performance.
Set the stage In advance of the show, invite your key contacts, clients and prospects to visit you there. Encourage them to extend the invitation to their contacts. Be sure to use all the communication and public relations tools available to you. Send press releases to local media, include announcements in newsletters, notify professional organizations and use social media and websites to create anticipation and enhance attendance. Casting call Make sure you have help and that they are well-trained. You won’t be able to talk to each and every attendee, so you’ll need help to “work the crowd.” They need to be personable, articulate and knowledgeable.
Action! Will a short demonstration illustrate your point? If so, perfect! Now you can draw them into the process with a demonstrationsomething for them to do that will draw some spectators and create excitement around your display. Engage your audience Don’t let those attendees walk past your stage! People love free stuff, so engage them with a gift, a contest, or game. It will give you an opportunity to strike up a conversation with them and get their contact information for follow-up after the show.
Write the script Make it easy for the event attendees to understand what you are offering. Paint a picture of how your products and services help businesses so they can quickly see how their business will benefit.
Playbills that get read Design literature with value they will want even after the show is over. Offer some expertise and advice that goes beyond a sales pitch and they will hold on to your materials longer. Coupons and special offers also tend to have a longer life in that big bag of stuff they are accumulating at the show.
Design the set Use visuals to convey your message. Attendees will not have time to read a lot of text and people tend to remember graphs, pictures and charts easier than long verbal descriptions.
Rave Review Survey your key attendees after the event. Ask them what they liked about it and to critique your participation. They will appreciate that you value their opinions and you may get some valuable insights!
June 2011
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New Members
@Home Healthcare Toni Worley - Senior Care Consultant 1070 E. Indiantown Rd., Suite 308 Jupiter, FL 33477 (855) 935-5378 Ext:190 www.wellestra.com HEALTH CARE CONSULTING & SERVICES
Capitol Carpet, Tile and Window Fashions Phillip Orenstein 892 N. Military Trail West Palm Beach, FL 33415 (561) 689-4100 www.capitolcarpetandtile.com FLOOR MATERIALS
John Hancock Financial Network George V. Cornell, III - Financial Advisor / J.D. 624 Biscayne Dr. West Palm Beach, FL 33401 (561) 531-3723 www.georgevcornell.com FINANCIAL SERVICES
Absolute Insurance of Palm Beach County Dean Laible - President 11924 Forest Hill Blvd. #27 Wellington, FL 33414 (561) 899-0622 www.absoluteinsurancepbc.com INSURANCE
Capture Information Services Group Maureen Hamilton-Marion - Vice President 10 SE Central Parkway, Suite 222 Stuart, FL 34994 (772) 223-5400 www.captureisg.com MARKET RESEARCH & ANALYSIS
Kangen Water by Enagic Joy Dupont - Independent Global Distributor 718 44th St. West Palm Beach, FL 33407 (561) 844-3882 www.kangenjoy.com WATER COMPANIES - BOTTLED, BULK, ETC.
CBS 12 News / Freedom Communications Inc. Gene McHugh - General Manager 1100 Fairfield Dr. West Palm Beach, FL 33407 (561) 881-0743 www.cbs12.com TELEVISION STATIONS
Nexxen Technologies Nick Fortin - Owner 7144 Copperfield Circle Lake Worth, FL 33467 (561) 718-1770 www.nexxentech.com COMPUTERS - CONSULTANTS
AlwaysNear Tyce Fitzmorris - Consultant 6231 PGA Blvd., Suite 104 #204 Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418 (561) 248-2295 www.alwaysnear.net HOME HEALTH SERVICES AmTrust Bank Laura Stemple - Branch Manager 603 Village Blvd., Suite 101 West Palm Beach, FL 33409 (561) 687-0288 www.amtrust.com BANKS AmTrust Bank / NYCB Helen Kuenzner - Branch Manager 6404 Lake Worth Rd. Lake Worth, FL 33463 (561) 432-8715 www.amtrust.com BANKS Brother’s Protective Services, LLC Robert Best, III - CEO 500 Australian Ave. S., Suite 616 West Palm Beach, FL 33401 (561) 659-9323 www.bps-fl.com SECURITY GUARD & PATROL SERVICE
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Business Watch
CityPlace South Tower Zaicha Martell - Sales Director 550 Okeechobee Blvd., Suite 1023 West Palm Beach, FL 33401 (561) 835-0600 www.cityplacesouthtower.com CONDOMINIUMS Convergenz, LLC Kevin Howard - Vice President - COO 5543 Edmonson Pike, Suite 201 Nashville, TN 37211 (561) 436-6630 www.convergenzgroup.com BUSINESS CONSULTANTS Hahnross Wines, LLC June Hahn - Marketing Director 5642 Corporate Way West Palm Beach, FL 33407 (561) 615-0060 www.hahnrosswines.com WINE & SPIRITS
PCBasics Glen Merchant - Owner 513 Southern Blvd. #6 West Palm Beach, FL 33405 (561) 927-2227 www.pcbasics.biz COMPUTERS - CONSULTANTS Russell’s Blue Water Grill Russell Beverstein - Managing Member 2450 PGA Blvd. Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410 (561) 318-6344 www.russellsbluewatergrill.com RESTAURANTS Sam Simon presents.... Sam Simon - Owner 7566 Downwinds Lane Lake Worth, FL 33467 (561) 433-0933 www.samsimonpresents.com MAGIC, MOTIVATION & HYPNOSIS
Sand Solutions Limited Travis Watson - President 8461 Lake Worth Rd. Suite 252 Lake Worth, FL 33467 (561) 839-1918 Ext:1151 www.sandsolutionslimited.com COMPUTERS - SOFTWARE & SERVICES Storage King USA Richard Archer - Property Manager 5058 Forest Hill Blvd. West Palm Beach, FL 33415 (561) 966-9925 www.storagekingusa.com STORAGE - HOUSEHOLD & COMMERCIAL Tauber Real Estate Services, LLC Davidde Giordano - Realtor 601 Heritage Dr., Suite 103 Jupiter, FL 33458 (561) 379-4848 www.tauberrealty.com REAL ESTATE - RESIDENTIAL
Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeons Laura Ringler Greene - Practice Manager 5301 S. Congress Ave., Suite 300 Atlantis, FL 33462 (561) 548-4900 PHYSICIANS & SURGEONS - THORACIC & CARDIOVASCULAR SURGEONS Tropical Financial Credit Union Susan Baum - Manager 6186 Okeechobee Blvd West Palm Beach, FL 33411 (888) 261-8328 www.tropicalfcu.org BANKS
Wyland & Tadros LLP Kurt A. Wyland - Managing Partner 1665 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd., Suite 900 West Palm Beach, FL 33401 Temporary Accounting Solutions Michael Herman - Business (561) 275-2990 Ext:730 www.wylandtadros.com Development Manager ATTORNEYS - CIVIL TRIAL LAW 1250 N. Ocean Dr., Suite 4 Singer Island, FL 33404 Zavee (561) 845-5001 temporaryaccountingsolutions.com Jerry Horowitz - VP Sales EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES - PERM & 455 N.W. 35th St. Boca Raton, FL 33431 TEMP The Center for Advanced Breast (888) 699-2833 www.zavee.com Care Laura Ringler Greene - Practice MARKETING CONSULTANTS Manager 5301 S. Congress Ave., Suite 400 Atlantis, FL 33462 (561) 548-8600 PHYSICIANS & SURGEONS - BREAST SURGICAL ONCOLOGY & ONCOPLAST
For a full list of members visit our Online Membership Directory at www.palmbeaches.org
Renewals All Fire Services Balfour Beatty Construction Barry University / School of Adult & Continuing Education Boys Town South Florida Braman Motorcars Chick-fil-A at Okeechobee and Turnpike Chick-fil-A at Palm Beach Lakes Blvd. City Oyster & Sushi Bar Colonnade Properties- Owner/Manager of Phillips Point Empire Beauty School Everglades AHEC (Area Health Education Center) Greater West Palm Beach Jaycees Hispanic Human Resources Council, Inc. Navarro Lowrey Properties, Inc. Northwestern Mutual Financial Network Path of Life Assisted Living Professional Golf Car Corp. of Florida Sickle Cell Foundation of Palm Beach County and Treasure Coast, Inc. South Palm Construction, Inc. The Business Loan Fund of the Palm Beaches, Inc Wal-Mart YRA Design Inc.
June 2011
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Trustee Happenings
Florida Senate President Mike Haridopolos spoke to 38 business leaders at the Chamber’s May Trustee Luncheon. The Senator recapped the 2011 legislative session in Tallahassee. During the question and answer period, Haridopolos shared with the group the success his campaign for the United States Senate has met with this year. He shared that his campaign has raised over $2 million dollars for the 2012 U.S. Senate election.
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Business Watch
Chamber Welcomes New Trustees
Jon P. Arnold, MBA President - BrightStar
Jon P Arnold, President of BrightStar West Palm Beach, Florida and Palm Beach, Florida reside with his wife Jennifer in Jupiter, Florida and in Salem, Ohio. Jon also owns three independent investment firms, a business finance company Business Lenders of America, Great Clips Franchises, and a property management company. Jon has earned an MBA and BA in Human Resource Management from the Williamson College of Business Youngstown State University. Jon has earned many entrepreneur and Business Growth Awards from Youngstown State University and the local Chamber of Commerce over the past 5 years. Jon was awarded MVP of his 40 under 40 class for Northeast, Ohio. Jon serves on many boards for both non for profit and privately held corporations including Kent State University (Salem, Ohio Branch), Red Cross, and Rotary International. Jon and his wife Jennifer started the J. Arnold Foundation, which targets helping less fortunate families with medical bills, and abused woman and children.
Roy Assad is a professional advisor, motivational speaker, and executive coach. With nearly thirty years experience in an award-winning sales career, he has mastered the arts of networking, negotiation and bridge-building. These skills have enhanced his effectiveness in the coaching of executives and entrepreneurs. In 1990, he formed Rainmaker Strategies, and in 2003 he helped form The Human Capital Group, LLC. Roy’s unique insight into the dynamics of relationships and his desire to share this knowledge with others is the propelling force behind successful coaching and training. Roy coaches executives and teams in uncovering key problem areas, identifying trigger points and, ultimately, eliminating roadblocks. Together with his client, Roy builds a solution-based strategy that will free them to overcome obstacles, unleash hidden potential and capitalize on the unique talents they possess with a focus on maximizing personal and professional success. Key to Roy’s success are his innate interest in people, his ability to recognize their mental blocks and inefficiencies, and his skill in guiding their personal and career development.
Roy Assad The Human Capital Group
June 2011
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Members In Motion
NORTON MUSEUM’S OUT OF THIS WORLD EXHIBITION IS MADE FOR SCI-FI FANS OF ALL AGES This summer, sci-fi and actionadventure fans will have an opportunity to get an up-close view of their favorite superheroes and villains – or at least a part of them – at the Norton Museum of Art’s exhibition, Out of this World: Extraordinary Costumes from Film and Television, on display from June 4 - Sept. 4. MAX PLANCK FLORIDA INSTITUTE’S DR. DAVID FITZPATRICK RECEIVES 2011 ELLIS ISLAND MEDAL OF HONOR David Fitzpatrick, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer and Scientific Director of the Max Planck Florida Institute, was among the outstanding Americans who were honored Saturday, May 7 in New York City, with the Ellis Island Medal of Honor. Presented by the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations (NECO), the award recognizes important community leaders who have used their extraordinary abilities to change the lives of others around the world. HEDRICK BROTHERS CONSTRUCTION SELECTED FOR GOVE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BUILDING PROJECT IN BELLE GLADE The School District of Palm Beach County has selected Hedrick Brothers Construction for the $28 million modernization of Gove Elementary
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Business Watch
School in Belle Glade, Florida. The proposed 121,000 SF, five building campus will accommodate 924 students for kindergarten through sixth grade. It will include new classrooms, kitchen and cafeteria, administrative offices, media center, clinic, covered play area, playgrounds, playfield, bus loop, parent drop-off and pick-up, and parking. This LEED registered project is anticipating silver certification underneath LEED for Schools. CLARK FOUNTAIN EXPANDING: FIRM HIRES NEW ATTORNEY, FOUR PARALEGALS & MOVES IN TO NEW OFFICE The law firm of Clark, Fountain, La Vista, Prather, Keen & Littky-Rubin recently hired associate Trent Swift, as well as paralegals Ken Dishman, Michelle Berry and Sandy Duncan. The firm promoted long-time legal assistant, Cheryl DiStefano, to the position of paralegal.
Health Care Committee
Leadership West Palm Beach Enjoys Community & Culture Day On Friday, April 29, the 2011 class of Leadership West Palm Beach embarked upon Community & Culture Day, which began with a presentation at the waterfront Pavilion on Flagler Drive, followed by a behind-thescenes tour of SunFest. The afternoon session included tours of the Norton Museum of Art, the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, and Palm Beach Zoo.
The Health Care Committee held its May meeting at Water’s Edge Dermatology, 2031 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd. in West Palm Beach. Brooke Pastor and her team, with a special assist from Kim at Allergan, did a marvelous job in providing a great networking experience. Water’s Edge started in 1998; their West Palm Beach office is their 15th location, with another location opening in Belle Glade in the near future.
Thank you to our Community & Culture day chairs, Juan Tagle of JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA and Tara Pregnolato of The Palm Beach Post. Special thanks to our Class 2011 Sponsors, Grand Bank & Trust of Florida, FPL, The Palm Beach Post, INTECH and Palm Beach Kennel Club.
Shanna Stone, ARNP from Water’s Edge highlighted the fact that May is Melanoma Awareness Month. She discussed the various types of skin cancers, the hereditary components, and unusual locations for melanomas to strike, including the eyes and other less commonly associated body areas. She reviewed some of the different processes and procedures that are used to ensure that these areas are detected early and treated with minimal or no scarring, as well as the importance of regular screening. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 21. Contact Mike Penn at 561.833.3711 x 236 for more information.
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“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. Even if she never gets a referral for her business, the value of those seminars will more than pay for her membership dues.� Francine Sachs Gilbert Sachs Group
News from Women in Business The Women in Business Committee welcomed Mayor Jeri Muoio as its special guest speaker for its June meeting. The Mayor spoke about the possible upscale outlet center at the Palm Beach Mall site, water conservation, and great neighborhood activities. The committee encourages women to expand their business contacts/opportunities by becoming active participants in the Chamber. It develops educational programs featuring tools that deal with business and career issues for women. It also assists in the recognition of women as valued leaders of the community through the ATHENA Awards program. The Women in Business Committee meets on the 2nd Thursday of the month at 11:45 a.m. in the Chamber board room. The next meeting will be on August 11 (no July meeting). Contact Kelley Burke for additional information at kburke@palmbeaches.org.
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Business Watch
Young Professionals of the Palm Beaches On Thursday, May 5, YPOP crossed the bridge to Palm Beach for an evening at the Omphoy Ocean Resort. Attendees enjoyed beautiful views, delicious hors d’oeuvres and of course, lots of networking. Everyone who attended received a coupon for a discount on a future visit to the Michelle Bernstein restaurant. The first ever YPOP Connect Virtual Networking event was held Wednesday, June 1 from 1-2 p.m. YPOP Members were invited to log on from the comfort of their office and participate in this fast-paced networking roulette event. Later that afternoon, the young professionals travelled the world, or at least their tastebuds did, at World of Beer on Clematis St. Attendees enjoyed a complimentary draught beer, with the helpful suggestions of the WOB staff, while networking with over 70 area young professionals. The next YPOP HotSpot will be Thursday, July 7 at iBar – PGA National. YPOP is for young professionals ages 21-40. To learn more, visit www.ypopconnect.org.
June 2011
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2011 BUSINESS AWARDS PRESENTED In celebration of May being Small Business Month, the Chamber held its Annual Business Awards Breakfast with over 400 community and business leaders at the Palm Beach County Convention Center. These awards recognize Palm Beach County companies that lead with confidence, demonstrating a solid commitment to their business goals, their employees and their local community. This year, the awards were presented by PNC Bank, a division of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: PNC), one of the nation’s largest diversified financial services organizations. “PNC recognizes the vital importance that small-business owners have on our regional and national economy, and our support of the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches and its 2011 Business Awards ceremony continues our commitment to small business owners to help them grow their businesses and achieve their financial goals,” said Craig Grant, regional president of PNC for Florida. The Non-Profit of the Year award was presented to the Coalition for Independent Living Options, Inc. (CILO), Genevieve Cousminer, Esq., Executive Director. CILO’s mission is to promote independence for people with disabilities.
The Small Business Person of the Year award was presented to Robin Gianantonio Blakeman, President of Foliage Design Systems of Palm Beach County. FDS is an interior landscaping company that enhances businesses and commercial property environments with the beauty and benefits of plants.
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Business Watch
The Business of the Year award was presented to Rybovich Boat Company. The service center has made Palm Beach County an international destination for Superyachts and current estimated annual economic impact to this area is over $150 million.
The Health/Science Professional award was presented to Mark Nosacka, Chief Executive Officer of Good Samaritan Medical Center. During his tenure, Mr. Nosacka has overseen significant capital investments that have expanded the hospital’s service lines to meet the community’s health needs, including establishing a Certified Primary Stroke Center.
As previously announced, this year’s Community Leader of the Year is George Wedgworth, Chief Executive Officer and President of the 54-grower Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative of Florida. The Cooperative is the largest single employer in Belle Glade and has an economic impact exceeding $285 million annually. He and his family also own Wedgworth’s Inc., the state’s largest fertilizer company.
June 2011
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