3 minute read
of Commerce
Lauderhill Chamber of Commerce
lauderhillcoc.org
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The Lauderhill Chamber of Commerce (LCC), formerly the Lauderhill Regional Chamber of Commerce, is a business membership organization that helps member businesses grow by providing opportunities for networking, building a referral base, and learning the best practices for success.
The Chamber promotes and protects the interests of local companies as well as improving quality of life for its members via accountable and steady leadership in pertinent regional and community matters.
The LCC was founded in 2004 by Broward Commissioner Dale V.C. Holness and a team of enthusiastic entrepreneurs to serve businesses in Lauderhill and, by extension, Central Broward County. Today, more than 300 members are enrolled. The City of Lauderhill partially funds the Chamber, and so it partners with the City on several projects.
LCC membership includes local and international companies with bases in the United States, professional firms such as legal practitioners, manufacturing companies, property developers, tourism companies, airlines, import and export companies, finance companies, banks, IT firms, and more.
The Chamber moved to a bigger location at the Promenade Plaza in March 2020, and leadership plans to extend its services to include on-site training and incubator programs for start-ups. The Chamber will also offer its conference room for member use, with fees based on membership levels.
In addition to supporting the welfare of its members, the Chamber of Commerce organizes trade shows and events and liaises with the government and local media.
Notably, women have led LCC for the past decade, with Sharon McLennon as immediate past president and Karelle Chang as current president.
Regular Events
The LCC organizes several events and programs for the benefit of its members. Some of these include:
MONTHLY NETWORKING BREAKFAST
The Chamber hosts a Monthly Networking Breakfast on the first or second Thursday each month. The breakfast features invited speakers as well as representatives from the City of Lauderhill, creating an avenue for members to make contacts and share ideas. It continues even during the pandemic, thanks to virtual platforms.
BI-WEEKLY WEBINARS
The LCC’s webinars on the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month run from 12 to 1 p.m. Each is designed to offer timely information and resources to members, with speakers including fellow members as well as expert guest presenters.
BI-WEEKLY NETWORKING LUNCHEON
In collaboration with the Professional Networking Association, the LCC holds a Virtual Networking Luncheon on the first and third Wednesdays of every month, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Before the pandemic, members met at Joy’s Rotis, but now they gather virtually.
Members join a unique, one-person-per-profession networking group; annual membership fees of $25 are donated to a charity selected by vote yearly. At each event, two members are given 15 minutes to present their businesses to the rest of the group, while other attendees have 90 seconds. Through this program, members can build their networks, develop business relationships, make connections and receive referrals.
MONTHLY AFTER HOURS NETWORKING EVENT
Other Resources Available to Members
Other networking opportunities and learning initiatives available to Chamber members, among others, include the Entrepreneur Training Institute, Executive Coaching, the Young Entrepreneur Academy and eblast services.
Members access classroom instruction, executive guest speakers, real-life case studies, and workshops to help them deal with their business challenges.
Annual Signature Events
Every year, the Lauderhill Chamber of Commerce hosts two key events. Although on hold due to the pandemic, they will return as soon as it’s safe.
SOLA FESTIVAL
The food and wine festival showcases rum distilleries, wineries and local vendors. It is held outdoors in a serene atmosphere and features notable South Florida entertainers, tapas-style food, and samples of Afro-Caribbean rums and charming wines.
WOMEN OF DISTINCTION
For six years, the Lauderhill Chamber of Commerce has recognized a number of distinguished, winning women making significant and lasting contributions to Broward County. The Annual Awards Breakfast is an empowering event attended by influential entrepreneurs, professionals and public officials.
Current Initiative
SHOP LOCAL LAUDERHILL
Shop Local Lauderhill is a campaign to promote the business community within the City of Lauderhill. It’s goal is to encourage residents to shop, work and play in their City. The initiative is welcoming to visitors from near and far. It aims to make them comfortable viewing our City as their home away from home. Visit shoplocallauderhill.com to learn more.
