From the Editor

Taking the Lead

There’s never been a better time to be in business in Palm Beach County—which ranks at the top of state stats for growth by both income and population. But what exactly is the special sauce that our slice of paradise offers? We take a look at the convergence of conditions that make this area so ripe for growth in “Growth Factor” on page 16. And in “Open for Business” on page 11, we highlight three of the big businesses that have recently relocated to Palm Beach County from out of state. With the influx of new people and businesses, opportunities to network and make new connections have never been more in demand. Turn to page 12 for “It Takes a Village,” detailing the benefits of joining a networking group or a local chamber of commerce.

And now, the moment so many across the county have waited for: The Palm Beach 100. Beginning on page 24, we present this year’s honorees, representing the best of Palm Beach County’s influential and inspiring leaders.

Finding and selecting people to include in our fourth annual issue was no easy exercise. As always, our editorial team started with the obvious superlatives: leaders of the area’s largest companies, managing partners of big firms, presidents of professional organizations, and heads of top nonprofits, educational institutions, civic organizations, social advocacy programs, and arts groups. But we also looked for local residents who are working to create opportunities for others countywide. We opened the nomination process to the community to identify folks who may have escaped our editorial eye—and for weeks, my email inbox was overflowing with a record number of outstanding candidates for us to consider.

At long last, our editorial team met to narrow down the list. With so many worthy individuals, the process was a daunting one. But as we worked our way to this year’s final 100, we found that casting a wider net and stepping beyond traditional definitions of what makes someone influential and inspiring was well worth the work, seeding our strongest group of honorees to date.

This year, we’re proud to present a mix of new and returning leaders. From Local Legends to Advocates and Advisers, from Leaders and Innovators to Visionary Voices, from Creative Thinkers to Community Builders—these 100 residents help make the Palm Beaches the world’s most unique place to live, work, and play. Peruse their profiles, and you’ll get a glimpse into who they are, what they do in our community, and what makes them tick. (And if you or your favorite candidate didn’t make the list this year, please be on the lookout for our call for nominations in 2023.)

My heartfelt congratulations to these leaders. I hope this issue—and the people and stories it presents—will inspire the leader in you.

CAPEHART

Kristen Desmond LeFevre

klefevre@palmbeachmedia.com