WELCOME TO HOLLYWOOD! FROM THE MAYOR
FROM THE CITY MANAGER
FROM THE PRESIDENT
Dear Chamber Members, As I finish out the final months of my last term as Mayor, I want to, once again, thank the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce for its contributions to our community. As Mayor, and a business owner myself, I know very well that Hollywood’s economic health and prosperity depend on a strong business community, as well as a high quality of life. I am, therefore, appreciative of the strong relationships I have forged with the Greater Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and its members. It was not long ago when the greatest economic decline since the Great Depression was battering cities everywhere. Indeed, shortly after getting elected in 2008, things went “south” for Hollywood and many other cities in terms of property values and economic activity. Fortunately, we have been seeing real signs of economic recovery as business and investor interest in Hollywood has continued to increase. One obvious indicator has been the number of cranes building new projects throughout the City. We have also seen strong increases in Hollywood’s property values as well as the City’s budget reserves. Those same increases have also helped bolster Hollywood’s credit rating. In addition to these things, signature projects like Margaritaville in the east and the Florida Department of Transportation’s transformative road widening project to the west, are helping to promote a positive business environment in which the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and its members can thrive. Indeed, small businesses are not only the lifeblood of Hollywood, but they are an essential part of the national economy. Having grown up in Hollywood, attending elementary school here, and riding my bike to Rotary Park, I never could have imagined following in the footsteps of our founder and Mayor, Joseph Young. As I finish my term as the leader of this City, I am extremely proud of what we have accomplished by working together: campaign finance reform, term limits, civility at public meetings, a robust recycling program, new development, improved educational opportunities for families, fiscal prudence, improved infrastructure, and a high quality of life. In conclusion, it has been my great honor to serve the residents and business community. While there is still more work to be done, as long as we continue to realize we are all working towards the same goal, the possibilities are endless. Thank you.
“Location, location, location.” It’s a phrase that has been in use, particularly in the real estate industry, since the 1920s to market the desirability of a particular property or place. In the City of Hollywood, it captures one of our strongest assets—Hollywood’s ideal location on the Atlantic coast in the heart of South Florida providing easy access to everything the Miami-Fort Lauderdale metropolitan area has to offer. Hollywood is at the crossroads for international trade with Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International airport, major interstates and two railroads connecting the City to markets across the country and around the globe. As business owners look for a place to call home or to grow and expand, we know you are looking at many factors: ready availability of materials and goods, skilled workers, a sound market for your products and services, and a place your employees will want to live. Hollywood is that place. We are committed to providing the framework that will help the business community grow and thrive because your success is vital to our success. Small businesses fuel the nation’s economy and have contributed tremendously to the nation’s job growth. Hollywood’s diverse businesses include nearly 25,000 companies from sole proprietorships to publicly traded Fortune 500 companies. Our goal is to nourish the entrepreneurial spirit at the foundation of every one of these enterprises and help connect those focused on growth to the available resources and incentives to help them flourish. When it comes to economic development, the Greater Hollywood Chamber of Commerce is a valued partner to the City of Hollywood helping to create a welcoming and vibrant business environment through its advocacy, networking and business training programs. The Chamber’s member businesses are engaged not only in their success, but in the overall success of our community. Working together we are forging the powerful connections that will allow our businesses to thrive while enriching the social well-being of the city.
Hooray for Hollywood! It’s a city on the move with so much to offer! Hollywood is home to world class beaches, a lively downtown, top of the line dining, entertainment, lodging and shopping venues. In addition, we are home to one of the largest cruise ports in the world and one of the top ten International Airports in the nation. All you have to do is look at the skyline and see all of the construction that is underway that will further broaden the opportunities! All this plus one of the best healthcare systems in the nation and exceptional educational institutions, make Hollywood the perfect place to live, play, love and do business! The mission of the Greater Hollywood Chamber of Commerce is to foster a business climate that promotes success, integrity and excellence for our members and for the Greater Hollywood community. Our Chamber is on the move too! Now over 900 members strong, we are moving closer to our goal of 1,000 members and we were recognized this year as one of the top 10 Chambers of Commerce in all of South Florida! Membership in the Chamber gives our members access to leads, information, business and governmental contacts to be even more successful. With members in almost every service and profession, we strive to make this directory (in print or on-line) your source for one stop shopping and choose to “Shop Chamber First.” This year is unique with many local, state and national political offices up for vote. Locally we will be selecting a new Mayor and filling key City Council positions. In an effort to help our community make informed choices, we are sponsoring candidate forums where you can get answers to your questions that impact our community and business environment. Lastly, the Board of Directors, the amazing Staff of the Greatest Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and myself are proud to serve you and our community. We wish you continued success. Mike Long President, Greater Hollywood Chamber of Commerce
Wazir Ishmael, Ph.D. Hollywood City Manager
Peter Bober Mayor
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Greater Hollywood Chamber of Commerce