Connection Magazine April - June 2015

April - June 2015

The Official Publication of the Boca Chamber

Connecting Members Connecting Members Advancing Commerce Advancing Commerce Protecting Business Protecting Business www.bocachamber.com

April - June 2015

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Shared Professional Offices Class A newly renovated office suite available to share with established life insurance firm. Off of Glades just west of I-95.

Offering one to three window offices (one corner) and one administrative workstation. Includes use of reception area, conference room, phone system, copier/fax, internet, utilities and kitchen. Friendly environment. Available January. For more information call 561 807 8544 and leave message.

Table of Contents From Our President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Buy Chamber! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Business Awards Luncheon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Committee Briefs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Chamber Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Member Buzz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Chamber Updates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Boca’s “Seen” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-13 Member Anniversaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Young Entrepenuers Academy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Leadership. Engagement. Action.

Ribbon Cuttings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-19

NCCI—Leading by example to create positive outcomes.

Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

New Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-21 Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Events Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

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Visit www.bocaratonchamber.com for details.

Enjoy your discount on: Copying and Printing Business Cards Custom Stamps Signs, Banners and more!

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CALL 800-GO-DEPOT (800-463-3768)

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Select services from the U.S. Postal Service® are available in most Office Depot stores. Shipping with UPS is available in all Office Depot stores. The Eagle and the United States Postal Service logo are among the many trademarks of the U. S. Postal Service. © 2013 United States Postal Service®. All Rights Reserved. ©2013 UPS, the UPS brandmark and the color brown are trademarks of United Parcel Service of America, Inc. The name Office Depot® and the Office Depot® logo are registered trademarks of The Office Club, Inc. © 2013 Office Depot, Inc. All rights reserved.

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April - June 2015

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CONNECTION Publisher: Troy M. McLellan, CCE, FCCP Editor: Patricia Lammle Boca Chamber OFFICERS Randy B. Nobles, Croskey Lanni P.C., Chair Jerry Fedele, Boca Raton Regional Hospital, Chair-Elect Ethel Isaacs Williams, Florida Power & Light, Vice Chair Rick Hayduk, Boca Raton Resort & Club, Treasurer Troy M. McLellan, CCE, FCCP, President & CEO Secretary Keith O’Donnell, Avison Young, Immediate Past Chair DIRECTORS Anthony Barbar, Barbar & Associates, LLC Vic Beninate, AT&T Eric Brown, Aliant Payment Systems Inc. Michael Daszkal, Daszkal Bolton LLP Melanie Dickinson, South Florida Business Journal Jim Dunn, JM Lexus Mark Edoff, The ADT Corporation Mitch Feldman, West Boca Medical Center Peter Gallo, Ph.D., Saint Andrew’s School Elisa Garcia, Office Depot, Inc. Larry Katz, Wells Fargo Mike Kaufman, Kaufman Lynn Construction Bonnie Kaye, Kaye Communications John W. Kelly, Ph. D., Florida Atlantic University Richard Pollock, YMCA of South Palm Beach County Jackie Reeves, Bell Rock Capital Rocki Rockingham, Jarden Consumer Solutions Kevin Ross, Ed.D., Lynn University Susan Saturday, Bluegreen Vacations Chuck Stout, CBIZ Meridian Insurance Group PROFESSIONAL TEAM Troy M. McLellan, CCE, FCCP, President & CEO Sarah Pearson, Senior V.P., External Relations Firdaus Dotiwala, V.P., Finance & Administration Patricia Lammle, Marketing & Comm. Coordinator Chasity J. Navarro, Events Coordinator Carolina Rush, Sales & Member Relations Manager Anna Rosenthal, Sales Associate Jodi Stone, Sales Associate Kathy Jones, Member Service & Adm. Associate Vicki Pearson, Executive Assistant to the Pres. & CEO Sonya D. Deros, Program Manager, Golden Bell & YEA!

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FROM OUR PRESIDENT REPRESENTING BUSINESS AT ALL LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT As one of the most influential Chambers in South Florida, and as Boca Raton’s voice for business, it is our obligation to protect our business community.

We work with all levels of government to ensure that the city of Boca Raton and South Palm Beach County have a sustainable business climate where companies can grow and compete in a global environment.

Your Chamber fights for what is right for you, our members and your business. Each year, your Chamber travels to Tallahassee to bring together CEOs, small business leaders, local chamber executives and elected officials from across the state to discuss Florida’s transitioning economy and top business priorities for the 2015 legislative session. From Boca Raton to Washington, D.C., the voice of business is heard by our elected officials.

In this issue you will find the 2015 legislative agenda, which is a blueprint to chart the course for a strong and sustainable regional business community. This agenda focuses on many critical issues including those dealing with business retention and the cost of doing business. To read the City of Boca Raton issues, please turn to page 6.

Additionally, the Chamber’s political arm, Business Leaders United for Boca Raton Political Action Committee (BLU-PAC), works vigorously to ensure that the business community is represented during elections by endorsing candidates that are in alignment with the Boca Chamber’s legislative priorities. We are proud that our endorsed candidate, Jeremy Rodgers, successfully won the election for City Council Seat C and will now have a seat on the dais and help lead our city forward. We also congratulate Robert Weinroth, City Council Seat D on his unopposed re-election.

Our region is fortunate to have some of the top business leaders and prominent businesses in all of South Florida. These professionals and businesses move Boca Raton forward and help make it the greatest place to live, work, learn and play! With their commitment, vision and passion for overall economic prosperity, the 2015 Business Award recipients - which I recently announced - have contributed to our positive business climate, created jobs and maintained a quality of life that is second to none. I hope to see you on May 8th at the Boca Resort showing your support to this year’s recipients.

As you can see, Boca Raton and South Palm Beach County continue to move forward as your Chamber advocates for your business to make sure you are successful and that our business community thrives.

Moving Forward,

Troy M. McLellan, FCCE, FCCP President & CEO April - June 2015

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BUY CHAMBER! SUPPORT YOUR FELLOW CHAMBER MEMBERS BY BUYING THEIR PRODUCTS AND USING THEIR SERVICES Advertising / Public Relations Backus Turner International

Cosmetic & General Dentistry Steven R. Alman, DMD (561) 470-0007 www.almanandkatzdmd.com

(561) 994-9570 www.1800lighting.com

Anxiety Relief Specialist The Source for Change

Credit Card Processing National Transaction Corporation

Transportation Services / Airport Transportation Boca Raton Van Rentals

(954) 727-9977 www.backusturner.com

(561) 300-4069 www.thesourceforchange.com

Arts & Culture / Non-Profit The Wick Theatre & Costume Museum (561) 995-2333 www.thewick.org

Attorney - Family Law Lewert Law Offices, P.A. (561) 544-6861 www.lewertlaw.com

Attorney - Intellectual Property Entertainment / Litigation The Lomnitzer Law Firm, P.A. (561) 953-9300 www.lomnitzerlaw.com

Bookkeeping FL-Accounting & Advisers, LLC Roxana Scaffidi, CPB (561) 939-2553 www.fl-accounting.com

Bookkeeping Services / Quickbooks Boca Bookkeeping

(561) 392-3301 www.bocabookkeeping.com

Business Coaching / Strategic Planning / Leadership Training Global Business Development Center (561) 894-4500 www.globalbusinessdevelopment center.com

Business Training & Consulting Success Through Enhanced Performance, Inc. (954) 376-3767 www.step-360.com

College Planning Ducerus, Your Total College Solution (561) 995-1418 www.ducerus.com

Condo & HOA Management Hawk-Eye Management, Inc.

(561) 392-1600 www.hawkeyemanagementinc.com

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(954) 346-3300 ext 1156 www.nationaltransaction.com

Financial Services / Consultants Popper, Kaufman and Katz Team at Morgan Stanley (561) 620-5113 www.morganstanleyfa.com/ eliot.popper/focus.htm

Home Healthcare Services

There4U Trusted Medical Companions (888) 974-8988 www.there4u.biz

House Sitting & Home Service Boca Condo Care, Inc. (561) 289-7364 www.bocacondocare.com

Import / Export Samandhel Corporation (561) 391-7502 www.samandhel.com

Insurance - Auto & Home The Insurance Group, Inc. (561) 422-4292

www.insurancegroupfl.com Insurance - Health Florida Blue

(800) FLA-BLUE (352-2583) www.floridablue.com

Insurance - Health & Life Life Audit Professionals, LLC (561) 948-2420 www.mylifeaudit.com

Interior Design / Space Planning Meryl Deutsch & Associates (954) 725-1717 www.mdainteriors.com

Jewelry Cristino Fine Jewelry

(561) 210-5222 www.cristinojewelers.com

Kitchen & Baths Distinguished Kitchens and Baths, LLC

(561) 278-3000 www.distinguishedkitchen.com

April - June 2015

Lighting Fixtures Capitol Lighting

(561) 395-9300 www.bocaratonvanrentals.com

Limousine Services A1A Airport & Limousine Service (800) 330-4762 www.a1alimo.com

Public Relations / Marketing / Strategic Planning Kaye Communications (561) 392-5166 www.kcompr.com

Printing Minuteman Press of Boca Raton (561) 392-8626 www.mmpboca.com

Roofing SK Quality Roofing, Inc. (561) 276-8040 www.skqualityroofing.com

SEO / SEM / Website Services SEO Mavericks (561) 542-9606 www.seomavericks.com

Almighty Web Designs

(561) 737-2866 www.almightywebdesigns.com

Signs / Lettering / Graphic Design image360 - Boca Raton (561) 395-0745 www.image360bocaraton.com

Tutors Tutor Doctor

(561) 715-3276 www.tutorboca.com

Interested in having your business listed in BUY Chamber?

Contact us at (561) 395-4433 www.bocachamber.com

Business Leader of the Year The ADT Corporation

Small Business Leader of the Year

Stephen Klingel NCCI

Ken Lebersfeld Capitol Lighting

HONORING

2015

Business of the Year

Thursday, May 8, 2015 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Boca Raton Resort & Club 501 East Camino Real Boca Raton, FL 33432

Registration required by May 5th www.bocachamber.com/BAL April - June 2015 www.bocachamber.com

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GOVERNMENT 2015 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA Your Chamber; Your Watchdog The Florida 2015 Legislative Session is in full swing. Members of the South Palm Beach County business community should join us in advocating for pro-business decisions to be made by our legislators.

The Boca Chamber, South Palm Beach County’s voice for business, has created its annual Legislative Agenda. It was developed based on input from 13 entities including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Florida Chamber of Commerce, the Palm Beach County Business Development Board and the Boca Chamber membership. The agenda is a blueprint to chart the course for a strong and sustainable regional business community, and is focused on creating a positive business climate and lowering the cost of doing business.

As you know, the Chamber uses the items outlined in the legislative agenda as a guideline to endorse pro-business candidates for city, county and state elections.

This is done through our political action committee Business Leaders United Political Action Committee (BLU-PAC).

Ensuring a pro-business environment where your company has the opportunity to succeed and thrive is a priority for the Chamber. In order to provide that environment, it is critical that our elected officials understand the needs and demands on what it takes to operate a successful business.

BLU-PAC exists to endorse and fund candidates that are in alignment with the Boca Chamber’s views and priorities regarding business.

For a full agenda which also includes county, state and federal issues, visit our website at www.bocachamber.com

City Issues • Support the best use of City dedicated economic development dollars by creating a City of Boca Raton economic development advisory board to provide oversight and to ensure that those funds are used for their original intent to create jobs, provide economic incentives and foster general economic prosperity.

• Support targeted and timely annexation of those areas that provide opportunity to enhance the City of Boca Raton and increase tax revenue, create jobs and support economic development.

• Support economic development and redevelopment in Boca Raton, inclusive of the Downtown, the 20th Street Overlay District, North Federal Highway, the Arvida Park of Commerce and related planned mobility efforts.

• Support pension and other benefit reforms to sustain the City of Boca Raton and mitigate financial risk to the city.

• Support those public policies which sustain Boca Raton’s quality as a place for business and families.

• Support the streamlining and enhancement of the City building permit procedures, Individual Development Approvals and approve pattern book updates to more effectively enhance the local economy through policies that encourage job creation.

• Support an ordinance that allows a local preference positive adjustment in the bid process when the company holds a Business Tax Receipt issued by the City of Boca Raton.

• Support the creation of an Independent CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) Director to enhance the CRA district and create a sense of place in downtown Boca Raton.

• Support the BID (Business Improvement District) Steering Committee and its activities to provide a funding mechanism to enhance and improve the Downtown.

• Encourage the City of Boca Raton to create additional parking opportunities that meet the demands of sustainable growth to include metering and the construction of a parking garage.

• Support the Research Park at Florida Atlantic University’s efforts to further integrate its activities with those of the wider business community and Florida Atlantic University in order to ensure a viable environment for technology entrepreneurs to develop and grow successful companies that create jobs and improve the quality of place in Boca Raton.

• Advocate for the use of public/private partnerships to deliver capital and infrastructure improvements in the City of Boca Raton.

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April - June 2015

www.bocachamber.com

COMMITTEE BRIEFS INAUGURAL S.H.A.N. EXPO

TECHNOLOGY

Presented by Allegiance Home Health

Strategize & Maximize with Social Media

Our Inaugural South Healthcare Advocacy Network (SHAN) Community Health Expo, held on February 18th at the Shops at Boca Center was a total success! Despite the frigid weather conditions, our vendors took advantage of this great business opportunity and made a number of connections with one another and passerby’s. A special thanks to Allegiance Home Health for partnering with the Boca Chamber on this expo. We would also like to thank the following participants for helping make this event a great success: Allegiance Home Health, Florida Blue, Heartland of Boca, Berman Plastic Surgery, Scleroderma Foundation, TrustBridge Health, 4Ever Young, Morselife, Edward Jones, Personal Senior Services, Boca Center for Rapid Resolution Therapy, Ability Medical, Wellness & Hormone Centers of America, Doterra, DermPartners, Vi Lakeside, Community Table, Eternal Light Memorial Garden, Mar-J Medical Supply, National Transaction, Boca Raton Regional Hospital, Upper Cervical Institute, Artis Senior Living, Seniors Helping Seniors and Lifespace Communities.

For more information about our South Healthcare Advocacy Network please contact Carolina Rush at 561.395.4433 ext. 236, or email crush@bocachamber.com

Our most recent Technology event on Social Media for Business, held at Lynn University, on January 29th proved to be a huge hit! Our attendees received a wealth of information on how to strategize and maximize their business using Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube.

A special thanks to Jay Berkowitz, Jeff Klein, Gary Carlin and Dre Baldwin for taking the time to educate our members and for helping make this event so successful.

Please stay tuned for details on our upcoming event.

For more information on our Technology events and for sponsorship opportunities, please contact Carolina Rush at crush@bocachamber.com.

PRIME PROFESSIONALS GROUP Learn About the Chamber’s Newest Program Prime Professionals Group (PPG), Chamber’s newest program, focuses on the professional OVER 40! This breakfast roundtable discussion focuses on topics such as succession plans and managing millenials. The first meeting was facilitated by Joe and Rosie Martin of Allegiance Home Heath, who are also the official sponsors of this program. It provided attendees with a wealth of knowledge on how to manage our aging parents while running a business. With a list of amazing facilitators and thoughtprovoking topics, this program will prove to be a favorite among Chamber members! For more information please contact Carolina Rush at 561.395.4433 ext. 236 www.bocachamber.com

the

Boca

April - June 2015

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CHAMBER EVENTS 2015 DIAMOND AWARD LUNCHEON HONORING MARY SOL GONZALEZ

Mary Sol Gonzalez

Jackie Reeves, Mary Wong, Marta Rendon, Yvonne Boice, Mary Sol Gonzalez, Cheryl Budd and Victoria Rixon

MarySol Gonzalez, Sonya Deros and female students from the 2015 YEA! class

Marla Jaffe, Patricia Burdett and Tatum Mesorio

Rick and Pat Howard

Valentina Moretti, Diane Evans, Lisa Jensen, Ellyn Okrent, Robert Weinroth, Scott Singer, MarySol Gonzaez, Yonyt Dalfonso, Julie Carr and Elton Pride

Troy McLellan, Mary Sol Gonzalez and Randy Nobles

2015 DIAMOND Award

Rosie Inguanzo Martin and Abilio Gonzalez

Abilio Gonzalez and MarySol Gonzalez

2015 COMMUNITY COOKOUT

Karrie Oeltjen

Susan Saturday

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Chuck Stout and Jon Sahn

Kids playing video games in the Game Over Wheelz Bus

Jess Frank Golf gave golf lessons to kids

Jason and Jackie Reeves, Troy McLellan, Robert Weinroth, Randy Nobles and John Mulhall

April - June 2015

Mohamed Abdalla and Patricia Lammle

Kids dancing on the YMCA field

www.bocachamber.com

MEMBER BUZZ LATEST MEMBER PRESS RELEASES

Due to press deadlines these news releases are from December through February

Modernizing Medicine Closes Acquisition of Aesyntix Health, Inc. Kaufman Lynn Construction Announces Promotions to Senior Management Team Modernizing Medicine, Inc., creator of the Electronic Medical Assistant® (EMA™), a cloud-based, specialty-specific electronic Kaufman Lynn Construction announced that Garret Southern has been medical records (EMR) system, announced that it completed an promoted to Vice President and will lead the higher education and acquisition of Aesyntix Health, Inc. on Dec. 22, 2014. Aesyntix is a municipal markets and Derek Wolfhope has been promoted to Project privately held company based in Roseville, Calif., that serves medical Executive managing several projects in the multifamily division. practices with three specialty-specific offerings: Aesyntix Billing “As we continue to position the company for significant growth and Solutions for revenue cycle management (RCM), Aesyntix Inventory great success in 2015 and beyond, we recognize the need to add critical Management (AIM) and Aesyntix Physician Network (APN), a roles and fill them with top talent. We are pleased to have the talent to medical group purchasing organization (GPO). The transaction fill these positions internally,” said Chris Long, Chief Operating Officer. with Aesyntix will enable Modernizing Medicine to provide RCM, Southern most recently managed the successful construction of Broward inventory management and a GPO to its customers in addition to EMA. College’s Miramar West Center, Florida’s newest higher Education The specialty RCM service combines technology that streamlines Public Private Partnership project. He has also been active in recruiting claim processing and collections, comprehensive support services and and training and helping to implement best practices. In his new role, specialty certified billing managers to deliver RCM expertise to end Southern will be responsible for providing executive leadership for all projects in his sectors. users who select the service with EMA. Nine Broad and Cassel West Palm Beach Attorneys Named to Lang Realty recently recognized its top agents and teams at a special awards breakfast.

2014 Florida Super Lawyers List Broad and Cassel announced that nine West Palm Beach attorneys, including West Palm Beach Managing Partner and Town of Palm Beach Resident Patricia Lebow, were recently recognized by Florida Super Lawyers Magazine. Additionally, Lebow, who founded the office of the statewide law firm more than three decades ago, was named among the Top 50 Women Florida Super Lawyers for 2014. In total, seven attorneys from the West Palm Beach office were recognized as 2014 Florida Super Lawyers and two were named 2014 Florida Rising Stars – the state’s top up-and-coming attorneys. In addition to the attorneys recognized from the West Palm Beach office, Broad and Cassel saw 27 attorneys from six other offices across the state named as 2014 Florida Super Lawyers. Ten attorneys from four other offices were also named as Rising Stars.

For the second consecutive year, Lang’s Tripta Chawla was recognized with a Diamond Star Award for reaching commission earnings of more than $1 million in 2014 and was the company’s Top Listing Agent last year. She also received a Top Transaction Side Award, along with Richard Ralston, Kathy Pendleton and Phil Metzler. Dawn Forgione received a Humanitarian Award for her dedication to the community, specifically her work with Move For Hunger and American Cancer Society’s Making Strides. Other agents were recognized for reaching commission earnings of $500,000 or more, $300,000 or more and $150,000 or more, and top producing agents from each office were also recognized.

Lynn University pilots new career prep course Program designed with the Boca Chamber exposes future leaders to local business and civic communities

TransMedia Group Promotes Prolific Publicist Adrienne Mazzone Lynn University’s January Term is offering its first-ever “Future To President Leaders of Tomorrow” course to expose students—also known as future TransMedia Group named Adrienne Mazzone as the PR firm’s leaders—to the Boca Raton business and civic communities. The threenew president who will oversee both its domestic and expanding week long competitive education program, designed in partnership with international operations. “Mazzone, formerly Executive Vice President the Boca Chamber, provides 15 students with real-world experiences of the firm, has shown she has the skills, determination and dedication and career mentoring assistance. “It is our responsibility as educators to take TransMedia to much higher levels,” said the firm’s founder to showcase the opportunities available in our community,” said and CEO Tom Madden, who is also her dad. “We’re very mindful and Barbara Cambia, executive director of the Hannifan Center for Career proud of what she has been able to accomplish for our clients over the Connections at Lynn. “This course is designed to help students learn past decade. There’s no one in the PR business quite like her, or has about the greater Boca Raton community. It will also help them discover her experience or who works as hard or productively,” said Madden. the power of networking, become more proactive about life after college Adrienne has many years of PR experience under her fashionable belt. and understand that they do not need to travel far from Lynn to establish “You can honestly say she was born into the business, plus now she has a solid occupational foundation.” The pilot course offers various careeracquired her own extensive list of media contacts across the country oriented modules, from resume and cover letter formatting, LinkedIn enabling her to achieve the communications goals of TransMedia’s profile development and mock interviews, to guidance about appropriate growing roster of clients,” he said. Mazzone started her PR career business wear, acceptable headshot framing and behavioral assessment in the music business with her first PR hit, which was Cindy Lauper insights. In addition, students attend four field trips to a handful of local sitting on Rick Derringer’s lap in the famous Playbill Magazine. While businesses, organized by volunteer day planners with presentations from assisting in promoting all on-air personalities for NY’s #1 Rock Radio local business leaders. station 102.7, Adrienne’s experience quickly grew. “The thrill of media placements keeps Adrienne motivated and her clients buzzing in the news,” said Madden.

For more member news visit www.bocachamber.com/news

www.bocachamber.com

April - June 2015

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April - June 2015

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CHAMBER UPDATES LEADERSHIP BOCA

by Jennifer Jager, Creative Director, Plum Productions Video Chair, Leadership Boca 2015 Leadership Boca 2015 is in full swing and, as always, this year’s class is full of enthusiasm. As the program has progressed, the class of 2015 has begun forming friendships and building business relationships all while getting a deeper look into the inner workings of the Boca Raton community.

Thanks to Tim Snow, their SIMSOC experience (Go Blue!) was eye opening and the perfect launchpad for the rest of the Leadership Boca experience. At the Strategy Seminar, they heard from the ever-insightful Luis Mago of N4L Strategy Consulting, who offers new perspectives in our changing business climate. On their first full day session, Economic Development Day, they visited some of Boca Raton’s most impressive corporate headquarters like Office Depot, ADT and NCCI, as well as innovative companies like C3 Interactive.

As the months go on, the class of Leadership Boca 2015 will meet even more community leaders who are vital to the success of Boca Raton and surrounding areas.

The Leadership Boca program is truly transformative

Class of 2015 is Now on Full Swing both personally and professionally, which is why I was ecstatic to have the opportunity to serve last year as Co-Chair and this year as Chair.

If you’re interested in enrolling in Leadership Boca 2016, you can submit your application this July.

Office Depot, ADT and NCCI headquarters.

GOLDEN BELL

Golden Chef Competition a Total Success Congratulations to the Winners of the 2015 Golden Chefs Challenge, to Benefit the Golden Bell Education Foundation! Chef Francesco Carvelli and Chef Chris Degenova from DaVinci’s of Boca served up a spectacular treat and walked away with first place trophies in two categories: Best Appetizer and Best Dessert. Chef Timothy Williamson of Joseph’s Classic Market was awarded the first place trophy for Best Entrée! Second place award winners are: Chef Robert Lee, of Brio Tuscan Grille (Entrée) and Chefs Luis Vega and Richard Ayala (Appetizer). Thanks also to Morton’s the Steakhouse, the Shops at Boca Center, Allen Edmonds, Chico’s, En Vogue, Grove Opticians, Marriot Boca Center, Tap 42 of Boca, the Florida Printing Group, the Rendon Center and Virtu Fine Arts for their support and participation and to everyone who attended. All proceeds of the event will benefit the Golden Bell Education Foundation.

The Boca Chamber Education Foundation, Inc., known as Golden Bell, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation that was created by the Chamber’s Board www.bocachamber.com

of Directors as a separate operating entity for the sole purpose of supporting Boca Raton Public Schools. Since its inception in 1991, Golden Bell has granted more than $1.2 Million to Boca Raton’s K-12 public schools, scholarships and educational programs!

People tasting food from Brio Tuscan Grille and Rocco’s Tacos at the event.

Maria Taylor, Rita Bustillo, Lynn Freeman and J.C. Perrin

April - June 2015

J.C. Perrin, Allison Seriani, Francesco Carvelli and Chris Degenova

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BOCA’S “SEEN” Due to press deadlines these photos are from December through February events

Patricia Burdett, Mohamed Abdalla, Mary Sol Gonzalez, Rosie Martin, Jeremy Rodgers and Alexandra Flugel-Rafferty

Barbara Cambia, Margie Osborn, Peggy Price and Marilyn Wilson

Randy Nobles, Dr. Peter Gallo, Peter Benedict, and Troy McLellan

Denis Feldman and Gayle Elliott

MEMBERSHIP BREAKFAST

Colin Conroy and Roxana Scaffidi

Michael Miller and J.C. Perrin

SWIB

Lisa Gadsen and Marti Freund

Dawn Burke and Andrea Reid

Peggy Price, Margie Osborn and Lana Rosenzweig

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Lise Orr and Fern Cole

Sarah Pearson and Carolyn Kelly

Deby Goldfarb and Linda Merkin

April - June 2015

Anthony Barbar and Fred Ariola

Ami Zak and Vicky Randle

PULSE

Ashleigh Fowles, Natalie Capiro and Anne Marie VanCasteren

John Ruhl, Michael Kowalsky and Michael Church

Jeremy Rogers, Elisa Garcia and Michael Church

Philip Piedt and Jason Doherty

Michael Sorrell, Clayton Idle and Randy Nobles

Dick Pollock and Audra Hodges

www.bocachamber.com

BOCA’S “SEEN” TRUSTEE LUNCHEONS

Lisa Jensen and Lana Rosenzweig

Lewis Fogel, JoAnn Lee, Dick Lee, Penny Morey and Keith Spritz

Eric Brown, Andrea Garcia and Steven Bleier

Eduardo Carter and Cecilia Lacayo

Mike Wolfson and Mitch Feldman

Troy McLellan and Gerard van Grinsven

Julie Clairmont-Shide and Stephen Barnett

Robert Weinroth and Dick Pollock

WINTER EXPO

Mirel Kostons, Jacqueline Grellinger, Matheus Ostaficu

Steven Bleier and Tasha Hirsch

Fl-Accounting & Advisers

AFTER HOURS NETWORK

Lewis Fogel, Roxana Scaffidi and Mary Sol Gonzalez

DaVinci’s of Boca Raton

Jess Frank and Rob Jager

www.bocachamber.com

Caroline Pokorny and Mirel Kostons

Joyce Hunter and Ken Kaylor Karen Delaney and Bobbi Patti

Laura Sorgen, Christine Alden, Johanna Matlow and Veronica Lopez

Earl Starkoff, Cary Roman and Scott Rejonis

April - June 2015

Eliott Popper, Donna Addy and Graham Wellington

Tasha Hirsch and Anwar Timol

John Strickroot and Michael Sorrell

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MEMBER ANNIVERSARIES THANK YOU FOR BEING MEMBERS OF THE BOCA CHAMBER April through June Anniversaries 57 Years As A Member

15 Years As A Member

29 Years As A Member

14 Years As A Member

Boca Raton Printing Co.

Boca Raton Resort & Club Boca Raton Transportation, Inc. Business Development Board of Palm Beach County, Inc. C. B. Schwaderer, Inc., Realtors CBIZ MHM, LLC & Mayer Hoffman McCann P.C. Comerica Bank Dataman Group Direct Mail and Telemarketing Lists Embassy Suites Hotel Florida Atlantic University Florida Power & Light Company Habilitation Center for the Handicapped Hardrives, Inc.

25 Years As A Member JKG Group

24 Years As A Member

GrayRobinson, P.A. Rosemary and Ben Krieger

23 Years As A Member Plumbing Experts

21 Years As A Member

American Heritage School of Boca/Delray Boca Pointe Community Association Fogel Law Group Muriel Siebert & Co., Inc.

20 Years As A Member

Avison Young The Salvation Army The Shoppes at Village Pointe

19 Years As A Member

Meyers Properties SCORE - Counselors to America’s Small Business Twisters Gymnastics Boca Raton, Inc.

18 Years As A Member

Audiotelonhold.com CreditGUARD of America Kaye Communications, Inc. Lang Diversified Services Southwinds Golf Course Via Mizner Golf and Country Club

17 Years As A Member Applied Card Systems

16 Years As A Member Gervais & Associates

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City of Boca Raton

Academy Bus LLC Deer Creek Golf Club Tri County Humane Society

13 Years As A Member Boca Helping Hands JM Lexus Maggiano’s Little Italy

12 Years As A Member

South Florida Regional Transportation Authority/Tri-Rail

11 Years As A Member

Delray Beach Open by The Venetian Las Vegas Dr. Gary Burns / Designer Body, Inc. Host.net Mizner Park The GEO Group, Inc. The Pension Company

10 Years As A Member LF Stores

9 Years As A Member

BB&T Center Carrabba’s Italian Grill Comfort Inn Oceanside Frank, Weinberg & Black, P.L.

JARC JUICE PLUS / Chim Francisco Lynn Insurance Group MAR-J Medical Supply, Inc. Mercedes-Benz of Delray Premium Building Inspections, Inc. Pride Global Management Robert Half Management Resources Seniors Helping Seniors Spirit of Giving Network The Harbor Financial Group at Morgan Stanley Third Level Web Results, Inc. Zavee, LLC

5 Years As A Member

A1A Airport & Limousine Service ALCAT Worldwide Cell Science Systems Corporation Angel Care Nurse Registry Aplicor, Inc. Ar-Line Promotions Assurance Power Systems Barbar & Associates, LLC Best Foot Forward Foundation, Inc. Boca Raton Elks Lodge 2166 Dr. Richard M. Davidson / Integrated Health & Performance Systems, PA FAU Owl Parent Association Hawk-Eye Management, Inc. Ideas for Action, LLC Nowack & Miller Advertising

8 Years As A Member

Boomer Times & Senior Life Magazine Emerald Transportation Towing and Heavy Hauling Gumbo Limbo Nature Center Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County Mootz’s Distribution, LLC Office Edge

Thank you for being Chamber members!

7 Years As A Member

Bonefish Grill Florida Public Utilities Friends of the Boca Raton Public Library Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office District 7 Schulz Business Wilson Graphology

6 Years As A Member

4KIDS of South Florida, Inc. Charter Marketing Group City Fish Market Future Focus Financial, Inc. Hollis Insurance Agency

April - June 2015

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MEET

AT

COCO

WHATEVER YOUR OCCASION, IT’S SPECIAL TO US.

PLAN AN EVENT WITH US. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT THE GROUP SALES MANAGER AT 954-977-6700 EXT. 2795 OR COCOGROUPDINING@STOFGAMING.COM.

Must be at least 21 years old to play Slots and Table Games or to receive Player’s Club benefits. Must be 18 or older to play Bingo and Live Poker. See Player’s Club for complete details. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, please call 1.888.ADMIT.IT.

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April - June 2015

15

YEA! BOCA CHAMBER’S YEA! PROGRAM

Teaching students how to make a job, not just take a job!

The Boca Chamber is excited to announce the Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) is finishing its fourth consecutive year. Our local program is being hosted at the newly renovated Boca Chamber office which started on September 3, 2014 and is now accepting applications for the 2015-2016 Boca Raton YEA! class.

YEA! is a groundbreaking program that takes students between the ages of 11 and 18 through the process of starting and launching a real business over the course of an academic year. By the end of the class, students own and operate fully-formed and functioning businesses, which may be carried on after their graduation from the program. YEA! aims to teach students at an early age how to make a job, not just take a job. Key supporters and partners of this national program include the Kauffman Foundation and the United States Chamber of Commerce.

The YEA! program requires a nine-month commitment from its class of up to 24 young entrepreneurs. In this time, students will brainstorm and form their enterprises, make pitches to real investors, obtain funding and register their companies with governmental agencies. Business mentors and local entrepreneurs across a variety of industries support the students throughout the program. All of the learning is real and experiential. At the end of the program they operate actual businesses.

INSTRUCTOR HIGHLIGHT YEA! Welcomes Its Third Segment Instructor, Ken Lebersfeld, CEO of Capitol Lighting The Boca Chamber is excited to have Ken Lebersfeld, CEO of Capitol Lighting as our third segment instructor! Capitol Lighting is a chain of retail lighting stores. Ken is the 4th generation leader of the business which was started by his great grandfather shortly after immigrating to the US. The business began by converting houses from gas to electricity in the early 1900s. Lebersfeld relates, “The first showroom was my Grandfather’s childhood bedroom.” In 1924 his grandfather opened the first retail lighting showroom of its kind and called it Capitol Lighting. Today Capitol Lighting has 8 stores and a robust internet store. Ken is joined by his brother, cousin, father and uncle in the operation of the business. Lebersfeld says, “We consider ourselves a forward thinking organization endeavoring to use best business practices and efficient technology but still maintain a family business environment.”

Exclusive Headline Partner

Premier Partners

Education Partners

Corporate Partners

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April - June 2015

Supporting Partners

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Elevate your experience. Play your favorite Las Vegas style slots, enjoy the thrill of live Blackjack, indulge at the world-class NYY Steak and live it up at Legends Lounge.

LIVE THE GOOD LIFE. casinococo.com Must be at least 21 years old to play Slots and Table Games or to receive Player’s Club benefits. Must be 18 or older to play Live Poker. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, please call 1.888.ADMIT.IT.

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April - June 2015

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DECEMBER

RIBBON CUTTINGS

Chez Marie French Bistro 5030 Champion Boulevard, Suite D3 Boca Raton, FL 33496

Gyro Room 20449 State Road 7, Suite A2 Boca Raton, FL 33498

JANUARY

Allegiance Home Health 1880 N. Dixie Highway Boca Raton, FL 33432

Great Florida Insurance of Boca Raton 8221 Glades Road, Suite 11 Boca Raton, FL 33446

Royal Palm Hearing Aid Centers 180 Esplanade, Suite 52A Boca Raton, FL 33433

FEBRUARY

Liv Yoga Institute 19575 S. State Road 7 Boca Raton, FL 33498

SKNBeauty 101 E. Palmetto Park Road, Suite 103 Boca Raton, FL 33432

Santo’s Modern American Buffet & Sushi 3400 N. Federal Highway Boca Raton, FL 33431 18

ECJ Luxe Collections 332 Plaza Real Boca Raton, FL 33432

Phlorida Pretzel 168 NW 51st Street Boca Raton, FL 33431 April - June 2015

Havana Nights Cigar Bar and Lounge 514 Via De Palmas Boca Raton, FL 33432

Healthy Life Salon 203 SE 1st Avenue Boca Raton, FL 33432 www.bocachamber.com

MARCH

RIBBON CUTTINGS

Interested in having a grand opening or ribbon cutting?

Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery 3320 Airport Road, Suite 1 Boca Raton, FL 33431

Please call 561.395.4433 to speak with a Sales Associate!

BUY CHAMBER! Support Your Fellow Chamber Members In an effort to make our loyalty to our members known and to encourage even more support within the Boca Chamber family, we created “BUY Chamber!” We have a saying in the Chamber world: Keep it in the family.

This program is supported by a directory (you can find on page 4 of this magazine), cards and a coupon book.

Our “BUY Chamber!” cards are an excellent way for you to introduce yourself and business. We created them for you to share with fellow Chamber members when you are a customer of theirs. By leaving your business card along with the “BUY Chamber!” card, you are introducing yourself and showing support at the same time. Keep a few handy so the next time you are at a member’s restaurant, beauty salon, law office, design center, nursing home, hotel, bank, etc., those Boca Chamber members will know that it is their membership with our esteemed organization that brought them your business.

The BUY Chamber Coupon Book provides members with additional discounts and to create extra exposure for their business. It features special discounts on products and services BY Chamber Members - FOR Chamber Members! 1,000 copies of these new coupon books are printed and distributed each quarter. For as little as $60,

your coupon will be distributed at monthly Chamber events such as: the membership breakfasts, successful women in business luncheons, smart talk roundtables and new member orientations.

By taking advantage of this special program, you will see a quick return on your membership investment, attract new customers and earn more business. Remember to leave one of the “BUY Chamber!” cards, along with your business card, to let them know you were there and use our coupon book discounts! Spread the word. Be sure to use other Boca Chamber members for all of your service and product needs. Support your fellow Chamber members, and BUY Chamber!

For more information about our BUY Chamber! programs, please call Carolina Rush at 561.395.4433 ext.

236 or email crush@bocachamber.com.

Join us on the 2nd Thursday of every month for breakfast and network with future customers. www.bocachamber.com

April - June 2015

19

NEW MEMBERS TRUSTEE MEMBERS Cancer Treatment Centers of America (847) 342-6588 www.cancercenter.com Gerard van Grinsven Boca Raton, FL 33487 Excell Auto Group (561) 998-5557 www.excellauto.com Scott Zankl Boca Raton, FL 33487

GENERAL MEMBERS Allen Edmonds (561) 417-3704 www.allenedmunds.com Denise Simons Boca Raton, FL 33486 Ana Price/Broward College, Economic Development Division (954) 201-7803 Ana Price Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 Anfang Resources Incorporated (561) 672-7082 www.anfangresources.com Stephen Anfang Boca Raton, FL 33432 Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza (561) 338-3028 www.acfp.com Jessica Freedman Boca Raton, FL 33432 Artis Senior Living (561) 989-9945 www.artissl.com Arline Novick Boca Raton, FL 33486 Assisting Hands Of Boca Raton & Delray Beach (561) 404-0550 www.assistinghands.com/bocadelray Ricardo Perez Boca Raton, FL 33487 Beauty Smart, MD (561) 330-7579 www.beautysmartmd.com Deana Clark Boca Raton, FL 33432

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Oasis Outsourcing, Inc. (561) 251-0043 www.oasisadvantage.com Andrea Garcia Boca Raton, FL 33431

Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery (561) 338-KILT www.tiltedkilt.com Samir Changela Boca Raton, FL 33431

Personal Senior Services, Inc. (561) 368-7422 www.personalseniorservices. com Mary Kelly Boca Raton, FL 33432

Bella Salon (954) 871-4823 www.hairbybella.com Bella Veliz Boca Raton, FL 33431 Blaze Pizza (561) 923-9353 www.blazepizza.com Maria Albanes Boca Raton, FL 33431 Boca Raton Elementary School (561) 447-1700 www.palmbeachschools.org Mary Jo Braisted Boca Raton, FL 33432 Bovarnick Law Group, LLC (561) 465-9969 www.bovarnicklawgroup.com Jeffrey Bovarnick Boca Raton, FL 33431

Dennis O’Brien/ Coldwell Banker (561) 400-0816 Dennis O’Brien Boca Raton, FL 33432

Farber Plastic Surgery (561) 829-5114 www.farberplasticsurgery.com Leslie Farber Boca Raton, FL 33433

Diane Abdo, Psy.D., P.A. (561) 393-5363 Diane Abdo Boca Raton, FL 33432

Fit Food Fresh, Inc. (561) 430-5208 www.fitfoodfresh.com Gabriel Santiago Boca Raton, FL 33432

DK Staffing (561) 424-4250 www.linkedin.com/in/darlenekomorowski Darlene Komorowski Boynton Beach, FL 33432 Duch Designs (561) 405-6856 Patricia Duch Boca Raton, FL 33431

Choice Employee Benefits Inc. (561) 404-0245 www.choiceemployeebenefits.com Howard Silverstein Boynton Beach, FL 33473

ECJ Luxe Collections (561) 353-5216 www.ecjluxe.com Bert Collaro Boca Raton, FL 33432

CKP Insurance, LLC (561) 353-5717 www.ckpinsurance.com Scott Rejonis Boca Raton, FL 33433

Executive Concierge Services of the Palm Beaches (561) 299-1067 Myrna Karp Boca Raton, FL 33432

Comcast Business (954) 952-7447 www.business.comcast.com Anwar Timol Sunrise, FL 33325

The Entrepreneur’s Source (954) 368-0555 www.theesource.com/kvinson Keith Vinson Davie, FL 33328

Dean Anthony’s Express Pizza & More (561) 988-2202 Dean Palimeni Boca Raton, FL 33432

Essential Assists LLC (917) 783-2433 www.essentialassists.com Laura Ruben Delray Beach, FL 33445

April - June 2015

The Funky Biscuit (561) 395-2929 www.funkybiscuit.com Kevin Thomas Boca Raton, FL 33432 Garcia Stromberg (561) 478-5855 www.garciastromberg.com Jorge Garcia West Palm Beach, FL 33411 Great Patriot Construction Services (561) 241-4765 www.greatpatriotconstructionservices.com James Ginopoulos Boca Raton, FL 33487 Gustie Creative LLC (561) 409-5135 www.gustiecreative.com Karen Herman Boca Raton, FL 33431 Gyro Room (561) 465-2349 www.gyroroom.com Lazaros Chasomeris Boca Raton, FL 33498

Continued on Page 21

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NEW MEMBERS Continued from Page 20 Havana Nights Cigar Bar and Lounge (561) 361-4091 www.havananightscigar.com Bridget Scarfone Boca Raton, FL 33432 HealthSmart M.D. (561) 368-0777 www.HealthSmartMD.com Stephen Silver Boca Raton, FL 33432 Healthy Life Salon (561) 891-7527 www.healthylifesalon.com Juli Edwards Boca Raton, FL 33432 Hibu Inc. (561) 414-9093 www.hibu.com Richard Youngman Cedar Rapids, IA 52406 HoneyBee Designz (561) 672-1439 www.honeybeedesignz.com Melissa Torres Boca Raton, FL 33432 Hunt Consulting, Inc. (770) 330-7171 Ric Hunt Boca Raton, FL 33433 Interiors By Janet M. Ruffolo, Inc. (954) 764-1991 www.interiorsbyjanet.com Janet Ruffolo Lighthouse Point, FL 33064 Jet’s Pizza of Boca Raton (561) 852-5700 www.jetspizza.com Casey Kolp Boca Raton, FL 33434 The Kabbalah Center (561) 488-8826 http://boca.kabbalah.com Batya Solomon Boca Raton, FL 33433 Macedonia AME Church (786) 234-6887 www.mamec.org Charles Cocklin Boca Raton, FL 33432

Mark J. Berkowitz, PA (954) 527-0570 www.markjberkowitz.com Mark Berkowitz Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

Rio Stone USA, LLC (416) 464-8704 www.riostone.ca / www.riostone.us Uri Nachim Miami, FL 33160

Stadson Technology Corporation (561) 372-2648 www.stadson.com Mathew Hudson Boca Raton, FL 33487

Mark Weisser Productions, Inc. (954) 909-4040 www.markweisserproductions.com Jared Weisser Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

Rock N Angels (786) 486-7537 Mike Ng Boca Raton, FL 33487

Storage Units of South Florida (561) 336-5463 Matthew Mettinger Boca Raton, FL 33431

Santo’s Modern American Buffet and Sushi (561) 923-9378 Johnny Hk Boca Raton, FL 33431

Sunshine Collision Center, Inc. (561) 368-4252 www.sunshinecollisioncenter.com Rex Cook Boca Raton, FL 33431

Saquella Cafe (561) 338-8840 www.saquellacafe.com Abraham Sekesd Boca Raton, FL 33432

Thomas Frankel/Edward Jones (561) 620-8144 Thomas Frankel Boca Raton, FL 33433

Moving Squad (954) 316-6106 www.movingsquad.com Jack Koussevitzky Margate, FL 33063 Mysteries by Halley Elise (561) 755-2166 www.halleyelise.com Halley Elise Boca Raton, FL 33432 Nerd Alert (844) 326-5700 www.nerdalert.com Julius McGee Palm Beach, FL 33480

The Seed (561) 430-5640 www.theseedboca.com Rachel Eade Boca Raton, FL 33432

NuGolf Studios (855) 645-4653 www.nugolf.com Boca Raton, FL 33431

Sereniti Group (561) 222-3802 www.serenitigrp.com Robert Ben-Dliyahu Lake Worth, FL 33461

Past Perfect Consignment (561) 338-5656 www.pastperfectconsignment.com Jennifer Mostel Boca Raton, FL 33432

Sign Partners (561) 270-6919 www.sign-partners.com Matheus Ostaficu Boca Raton, FL 33487

Phlorida Pretzel (561) 910-1846 www.phloridapretzel.com Derrick Forchic Boca Raton, FL 33431 PrimePay (561) 914-1962 www.primepay.com Anne Erdman Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418 Restoration 1 of Boca Raton (561) 997-5252 www.restoration1ofboca.com Marcus Surprenant Boca Raton, FL 33487

TM Financial Advisors, LLC (561) 345-5386 Kurtis Tucker Boca Raton, FL 33486 United Data Technologies (786) 364-5954 www.udtonline.com Paula Euse Doral, FL 33172 Xtend Barre (561) 948-0820 www.xtendbarre.com Sarah Neiman Boca Raton, FL 33433

Wynne Claims Adjusting Services, Inc. (561) 901-6569 Skinny Wrap Mom of Boca www.wynneclaims.com Raton John Wynne (561) 305-4602 www.skinnywrapmomofboca.com Boca Raton, FL 33486 Vicky Vichera Yosi Uzsinay / Mass Mutual Boca Raton, FL 33433 (561) 997-4755 www.financialguide.com Source One Partners Yosi Uzsinay (954) 943-2324 Boca Raton, FL 33434 www.sourceonepartners.com Jeffrey Hecht Boca Raton, FL 33431 Due to press deadlines, Spa4You Boca members listed are those (561) 212-2531 that joined between www.spa4youboca.com November 15th and Nanci Monticello February 28th Boca Raton, FL 33431

See an error? The Boca Chamber strives for accuracy in all of our information. If you see an error in your company’s information, please log in to your account at www.bocachamber.com or email info@bocachamber.com with the corrected details. Thank you!

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April - June 2015

21

FEATURE GETTING TO KNOW RANDY NOBLES

Get to Know our Chairman of the Board, Randy Nobles

Currently on his second term as Chairman of the Board, Randy Nobles – with the support of Chair-Elect Jerry Fedele, ViceChair Ethel Isaacs Williams, Treasurer Rick Hayduk and Immediate Past-Chair, Keith O’Donnell – has done a phenomenal job. You might have seen Randy at the podium during our monthly breakfasts, at our new member orientation or at many of our luncheons and after-hours, and now you can learn more about him!

there is a big demand for our consultative, trusted advisor approach. People want advice and solutions out of their CPA, not just getting their accounting and tax work done.

In line with our desire to grow, we have just merged with Leonard A. Geronemus, CPAs (a long time Boca Chamber member). Lenny has been in this market for more than 30 years and has a stellar reputation and values that line up very well with ours.

Tell us something about yourself we don’t know I originally started college with the intention of being a school teacher and a high school coach. That was my passion and interest but a counsellor convinced me that there were very few jobs at the time in teaching and a business degree was the way to go.

What are you most proud of?

My children Justin (17) and Veronica (13). They are just great well rounded kids in so many respects.

What are the new plans for Croskey Lanni?

We love the Florida marketplace and have found that

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Congratulations to all our new members!

Welcome to the Boca Chamber!

Interested in joining the Boca Chamber?

Please call 561.395.4433 to speak with a Sales Associate.

FEBRUARY

@bocachamber

What advice would you give other business owners or people who are going through a difficult time?

Don’t ever stop focusing on the people side (clients, employees, referral sources, etc.) of your business because without them you have no business. Also, the importance of having a plan and strategy, staying focused on that and not trying to go in too many directions.

JANUARY

Follow us on Twitter!

What has been the most memorable moment of your time as Chairman so far?

Probably having the privilege of serving another term as Chairman. We have made some great strides with new initiatives such as IBA and Prime, and have stepped up our educational initiatives through Golden Bell and YEA.

Post Your Deals, Specials and Events!

22

DECEMBER

Why did you decide to switch careers?

Mainly burnout. The banking industry has changed dramatically over the past 10 years driven largely by the regulatory environment, which in turn has necessitated a less personalized, one size fits all approach. Additionally, I discovered a bit of an entrepreneurial bug in me, which I am fulfilling with Croskey Lanni, which is a closely held business.

Whom do you seek advice from for your business?

Largely my Croskey Lanni partners, but I have always taken the approach of listening to many, researching the topic or issue and then forming my own well informed opinion.

April - June 2015

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EDITORIAL 2015 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA Government Affairs Committee Does it Again!

By James R. Nau, Chair Chair, Boca Chamber, Government Affairs Committee

As it has done for many years, the Boca Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee has produced the Chamber’s Legislative Agenda for federal, state, county and city issues.

The objective of the Legislative Agenda is to advocate for our members as it relates to federal, state and local government issues. In order to produce the document, the members of the committee worked with the Boca Chamber staff, reviewed numerous state and local issues and proposals, talked with various officials and legislators and met in subcommittees over the course of four months.

Considerable debate was held among the committee members about the issues, their impact on the Boca Raton business community and their impact on the quality of life in our area. The members were fully engaged and passionate about many of the issues.

The committee also consulted with the U.S. and Florida Chamber of Commerce experts on their legislative issues and recommendations.

After compiling all the issues and facts, the Committee identified the most important issues to The Boca Chamber’s members and crafted our legislative and regulatory recommendations for improvements. We sorted the issues into federal, state, county and city categories and finalized our recommendations in December.

Those recommendations were then presented to and approved by The Boca Chamber’s Board of Directors and will now serve to guide the Chamber staff in their meetings with our state and federal representatives, Boca Raton City Council members and county officials.

The process worked very well and allowed for critical input from a wide variety of viewpoints. Please take a minute to review the 2015 Business Legislative Agenda (posted on the Chamber’s website at bocachamber.com)

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April - June 2015

2015 EVENTS CALENDAR APRIL, MAY, JUNE

APRIL 2 7 9 14 15 16 21 23 28

MAY

Prime Professionals Group International Business Alliance Membership Breakfast New Member Orientation South Healthcare Advocacy Network Successful Women in Business PULSE Network Marketing Seminar Smart Talk for Women Spring Business Expo

1 5 8 12 14 19 20 21

Prime Professionals Group

26

Smart Talk for Women Membership After-Hours Network

2 4 5 9 11 16

International Business Alliance

17

South Healthcare Advocacy Network Leadership Boca Graduation

18

Successful Women in Business

23

Smart Talk for Women Membership After-Hours Network

International Business Alliance Business Awards Luncheon New Member Orientation Membership Breakfast PULSE Network South Healthcare Advocacy Network Successful Women in Business

JUNE Prime Professionals Group Chamber Golf Classic New Member Orientation Membership Breakfast PULSE Luncheon

23

Boca Chamber 1800 North Dixie Highway Boca Raton, FL 33432-1892

Thank you to our Boca Chamber PLATINUM PARTNERS

PRESORT STD US POSTAGE PAID Boca Raton, FL Permit No. 4

Current Resident OR:

Visit www.bocachamber.com for all of your business needs!

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April - June 2015

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