March 2011 e-Business Watch

e-Business Watch Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches

E-Mail Communications: Hints, Tips and Best Practices QR Codes, What They Are and How They Work

March 2011

THESE PENGUINS DON’T BELONG HERE

BUT YOUR AD DOES.

2

Contact Business Watch Alexandra Guth at aguth@palmbeaches.org

e-BUSINESS

WATCH

ON THE COVER

16 QR Codes - What Are

They?

Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches 401 N. Flagler Drive West Palm Beach, FL 33401

E-Communictions - Best Practices, Hints and Tips

Phone: (561) 833-3711 Fax: (561) 833-5582 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

Email Marketing

Effective, AND Cost-Effective • Open Rate: 30% • Click-Through Rate: 12% • Conversion Rate: 4%

Do YOUR e-communications stack up?

Analytics averages courtesy of Jupiter Research

CLICK HERE TO FIND OuT MORE:

RealSolutions.PalmBeachPost.com

Bryan Baker Membership Development Sharon McIntosh Information Coordinator

March 2011

3

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.

Bill Fleming Palm Beach Atlantic University Clint Glass Balfour Beatty Construction

Treasurer

Russell Greene Grand Bank & Trust of Florida

Secretary

Christine Hanley Christine D. Hanley & Associates, P.A.

General Counsel

Patti Hamilton Southern Waste Systems LLC/ Sun Recycling

At-Large Member

Rick Herman PNC Bank

David D. Brooks, CPA Charles Gerardi The Palm Beach Post Paul Krasker Trident Title LLC

Wesley Lauer Akerman Senterfitt

At-Large Member Harvey E. Oyer III Shutts & Bowen, LLP

Past-Chair

Don DeWoody WGCompass Realty Companies

4

Tom Dye Carlton Fields, P.A.

Business Watch

Trish Lowry Florida’s Blood Centers Monica Manolas CEMEX

Danny Martell Florida Crystals Corporation Daniel Miller Broad and Cassel 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

Willam 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.

Upcoming Chamber Events 17

1

One-on-One 101 The Chamber is always looking for ways to add value to membership and engage members in a productive and profitable way. The Business Builders offer a complete overview of the Chamber’s programs and services and are recommended for new members and those interested in learning about what the Chamber offers. To Sell is NOT to Sell is a workshop in sales skills, preparing members to participate in the many events the Chamber provides.

What’s the next step?

The One-on-One 101 was created in response to members requesting more direction in developing relationships within the Chamber, forming strategic alliances for referrals and making the most of their Chamber investment.

It’s a step by step approach to establishing a plan for setting meetings, following an agenda and tracking success. It takes networking contacts generated from events and directs them into productive one-on-one meetings.

Whether you’re new to the Chamber, not yet a member or a member of long standing, this event will get you on the track to starting 2011 with a plan of action and a tracking system to ensure your success.

For more information on this event and Chamber benefits, contact Kelly Fanelli at (561) 833-3711 ext. 235 or kfanelli@ palmbeaches.org.

Digital Download Series

Join the Chamber and The Palm Beach Post for its Digital Download Series, on three consecutive Friday mornings in April in the Chamber Board Room. In this changing world of technology, learn what local businesses need to know about what’s available online starting with terminologies and/or demographics; what is available for a fee or free, and how to leverage your website to better represent your business online.

Friday, April 1: Digital Terms,

Trends and Consumer Behavior This session will introduce you to the basic terminology in the digital space, the evolution of media consumption and show you how locals are using technology everyday. Click here to register for this or all 3 seminars.

Friday, April 8:

Maximize, Measure & Make Digital Work for You This session will show you how to leverage key metrics and your brand message to generate leads and grow your online audience. Click here to register for only this seminar.

Friday, April 15: Think Outside the

Banner – What’s New & What’s Next This session shows you how to combine display, search, social media and mobile into your marketing strategy. Click here to register for this seminar.

Attend all three sessions for $20 (members) and save, or pick and choose for $10 each.

March 2011

5

Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches

CALENDAR OF EVENTS MARCH

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

To Sell is NOT to Sell Workshop 8:30 a.m.

6

7

Power Networking at Lunch 11:30 a.m.

Crowne Plaza

1

8

Business Builder 9 Seminar 8:30 a.m.

Ambassador Committee 11:45 a.m.

YPOP HotSpot STORE Self Storage 5:30 p.m.

16

13

14

20

Health Care Committee Location TBA 12:00 p.m.

21 22

23

27

28

30

Monday

15 Chamber Mixer Hyatt Place - New lobby bar 5:30 p.m.

Thursday

2

29

3

4

10

11

Wednesday

5

6

Power Networking 12 @ Lunch 11:30 a.m.

Crowne Plaza

Business Builder 13 Seminar 8:30 a.m.

To Sell is NOT to Sell Workshop 8:30 a.m.

SunFest Kick-off Mixer 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Crowne Plaza 17

18

24

25

Ambassador Committee 11:45 a.m.

19 Health Care Committee Location TBA 12:00 p.m.

20

26

27

Business Builder Seminar 8:30 a.m.

4

5

11

12

18 Donuts with Dennis 8:30 a.m.

19

24 25 Business Builder Chamber Breakfast Seminar 8:30 a.m.

PBC Convention Center 7:45 a.m.

26

New Member Jump Start 5:30 p.m.

10 Author Series - Escape from Dubai 8:30 a.m.

Women in Business 11:45 a.m.

One-on-One 101 8:30 a.m.

17

31

APRIL

Tuesday

Friday

3

Thursday

Friday 1 Digital Download - PBPost Seminar Part 1 8:30 a.m.

2

8 Digital Download - PBPost Seminar Part 2 8:30 a.m.

9

Chamber Breakfast 14 15 PBC Convention Center Digital Download - PBPost 7:45 a.m.

Seminar Part 3 8:30 a.m.

Women in Business 11:45 a.m.

21 22 Chamber Closed

16

7

28

*All meetings are held at the Chamber unless otherwise noted. Events are subject to change

29

401 N Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach, FL 33401 | Phone: 561.833.3711 Fax: 561.833.5582 | www.palmbeaches.org

6

Business Watch

23

30

Recent Chamber Events

February Mixer Held at Grease Burger Bar The February Mixer was hosted by Grease Burger Bar on Clematis Street in West Palm Beach. Chamber members and guests enjoyed networking and sampling burgers at this evening event.

Special thanks to Todd Herbst and Dean Perna for their hospitality. About the location: Grease Burger Bar was designed for those seeking both big, juicy burgers and a menu of delicious healthier fare in a lively atmosphere.

Next month’s mixer will be held on March 15 at the Hyatt in downtown West Palm Beach.

What’s New in Social Media Seminar On Thursday, February 10, Jennifer Hampton of Superior Virtual Services gave a seminar in the Chamber boardroom on the new and exciting features available in social media.

Have you seen what’s new on Facebook?

Facebook has a brand new business page format which includes new Navigation, Photo features, Wall Filters, Admin View and Settings.

What’s new with Places pages? You can now register your business on Google Places, Facebook Places, Foursquare, Yelp, Yahoo!

Local, City Search, Merchant Circle and Insider Pages for free.

Connect with Us!

March 2011

7

Upcoming Chamber Events March Breakfast - Law & Order Palm Beach County’s own version of “Law and Order” is coming to the Palm Beach County Convention Center for the March 25 Chamber Breakfast, sponsored by Solantic walk-in urgent care. Crime-fighting partners Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw and State Attorney Michael McAuliffe will discuss how they work together to make Palm Beach County a safer place to live and work.

Register now at www.palmbeaches.org for the March 25 breakfast, 7:45 a.m. at the Palm Beach County Convention Center. For tabletop displays or additional information, contact Kelley Burke at kburke@palmbeaches.org or (561) 833-3711 (ext 231).

Ric Bradshaw

8

Business Watch

Michael McAuliffe

March Mixer NEW Lobby Bar at the Hyatt Place 295 Lakeview Ave. West Palm Beach, FL 33401 5:30PM-7:30PM Register online at www.palmbeaches.org • Complimentary self parking in hotel garage - Enter from Olive Ave. • Celebrate the all new Lobby Bar which features an extensive selection of signature Mojitos, cocktails, beers, wines & spirits • Registration includes 2 beverages and hors d’oeuvres

Chamber Extends Welcome to Oxbridge Academy The Chamber welcomed Oxbridge Academy of the Palm Beaches’ President and CEO Robert Parsons and Dr. Neen Hunt, Academic Head of School, to the February 17th breakfast.

Oxbridge is a new top-tier college preparatory school located on Military Trail in West Palm Beach.

An announcement was made at the breakfast that, in response to the enthusiastic demand from area families, Oxbridge has added a 10th grade class to the inaugural 2011/2012 school year. The co-educational, nonsectarian school will now welcome ninth and tenth grade students – the founding class – on September 7, 2011. Founded by William “Bill” Koch, president of West Palm Beachbased Oxbow Carbon, the school is designed to offer a life-defining education that prepares students for comprehensive success in the 21st century global economy. To ensure a broad global spectrum of students from diverse socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds, the founding freshman and sophomore classes will receive generous financial benefits. For the 2011-2012 school year, every new family will receive a substantial tuition reduction, regardless of financial need. In addition, the school will offer several Koch Scholarships – full, four-year, merit-based scholarships to outstanding, well-rounded students. It will also offer Master Scholarships- four-year, 50 percent tuition reduction scholarships based on merit and financial need.

2011 Baseball Bash

The 2011 Baseball Bash was held at Roger Dean Stadium on Thursday, February 24. Attendees received autographs from St. Louis Cardinals and Florida Marlins players, heard season forecasts from the managers, and enjoyed dinner catered by Carrabba’s Italian Grill in Palm Beach Gardens. This event is a fundraiser for the Cardinals-Marlins Fund.

Special thanks to our sponsors FPL, The Palm Beach Post, ESPN 760, Pepsi Americas, Brown Distributing Co. and Christine D. Hanley and Associates, P.A.

March 2011

9

New Members Ackerman CPA, PA Venita Ackerman - President 13539 Northumberland Cir. Wellington, FL (561) 358-9350 ACCOUNTANTS - CERTIFIED PUBLIC

Boss Certified Realtime Reporting Donna Kadosh - Owner 515 E. Las Olas Blvd., Suite 100 Ft. Lauderdale, FL (954) 467-6867 www.bossreporting.com COURT REPORTING

(561) 202-1760 www.cityplacesouthtower.com REAL ESTATE

Haile, Shaw & Pfaffenberger, P.A. Antoinette Theodossakos -

Shareholder 660 US Hwy One, 3rd Floor North Palm Beach, FL E*TRADE Capital Management, (561) 627-8100

LLC www.haileshaw.com All-Ways Advertising Company Mike Whylie - Financial Consultant ATTORNEYS Mark Bennett - V. P. Florida 100 N. Federal Highway, Suite

Operations 100 Health Excel Medical Center 8927 Hypoluxo Rd., Suite A-4 Ft. Lauderdale, FL Robert Briller - Community Lake Worth, FL (866) 789-0732 Ext:0451

Relations Representative (561) 304-2626 INVESTMENT SECURITIES 5405 Okeechobee Blvd., #303 www.awadv.com West Palm Beach, FL ADVERTISING - PROMOTIONAL E7 Investment Group (561) 689-8686P PRODUCTS & SERVICES Otha Richardson, III - President & HYSICIANS & SURGEONS-MD CEO INTERNAL MEDICINE American Consumer Advocates 8033 Emerald Winds Circle Colin Talmage - Vice President Boynton Beach, FL Madison Security Group 931 Village Blvd., Suite 905-318 (954) 663-8860 Bill Denio - General Manager West Palm Beach, FL www.e7investmentgroup.com 3111 S. Dixie Hwy., Suite 121 (866) 444-4330 INVESTMENTS West Palm Beach, FL www.

(561) 366-7505 americanconsumersadvocates.

EnergyIQ www.madisonsecurityflorida.com

com Richard Abedon, CCIM - Vice SECURITY GUARD & PATROL CONSUMER PROTECTION

President SERVICE 1200 Clint Moore Rd., Suite 8 ASAP Graphix & Signs, Inc. Boca Raton, FL Meals on Wheels of the Palm Angie Koch - President (561) 241-3232

Beaches, Inc. 15895 93rd St. N. www.energyiq.com Jane Hesser Lill - Director, West Palm Beach, FL ENERGY CONSERVATION Volunteer Services (561) 383-5512 CONSULTANTS P.O. Box 247 www.signssupercheap.com West Palm Beach, FL SIGNS Fred Astaire Dance Studio (561) 386-4624 Doreen Scheinpflug - Owner www.

AutoCricket.com 4603 Okeechobee Blvd. mealsonwheelspalmbeaches.

Ashley Emery - Marketing & Public West Palm Beach, FL

org

Relations Coordinator (561) 478-1400 NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION 155 E. Blue Heron Blvd., Suite www.fredastairewpb.com

407 DANCE INSTRUCTION Palm Beach Dramaworks Riviera Beach, FL Sue Ellen Beryl - Managing (561) 845-2463 Gasoil Traders, Inc. Director www.autocricket.com Eugene Richter - President 322 Banyan Blvd.

INSURANCE 1201 US Highway 1, Suite 245 West Palm Beach, FL North Palm Beach, FL (561) 514-4042 BlackBox GPS (561) 342-1567 www.palmbeachdramaworks.org Austin Kocielko - Account Manager IMPORTER THEATRES 351 S. Cypress Rd., Suite 300 Pompano Beach, FL GB West Palm 1, LLC Rainbow Marketing, Inc. (561) 807-6661 Frank Howard - Managing Partner Annette Gray - CEO www.blackboxgps.com 550 Okeechobee Blvd., Suite 14545-K Military Trail, Suite 306 GPS TRACKING 1023 Delray Beach, FL West Palm Beach, FL (866) 342-5777

10

Business Watch

www.rainbowmarketinginc.net MARKETING PROGRAMS &

SERVICES

411 Clematis St., 3rd Floor West Palm Beach, FL (561) 822-9972 www.wpblibraryfoundation.org FOUNDATIONS

Renewals Continued

Goodwill Industries Inc.Gulfstream Grand Bank & Trust of Florida Steel Stud Supply, LLC World of Beer Dwayne Demarie - President Hanson Professional Services 3380 Fairlane Farms Rd., Suite 6 Lisa Weatherston - Director of

Inc.

Marketing Wellington, FL Hillcrest Memorial Park / Mizell 101 N. Clematis St., Suite 100 (561) 202-4117 Faville Zern Funeral Home & West Palm Beach, FL www.steelstudsupply.com (312) 953-0315 Cremation Services MANUFACTURERS www.wobusa.com/clematis Homewood Suites by Hilton West RESTAURANTS The Law Offices of Morris &

Palm Beach

O’Malley, P.A. Humana MarketPOINT Nicole C. Morris - Managing KBS Strategies Group, LLC Partner La Quinta Inn & Suites 525 S. Flagler Dr., Suite 200 West Palm Beach, FL Lakeside Health Center - Life (561) 659-7790

Care Centers of America www.nmorrislaw.com Larmoyeux & Bone PL ATTORNEYS - WILLS, TRUSTS & Lewis Longman & Walker P.A.

ESTATES Lexicon International Corporation The Links at Madison Green Golf Manero’s Restaurant

Club Merrill Lynch / LLH Group Bob Still - Sales & Marketing Metro Self Storage

Director Nozzle Nolen Pest Solutions 2001 Crestwood Blvd. North Office Depot Store #102 Royal Palm Beach, FL AMLI at Ibis Apartments (561) 784-5225 Palm Beach Marriott Singer Bank of America Merrill Lynch www.madisongreengolf.com

Island Beach Resort & Spa BH Management GOLF COURSES - PUBLIC Payment Alliance International Boynton Landscape Co., Inc. PBS&J Travel Lynx, Inc. of Brevard Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach Poinciana Day School County dba V.I.P. County, Inc. Charters Police Athletic League of West Mike Castro - Sales & Marketing Carlton Fields P.A. Palm Beach, Inc. Cheetah Gentlemen’s Club - Palm

Manager Portofino at Lakes of Laguna 901 W. 15th Street Beach ResCare Homecare Riviera Beach, FL CMIT Solutions of South Palm Ruth’s Chris Steak House (561) 439-2223 Beach www.chartersbyvip.com Sewell Hardware Co. Critical Care Management, LLC BUSES - CHARTER & RENTAL Song + Associates, Inc. Custom Signs Today Springhill Suites West Palm Visual Evidence, Inc. Datura Auto Sales & Rentals

Beach Chris Shelby - Marketing Manager Edwards Electric Corp.

Superior Sprinkler Systems 601-A N. Dixie Highway Esperante Corporate Center West Palm Beach, FL Sushi Jo PGA, LLC ESPN Radio 760 (561) 655-2855www.

The Medical Store First Bank of the Palm Beaches visualevidence.com Urban Design Kilday Studios LITIGATION SUPPORT Fox Rothschild LLP Ward Damon Frenchman’s Creek Beach & Woodbine Apartments West Palm Beach Library Country Club

Foundation WPTV Newschannel 5 / E.W. Good Samaritan Medical Center James Sugarman - Executive

Scripps, Inc.

Director

Renewals

March 2011

11

Trustee Happenings

Chamber Trustees hosted an evening reception on February 9th to welcome the new incoming Chair of the Board, Carey O’Donnell at PGA National Resort and Spa.

United States Senator Bill Nelson spoke to the Chamber Trustees this month.

Nelson, who serves on the Senate Intelligence Committee, summarized recent developments in the Middle East and off the coast of Somalia. The Senator also spoke at length regarding the funding of High Speed Rail in Florida.

For more information on the Trustee Program, its events and speakers, contact Kelly Fanelli, Membership Director, at (561) 833-3711 ext 235 or kfanelli@palmbeaches.org.

12

Business Watch

Young Professionals of the Palm Beaches

The Young Professionals held their February HotSpot on the campus of Northwood University in West Palm Beach. Stephanie Lanza, Community Relations Director at Northwood, put together a great event that included meeting the Northwood Seahawks men’s basketball coach Rollie Massimino as well as watching them beat Ave Maria after the event. Visit www.ypopconnect.org for information and upcoming events.

Women in Business The Art of Consignment

sizing varies, and prices are about 75% below retail. The next Women in Business Committee meeting will be Thursday, March 10.

Dina Capehart, owner of Dine C’s Fab and Funky Consignment Boutique, was the Women in Business Committee speaker for February.

The shop is located at 1609 South Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach, in the Gatsby Building.

Dina brought some treasures as cool examples of purses, shoes and jewelry that you find at a consignment shop. She also explained what you need to know about consignment agreements, the condition of the clothing and to be mindful of the season. When shopping consignment, her tips included asking if the price is negotiable, trying on items of interest because many items have been altered, European and vintage

March 2011

13

Members In Motion

TAX COLLECTOR GANNON RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS NATIONAL AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE Anne M. Gannon, Constitutional Tax Collector, has been selected for the prestigious “2011 Excellence in Government Leadership Award” by the Association of Government Accountants (AGA). The award was presented to Gannon on February 17, 2011 at the AGA’s 9th Annual National Leadership Conference.

ATTORNEY DAVID PRATHER ADDED TO WPBT2 BOARD, NEW DIRECTORS, FUTURE CHAIR ALSO NAMED David Prather, a partner at the law firm of Clark, Fountain, La Vista, Prather, Keen & Littky-Rubin in West Palm Beach, has been named to the Board of Directors of Community Television Foundation of South Florida, the non-profit organization that operates PBS station WPBT2.

MAX PLANCK FLORIDA INSTITUTE ATTRACTS HIGH-PROFILE SCIENTIST FROM MIT James Schummers, Ph.D., has joined the Max Planck Florida Institute as a Research Group Leader in the Cortical Circuits Group.

He will study the functional organization of the circuits, or pathways, in the cerebral cortex – the brain structure that is responsible for many complex human behaviors, including language and cognition. He is particularly interested in determining the involvement of astrocytes, the major non-neuronal cell in the brain, in the operation and structure of the cortex.

GOLDSTEIN ELECTED NEW BOARD OFFICER OF FAMILIES FIRST Bari L. Goldstein, Esq., an Associate of Christine D. Hanley & Associates, P.A., was elected Secretary of the Board of Directors of Families First of Palm Beach County at its January 27th meeting. Families First of Palm Beach County is a nonprofit 501(c)3 charitable organization which has been in existence since 1990 serving children and families of Palm Beach County.

14

Business Watch

ATTORNEY W. HAMPTON KEEN NAMED TO TWO NON PROFIT & LEGAL ASSOCIATION BOARDS W. Hampton Keen, a partner at the law firm of Clark, Fountain, La Vista, Prather, Keen & Littky-Rubin, has been named to the Board of Directors of the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County and to the Florida Bar Grievance Committee within the 15th Judicial Circuit.

THOMAS J. BAIRD Jones, Foster, Johnston & Stubbs, P.A. announces that Attorney Thomas J. Baird has joined the firm.

Ambassador Happenings Ambassador of the Month February

Bo Batchelor - John Fiorentino Insurance Agency

When I decided to join the Chamber, I knew I wanted to choose some type of role within the Chamber that allowed me to build relationships as well as my business.

With the little experience I had with other chambers, I knew becoming an Ambassador would be my best opportunity to “get my name out”. Ever since I became an Ambassador, I have built relationships that I know will last and have had experiences that have gone above and beyond my expectations. Not only have I seen a significant increase in my sales, I have also been able to assist many people in growing their business, which is priceless. I am very proud to have earned Ambassador of the Month and look forward to building on my success by doing what I can to make this Chamber the most interactive and successful Chamber in not only the area, but in the state of Florida and beyond.

Fifth Third Bank John Bechtold - Financial Center Manager (561) 514-9900 www.53.com On February 3rd, local dignitaries, Fifth Third Bank officials and clients celebrated the opening of the bank’s seventh branch in the Southeast Region, located in downtown West Palm Beach’s Northbridge Centre at 515 N. Flagler Drive.

John Bechtold, the branch manager, and his staff are thrilled about their new home. Fifth Third Bank looks forward to being involved in the community.

PGA National Resort & Spa Jaime Crespy - Corporate Account Manager (561) 627-2000 www.pgaresort.com Everything at PGA National Resort & Spa is ready for play and the resort’s recent revitalization will redefine your expectations. The PGA Resort offers 379 beautifully-appointed rooms, suites and cottages, a 40,000 sq. ft. spa and the exclusive “Waters of the World” mineral pools. Shape up at our 33,000 sq.ft. Health and Fitness Center and then unwind with friends at the lush zero-entry pool. Enjoy five tournament-ready golf courses, 40,000 sq.ft. of meeting space and seven on-site restaurants and lounges, featuring fine steaks and seafood at Ironwood Grille to the crisp fare of Wave Grill. We welcome you to visit the renowned resort.

When booking a reservation, simply mention the “Chamber Rate” to receive discounted room rates and golf package prices at a fraction of the cost.

Palm Beach Community Bank William Martin - Exec. VP-COO & CLO (561) 681-7200

March 2011

15

QR Codes - What Are They?

QR Codes are specific barcodes, readable by QR barcode readers and app-enabled camera phones, which directly connect your cell phone to a specific link or information. The black and white square patterns can be seen in a number of different places including newspapers, ads, business cards and more. Created by Toyota in 1994, these barcodes instantly bridge the gap between print and digital. QR, in fact, stands for Quick Response.

Numerous barcode reader applications are available and can be downloaded for free on most camera-equipped smart phones.

Try It Out!

Scan this QR with your mobile phone to link to our website www.palmbeaches.org.

QR Codes can be created instantly and for free using a number of online generators.

There are a number of different uses for QR Codes, the most common being an embedded link to a webpage. Other uses include contact information, text messages, social media links, maps and navigation among other things.

E-newsletter tips and best practices • Send only to people who you have an established relationship with - otherwise it’s SPAM • Make it easy to subscribe to your e-mail list, include it on your website, in your e-mail signature, on your Facebook Fan page • Honor the unsubscribe • Be consistent with your communications.

Decide if you will be sending out a newsletter weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, etc. and stick with it.

• Have lots of information to share? Consider offering a number of different e-mail lists so that people can subscribe to the information they want to receive.

• Provide content that is interesting, informative and relevant.

• Remember to include links to more information, your social media sites, and most importantly, your website.

16

Business Watch

Writers block?

Here are some content ideas: • How To’s • Company News • Product comparison • Testimonials • Tips • Coupons and Specials • Featured employee, client, product, service

.com Facebook.com/SunFest

Get the most fun out of SunFest by becoming a corporate member!

SunFest Corporate Membership Program offers an opportunity to host clients, partners and employees with benefits including: • Savings on VIP Hospitality tickets • Festival Admission tickets • Recognition on SunFest Web site • Recognition on SunFest billboard Opportunity to offer your employees and clients a 25% savings on one-day admission tickets.

For more info: Sharon Hoffman 561-837-8074 shoffman@sunfest.com

n Pla

to become a SunFest sponsor

now

Event marketing is a great way to advertise and reach customers. “Experiential marketing” drives purchases and consideration across age, gender, and ethnicity. 70% of consumers say that they would be more likely to purchase a product or brand after experiencing it at an event.

SunFest is experiential marketing at its best, providing a unique and targeted way to get your message in front of potential customers.

For more info: Stacey Halpin 561-837-8068 shalpin@sunfest.com

Announcing 2011 Line-up Jason Mraz, Earth, Wind & Fire, MGMT, Sublime with Rome, Cee Lo Green, Jeff Beck,

Taking Back Sunday, Gregg

Allman, Neon Trees, The Avett Brothers, O.A.R., Styx,

Mike Posner, Sick Puppies, Never Shout Never, Prince

Royce, Cherry Poppin’ Daddies, Toad the Wet Sprocket, The Supervillains,

Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Brooke Fraser, and Ziggy Marley

Get your tickets early to save $$.

Discount ends Saturday 4/23

Visit the Chamber office or sunfest.com/grouptickets promotional code

chamberwpb Chamber Discount Available

February 2011

17

New Publication!

The Chamber is pleased to announce it’s adding to its award-winning line-up of publications with the premier Education Directory! It joins the Guide to the Palm Beaches, the Healthcare Directory and the Real Estate Directory as an important addition to a strong group of valuable information sources. The directories provide residents, businesses and visitors with timely and reliable information about the Palm Beaches’ business and residential communities.

The new Education Directory will include information on public and private area schools K-12, colleges and universities, vocational and lifetime learning. It will be included in relocation packages sent in response to inquires from all over the country and utilized by newcomers seeking information on the area’s educational options.

Chamber members will also be included in the directory with a listing that includes their company name and business category, a contact within the business and their phone number.

Members that fall within the education fields will be featured in a special section along with company and contact information, business categories, physical and website addresses, phone numbers and e-mail addresses.

Introducing The Chamber works hard to support our Publication education in the Palm Beaches, recognizing that the business community to Promote the needs talent to fuel the growth of their businesses and ensure the stability of of our local economy. Chamber members, teachers and administrators and students benefit from the Chambers commitment to excellence in education.

As a premier publication, the Education Directory is sure to be well-received

by Chamber members, the business community and residents. It will play an important role in the Chamber’s efforts to support education and higher learning in the Palm Beaches. If you are a Chamber member, you’ll appear in the publication as one of the benefits of your membership. If you are not a member, but would like to join and be included, Education - Services and Resource Guide contact Kelly Fanelli, Membership Director, at (561) 833-3711 ext 235 or Will your Business be listed kfanelli@palmbeaches.org. in this Premier Edition?

If you would like to receive a copy of the directory, contact Sharon McIntosh, Information Coordinator, at smcintosh@ palmbeaches.org.

NEWEST

BUSINESS EDUCATION!

The Education Guide to the Palm Beaches

DEADLINE: MARCH 31, 2011

18

Business Watch

Using Technology to Stay Competitive As a business owner, it is vital that you understand and use advanced technologies. Technology can help increase business efficiency and even expand operations.

• Accounting software. This is important, even if you have your own accountant or bookkeeper. Accounting software allows you to see your profits and losses at a glance. It can also help you design and maintain a budget for your business.

• Planning software or tools. A calendar system is a must. There are many online planning systems that can be utilized to help you keep your calendar organized. Find a system that meets your business’ needs and be sure to stick with it.

• Time tracking software. A time tracking device will help you determine what tasks result in a profit and what tasks do not. This will help you determine what tasks can be eliminated, outsourced, or improved. If you’re looking at software that requires a fee, ask for a free trial first to make sure it’s the right software for you.

• Email management. As a business owner, you probably use several email accounts to manage the various aspects of your company. If you streamline these emails to one account, you’ll be able to stay organized and abreast of your emails.

• Mobile internet access. Access to the internet on your mobile device will not only make your life easier, it will also help you maintain a positive reputation for your business. For example, if you are able to follow up with a client by email immediately after a meeting, you will be showing that you are accessible, timely and professional.

Once you decide which types of technology are right for you and your business, you’ll be on your way to being more organized and efficient than ever.

This information has been reprinted from the U.S. Small Business Administration website. For more information and additional articles visit www.sba.gov.

March 2011

19

Local Search made easy.

AT&T Advertising Solutions is proud to support The Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches.

print • online • mobile To advertise call 1-800-GET-REAL.

©2010 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other AT&T marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies.

10-12740 PNT_08/04/10