Business
The Boca raton
Difference
Boca ’s image as a s outh Florida resor t city is anchored By a solid Business community .
t he former iBm campus, now Boca c orporate c enter & c ampus
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nlike many South Florida cities that rely heavily on tourism to thrive, Boca Raton’s economy has developed a strong underpinning of diversified businesses, anchored by large companies, such as Office Depot, IBM, NCCI Holdings, LexisNexis and Garda World Security Corporation. In addition to its large employers, the city has three universities, an internationally known resort and a vibrant community of small- to medium-sized businesses. The U.S. Small Business Administration ranks Florida among the top three most highly efficient states in fostering the birth of new businesses. In addition to a superior quality of life, Boca Raton offers a strong core of elite educational opportunities, technology leadership and world-class hospitals. “The strength of our city’s economy depends heavily on the allure of our area’s educational
system, growth initiatives and business environment,” says Troy M. McLellan, CCE, president and CEO of the Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce. “Our advocacy efforts, coupled with our outstanding educational opportunities and many networking events, provides nearly 80 percent of our membership, the small businesses, with the best possible environment in which to grow.” The other 20 percent of the Chamber’s membership consists of large-scale employers and Fortune 500 companies that provide additional economic opportunities for all residents of the area. For instance, Office Depot Inc. has its global headquarters on a 28-acre campus in Boca Raton and employs 2,100 professionals, according to the city’s 2009 Comprehensive Annual Report. The cyclical nature of Boca Raton’s dynamic corporate culture results in an elevated level of economic and community development. Boca chamBer annual 2012
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