Connection Magazine - Protecting Business 2021

July - September 2021

Protecting Business THE BOCA CHAMBER'S QUARTERLY MAGAZINE SERVING BOCA RATON TO BOYNTON BEACH Connection Magazine | 1

CONNECTION MAGAZINE Publisher: Troy M. McLellan, CCE, FCCP Editor: Ryan Sherwin BOCA CHAMBER OFFICERS

TABLE OF CONTENTS From Your President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Michael Daszkal, Daszkal Bolton LLP Chair Jackie Reeves, Bell Rock Capital Chair-Elect Todd Hale, Next Generation Digital Solutions Vice-Chair Sal Saldana, Town Center at Boca Raton Treasurer Troy M. McLellan, Boca Chamber Secretary Susan J. Saturday, Bluegreen Vacations Corporation Immediate Past Chair

Succeeding Through Adversity . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5

DIRECTORS

Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Paul Adkins, Florida Peninsula Michael Antonello, Lynn University Jason Aube, Truist Bank Clara Bennett, Boca Raton Airport Authority Edward Boylan, Boynton Beach Mall Daniel Cane, Modernizing Medicine Ian Cotner, AT&T Steven Deutsch, Frank, Weinberg & Black P.L. Andrew Duffell, Research Park at FAU Sophia Eccleston, Florida Power & Light Kevin Fernander, Palm Beach State College Robert Finizio, TherapeuticsMD Will Fleming, MotionPoint Corporation Scott Gunnell, JM& A Group Jennifer Jolly, Boca Grove Golf & Tennis Club Larry Katz, Wells Fargo John W. Kelly, Ph.D., Florida Atlantic University Ahnich Khalid, Maggiano's Little Italy Ken Lebersfeld, Capitol Lighting Matthew Linderman, Boca West Country Club Joshua Goldglantz, Gunster Lincoln Mendez, Boca Raton Regional Hospital Mark Mileusnic, NCCI George Rizzuto, West Boca Medical Center Ethan Shapiro, Saint Andrew’s School Jordan Sherwood, ESPN West Palm Beach John Tolbert, BRE Hotels & Resorts Bob Tucker, ADT Corporation Frank White, Kaufman Lynn Construction Ron Wichowski, Boca Raton Marriott at Boca Center

Protecting Your Digital Reputation . . . . . . . . . . 6 Business Won . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Get to Know Daniel Gropper . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Chamber Member Anniversaries . . . . . . . . . . 12 Golden Bell Education Foundation . . . . . . . . . 16 Young Entrepreneurs Academy . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Testimonials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Our Mission To promote and sustain economic prosperity in Boca Raton and South Palm Beach County

onnecting Members

dvancing Commerce

PROFESSIONAL TEAM

Troy M. McLellan CCE, FCCP - President & CEO Sarah E. Pearson IOM - Executive Vice President Firdaus Dotiwala - VP, Finance & Administration Ryan Sherwin - Communications & Maketing Manager Chasity J. Navarro - Events Manager Alison Miuccio - Membership Development Manager Jenifer Marquart - Membership Development Associate Sherese James-Grow - Foundation Manager, Golden Bell & YEA! Jonathan Porges - Boynton Beach Market Manager Angie Penaherrera - Executive Assistant to the President & CEO

2 | Connection Magazine

rotecting Business

nhancing the Community

FROM YOUR PRESIDENT

Protecting Your Business Back to Normal Protecting Business is one of the Chamber’s core pillars. We work hard to ensure that your business can flourish in a pro-business environment.

In a year filled with so much turbulence – having the back of the Business Community remained our top priority. Acting as our members’ full-time government and community relations representative, the Chamber serves as the eyes, ears and voice of the business community.

Understanding that not all legislation proposed on a state and local level aligns with what is good for business, your Chamber engages to advocate on behalf of all our members in those areas where we can help businesses be successful.

Each year, the Chamber leads a trip to Tallahassee where we meet with our local Palm Beach County legislation delegation to educate and advocate for the items we include in our Business Legislative Agenda.

Although we were unable to make that trip this past session, that did not stop us from working hard to represent your business interests.

The Chamber team successfully worked with our State partners and elected officials to ensure protecting business was at the forefront of our legislators’ minds - and Business won!

President & CEO Troy McLellan One example was the passage of Senate Bill 50. This legislation is one of the most significant tax bills in our state's history. This bill requires online marketplaces located outside of the state to remit sales " Having the back of the Business Community tax on tangible property. This is not a new tax, but rather puts the burden remains our top priority.” on these online marketplace retailers to collect and remit that tax instead of the consumer. This bill additionally helped the State of Florida avoid a major Unemployment Compensation (UC) Tax increase and significantly reduced the Business Rent Tax from 5.5% to 2%, once the UC Trust Fund is replenished. This is the largest decrease in the Business Rent Tax we have seen since the Boca Chamber has been advocating for its elimination or reduction. To provide prospective on its impact, a 1% reduction in the Business Rent Tax is a savings of over $300 million to the business community! To read more about how business won during the most recent legislative session, turn to page 8.

There is a saying, “If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu.” Your Chamber leadership is definitely at the table monitoring local, county and state activity. The Chamber team spends countless hours attending the Boca Raton City Council and Boynton Beach City Commission meetings. Additionally, we monitor the Palm Beach County Commission and Palm Beach County School Board meetings. From in-person, Zoom and phone meetings, we stay updated on issues that most impact your business.

In the spirit of pro-business advocacy, we specifically chose to feature Dr. Daniel Gropper, Dean of the College of Business at Florida Atlantic University, in this issue of Connection Magazine, themed Protecting Business. Like the Boca Chamber, Dean Gropper is a fervent protector of the American Free Enterprise System and prepares future business leaders to pursue their own version of the American dream to create jobs, contribute to the economy and support our community. We are fortunate to have such a staunch advocate for business right here in our community. To read more, turn to page 11.

I often hear Chamber memberships compared to fitness memberships. “You will get out of it what you put into it”, is the common saying. If this past year has shown us one thing, it is that this saying is not totally accurate. Each day, the Chamber team works diligently in support of your business, whether or not you are able to personally engage. With your continued support, we can secure our region’s pro-business future.

Together we are Moving Business Forward and making Boca Raton, Boynton Beach and South Palm Beach County the best place to live, work, learn and play.

Moving Business Forward,

Troy M. McLellan, CCE, FCCP President & CEO Connection Magazine | 3

Succeeding Thr We all face adversity from time to time, and 2020 and 2021 brought unprecedented challenges. We spoke with six leaders from a variety of industries to get their insight on how they found a way to jump hurdles, navigate around roadblocks and continue to succeed.

Staying afloat during COVID-19 required new approaches. To adapt, what new measures did your businesses take to reinforce safety?

Phillip Diponio General Manager Wyndam Hotel Boca Raton

During COVID-19, we had to react quickly to what was happening. We did close temporarily but opened back up to very limited guests. We took that time for special projects such as deep cleaning and coming up with plans and training on how to navigate the pandemic. Housekeeping standards had to change in every inch of the hotel. What would normally take 45 minutes, now takes double the time. Guest rooms were to be completely disinfected after a guest checks out and again before they check in. All surfaces are cleaned on the hour, as well as all public restrooms, bell carts, pool furniture, fitness center and elevators. All employees are in proper protective gear such as masks and gloves. Proper signage was placed throughout the hotel. All team members had to become “enforcers” of the rules including reminding all guests to follow guidelines.

How have you kept your company culture alive?

Culture is a major focus for Keller Williams (KW), from the top down.

Office meetings were switched to virtual and our leadership doubled down on trainings available. Most impactful was a regional daily call that was also livestreamed on Facebook that became a forum of best practices for the massive pivot in everyone’s business and life.

There was a heavy emphasis on mindset and inspiration for handling all that was happening, both business and personal. This livestream grew from South Florida to a following of thousands of agents across the country.

Sharon Arnett & Caron McGinley Sharon & Caron Group Keller Williams Realty

From a logistical point of view, how has your business operations changed?

Dan Cane Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder Modernizing Medicine

4 | Connection Magazine

Working remotely changed all areas of our business. Our sales team used to walk into a doctor’s office and talk to the staff or meet prospects at an industry event. Our implementation and education teams used to sit side by side with new customers for integration, onboarding and training. These days our employees work varying hours of the day to accommodate other family obligations.

Our technical support team is on call all hours of the day supporting employees and also being able to "reach" end users to provide support, access their computers to troubleshoot issues or show them how to perform tasks. The ability to push out software updates to computers located “everywhere” has required more sophisticated remote management tools. Incredibly, we adapted to the new normal and achieved success...but it wasn’t without hard work.

rough Adversity What kind of support has helped during this phase? What resources have you found that are invaluable?

Dr. Saadia Mohamed Palm Beach Pediatric Dentistry

As humans, we are social creatures; stress and isolation have brought to the surface what may have been hidden in the past. The support we have seen during this time has been amazing, our patients are happy to see us, our community partners and our peers all have been reaching out to us to make sure we are doing well. The relatioships have reaffirmed our commitment to serve our community and our world by nurturing healthy and happy smiles. Relationships are the support we have experienced; personal, professional and organizational support in the form of friends, family, ADA, AAPD, Boca Chamber and Trustee Relationships. Being connected to leaders and people who see the light even if it is a glimmer of hope is what helped.

What advice do you have for other business owners?

As difficult as it may seem, it always gets better. Concentrate on today, don’t look at the past and don’t worry about the future. If you fix one thing each day, no matter how small, you will feel like you accomplished something. Keep a positive mental attitude and think about others first - particularly your customers and the rest will take care of itself.

Rick Versace President & Chief Executive Officer A1A Airport & Limousine Service

What big opportunities exist for you and your company born out of this situation?

I can now probably be able to be a therapist, a problem solver, a healer for those that need a minute and a place to escape, I'm here for them.. on the more serious note, the big opportunity I found was that I can survive just about anything!

Kim Kelly Owner Hurricane Alley 5

PROTECTING YOUR DIGITAL R E P U TAT I O N Written by Ryan Sherwin, Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce As most people would agree, having a good reputation is crucial, especially in business. It could take years, along with some sweat and tears to earn people’s trust.

So why would you not protect it?

Your digital reputation is based off what people say about you online. While you cannot control what people may say about you, it is essential that you use the same vigor that you use to protect business from thieves and scammers to protect your business’s online reputation.

Here are a few tools to keep digital presence protected: Word of Web can be even more powerful than word of mouth. What is Word of Web? It is platforms like Yelp, Google Reviews and Trip Advisor that give consumers a tool to research a company or product. A 2020 study

by Trustpilot noted that nine out of ten consumers read reviews before making a purchase. Encouraging customers to leave a review has become a crucial part of any business. After a sale, make sure you are following up with your costumers to foster a review. Some companies even offer rewards, such as a certain percentage off of their next purchase to urge reviews.

It is essential to search your business and monitor the reviews weekly. As reviews are posted, respond to each one and encourage them to visit your business again.

As you read the reviews, keep in mind you cannot make everyone happy and therefore may get a bad review.

Two of the worst things you can do if you get a bad review is to get angry and reply harshly fueling an online argument. The other is simply ignoring it. An online argument does nothing but worsen the situation for you.

6 | Connection Magazine

Most consumers expect to see at least one non-favorable review. Go through the review with an open mind and if the review is valid, take measure to address the issue so other customers do not have the same experience. Then take the time to respond appropriately, assuring them that you have taken measures to rectify the problem and encourage them to give you another review. People like to know and see that you took the time to address their concerns. If you feel it is not valid, thank them for their feedback and defer them to contact you offline to discuss further. Remember that there are two sides to every story and sometimes an open conversation could remedy the situation. This may even result in the reviewer going back to recant the negative review. Don't ever ignore a negative review. In this case, silence is not golden.

This could come across as if you do not care, or have no interest in addressing feedback and concerns.

Many organizations think a lot about their customers experience, but they may overlook their own employees experiences as well. Numerous current and former employees will leave reviews and feedback on a company.

A good work experience or review can go a long way.

Someone reading a positive review from a current or former employee can create a sense of trust that could make you stand out and persuade them to use your product or service. The other side is when employees post negative reviews, just as a positive review could influence a potential customer a negative review may encourage them to use another company even if your product or service is superior.

In the end, managing your online reputation means that you are actively influencing the impression that your business leaves on customers. It is a continuous process, but one that is crucial for any business.

If you embrace it and utilize the resources available, it can be an indispensable tool to the success of your business.

As part of the Baptist Health family, Boca Raton Regional Hospital is dedicated to you and the communities we serve. With our wide range of services — including urgent care, primary and specialty care, surgery centers and diagnostic imaging — Baptist Health has you covered, close to home.

Our family is committed to yours.

Highest-ranked hospital in Palm Beach County by U.S. News & World Report.

BRRH.com

Connection Magazine | 7

BUSINESS WON! The 2021 Florida Legislative Session ended on April 30th.

While there are still issues to be resolved, this session has been a good one for the business community and particularly for small businesses.

Probably one of the most important bills for the small business community that has passed and signed into law is SB 50. SB 50 created an economic nexus to collect sales taxes from internet retailers and marketplace providers. It has been a priority of the Boca Chamber to level the playing field between online retailers and out-of-state businesses doing business in the state and businesses located in the state that already collect and remit sales tax to the Department of Revenue. The US Supreme Court decision, Wayfair v. South Dakota, paved the way for states to set an economic nexus instead of just a physical presence nexus.

Florida was only one of two states that had not adopted the Wayfair decision. This is not a new tax, but a tax that was already due, and simply shifts the collection point from the consumer to the business.

If that bill wasn’t already a priority, the pot was sweetened when the House and Senate announced a plan to use the revenue collected from online sales to relieve an immediate $713 million tax increase on job creators in the form of increased unemployment compensation taxes. Money will be diverted from the state’s general revenue fund to the state unemployment compensation trust fund until the trust fund reaches a balance of pre-pandemic levels.

After the trust fund is replenished, the House and Senate decided they would use the money to buy down the business rent tax.

This is the largest decrease in the business rent tax since the Chamber has been fighting to begin chipping away at this tax.

Florida is the only state in the country that charges a sales tax on commercial leases and each 1 percent reduction in the tax is a savings of $300 million-plus to the business community. The bill will reduce the business rent tax from 5.5 percent to 2 percent.

These three issues are a win-win-win for South Palm Beach County’s business community.

In another WIN for Business, the first bill signed into law during session was SB 72, a Chamber-backed COVID Liability Protections legislation. For over a year now, the Chamber has been advocating for commonsense COVID liability protections so predatory plaintiff lawyers could not take advantage of this once-in-a-century pandemic to inundate Florida businesses with frivolous, gotcha lawsuits. SB 72 provides liability protections for businesses, educational institutions, and health care facilities that have substantially complied with governmental health and safety guidelines to keep employees, customers, and patients safe. The bill is retroactive to the start of the pandemic, unless a lawsuit has already been filed, and creates heightened standards for litigation to proceed and a business to be held liable.

Governor DeSantis Signing SB 72

Other wins are included in the states $101.5 billion budget which includes 3 state-tax holidays and full funding for Visit Florida.

Governor DeSantis signed the $101.5 billon budget on June 2nd. The budget is the largest in state history and is the fourth largest behind California, New York, and Texas. Overall, areas of the budget are funded in the following amounts: • $44.6 billion for Health and Human Services • $26.7 billion for Education • $13.7 billion for Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development • $6.7 billion for Agriculture, Environment, and General Government • $5.8 billion for Criminal and Civil Justice Taking effect on July 1, the approved budget includes, among other provisions, $1,000 bonus checks for teachers, principals, and first responders, funding to update the state's online unemployment system, and $10 billion in non-recurring federal pandemic stimulus funds.

8 | Connection Magazine

Connection Magazine | 9

lynn.edu

If you believe you can go anywhere …

Go further in your life, your career and your community with a graduate degree or online bachelor’s degree from Lynn University. Learn without limits with iPad®-powered learning. Save time and money with accelerated programs and affordable tuition.

Explore our program options and get started on your future today at lynn.edu/areas-of-study. iPad is a registered trademark of Apple Inc. Lynn University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, pregnancy or parenting status, veteran status or retirement status in its activities and programs. In accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Lynn University does not discriminate on the basis of sex. Inquiries concerning the application of the non-discrimination policy may be directed to the University Compliance Officer/Title IX Coordinator at 3601 N. Military Trail, Boca Raton, FL 33431; via email at titleixcoordinator@lynn.edu; by phone at +1 561-237-7727 or to the U.S. Dept. of Education OCR. Lynn University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call +1 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Lynn University. © 2021 Lynn University

10| Connection Magazine

•• SPOTLIGHT ••

GET TO KNOW DANIEL GROPPER Why education? Tell us where your passion stems from.

A couple of things – first, education helps open the doors of opportunity for all of our students who come to FAU from so many different racial and ethnic backgrounds. Education, whether learning a trade or earning a college degree, helps people move ahead and reach their full potential. It is not easy, you likely need some good fortune, and there are no guarantees. America and our free enterprise economic system provides more opportunities for upward mobility than most other countries and systems. I also love the ability to pursue a career in the world of ideas, to conduct my own research and continue to learn and teach.

What is your favorite career memory? How have you gotten to where you are today?

Daniel Gropper, Ph.D. Dean of the College of Business Florida Atlantic University You have been immersed in the Boca Raton community for some time… What does it mean for you to be involved in this community and to ensure businesses can grow and flourish?

I have been impressed with the people and energy here in Boca Raton – there are established business legends retired and living here, people in mid-career who are leaders in the business community now and people getting started with pursuing their own version of the American dream, whatever that may be. It is a vibrant, international community, and FAU helps support and build the community with our courses, our research and graduating students who stay and work here. I am honored to be a part of the University and this community.

There are many – one is getting the news that FAU had broken into the top-50 national rankings in Entrepreneurship last year in the Princeton Review & Entrepreneur magazine – we set this goal 5 years ago and reached it together. Another was teaching my first course on my own after being a teaching assistant – that was a mixture of anxiety and adrenaline.

How did I get here? The answer is my wife (a professor too) and I both worked a lot of evenings and weekends – you put the kids to bed, and pull out the manuscript you are working on. You go to your kids t-ball or soccer practice, and pull out your notes to look over for the classes you teach that week. As a professor I can set my own schedule more than when I worked for a private consulting firm, but I still have to work a lot to succeed.

What is a memorable quote that has impacted your life and career?

Probably more a book than a quote – “Free to Choose” by Milton and Rose Friedman. Reading that as an undergraduate student really opened my eyes to the economic way of thinking, and the links between individual freedom and a capitalist, free enterprise economic system.

What is something that people might be surprised to know about you?

In high school and college, I used to tie flies for the Orvis dealer in Georgetown to support my spending on fishing equipment.

Connection Magazine |11

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

CELEBRATE Our Member Anniversaries

Congratulations

Thank You For Your Commitment!

63 Years Boca Raton Printing Co.

38 Years

COBWRA - Coalition of Boynton West Residential Associations

35 Years

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

33 Years

City of Boynton Beach

31 Years

St. Joseph's Episcopal School

30 Years

Atlas Party Rental Rosemary and Ben Krieger

24 Years

Kaye Communications, Inc. Lang Diversified Services Southwinds Golf Course Via Mizner Golf & City Club

21 Years

Boynton Beach Faith Based Community Development Corp.

City of Boca Raton

20 Years

Academy Bus LLC

19 Years

Boca Helping Hands JM Lexus Maggiano's Little Italy Master Auto Body

18 Years

South Florida Regional Transportation Authority/Tri-Rail

17 Years

Delray Beach Open The GEO Group, Inc. Mizner Park The Pension Company

16 Years T.J. Bowles Electric Co., Inc.

15 Years

29 Years

Frank, Weinberg & Black, P.L.

27 Years

Emerald Transportation Towing and Heavy Hauling Gumbo Limbo Nature Center Indian Spring Country Club, Inc

Plumbing Experts Fogel Law Group Muriel Siebert & Co., Inc.

26 Years

Avison Young The Salvation Army

25 Years

Meyers Properties SCORE - Counselors to America's Small Business America's Twisters Gymnastics 12 | Connection Magazine

14 Years

13 Years

Friends of the Boca Raton Public Library Palm Beach County Sheriff 's Office -District 7 Schulz Business Sellutions

12 Years

4KIDS Palm Beach Eliot Popper, Vice President, Morgan Stanley Future Focus Financial, Inc. Harbor Financial Group at Morgan Stanley JARC Lynn Insurance Group Spirit of Giving Network Third Level Web Results, Inc

11 Years

Best Foot Forward Foundation, Inc. Hawk-Eye Management, Inc. FastSigns

10 Years

Congress Point Financial Corp Pace Branding & Marketing RG Cosmetics

5 Years Allegiance Orthopedic & Spine Alzheimer's Association Southeast Florida Chapter Barrel of Monks Brewing Boca Newspaper Boca Raton Marriott at Boca Center Boca Voice LLC Caron of Florida, Inc Compson Place Condominium Association, Inc. Confident Bookkeeping Services Congregation B'nai Israel Diagnostic Centers of America Hooters Boca Raton The Luminaries at the Boca Chamber Toastmasters Club Resource Title LLC Richman Capital Management The SilverLogic Smiles by Dr. W and Dr. R Southern Pond & Fountain, Inc. US Postal Service - Boynton Beach

Presents

3 battle of the

SEASON

bands Battle of the Bands Full Page Ad r

e ul

Br

k ea

er

W

s

1 1 th

ick

ed

Ho t

hou r

Broug ht to yoU BY TH E BOCA CHA M BER a n d th e GOLDEN BELL EDUCATION FOU N DATION

satu rday, Septem ber

25,2021

@ BRIC - 5000 T-REX, BOCA RATON, FL 33431 VIP GATES OPEN 6:00 PM - GEN ADMISSION 6:30 PM - SHOW STARTS AT 7:00 PM VISIT WWW.GOLDENBELLBATTLEOFTHEBANDS.COM OR CALL 561.395.4433

Battle Ad for Connections Mag..indd 1

6/18/2021 10:00:21 AM Connection Magazine |13

Here for each other.

Here is where we are committed to building personal relationships, meeting individual needs and supporting the communities we serve.

We’re here for you and your business.

1-888-SYNOVUS | synovus.com

Synovus Bank, Member FDIC.

14| Connection Magazine

#OpportunitiesMatter

Are you the type of leader who’s dealing well in these trying economic times?

Who confronts reality? Who figures out what needs to be done? Who communicates with confidence? Who finds opportunities in chaos, despite uncertainty, inevitable change, and unpredictable sales?

If you’re like most, you’ve never before experienced such tumultuous time. Reports about the end of the recession in 2021 – 2022 mean little if your company continues to fight cash-flow problems.

You cannot allow yourself to be afraid. Others look to you for strength and guidance. You must give the best you have and move quickly, even when faced with incomplete information.

Leading in uncertain times is not for the faint of heart. Some management teams navigate these challenging times well, while others fail miserably. Indeed, those who lead well during the difficult times will emerge as shining stars for tomorrow’s top businesses in your community.

In the book, Leadership in the Era of Uncertainty, by Ram Charan, he states there are fundamental rules to follow if you want to get the right things done in difficult times.

• Pay attention to salespeople’s contributions.

• Accept guidance from your mentors/mastermind groups and other business leaders.

• Understand how various business functions must be aligned and coordinated.

• Communicate candidly and frequently.

• Respond to external pressures in realistic, yet positive ways.

If you are a money manager, independent advisor, or multi-family office for an exit strategy or and support, I believe the ability of a business owner to starelooking into the face of uncertainty, accept change, the ability to make decisions with incomplete information is crucial. As bitter and painful as it may be, survival depends on cutting costs and raising cash. Now is the time to target your focus Management might forcustomers you. you will and concentrate on Stoever your businessGlass core: theWealth invaluable assets you cannot afford to lose.have Choosean the opportunity market segments and continue to serve, the products you will continue or begin to make, and the suppliers from whom you will continue to buy. Most importantly, choose the people in your organization who can help you get there. Eliminate the rest.

#IndependenceMatters

6 Key Leadership Traits Times You We want to help you for growHard our business.

#ControlMatters

and we provide the support.

You take charge of your destiny. We take care of operational and marketing support, leaving you time to grow your business.

#FlexibilityMatters

#SupportMatters

The followingmaintain behaviors characterize a good leaderand in these trying times: your independence your brand

1. Honesty and credibility. Nobody can be certain about the business environment and its direction. The only viable options are intellectual honesty and humility. Your authority depends on your ability to facilitate understanding and solutions – not just from omniscience.

2. Your ability to inspire. Many people are incredibly anxious. Work with your team and your customers to toughen their resolve. People need a vision that sparks the creativity required to develop needed ideas and solutions.

3. Real time connection to reality.

Reality is a moving target. your pictureYou of it, continuously monitoring change support, with groundso level You remain an entrepreneur with the Update freedom receive full operational you intelligence. Do not get locked into one point of view – gather info from unconventional sources. Allow the picture to change as you gather new and flexibility to grow your business. We take have more time to focus on helping your clients. intel.

care of the day-to-day operations.

4. Realism tempered with optimism. The first order of realism is to understand and accept the problem’s magnitude. Then, with your people, focus on what is possible. Energize others to search for actions that will help produce positive results.

5. Manage with intensity. into the right details.

Get hands on.

This is how of youStoever gather ground intelligence when and where StoeverDigGlass Wealth Management, a division Glasslevel & Co., is heretotopivot make more of it is necessary.

what Because to you most.

6. Boldness for building for the future. The needmatters. to conserve cash andwhat survivematters may pressure you matters to think in a short sided way. You must resist. It is critical to place strategic bets with unknown payoffs, where there is little money and uncertainty. That is what running a business has always been aboutwe forget when times are good.

The most successful business owners are leaders who are finding realistic solutions, communicating, and doing diligent, frequent follow- through.

If you’re a capable leader, you will have a more robust business after the downturn than you did before.

Rich Kesner TAKE ACTION: What are three things you can do right away to create the most favorable environment for innovation and forward-thinking to dim 561.229.0770 the effects of this current business environment? rkesner@stoeverwealth.com To your best future, Coach Nancy

Boca Raton · New York · StoeverWealth.com

Stoever Glass Wealth Management Inc. is a Registered Investment Advisor with the SEC. For additional information please see our Regulation Best Interest posted on our website www.stoeverwealth.com or call us at 212-952-1910 to obtain a copy. You may also visit www. https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/173091 to obtain the most up-to-date copy of this disclosure.

Connection Magazine |15

GOLDEN BELL EDUCATION FOUNDATION

The Boca Chamber’s Golden Bell Education Foundation (Golden Bell) is celebrating its 30th year of operation! As a 501c3 nonprofit organization, it exists for the sole purpose of supporting the Boca Raton public school system and administering educational programs that promote business skills and workforce readiness. Established in 1991, Golden Bell has granted over $1.7 Million since its inception, and has impacted 800,000 students in grades K-12. Each year, we invite all Boca Raton public schools to submit applications for a Golden Bell grant.

All of this is not possible without those who generously donate.

Partners, sponsors, and individual donors have helped us continue making our schools in Boca Raton A-rated, and our Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!)students the future leaders of tomorrow.

Our biggest fundraiser is our annual Battle of the Bands competition where local business professionals, who have little to no musical background, turn themselves into rock stars as they help raise money for the public schools of Boca Raton.

Sophia E. Eccleston Sr. External Affairs Manager Florida Power & Light

Kasandra Diaz Founder, Quickdropped 2020 YEA! Alumni

Friday, September 10, 2021 | 11:45 AM to 1:30 PM Boca Raton Resort & Club's Mizner Center | Admission $95 Per Person For more information regarding sponsorship and advertisement opportunities, contact Chasity Navarro, Events Manager at cnavarro@bocachamber.comm 16| Connection Magazine

YEA! The Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) is an exciting program that transforms local middle and high school students into entrepreneurs. YEA!’s direct mission is to help students embrace their passion, energy, creativity, and talents while viewing entrepreneurship as synonymous with success and freedom. Through the 25-week program, students work in close cooperation with local leaders of industry, community members, and educators to develop business ideas, conduct market research, write business plans, and launch their very own companies. Complete with dynamic guest speakers from the local business community, the fun and projects-based YEA! approach empowers students to take charge of their futures in a profound way. The program culminates with a shark tank style event as students pitch their ideas to a panel of investors for funds to support their business venture.

Applications Open for Chamber’s Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) 2021-2022 Program!

GET INVOLVED! KNOW A STUDENT? Identify a student who would be a good candidate for the program. He/She will need to fill out an application and be interviewed. Applications can be found at www.bocachamber.com/yea.

VOLUNTEER VOLUNTEER? Volunteer your time and expertise to influence the lives of our future community business leaders. Mentors are needed for at least eight sessions to help students develop their business ideas. Guest speakers are also needed to share their expertise on a variety of entrepreneurial subjects.

SPONSOR There are several levels of sponsorship opportunities available.

For more information about the Young Entrepreneurs Academy, or how to get involved as a student, volunteer, sponsor, or supporting partner contact the Program Manager, Sherese James-Grow, at 561-395-4433 ext. 232 or sjamesgrow@bocachamber.com.

Bobra Bush, First Segment Instructor

Rob Jager, Second Segment Instructor

Ken Lebersfeld, Third Segment Instructor

Bobra is the CEO of Telcom Corporation that provides telecommunications auditing and consulting services to midsized and large corporations, as well as governmental entities. Bobra has been an Instructor with the YEA! program for five years and also serves on the Chamber’s Board of Directors for BLU-PAC to protect economic rights of business owners.

Rob is the Director of Operations & Business Development for Plum Productions that he operates with his wife.

Their company provides premium video production services to small and large business. Rob has been an Instructor with the YEA! program for five years and also serves as the Chamber’s Chairman of the Boynton Beach Government Affairs Committee.

Ken is the CEO of Capitol Lighting which is a chain of retail lighting stores.

Ken is the 4th generation leader of the business which was started by his great grandfather. He has been an Instructor with the YEA! program for seven years, serves as a member of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, and on the Chamber’s Board for BLU-PAC.

WE ARE PROUD OF THE ENTIRE YEA!

Class of 2021 for all the hard work they put in to be the future CEOs and business leaders of tomorrow!

Connection Magazine |17

Our Member Anniversaries

Thank You For Your Commitment!

CHAMBER CONNECTION Exclusive discounts for Boca Raton chamber members!

With this comprehensive program, you’ll receive: • Up to 55% off the officedepot.com regular price on a 350 item office supply core list • Aggressive pricing on top Technology items • Special pricing on Copy and Print Services • Fast and Free delivery on qualifying orders of $50 or more.

Within our local delivery areas See below for details.

And use the National Chamber’s Text To Save program to get your digital Store Purchasing Card. Simply text “BocaSPC” to 555-888 and present the Store Purchasing Card image at checkout at any of our retail stores.

BSD111.16

Visit www.ncgaffinity.com/chamber_signup to enroll and start saving today!

Fast and Free delivery. Minimum purchase required after discounts and before taxes. Orders outside our local delivery area and most furniture, oversized and special order items do not qualify. Non-qualifying orders incur a delivery charge (minimum charge of $7.95). Many orders can be delivered next business day (between 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM) if placed online or via phone by 5:00 PM or via fax by 3:00 PM, local time (In most locations). Other restrictions apply. See business.officedepot.com, call 888.2.OFFICE or ask your Account Manager for details.

Office Depot is a trademark of The Office Club, Inc. ©2016 Office Depot, Inc. All rights reserved.

TESTIMONIALS

What's the Value of your Chamber Membership?

In the three years that I’ve been a member of the Boca Chamber, I’ve received referrals resulting in $20,000 of income, and have gotten to know many people that I consider friends."

Stephen Rosen Stephen Rosen CPA PLLC

I have made several connections through the years, however, one that stands out is meeting Barbara Cambia, and being on the Tourism Committee for Boca. Barbara and I have collaborated on many initiatives between Lynn University, and Wyndham, as well as developing a lifelong friendship. I believe this partnership could not have happened without the Boca Chamber.

Audra Durham Wyndham Deerfield Beach Resort

"

As Mike and I were enjoying a breakfast with Troy and Sarah at the Marriott at Boca Center we were re-introduced to Ron Wichowski, the Area General Manager.

He asked if we could assist him with covid signage for the hotel. Over the last year we have produced signs for the Marriott and have several new projects scheduled for production. It has been a pleasure working with the team at the Boca Raton Marriott at Boca Center and we look forward to a continued relationship that was facilitated by our chamber membership!

Lise Orr Minuteman Press

After introductions at a new member breakfast, I was approached by an insurance company needing promotional items for their new office and they’ve been a wonderful client ever since!

I’ve met some of my best clients and best friends through Boca Chamber opportunities!

Roz Kodish EverythingLogo.com

"

I can say this. Within a few weeks of joining both the Chamber and my Leads Group, I volunteered to present at my Lead’s Group.

Immediately after my presentation, I got a new client from a fellow member of the Lead’s Group!

Greg Hyden Attorney at Law

Do you have a story to share?

Email us at spearson@bocachamber.com Connection Magazine |19

NEW MEMBERS

TRUSTEE MEMBERS FNB Holdings (561) 902-9763 20 SE 3rd Street Boca Raton, FL 33432 FNB-Holdings.com

Athletic Republic of Boca (561) 981-8326 3013 W. Yamato Road, Suite B14 boca raton, FL 33434 www.bocaraton.athleticrepublic.com

Journey Aviation (561) 826-9400 3700 Airport Road Boca Raton, FL 33431 journeyflight.com

Austin Bach Salon & Co (561) 717-8834 6020 N. Federal Hwy., Suite 2 Boca Raton, FL 33487 www.austinbach.com

Mass Mutual Miami / Joanne Bin (305) 984-4935 5500 N. Military Trail, #427 Boca Raton, FL 33496 www.miami.massmutual.com

Avanti Limousine Service, Inc. (561) 241-9955 5425 N Dixie Highway Boca Raton, FL 33487 www.avanticar.com

Neiman Marcus (561) 417-5151 5860 Glades Road Boca Raton, FL 33431 www.neimanmarcus.com/Stores

Boca Liquors (561) 826-7286 1200 Yamato Road, Suite C3 Boca Raton, FL 33431 www.bocaliquorsonline.com

Palm Beach Pediatric Dentistry (561) 477-3535 9250 Glades Road Suite 212 Boca Raton, FL 33434 www.pbpdcares.com

Boca's Best CBD (561) 221-7324 815 N. Federal Hwy. Boca Raton, FL 33432 www.bocasbestcbd.com

NEW MEMBERS 4 Glow Golf & Games (561) 504-5933 2650 NW 1st Avenue, #12 Boca Raton, FL 33432 www.4glowgolf.com A1A Executive Transportation Services (561) 888-9173 2920 N. Australian Ave West Palm Beach, FL 33407 www.a1aexecutivetransportation.com AFLAC/Jennifer Cigale (561) 504-2367 6100 NW 4th Ave. Boca Raton, FL 33487 Al Stephens Hair & Beauty (561) 961-0054 6000 Glades Rd., Suite 1201 Boca Raton, FL 33432 www.alstephensusa.com Alison South Marketing Group 603-848-0265 3104 S. Andrews Ave. Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 www.alisonsouthmarketing.com All Claims USA Public Adjusters (866) 900-8811 1713 Costa Del Sol Boca Raton, FL 33432 www.allclaimsusa.com Anodyne Pain & Wellness (561) 245-8103 6201 N. Federal Hwy Boca Raton, FL 33432 anodynepain.com/boca-raton/ Anytime Fitness of Boynton Beach (561) 903-0474 4738 N. Congress Ave Boynton Beach, FL 33426 www.anytimefitess.com 20| Connection Magazine

Bruni Photography (800) 281-9008 6026 Amberwoods Dr. Boca Raton, FL 33433 http://www.pamelabruni.com Cleva Technologies (561) 654-5279 1951 NW 19th Street, Suite 101 Boca Raton, FL 33431 www.clevatec.com/ Colonia2go LLC (305) 505-9158 7777 Glades Road, Suite 100 Boca Raton, FL 33434 www.calima-eco.com Covered South Florida (561) 620-2553 261 NW 13th Street Boca Raton, FL 33432 www.jlbr.org/impact/diaper-bank/ Credit Fixer Plus (954) 200-9842 7844 Wiles Road Coral Springs, FL 33067 www.creditfixerplus.com Discovery Village of Boynton Beach (561) 257-3651 4735 NW 7th Court Boynton Beach, FL 33426 www.discoveryvillages.com Eagle International Aircraft Inc. (954) 377-8333 515 E. Las Olas Blvd., Suite 120 Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301 www.eiaircraft.com Evans, Seamus (561) 859-2502 170 NE 2nd Street, #1107 Boca Raton, FL 33429 www.specializedresidential.com

EXP Realty LLC / Mark McDonald (908) 883-0490 6073 Balboa Cir., Suite 104 Boca Raton, FL 33433 Fernanda Macedo State Farm (561) 948-3011 2499 Glades Road, Ste 209 Boca Raton, FL 33431 www.AskFernanda.com Fiserv (516) 819-5503 www.fiserv.com Florida Furniture Exchange (954) 686-6668 4000 N. Federal Hwy. South Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33308 www.flafurniture.com Goldblatt Law, PLLL (561) 868-2000 1825 NW Corporate Blvd., Suite 110 Boca Raton, FL 33431 www.bgoldblattlaw.com Grant Property Management (561) 417-4100 1599 NW 9th Avenue, Suite 2 Boca Raton, FL 33486 www.grantmgmt.com/ Hamperapp (305) 972-2716 1942 NE 5th Ave. Boca Raton, FL 33431 www.hamperapp.com HSM Group (561) 757-6729 1939 N. Federal Highway Boca Raton, FL 33432 www.higherstandardmarketing.com Hurricane Alley (561) 364-4008 529 E. Ocean Ave Boynton Beach, FL 33435 www.myhurricanealley.com iSteam Global Academy (561) 818-8654 12870 Briar Lake Dr., Suite 204 Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418 Jeff Kolodny Photography and Website Marketing (561) 737-5561 7955 Emerald Winds Cir. Boynton Beach, FL 33473 www.kolodnyphoto.com Jeremiah's Italian Ice of Boca (407) 341-6121 8170 Glades Road, Suite K2 Boca Raton, FL 33434 www.jeremiahsice.com Junk King-Boca Raton (888) 888-5865 1140 Holland Dr., Suite 8 Boca Raton, FL 33487 www.junk-king.com

NEW MEMBERS

Kate Creative Media LLC (781) 755-8088 134 Via D'Este Delray Beach, FL 33432 www.katecreativemedia.com

Pro Service Plumbing, Inc (561) 271-6048 1207 NW 7th Court Boynton Beach, FL 33426 proserviceplumbing.com/

The Meridian at Boca Raton (561) 214-7204 21865 Ponderosa Drive Boca Raton, FL 33428 www.themeridianbocaraton.com

Keller Augusta (561) 832-0880 231 Royal Palm Way, Suite 10 West Palm Beach, FL 33480 kelleraugusta.com

Progressive Behavorial Science (954) 706-9367 3520 Oaks Way Pompano Beach, FL 33069 www.pbstherapy.com

Vets Helping Heroes, Inc. (561) 927-8387 980 N. Federal Highway, Suite 110 Boca Raton, FL 33432 www.vetshelpingheroes.org

Logistics Enhanced Solutions (786) 925-8646 138 W. Palmetto Park Road Boca Raton, FL 33432 www.lescentral.com

Ralba Luxury Menswear Boutique (561) 825-5385 4400 N. Federal Highway Boca Raton, FL 33431 www.ralba1982.com

Ward Damon (561) 842-3000 4420 Beacon Circle West Palm Beach, FL 33407 www.warddamon.com

Mackey Management Group (856) 430-9890 317 SW 11th Ave Boynton Beach, FL 33435

Rara's Pizza and Wings (561) 945-8984 11419 W. Palmetto Park Rd. Suite D Boca Raton, FL 33428 www.raraspizza.com

Xposed Solutions (561) 305-5987 1200 N. Federal Highway Boca Raton, FL 33432 www.exposedsolutions.com

ReMax / Lana Murphy (561) 271-2111 2803 E. Commercial Blvd.

Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33308 lana-murphy.remax.com/

Y Heaven Health Insurance (954) 646-3666 94 Nottingham Place Boynton Beach, FL 33426 www.yheavenhealthinsurance.com

Rescue Clean 911 561-503-6314 3133 Fortune Way, Suite 20 Wellington, FL 33414 rescueclean911.com

Zafeiri Corporation (754) 300-7331 370 Camino Gardens Boca Raton, FL 33432

Marilyn Blanco Life (561) 856-3421 Mayweather Boxing + Fitness (561) 725-0300 1790 N Congress Ave, Suite 300 Boynton Beach, FL 33426 www.mayweather.fit/boynton-beach Meso Fit Studios, LLC (561) 931-2792 1950 Glades Rd. 4th Floor (Wyndham Boca) Boca Raton, FL 33432 www.mesofitbocaraton.com Nason, Yeager, Gerson, Harris & Fumero, P.A. (561) 686-3307 750 Park of Commerce Boulevard, Suite 210 Boca Raton, FL 33487 nasonyeager.com Notch Solutions (561) 717-8187 7777 Glades Rd., Suite 100 Boca Raton, FL 33434 www.notchsolutions.com

Right HR Staffing Solutions, LLC (561) 491-9550 401 W. Atlantic Avenue, Suite 09 Delray Beach, FL 33444 www.righthrsolutions.com Roscoe Millie Inc. (954) 854-9213 2831 N. Oakland Forest Dr., Apt 106 Oakland Park, FL 33309 www.roscoemillie.org Rush Cycle Boca Raton (561) 208-8880 325 E. Palmetto Park Road Boca Raton, FL 33432

Pathfinder, LLC (561) 800-0264 4781 N Congress Ave #2134 Boynton Beach, FL 33426 www.sbpathfinder.com

Souvlaki Time (561) 338-8855 625 NE Spanish River Blvd.

Boca Raton, FL 33432 www.souvlakitimefl.com

Patrick Gunselman Health Insurance (561) 901-8742 1512 Hummingbird Dr. Delray Beach, FL 33444 www.ushagent.com/patrickgunselman

Specialized Residential (561) 859-2502 170 NE 2nd Street, #1107 Boca Raton, FL 33429 www.specializedresidential.com

Perkins Law (561) 467-4001 5301 N. Federal Hwy., Suite 110 Boca Raton, FL 33487

Strengths Coaching Associates (561) 933-8567 10400 Milburn Lane Boca Raton, FL 33487

Plusco Plumbing Supply (561) 241-9966 6350 E. Rogers Cir. Boca Raton, FL 33487 www.plusco.com

The Learning Experience-Boynton Beach (561) 200-4243 10160 Lyons Road Boynton Beach, FL 33473 www.thelearningexperience.com/center/ boynton-beach Connection Magazine |21

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

WELCOME TO THE CHAMBER FAMILY New Member Orientation

THANK YOU TO OUR

REFERRING PARTNERS! The Boca Chamber members listed below referred one of their contacts to join, and they did!

Matt Blank, Fastsigns - fastsigns.com/2142

Ahnich Khalid, Maggiano's Little Italy - maggianos.com

MARCH

Taylor Smith, Guardian Defense - guardiandefenseplan.com

Brandy Abrea, BA Florida Properties - bafloridaproperties.com

APRIL

MAY

MAY JUNE 22| Connection Magazine

RIBBON CUTTINGS & CALENDAR

RIBBON CUTTINGS Al Stephens Boca Raton, FL 33431 www.alstephenusa.com

Milestone College Prep Boca Raton, FL 33434

www.milestonecollegeprep.com

JULY 2021 7/8 Government Affairs Committee Meeting 7/9 Boca Chamber Ambassador Meeting 7/12 International Business Alliance 7/13 New Member Orientation 7/14 BOYNTON BEACH: Lunch and Learn 7/14 Leadership Boca Graduation 7/15 Membership Breakfast 7/15 BOYNTON BEACH: Coffee Plus Network 7/15 Successful Women in Business Lunch 7/20 Business Workshop 7/20 Economic Development Committee 7/20 PULSE - Professionals Under 40 7/21 South Healthcare Advocacy Network 7/22 BOYNTON BEACH: Government Affairs Committee 7/23 BOYNTON BEACH: Women's Business Council 7/27 Smart Talk for Women 7/27 Live After Five 7/30 Business Awards Luncheon

AUGUST 2021 Anna Zuckerman Boca Raton, FL 33487

www.annazuckerman.com

Spirit of Giving Boca Raton, FL 33432

8/5 8/6 8/6 8/10 8/11 8/12 8/18 8/19 8/19 8/21 8/26 8/27

Membership Breakfast PRIME Business Roundtable Boca Chamber Ambassador Meeting New Member Orientation BOYNTON BEACH: Lunch and Learn Government Affairs Committee Meeting South Healthcare Advocacy Network BOYNTON BEACH: Coffee Plus Network Successful Women in Business Network Wine and Jazz BOYNTON BEACH: Government Affairs Committee BOYNTON BEACH: Women's Business Council

www.spiritofgivingnetwork.com

Mayweather Boxing Fitness Boynton Beach, FL 33426

www.mayweather.fit/boyntonbeach

Miracle Leaf Boca Boca Raton, FL 33432

www.miracleleafmedical.com/ boca

Boca Helping Hands Boca Raton, FL 33432

SEPTEMBER 2021 9/3 PRIME Business Roundtable 9/3 Boca Chamber Ambassador Meeting 9/8 BOYNTON BEACH: Lunch and Learn 9/9 Membership Breakfast 9/9 Government Affairs Committee Meeting 9/10 DIAMOND Awards Luncheon 9/13 International Business Alliance 9/14 New Member Orientation 9/15 South Healthcare Advocacy Network 9/16 BOYNTON BEACH: Coffee Plus Network 9/16 Successful Women In Business Luncheon 9/21 Business Workshop 9/21 Economic Development Committee 9/21 Pulse - Professionals Under 40 9/23 BOYNTON BEACH: Government Affairs Committee 9/24 BOYNTON BEACH: Women's Business Council 9/25 Golden Bell Battle of the Bands 9:28 Smart Talk for Women 9/28 Live After Five

www.bocahelpinghands.org

Visit www.bocachamber.com to register for these events .

Connection Magazine |23

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

Thank you to our Boca Chamber PLATINUM PARTNERS

We specialize in small Class-A office and warehouse spaces from 350 to 60,000 square feet.

24| Connection Magazine

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