April - June 2021
Advancing Commerce
THE BOCA CHAMBER'S QUARTERLY MAGAZINE SERVING BOCA RATON TO BOYNTON BEACH Connection Magazine | 1
CONNECTION MAGAZINE Publisher: Troy M. McLellan, CCE, FCCP Editor: Sarah Pearson, IOM 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, Office Depot, Inc. 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
Today's Leaders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
DIRECTORS
Chamber Member Anniversaries . . . . . . . . . . 18
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 Michael Marshall, 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
Rapoport Restaurant Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7 New Members/Ribbon Cuttings . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Tracking Tallahassee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Get to Know BLU-PAC's Chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Leading in Times of Economic Uncertainty . . 15 Golden Bell Education Foundation . . . . . . . . . 16 Young Entrepreneurs Academy . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
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 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
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rotecting Business
nhancing the Community
FROM YOUR PRESIDENT
Advancing Commerce in Unprecedented Times On March 13, 2020, we all took a pause to assess the impact of the COVID-19 global pandemic. Not knowing exactly how long that pause would last, the Chamber immediately launched an action plan to continue to Advance Commerce for our members and the entire business community. With the creation of a focused email and social media campaign (still being used to this day), the Chamber continuously communicated with our members and community at large the businesses that were open. Specifically targeting the industries that were impacted the most, we shared which restaurants and retailers were offering takeout, curbside, and delivery options. This consistent outreach strategy proved valuable to the members. In addition to the email and social media campaigns, the Chamber moved swiftly in contacting our local elected officials in Boca Raton and Boynton Beach to advocate for the easing of signage restrictions for those restaurants and retail businesses. You can hear a firsthand account from one of our successful and popular restaurant groups on how they have managed through the crisis and the changes they have made since March of 2020 by turning to page 6.
President & CEO Troy McLellan
"The Chamber immediately launched an action plan to continue to Advance Commerce for our members and the entire business community "
As we transitioned from in-person events to virtual programing, one of the most important lessons we learned was how to use technology to help us continue to Advance Commerce. The Chamber team swiftly adapted and learned all aspects of the Zoom technology so we could deliver timely and educational virtual experiences – with speakers that included leading industry executives, elected officials and healthcare experts. Our programming remains robust to this day and we will continue to deliver value through virtual opportunities. In addition, we have begun to hold inperson events. Our popular monthly membership breakfasts are back. With limitations on attendance, physical distancing and other safety protocols in place, the members who are comfortable and/or vaccinated are enjoying this networking option. Our priority is to continue to provide all our members with the tools they need to succeed. Advancing Commerce also means ensuring a pro-business environment where businesses can be successful and grow. The Chamber works with state and local policy makers, along with many business partners in Florida and Palm Beach County, to advocate and support legislation that allows the business community to thrive. To view some important bills coming before the legislature in the 2021 Florida State Legislative Session, turn to page 11. One year later, we have learned to adapt to the extraordinary changes that were placed upon us. The coronavirus is further in our rear-view mirror with vaccinations on the rise for our seniors and the opportunity for everyone to become vaccinated soon. We are fortunate to work in a state with elected leaders who prioritize the need to continue to Advance Commerce for the business community and work hard to keep the economy strong and our community safe. 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
Today's Leaders
Leadership Boca represents the Boca Chamber's effort to ensure that our community leaders possess the knowledge that will enable them to meet the challenges of the future. The program develops a pool of leaders available to become involved in creating, maintaining and enhancing the quality of life of Boca Raton. This year's class will have the opportunity to experience our unique community in an intimate learning environment. They will take a glimpse into the many assets that are in Boca Raton and surrounding communities. They will meet the leaders from some of our major business corporations, and government entities, dive into our local culture & tourism, explore the impact they have on the environment, learn about the incredible medical facilities that are in our own backyard, and find a cause that compels them to get involved with organizations who need them the most. All of this while building long lasting professional and personal relationships.
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The future of our community depends on well-informed and involved leaders.
Photo courtesy of Gumbo Limbo
We are excited to announce the Leadership Boca Class of 2021. Chris Adams, Springhill Suites Hotel Laura Albertini, Tenet Healthcare/West Boca Med. Center AJ Bilodeau, First Republic Bank Jessica Clasby, Florida Sugarcane League James Drake, Florida Spine Associates Wendy Elliott, Boca Raton Regional Hospital Jessica Gonzalez, The Seagate Hotel & Spa Anson Huckleby, Boca Raton Regional Hospital Herbert L'Heureux, Boca Raton Regional Hospital Nancy Proffitt, Proffitt Management Solutions Kenneth Rehns, Ward Damon, Attorneys at Law Nathan Romero, Wells Fargo Bank John Schwencke, Lavalle, Brown & Ronan, P.A. Brad Winstead, Casa De Montecristo, Inc. Brett Zigila, Boca Raton Regional Hospital
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Rapoport’s Restaurant Group Adapting and Evolving
Article By: Amber Clark, Director of Marketing & PR Rapoport’s Restaurant Group 2020 was starting off to be a record-breaking season for Rapoport’s Restaurant Group. Sales were up, moral was high and guests were happy. Then, by March, the unexpected Coronavirus began to make its way into Florida. The Rapoport’s corporate team and restaurant managers began discussing all the “what-ifs” and scenarios to prepare for what could be a shut down. Communication was key. We kept our staff and our guests informed on all the new protocols and mandates to ensure we remained safely open. But by March 20th all restaurants and bars were ordered to be closed for dine-in services, with no definite end to the shut-downs in sight. We made the tough decision to only operate take out and delivery from Prezzo, which meant over 300 employees were put on furlough. The restaurants may not have been open, but that doesn’t mean there wasn’t work to be done behind the scenes. Burt Rapoport, a few corporate employees, the general managers and executive chefs got to work looking for ways to improve our restaurants and prepare for re-opening. Our quarantine advancements included the introduction of online ordering, launching text message marketing, researching new POS systems to upgrade to (which we completed the transition in September), updating employee handbooks and service guides, creating our new Covid-19 protocols for reopening, applying for the PPP loans and more.
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We got creative with our takeout at Prezzo, quickly adding family-style meals and alcohol to our new online ordering system as well as running limited time ‘date night deals’ with free bottles of wine. Deck 84 and Prezzo created holiday to go packages for Easter, Passover, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day where we offered contactless curbside pickup or free delivery. We also used the quarantine to take care of our staff, inviting them in for free meals and allowing them to pick up fruits, vegetables, and other perishables from our shut down locations to bring home to their families. With the media mainly focused on Coronavirus updates and surges, we knew we needed to lean more towards a grassroots effort to get the word out about our holiday specials and keep Prezzo operating through the quarantine. The Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce and the City of Boca Raton remained in constant communication with us. The Chamber was consistently supporting the restaurant community on all of their channels – social media, email newsletters and website – by providing updates on specials, operational hour changes, holiday deals and more. They consistently checked in with us, asking how they can help and following through.
"Even though we have incurred significant financial losses during this crisis, we are 100% committed to the safety of our guests and staff." -Amber Clark
In late April, we received the Payroll Protection Program funding for Deck 84, Burt & Max's and Prezzo. Max's Grille is part of a large public company and didn’t qualify for this particular loan. Seventy-five percent of the loan proceeds went to our employees. They received salaries for eight weeks which started on April 22. We were thrilled that we were able to pass along these funds to our cherished and loyal employees. The remaining twenty-five percent covered some of the rent. We used those eight weeks to be as productive as possible. When it came time to reopen in May, it was extremely important to us that our staff and guests felt safe and comfortable in our dining establishments. We commissioned Food Safety & Inspection Services to educate, train, and continually evaluate all of our staff on the best possible Covid-19 protocols and procedures. One of those procedures included creating a new position, Sanitation Administrator (SA). Sporting a white lab coat, the SA sanitizes all touchable surfaces including restrooms, tables, chairs, door handles, pens, computers, bar tops and more. We also used the time to conduct a deep clean. Scrubbing and sanitizing every cabinet, shelf, kitchenware, light fixture, fan, booth, table, chair and more throughout the entire restaurant. Even though we have incurred significant financial losses during this crisis, we are 100% committed to the safety of our guests and staff, no matter the costs, and to continue our mission to remain a premier restaurant company in south Florida by exceeding our guest’s expectations of quality, value, friendliness and ambiance.
South State Bank and CenterState Bank have joined together as one of the leading regional banks in the Southeast. As trusted partners, we are committed to providing more locations, enhanced products and services and innovative digital banking technology to make our customers’ lives easier and more convenient.
Michelle Adams VP/Market Manager NMLS# 1233330
561.361.3484
Boca Raton: 1515 North Federal Hwy. Ste. 100 Boca Raton, FL 33432
South State Bank and CenterState Bank, N.A. have merged to become South State Bank, N.A. Please visit BankingForward.com to learn more.
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BETHESDA HOSPITAL EAST BETHESDA HOSPITAL WEST BOCA RATON REGIONAL HOSPITAL
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! Box Mineiro Ken Huntman, Awards & More by Academy Susan Weinblatt, Evershore Financial Group
DECEMBER
RIBBON CUTTINGS Sign Greeters Coral Springs, FL 33067 www.signgreeters.com
MVP Environmental Solutions Inc. 4100 N. Powerline Rd. Deerfield Beach, FL 33073 www.mvpmold.com
JANUARY
Pharm X Health One 1054 Gateway Blvd. Boynton Beach, FL 33426 www.pharmxhealthone.com
Volition Academy 10773 Raintree Terrace Boca Raton, FL 33487 www.volitionacademy.com
FEBRUARY
Diamonds Direct 21078 St. Andrews Blvd Boca Raton, FL 33433 www.diamondsdirect.com
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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
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Tracking Tallahassee
Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, and Palm Beach County as a whole is known for its pro-business climate and robust corporate culture which helps in the advancement of commerce for the region. The Boca Chamber, together with our strategic partners within the community, as well as the Florida Chamber vigorously advocate, support and fight legislation that impacts our members and business the community. The Chamber has been monitoring several proposed bills as they make their way through the 2021 legislative season which began on March 2nd.
Florida Senate Bill 74 & Florida House Bill 7, would allow COVID-19 liability protections for businesses and health care providers against COVID-19-related Claims. Creates a standard of proof required at trial for such claims; provides immunity from liability for COVID-19-related claims under certain circumstances; requires COVID-19-related claims to commence within a specified timeframe. Florida Senate Bill 50 & Florida House Bill 15, would require sales tax collections from online retailers or marketplace facilitators. Revises conditions for certain dealers subject to sales tax; deletes exemption for certain dealers from collecting local option surtaxes; provides certain marketplace providers are subject to registration, collection, & remittance requirements for sales taxes
removing the scheduled repeal of the corporation; removing the scheduled repeal of the Division of Tourism Marketing within Enterprise Florida, after October 1, 2023. Florida Senate Bill 982 & Florida House Bill 6071, would allow a Tax Refund Program for Qualified Target Industry Businesses, Deleting a provision prohibiting the certification of applicants after a specified date, etc. Florida Senate Bill 0704 & House Bill 757, would creating the Film, Television, and Digital Media Targeted Rebate Program within the Department of Economic Opportunity requiring that film, television, and digital media projects being produced in this state meet specified criteria for rebate eligibility.
Florida Senate Bill 778 & Florida House Bill 675, would allow Florida Tourism Marketing; Authorizing the Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation to carry forward unexpended state appropriations into succeeding fiscal years;
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••SPOTLIGHT•• GET TO KNOW BLU Why BLU-PAC? When Troy asked you to be the Chair... what went through your mind? When Troy first approached me about becoming a BLU-PAC member, I knew this was something I could get behind – helping people make decisions to support candidates who share our values. They believe in the importance of the community to thrive economically while retaining the very special place that is Boca. I have very much enjoyed my participation in BLU-PAC. When Troy asked me to be Chair, I think I tried to talk him out of it. First, our former Chairman George Sigalos has done such a great job. One never wants to fill the shoes of someone who has done a great job – that is a bit daunting. My second thought was how to find the time to add another thing to my plate. Troy does what Troy does and convinced me to say yes. Since you took over as Chair of BLU-PAC, they have been consistent in their process and have created positive campaign materials for endorsed candidates. What do you think differentiates BLU-PAC and its activities from other entities?
Maureen Jaeger Director, Community Relations and Client Relationship Management Gunster 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 first moved to Boca in my twenties when I relocated from New York City. I had spent several years working at law firms in New York and living in Brooklyn and Queens. Upon arriving in Boca, I thought I landed in paradise. The natural beauty of the ocean, the palm trees and the incredible landscaping and flowers took my breath away, not to mention the welcoming nature of the people that I met. Additionally, everything I needed was there in terms of businesses, restaurants and shops. There was a wonderful balance of all the things that make a city a place where you want to settle. That is important to me. I don’t want to see the destruction of the natural beauty or lose the sense of community but it is important to have the right growth so the community can thrive economically.
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I think what differentiates BLU-PAC from other entities is the strength of the team. For decades while I was involved in government, I had the opportunity to get to know chambers from across the state and regional and national levels. I have always told Troy that the Boca Chamber is the chamber that other Chambers should aspire to. Troy and his team do an outstanding job. As BLU-PAC is a PAC that has the support of the Boca Chamber, it goes without saying that the same excellence would carry over to the PAC. Additionally, the BLU-PAC board is committed to the communities in South Palm Beach County and the PAC’s mission to support state and local candidates who share their views on important issues that impact their business. The board takes seriously its commitment to support candidates who support the PAC’s mission. There is an enormous time commitment required to know the issues and candidates, to vet and interview them, and then develop content support the candidates – and the board delivers. They truly give back to the community. A special shout out must be given to board member Bobra Bush who commits an enormous amount of time to strategy and development of BLU-PAC communications. What is your favorite memory within your career? How have you gotten to where you are today? While I am not a lawyer, I have worked at law firms in various capacities in New York and Florida for many decades. It is very difficult to pick a favorite memory. First, because I have a lot of mileage on me and I just can’t remember everything anymore! Second, there are so many wonderful memories and they are all the right memories for the place I was in at the time that I experienced them. It would be like trying to pick your favorite kid or your favorite recipe! I can say that the Gunster law firm is the most special. It is the last of the law firms that I have worked at and has been my home for about
U-PAC CHAIR MAUREEN JAEGER 30 years, except for the time when I worked for the Florida Attorney General, Florida Governor and in DC in the office of former US Senator George LeMieux. Gunster truly is a family of people who come together to do great work for their clients every day and believe in the importance of the team. There are plaques all over the Firm offices that say, “the people who we pay are more important than the people who pay us” and firm management does not just give lip service to those words. It is a very special place and, in my humble opinion, has the most qualified and committed lawyers anyone would want to represent them. I think there are two reasons that I have gotten where I am today. One is that I have always believed that you need to make yourself indispensable to those for whom you work. There is always someone else that can be dropped into your role, but if you work harder and know your job and stay true and loyal to the people you work for and the entity you represent, it makes it more difficult to plop someone else in your seat. Also, I would say you have to take chances and be open to opportunities when they present themselves and sometimes that is scary and takes a real leap of faith – but you don’t ever want to regret not taking that chance. What is a memorable quote that has impacted your life and career?
met (and that says a lot because I have had the opportunity to know and work with some incredibly brilliant people) wrote in my yearbook. “Listen when you think you have something to say and speak only when you have to.” I think he said that because I was always getting in trouble for speaking my mind in my family and that was not often a good thing. I come from a very traditional Italian family where children were expected to be seen and not heard. I don’t know if there was someone famous who he was stealing that from but I attribute it to the man, the myth, the legend -- Frank Jackson. Someone a bit more famous than my wonderful father said “Wise men speak because they have something to say; Fools because they have to say something” --Plato. That has also been a favorite of mine and my hope has guided me to not just fill the air with words, but to make those words count for something. What is something that people might be surprised to know about you? While many of us are working remotely, I am working a little bit more remotely then most and fulfilling a lifelong dream of attending the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York right now. It is very cold and snowy and I am missing our beautiful South Florida paradise.
My father, Frank Jackson, who passed away about two years ago and was absolutely the wisest person that I have ever
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Leading in Times of Economic Uncertainty 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. I believe the ability of a business owner to stare into the face of uncertainty, accept change, and 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 and concentrate on your business core: the invaluable assets you cannot afford to lose. Choose the market segments and customers you will 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.
6 Key Leadership Traits for Hard Times The following behaviors characterize a good leader in these trying times: 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. Update your picture of it, continuously monitoring change with ground level intelligence. Do not get locked into one point of view – gather info from unconventional sources. Allow the picture to change as you gather new intel. 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. Dig into the right details. Get hands on. This is how you gather ground level intelligence to pivot when and where it is necessary. 6. Boldness for building for the future. The need to conserve cash and survive may pressure you 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. TAKE ACTION: What are three things you can do right away to create the most favorable environment for innovation and forward-thinking to dim the effects of this current business environment? To your best future,
Coach Nancy Want to learn more? Feel free to reach out to me at any time for follow-up or just a chat. Plus, get your complimentary PRINTED copy of my book, Focused Leadership: Powerful Guide to Leadership Excellence for more information on how to to help you enhance your skills as a business owner ://proffit Nancy Proffitt, MBA,CBC,CDI, CAI • 561-582-6060 Nancy@proffittmanagement.com • https://proffittmanagement.com
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GOLDEN BELL EDUCATION FOUNDATION The Boca Chamber’s Education Foundation, known as Golden Bell, is a 501c3 non-profit corporation that was created for the sole purpose of supporting the Boca Raton Public School System. This past year with COVID-19, schools have had to greatly adjust to continue educating students in the best way possible. During our virtual school visits, we are learning that schools are navigating these challenging times in very innovative ways.
Here are four schools that are shining examples of how they are keeping education moving forward with grants given to them by Golden Bell: Coral Sunset Elementary
Principal: Dianne Rivelli-Schreiber Teacher: Teresa Girolmetti, Grantee As a Title One school, Coral Sunset is proud to have a high percentage of students return to the classroom. A highlight for them has been the number of behavior challenges that have drastically dropped because the students are happy to be back on campus. With their grant for Scholastic Storyworks, they use the magazine subscription to keep students encouraged and engaged through all the social and economic challenges.
Don Estridge High Tech Middle School
Principal: Rachel Capitano Teacher: Annette Levine, Grantee With their grant from Golden Bell, Don Estridge purchased a classroom set of “The Book Thief” to teach their Cambridge and gifted students about the Holocaust which is part of the mandatory cultural education in Florida. Whether in class or virtually, students were able to have a copy of the book to read and learn this valuable piece of history. As students create artwork and writings to accompany what is learned, students are also taught a life lesson that bad times will not last forever.
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Sandpiper Shores Elementary
Principal: Stephanie Colletto Teacher: Traci Rice, Grantee Sandpiper Shores is an ASD cluster site that has focused programming to help students on the autism spectrum. With one of their grants, they have been using MindPlay Virtual Reading program that has helped students stay on course with their literacy skills even during quarantine. Students who use the program never missed a beat in their much-needed literacy education because the program was always accessible anywhere online. Even during the summer months when the academic slide is a big concern, MindPlay is available to help keep students on track.
Olympic Heights Community High School
Principal: Kelly Mills Burke Teachers: Heidi Mansa and Sharon Neubauer, Grantees Olympic Heights has had to continue with their Little Lions preschool program that engages high school students from their Early Childhood Education Academy. Without missing a beat, but with proper Covid-19 restrictions, high school students in the academy are still able to work towards their college credits as they help with preschoolers. The grant provided curriculum for this newly
YEA!
The Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) is a 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 to launch a venture as they view entrepreneurship synonymous with success and freedom. Through this year’s 20-week virtual program, students work in close cooperation with local leaders of industry and educators to develop business ideas, conduct market research, and write business plans to launch their own companies. The program this year consisted of two big virtual events: The CEO Roundtable and Elevator Pitch Competition held on January 20th; and the “Shark Tank” style Investor Panel Presentations held on March 3rd.
A PROGRAM OF THE BOCA CHAMBER'S GOLDEN BELL EDUCATION FOUNDATION
THE YEA! CLASS OF 2021 Christian Frenette "The Real World Money Game" Leah Gonzalez "Blue Baked Bakery" Jordan Herold "Stericart" Mithil Khosa "Better Brace" Emily King "CampDeLight Virtual Camp" Chloe Levine "Buddy Belt" Rithik Mandalapu "Shop EZ" Kennedy Murray "KALMPound" Joshua Rubin "Shootle" Zachary Schiller "Social Share" Camila Spinosi "Buddie Visits" Jacob Wein "Free Play"
THE INVESTOR PANEL PRESENTATION is our final culminating event where students present all they have accomplished to understand and establish the beginnings of their business ideas. All twelve students gave a 3-minute presentation on the ideas they want to launch. The Boca Winner chosen to represent our chapter in the national competition is:
THE LOCAL LEADERS for the CEO Roundtable
shared important valuable lessons on business to the YEA! Class of 2021. We are grateful for these CEOs who participated:
Robert Finizio, CEO of Therapeutics MD Olivia Hollaus, Founder and CEO of Protect My Shoes Leigh Hill, Founder and CEO of Piston Trainer (Former YEA! Student) Jennifer Jager, Founder and CEO of Plum Productions Randy Nobles, President and CEO of Habitat for Humanity of South Palm Beach County
Sam Zietz, Founder and CEO of TouchSuite
THE ELEVATOR PITCH COMPETITION held
during the second half of the event consisted of students pitching their innovative ideas between 30 – 60 seconds. Every student excelled, these three rose to the top:
Jordan Herold “Stericart” 10th Grade, American Heritage School Congratulations to Jordan for a job well done!
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
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
CELEBRATE Our Member Anniversaries
Congratulations
Thank You For Your Commitment! 42 Years
27 Years
38 Years
26 Years
Beacon Group, Inc. Insurance
Mathews & Piazza, P.A.
Equitable Florida Aquastore 36 Years Signarama - Boca/Delray C.K.'s Lockshop & Security Center 24 Years Boca Raton Community Middle School 35 Years American Equipment Company Loggers' Run Middle School AT&T Oasis Outsourcing, Inc. AT&T Yellow Pages Precision Auto Body Works Babione - Kraeer Funeral Home Boca Grove Golf & Tennis Club 23 Years Boca Raton Christian School SLK Realty, Inc. Boca Raton Historical Society & Museum 22 Years Boca Raton Police Department Newell Brands Boca Raton Museum of Art Research Park at Florida Atlantic University Boca Raton Regional Hospital SpringHill and TownPlace Suites by Marriott Boca Raton Regional Hospital Foundation Vi at Lakeside Village Carman Law Firm, P.A. NCCI 21 Years Ro Rabozzi/State Farm Insurance Agency Atria Meridian Waterstone Resort & Marina, Curio Ged Lawyers, LLP Greenspoon Marder LLP 34 Years MG Concepts, LLC Office Depot, Inc. Rendon Center for Dermatology Toshiba Business Solutions Florida Schoeppl Law PA Telcom Corporation 33 Years Becker & Poliakoff, PA 20 Years Courtyard by Marriott Boynton Beach Bloom & Freeling, Attorneys at Law Delray Medical Center George Snow Scholarship Fund, Inc. 19 Years Hilton Suites Boca Raton South Florida Business Journal One Park Place Penn-Florida Companies 18 Years Residence Inn By Marriott CareerSource Palm Beach County The Sena Group Elizabeth A. Dunn, CPA, PA Residence Inn 32 Years Boca Country Club 17 Years The Boca Raton Observer 31 Years Cendyn Benvenuto Restaurant Primerica Financial Services Florida Eye Microsurgical Institute Two Men and a Truck Ultimate Staffing Services 30 Years West Boca Raton Community High School Boca Raton Mausoleum, Inc. Campbell & Rosemurgy Real Estate Florence Fuller Child Development Centers, Inc. 16 Years 5-Spice Asian Street Market Hazen and Sawyer, PC Cartridge World Boynton Beach LLC Perfect Smile Dentistry II 29 Years Aucamp, Dellenback & Whitney 15 Years Delray Sands Resort Amerant Bank, N.A. JM Family Enterprises, Inc. 14 Years As A Member Opal Grand Oceanfront Resort & Spa Boca Center Southern Dance Theatre Heritage Investment Group Wyndham Hotel - Boca Raton PayDay PayRoll Services Raymond Lee Jewelers 28 Years RemarkAbleHR, Inc. Boynton Beach City Library Fairman & Associates, Inc. Bethesda Health
14 Years
Ameriprise Financial
13 Years
American Association of Caregiving Youth Cloud Computing Concepts, LLC (C3) Bluegreen Vacations Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith PLLC Mayer Hoffman McCann P.C. Max's Grille Seacoast Bank
12 Years
Capital Grille Christa McAuliffe Middle School Discover the Palm Beaches Economos Properties Malema Engineering Corporation Northwestern Mutual Rick Schuster PA / Lang Realty Vander Ploeg & Associates, Inc.
11 Years
Academy Mortgage Home Loan Corporation Anthology Barbaro Embroidery & Screen Printing Cutting Edge Recruiting Solutions The Heritage at Boca Raton Apartments Oceans 234 Universal - The Communications Company
10 Years
Coldwell Banker/Joseph Santini Flagship Solutions Group Glick Family Funeral Home Keyes Company Realtors Oppenheimer & Co., Inc. SK Quality Roofing, Inc. Sun Broadcast Group Temple Beth El of Boca Raton Whelchel Partners Real Estate Services, Inc.
5 Years
101 Via Mizner AT&T Boca Raton Innovation Campus Elmridge Protection Products, LLC Guaranteed Rate / Cindy Thibault-Nye Hyatt Place Boca Raton/Downtown Nan Geist Faber, P.C. Rothman Health Solutions Sixt Rent A Car, LLC Superior Audio Visual Templeton & Company TherapeuticsMD, Inc.
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NEW MEMBERS
GENERAL MEMBERS 4 Glow Golf & Games (561) 504-5933 Boca Raton, FL 33432 www.4glowgolf.com Bobby Wikes Andromeda Pay (844) 210-4788 Delray Beach, FL 33432 www.andromedapay.com Marlen Vega
Connecting Members Advancing Commerce
Protecting Business Enhancing Community
Astracare LLC (844) 811-4401 Deerfield Beach, FL 33442 www.astracare.com Jon Knestrick Avanti Limousine Service, Inc. (561) 241-9955 Boca Raton, FL 33487 www.avanticar.com Serena Leverrier Barbara Feller / Keller Williams (954) 816-4900 www.barbarafeller.com Barbara Feller Beverly Hills Rejuvanation Center (561) 264-8564 Boca Raton, FL 33487 www.bhrcenter.com Jill Catinella Boca's Best CBD (561) 221-7324 Boca Raton, FL 33432 www.bocasbestcbd.com Justin Chait Body 20 West Clint Moore (561) 617-5106 Boca Raton, FL 33432 www.westclintmoore@bodytwenty.com Margot Fredrick Box Mineiro (DBA WM and RP Food Services) (754) 600-5997 Deerfield Beach, FL 33441 www.boxmineiro.com.br/ Wallace Montalvau Camp Gladiator (832) 270-6716 www.campgladiator.com Cesley Kodrin
NOT A MEMBER? CALL 561-395-4433
OR VISIT BOCACHAMBER.COM 20| Connection Magazine
Caulfield & Wheeler Inc. (561) 392-1991 7900 Glades Rd., Suite 100 Boca Raton, FL 33434 www.cwi-assoc.com Andrew Beckwith Common Grounds Brew & Roastery (561) 509-6983 Boynton Beach, FL 33435 www.commongroundsbr.com Justin Olive Daddy's Pest Solutions Inc (561) 870-1784 www.daddyspestsolutions.com Freddy Vera
NEW MEMBERS
Diesel Barbershop (732) 476-2472 Boca Raton, FL 33434 www.dieselbarbershop.com/ Frank Louis Eat Better Live Better (678) 428-3370 Delray Beach, FL 33444 www.EBLB.org Deborah Tendrich Floor & Decor (954) 504-3524 Pompano Beach, FL 33069 www.flooranddecor.com Mary O'Conner Gold Coast Digital Media (561)318-3937 Boca Raton, FL 33433 www.goldcoastdigitalmedia.net Jeffrey Ellenberg Grant Property Management (561) 417-4100 Boca Raton, FL 33486 www.grantmgmt.com/ Grant Marlowe Hamperapp (305) 972-2716 Boca Raton, FL 33431 www.hamperapp.com Alejandro Chang Home Care Assistance of South Florida (561) 826-9282 Boca Raton, FL 33433 www.homecareassistance.com Melanie Nelson Home Safety For (561) 332-0083 Boca Raton, FL 33487 www.homesafetyfor.com Milton Nishiwaki Kaufman, Rossin & Co. (561) 394-5100 Boca Raton, FL 33486 www.kaufmanrossin.com/ Andrew Plinto KBK Wealth Management / Nancy Curtin, CFP ®, CLTC (561) 526-4061 Delray Beach, FL 33444 www.kbkwealth.com/nancy-curtin Nancy Curtin La Prarie Switzerland at Saks Fifth Avenue (904) 537-1266 Boca Raton, FL 33431 www.laprairie.com Migena Ruci Liquid Capital Funding (954) 980-7585 www.bwolf.liquidcapitalcorp.com Benjy Wolf LUV Beauty & Spa (857) 498-4283 Boca Raton, FL 33432 www.luvbeautyspa.com/ Daniany Andrade
Mayweather Boxing + Fitness Boynton Beach, FL 33426 www.mayweather.fit/boynton-beach Rob Boyce Meso Fit Studios, LLC (561) 931-2792 Boca Raton, FL 33432 www.mesofitbocaraton.com Alison Robbins Milestone College Prep (561) 470-7100 Boca Raton, FL 33434 www.milestonecollegeprep.com Laura Clarkson Milestone Meetings (314) 262-9666 Scottsdale, AR 85255 John Paladino Namaste Resources, Inc. (310) 463-1733 www.namasteresources.com Christina Porter
Scott Brenner / CBRE (561) 393-1610 Boca Raton, FL 33486 www.cbre.com Scott Brenner Strengths Coaching Associates (561) 933-8567 10400 Milburn Lane Boca Raton, FL 33487 Rachael Allen Studio Cafe Coadu (650) 350-0614 Boca Raton, FL 33431 Michael Farley The Learning Experience-Boynton Beach (561) 200-4243 10160 Lyons Road Boynton Beach, FL 33473 www.thelearningexperience.com Danielle Cucuzzo
Volition Academy (561) 306-0208 Boca Raton, FL 33487 Nason, Yeager, Gerson, Harris & Fumero, P.A. www.volitionacademy.com Deepak Sharma (561) 686-3307 Boca Raton, FL 33487 Ward Damon https://nasonyeager.com (561) 842-3000 Greg Hyden West Palm Beach, FL 33407 www.warddamon.com Palermo’s PayJunction LLC Kenneth Rehns (732) 908-9595 https://palermospayjunction.com/ Weinstein Wealth Insurance Solutions, LLC. Christine Palermo (732) 407-8063 Boca Raton, FL 33445 Pivotal Planning Group www.weinsteinwealth.com (631) 333-6565 Bruce Weinstein Melville, NY 11747 www.pivotalplanning.com Y Heaven Health Insurance (954) 646-3666 John Marchisotta Boynton Beach, FL 33426 Pre-IPO Ventures www.yheavenhealthinsurance.com (929) 207-3882 Yvonne Heaven Boca Raton, FL 33432 www.preipoventures.com Zafeiri Corporation LeShon Hill (754) 300-7331 Boca Raton, FL 33432 Pro Service Plumbing, Inc David Eric Johns (561) 271-6048 Boynton Beach, FL 33426 https://proserviceplumbing.com/ Stephano Carvajal Progressive Behavorial Science (786) 706-9367 Pompano Beach, FL 33069 www.pbstherapy.com Jenna Jacobs Ralba 1982 LLC (561) 825-5385 Boca Raton, FL 33431 www.ralba1982.com Martino Sinvil Raymond James / Sarah Broglie (561) 981-3656 Boca Raton, FL 33486 www.raymondjames.com/ Sarah Broglie
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CALENDAR
APRIL 2021
MAY 2021
JUNE 2021
4/2: PRIME Business Roundtable 4/2: Boca Chamber Ambassadors Meetng 4/6: International Business Alliance 4/8: Membership Breakfast 4/8: Government Affairs Committee 4/13: New Member Orientation 4/14: BOYNTON BEACH Lunch and Learn 4/15: BOYNTON BEACH: Coffee Plus Network 4/15: Successful Women in Business Lunch 4/16: Boynton Beach First Responders Awards Luncheon 4/20: Educational Workshop 4/20: PULSE 4/20: Economic Development Committee 4/21: South Healthcare Advocacy Network 4/22: BOYNTON BEACH Government Affairs Council 4/22: Trustee Reception 4/23: BOYNTON BEACH: Women's Business Council 4/27: Smart Talk for Women
5/4: International Business Alliance 5/7: PRIME Business Roundtable 5/7: Boca Chamber Ambassador Meeting 5/11: New Member Orientation 5/12 BOYNTON BEACH Lunch and Learn 5/13: Membership Breakfast 5/13: Government Affairs Committee 5/17: Exclusive Trustee Presentation 5/18: Educational Workshop 5/18: PULSE 5/18: Economic Development Committee 5/19: South Healthcare Advocacy Network 5/20: BOYNTON BEACH: Coffee Plus Network 5/20: Successful Women In Business Lunch 5/25: Smart Talk for Women 5/25: Live After Five 5/27: BOYNTON BEACH Government Affairs Council 5/28: BOYNTON BEACH: Women's Business Council 5/31: Chamber Offices Closed
6/1: International Business Alliance 6/4: Annual Golf Championship 6/8: New Member Orientation 6/9: BOYNTON BEACH Lunch and Learn 6/10: Membership Breakfast 6/10: Government Affairs Committee 6/11: PRIME Business Roundtable 6/11: Boca Chamber Ambassador Meeting 6/15: Educational Workshop 6/15: PULSE 6/15: Economic Development Committee 6/16: South Healthcare Advocacy Network 6/17: BOYNTON BEACH: Coffee Plus Network 6/17: Successful Women In Business Lunch 6/22: Smart Talk for Women 6/22: Live After Five 6/24: BOYNTON BEACH Government Affairs Council 6/25: BOYNTON BEACH: Women's Business Council
4/27: Live After Five
Visit www.bocachamber.com to register for these events.
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.
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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.
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