From Your President

Advancing Commerce for Economic Prosperity

The Chamber’s Mission is to Promote and Sustain Economic Property in Boca Raton, Boynton Beach and South Palm Beach County. To carry out that mission, the Chamber operates to create a pro-business environment for all businesses to prosper and commerce to advance. In its 70 history, the Chamber has worked vigorously to ensure that businesses are represented at the state and local levels when policies affecting the business community are being considered.

Florida’s 2022 Legislative Session ended with the approval of a state budget of $112 billion, the largest in the State’s history. The budget includes $43 billion in general revenue, $37 billion in federal cash and $3.5 billion from pandemic relief funds. Job creators saw legislators invest significant long-term funding in Florida’s continued economic momentum and preparation for the nearly 4 million additional residents expected by 2023. Through the Boca Chamber’s effective advocacy efforts, we helped ensure the passage and signing of two Chamber backed priorities – the extension of COVID-19 liability protections and VISIT FLORIDA funding.

Originally passed in 2021, COVID-19 liability protections allowed healthcare workers on the front lines of the pandemic to continue caring for Floridians without fear of facing frivolous litigation. This priority legislation extends that protection through June 2023. Tourism is a key driver of Florida’s $1.23 trillion economy. The mission of the Florida Tourism Marketing Association, VISIT FLORIDA, is even more important as our state continues its economic momentum out of the pandemic. Extending the funding of VISIT FLORIDA allows it to continue its significant impact on Florida’s economy. To learn more about this year’s legislative session, turn to page 6.

President & CEO Troy M. McLellan "The Chamber plays an integral role in projects that advance commerce in the region."

The Chamber plays an integral role in projects that advance commerce in the region. From the support and advocacy of Mizner Park, to the new Boynton Beach Downtown, to the creation of incentives to attract major corporate headquarters, the Chamber is leading the charge. Most recently, your Chamber actively and publicly supported the new Boca Raton Brightline Train Station. The creation of this station allows for Boca-based businesses to attract skilled workers from Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. In addition to the accessibility of a broader workforce, the station allows for increased tourism activity to support our retail centers, restaurants, and hotels. This project will boost our local economy and advance commerce through our region. The Chamber is proud to be an original, current, and future advocate for this game changing project. To learn more about the Boca Raton train station and Brightline’s President, Patrick Goddard, the visionary leading the Brightline movement, turn to page 12. Advancing commerce through investing in our future workforce is a main priority for the Chamber. More than $1.8 million have been granted to Boca Raton Public Schools through its charitable, non-profit arm - Golden Bell Education Foundation. Today’s students are tomorrow’s employees. By investing in our students, we will ensure the necessary workforce and leadership for our business community. In addition to these valuable grants, the Foundation creates burgeoning entrepreneurs and future business leaders through its Young Entrepreneur Academy. To learn more about these young business owners and job creators, turn to page 15.

Showcasing the great leaders that advance commerce in our community, the Chamber recognizes Business Excellence during our Annual Business Awards Luncheon. This event honors a Business of the Year, Business Leader of the Year, and Small Business Leader of the Year, all of whom represent the very best in business! These recipients join an elite group of past honorees. Like their predecessors, they have made outstanding contributions to the business world and significant changes to the communities they serve. As leaders in their industries, they advance commerce through job creation and contribution to our overall economic and community growth. This year’s recipients are:

Business Leader of the Year – Ethan Shapiro, Head of School, Saint Andrew’s School

Business of the Year – Boca Raton Innovation Campus (BRiC)

Small Business Leader of the Year - Erick Solms, President, Simplitfy

Together, we continue Advancing Commerce to Move Business Forward in Boca Raton, Boynton Beach and all of South Palm Beach County, making our region the best place to Live, Work, Learn and Play.

Moving Business Forward,

The Boca Chamber is Proud to Honor

Business Leader of the Year Award Recipient

Ethan Shapiro, Head of School Saint Andrew’s School Buisness of the Year Award Recipient

Boca Raton Innovation Campus (BRIC)

Small Business Leader of the Year Award Recipient

Erick Solms, President Simplitfy

Friday, May 20, 2022 | 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM Boca West Country Club, 20583 Boca West Drive, Boca Raton

Admission: $95 Per Person | Sponsorship & Advertisement Opportunities Available. For More Information Contact Chasity Navarro at cnavarro@bocachamber.com or call (561) 395 - 4433

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