From Your CEO

“The Chamber does things that people think just happen .” I learned this saying long ago early in my career . After 25 years, I know exactly how things happen! South Palm Beach County’s robust business culture, powerful entrepreneurial ecosystem, exceptional educational institutions, world class healthcare, pristine beaches and parks — and much more — happen because of the powerful leadership serving on the Boards of Directors of the Chamber, its education foundation and political action committee . It is through their collective efforts and vision to PROTECT BUSINESS through promoting and sustaining economic prosperity in our region that we enjoy an unmatched quality of life . Under that leadership umbrella is a talented, tenured and tenacious team of professionals working diligently to protect these critical regional assets and systems and drivers of the economy . Through monitoring, advocating, and educating our elected officials and community leaders at the municipal, county and state levels, we are able to make those things happen .

The Boca Raton and Boynton Beach Government Affairs Committees convene each month with Chamber members to learn about and focus on issues or legislation that impact economic development activity and overall quality of life in Florida and, in particular, South Palm Beach County . These committees, along with the economic development and tourism committees, gather and analyze large amounts of information and make recommendations to the Chamber’s Board of Directors for the creation of the Annual Business Legislative Agenda . This agenda is the foundation of our educational and advocacy efforts when speaking for the business community to our government administrators and elected leaders .

Those elected leaders play a critical role in determining the future direction of South Palm Beach County . Infrastructure development, entrepreneurial support, and regional cooperation are all critical components to our region’s economic success . The Chamber’s political arm, BLU-PAC (Business Leaders United Political Action Committee), exists to endorse, fund and support candidates who share our views on the important issues outlined in the Legislative Agenda . The most effective way to PROTECT and support your business is to elect those candidates who align with the Chambers business, pro-prosperity philosophy . To learn more about our road to advocacy, turn to page 6 .

President & CEO Troy M. McLellan

"The Chamber does things that people think just happen."

The Chamber also PROTECTS business by supporting the critical missions of our non-profit organizations through Boca Chamber Festival Days (BCFD) . BCFD is celebrating its 45th anniversary this year! Back in 1977, the economic engine in Boca Raton slowed down significantly during the summer months. The Chamber wanted to create something to bolster business and generate commerce, while also supporting the non-profit community. That’s how the monthlong BCFD program was born. Each August, our for-profit members pair with non-profit members to help bring much needed awareness and funding to the missions of our non-profit members. Please visit our website events page (www .bocachamber .com/events) for the more than 20 events that are listed on our calendar and support our members at their fun events! To learn more about BCFD, turn to page 4 .

PROTECTING business through investing in our future workforce is imperative to the overall economic development of our region . For over 30 years, your Chamber has supported Boca Raton Public Schools through its very own charitable non-profit organization – The Golden Bell Education Foundation. In those three decades, Golden Bell has provided nearly $2 million in grants that have flowed through hundreds of classrooms and served thousands of students. These grants provide valuable programming in the areas of career awareness, career exploration, and career preparation . Today’s students are tomorrow’s employees . By investing in our students and their education system, we ensure a strong labor force for the future . To learn more about Golden Bell, turn to page 14 .

Together, we continue to PROTECT BUSINESS in South Palm Beach County, making our region the best place to Live, Work, Learn and Play . Moving Business Forward,

Troy M. McLellan, CCE, FCCP President & CEO