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CONNECTION MAGAZINE Publisher: Troy M. McLellan, CCE, FCCP Editor: Liz Diaz BOCA CHAMBER OFFICERS Susan Saturday, Bluegreen Vacations Chair Michael Daszkal, Daszkal Bolton LLP Chair-Elect Jim Dunn, JM Lexus Vice-Chair Jackie Reeves, Bell Rock Capital Treasurer Troy M. McLellan, Boca Chamber Secretary Ethel Isaacs Williams, Kaufman Lynn Construction Immediate Past Chair DIRECTORS Michael Antonello, Lynn University Jason Aube, BB&T (Branch Banking & Trust) Clara Bennett, Boca Raton Airport Authority Chris Chase, SunTrust Bank Ian Cotner, AT&T Steven Deutsch, Frank, Weinberg & Black P.L. Charles Deyo, Cendyn Andrew Duffell, Research Park at FAU Jim Dunn, JM Lexus Sophia Eccleston, Florida Power & Light Amanda Ellis, Oceans 234 Kevin Fernander, Palm Beach State College Will Fleming, MotionPoint Corporation Todd Hale, Office Depot, Inc. David Hammer, Newell Brands Larry Katz, Wells Fargo John W. Kelly, Ph.D., Florida Atlantic University Ahnich Khalid, Maggiano's Little Italy Ken Lebersfeld, Capitol Lighting Michael Marshall, Gunster Mark Mileusnic, NCCI Michael Myers, Cancer Treatment Centers of America Patty Nobles, Comerica Bank Sal SaldaĂąa, Town Center at Boca Raton Brook Thomas, West Boca Medical Center John Tolbert, Boca Raton Resort & Club Bob Tucker, ADT Corporation 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 Katherine Giron, Events Administrator Alison Miuccio, Membership Development Manager Jenifer Marquart, Membership Development Associate Liz Diaz, Marketing & Communications Coordinator Sherese James-Grow, Foundation Manager, Golden Bell Education Foundation & YEA! Rebecca Robin, Executive Assistant to the President Kathy Jones, Member Services & Administrative Associate 2 | Connection Magazine
TABLE OF CONTENTS From Your President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 By The Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Q & A with John Tolbert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Leadership Boca . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Your Chamber - In Action . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Community Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Your Scene, You're Seen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-13 Member Anniversaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 New Member Orientation/Referring Partners . . . . . . . 15 YEA! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Golden Bell Battle of the Bands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Ribbon Cuttings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Meet Our New Board Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 New Member Listings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-22 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
C A P E
onnecting Members
dvancing Commerce
rotecting Business
nhancing the Community
Advancing Commerce Through Economic Growth
FROM YOUR PRESIDENT
The Boca Chamber’s mission is to promote and sustain economic prosperity in Boca Raton and South Palm Beach County. Your Chamber has delivered on this mission since 1952 – and will continue to deliver it for generations to come. As we look forward to 2019 – we continue to be committed to: Connecting our Members, Advancing Commerce, Protecting your Business and Enhancing our Community. The Chamber works relentlessly to create and maintain a business ecosystem where commerce can flourish. In doing so, member-businesses are able to grow, create jobs, bring families to the area, shop at our stores and eat at our restaurants. This past year we have supported and created an environment of economic prosperity through many activities such as: • Welcoming 387 new businesses into the Chamber family • Celebrating business by facilitating 48 ribbon cuttings. • Connecting members by hosting 300+ events comprised of Membership Breakfasts, After-Hours Networking, Round Table Luncheons, Professional Development Programs, Business Expos, Technology Panels, and Community Fundraising events! • Partnering with 35+ local restaurants to offer prefixed menu options at an affordable price for all residents and visitors to enjoy, in an effort to bolster commerce. These are just a few of the ways the Boca Chamber has upheld our focus on connecting members, instructing better business practices and ultimately advancing commerce! To read more about our 2018 highlights please refer to page 4.
Chair Susan Saturday and President & CEO Troy McLellan
"Together, as we expand our footprint outside of our primary service area, we will continue to foster the values that make Boca Raton and South Palm Beach County the Best Place to Live Work Learn & Play"
With continued advancement, it’s critical that we keep our mission at the forefront by acting as our region’s voice of business and advocating for our members’ best interests. To ensure we have the best business environment possible, our professional team and Chamber members carefully assess regulatory issues challenging the business community. Based on months of deliberation and careful analysis with our members, community stakeholders, local and state government agencies and educational institutions, The Chamber develops a Legislative Agenda. This agenda is our guide throughout the year as we advocate for your business here at home and in Tallahassee. To read more about our Legislative Agenda, Please turn to page 9. Looking ahead, you won’t want to miss two of our upcoming signature events. On Friday, February 22, we will recognize Immediate Past Chair, Ethel Isaacs Williams of Kaufman Lynn Construction, as the 2019 DIAMOND Award recipient at the 13th Annual recognition luncheon. We will also recognize one of our former YEA! students and growing local business owner, Casey Hill, with Piston Trainer. On Saturday, March 16th, don’t miss our annual Community Cookout at the YMCA of South Palm Beach County. Bring your kids and spend the day playing games, enjoying grilled food prepared by the Chamber and YMCA Boards of Directors - and have fun as we unite our incredible community. From Connecting Members, to Advancing Commerce to Protecting Business and Enhancing the Community, the Boca Chamber is your strongest business advocate. Whether we’re hosting an event to connect your business to others or meeting with elected officials in Tallahassee – we are working for you so that we can advance commerce together. Along with our leadership, and Chair of the Board, Susan Saturday, we’re excited for the new year ahead. We look forward to the vital growth of our business community that ensures a vibrant future for us all. Together, as we expand our footprint outside of our primary service area, we will continue to foster the values that make Boca Raton and South Palm Beach County the best place to live, work, learn and play. Moving Forward,
Troy M. McLellan, CCE, FCCP President & CEO Connection Magazine | 3
2018 BY THE NUMBERS We would like to share some impressive numbers with you from 2018! The Boca Chamber is excited about the progress that has been made in the last 12 months. We invite you to join us as we keep our focus on the interests of our community and our mission: To Promote and Sustain Economic Prosperity in Boca Raton and South Palm Beach County.
55,000 EMPLOYEES
We are proud to serve 1,400 members, totaling 55,000 employees
387 BUSINESSES AS NEW MEMBERS In 2018, we welcomed 387 businesses as new members to the Boca Chamber Family
Golden Bell Battle of the Bands
In 2018, we launched our Inaugural Golden Bell Battle of the Bands Fundraiser raising over $25k for our Education Foundation
300 Chamber Events
We hosted 300+ events & celebrated 48 ribbon cuttings
$95K Awarded to Public Schools Our Golden Bell Education Foundation awarded a record-setting amount of almost $95K to 26 Boca Raton Public Schools
36 Restaurants
In its second year, our tourism committee increased restaurant participation in our month long program Boca Restaurant Month since its inception in 2017
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Q&A
MEET JOHN TOLBERT
John Tolbert
President & Managing Director Boca Raton Resort & Club Promoting Growth
Q: What does it mean to you to continue to be involved with the Boca Chamber organization? A: Working with the Boca Chamber is extremely rewarding. I am passionate about and proud of the Boca Raton community, and I use any opportunity I am given to promote its growth and success.
Holistic Perspective
Q: Why the hospitality industry? Tell us where your passion stems from and how you’ve gotten to where you are today.
"Aim to set trends rather than follow them." -John Tolbert
A: From the time of my first job, working the front desk at a small hotel, I knew hospitality was my passion. I have worked in all areas of the industry, giving me a holistic perspective that I bring to the Boca Raton Resort today. I wake up each day feeling motivated and go to bed each night fulfilled, knowing I have given 100 percent.
Striving for Balance
Q: How does the success keep coming? What’s your secret? A: I am a big believer in staying curious and continuing to learn and listen. I strive to keep a balance between serving my constituents (team members, guests, and Club Members) and accomplishing key business objectives.
Creating New Experiences
Q: What is your favorite memory as President of the Boca Raton Resort & Club? A: It is impossible for me to single out one memory, as “something wonderful is always happening at the Resort.” I most enjoy creating new experiences that our guests and Members will truly enjoy.
Today's Extraordinary is Tomorrow's Ordinary
Q: What is a memorable quote that has impacted your life and career? A: A favorite is “today’s extraordinary is tomorrow’s ordinary.” I am always striving to create new programming and experiences for our guests. Both in business and in my personal life, I always aim to set trends rather than follow them.
Throughout his career, John has been at the forefront of envisioning and creating branded residential resorts and has brought his expertise in hospitality, amenities, golf, ski, spas, marinas, and food and beverage concepts to such noted brands as Mandarin Oriental Hotels and Residences, Auberge Resorts, Rosewood Hotels and Residences, Fairmont/Raffles Hotels & Resorts, Viceroy Hotels, Resorts and Residences, Golden Door Spa, Jack Nicklaus Design Group's Clubs & Lodges, Kiawah Development Group, and St. Regis Hotels, Resorts and Residences. John Tolbert also sits on the Board of Directors for the Boca Chamber.
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LEADERSHIP BOCA 2019
ANNOUNCING THE 2019 CLASS Robert Abbott, Boca Raton Airport Authority Chris Adams, SpringHill and TownePlace Suites by Marriott Petro Andreadis, Prediq Media Rowee Atary, Daszkal Bolton LLP Christopher Berens, Twin Palms Center for the Disabled Elke Bojes, Wells Fargo Bank June Braithwaite, NCCI Holdings Inc. Martina Brief, United Way of Palm Bach County Kelly Cavaleri, NCCI Holdings Inc. Jackie Coker, Wells Fargo Bank Andrey De Risio, Boca Raton Marriott Scott Filhaber, Dataman Group Lilach Fisher, BDO LLP Joshua Goldglantz, Gunster Shelly Gonzales, Boca Raton Regional Hospital Joseph Guastaferro, Broward Health North Robin Hildwein, Boca Raton Regional Hospital Jose Irizarry, Boca Helping Hands Zulma Jairala, Boca Raton Regional Hospital Hank Jawari, Comerica Bank Jennifer Jolly, Boca Grove Golf & Tennis Club Jessica Laliberte, Saint Andrew's School Cristina Leander, BB&T Jon Lewandowski, Habilitation Center for the Handicapped William Marino, BV Group - UBS Private Wealth Jennifer MacFarland, Lynn University Holly McNulty, Morgan Stanley Jason Palmisano, Pannone Lopes Devereaux & O'Gara LLC Daniel Parra, Wyndham Boca Raton Emily Pineless, Gary Robinson, P.A. Crystal Spears, Habitat for Humanity Melissa Roberts, Junior League of Boca Raton Thomas Scheer, First Republic Bank Christopher Scobie, Wells Fargo Bank Drew Shane, Oceans 234 Ben Sharma, OREVCO Monique Shide, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management Jenna Shinn, Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital Arlanne Smart, NCCI Holdings Inc. Rachel Vidal, Daszkal Bolton LLP Denise Watson, Boca Raton Regional Hospital Mayme Weekly, Ultimate Staffing Services 6 | Connection Magazine
A NEW YEAR OF LEADERSHIP
The 2019 Leadership Boca Class has been announced. Sessions will begin on February 1, 2019 with 10 themed day trips to follow. View details below. 2018 Leadership Class
Leadership Boca 2019 will begin with SIMSOC (Simulated Society). The class will then be divided into teams, tested and prepared for the year.
Other sessions will include Economic Development, Health, Human Services, Education, Environemntal Awareness (pictured above).
2018 Leadership Class Additional sessions will cover Media, Government, Culture and Tourism. The final date recognizes leadership participants at a Graduation Ceremony.
Join Us As We Celebrate! THE twentyNINETEEN
DIAMOND AWARD
2019 DIAMOND Award Recipient Ethel Isaacs Williams Senior Vice President of Development & Public Affairs Kaufman Lynn Construction
2019 Pearl Award Recipient Casey Hill Founder & Owner Piston Trainer 2018 YEA! Graduate
Friday, February 22, 2019 at 11:30 AM Boca Raton Resort & Club
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Advocacy for a Pro-Business Chamber
YOUR CHAMBER - IN ACTION 2019 South Palm Beach County Business Legislative Agenda
The mission of the Chamber’s Legislative Agenda is to ensure local, state, and federal legislation is conducive to a strong regional business climate and that community decisions support quality economic growth. Through The Boca Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee – a representative group of different businesses and industries around Palm Beach County – members meet monthly to discuss and actively monitor all levels of government. Each year, staff and Chamber committee members carefully assess issues facing our city and develop our Legislative Agenda based on feedback from our members, partners in the community, local/state government and educational institutions. Through interviews, research, discussion and debate, we develop positions and advocate at all levels of government and throughout the business community. After careful review of the issues, the Boca Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee creates and finalizes the Legislative Agenda which is approved by the Board of Directors. You will find our most recent Chamber Legislative Priority Agenda online at www.bocachamber.com under the "Advocacy" tab.
Protecting Business
Why a Pac? BLU-PAC (Business Leaders United Political Action Committee) exists to endorse and fund candidates that are in alignment with the Boca Chamber's views and priorities regarding economic prosperity and quality of life. Governed by an independent Board of Directors, Business Leaders United for Boca Raton Political Action Committee (BLU-PAC) exists to endorse, support, and fund candidates who are in alignment with the Business Community's views and priorities. In order to ensure South Palm Beach County maintains a pro-business environment, BLU-PAC endorses only candidates who understand, and wish to support, the needs and demands on what it takes to operate a successful business. One of your basic economic rights is to have the freedom to run your business without unwarranted government interference. It's vital that business groups become active in politics - through the support of candidates and the discussion of issues that come before voters at the polls. The most effective way to protect your economic rights is to elect those candidates who adhere to this philosophy. As a rule, strength in numbers is the guiding force behind the success of an organization like BLU-PAC. Only together can we make a difference. BLU-PAC takes care of Politics so YOU can take care of business.
WHAT MATTERS TO YOUR BUSINESS MATTERS TO YOUR CHAMBER Connection Magazine | 9
Community Events OASIS CHAMPIONSHIP For the 13th year in a row, Boca Raton hosts the PGA TOUR Champions on the Old Course at the Broken Sound Club from Feb. 4-10. Always host to a strong field of 50-and-over players, the first full-field event on the PGA TOUR Champions, now called the Oasis Championship, will have the opportunity to bring in some new players to the Palm Beaches. Names including Steve Stricker, Darren Clarke, Chris DiMarco and Robert Gamez will be Oasis Championship rookies in 2019. They will be joining PGA TOUR Champions legends Bernard Langer, Fred Funk, John Daly and Fred Couples. Last year’s champion was Jupiter resident Mark Calcavecchia who edged Langer by two shots and defeated a field that included 35 of the top 36 players in the previous year’s Charles Schwab Cup standings; eight players in the World Golf Hall of Fame, 28 former Ryder Cup players and 17 players who won majors on the PGA TOUR. For more tournament information, premium ticket packages or corporate sponsorships, call 561-241-GOLF (4653) or visit www.oasischampionship. com. For Pro-Am registration and sponsorship package opportunities, contact Anthony Greco at 561-241-GOLF (4653) or email agreco@prolinkssports.com.
BOCA BACCHANAL 2019
FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS Calling all foodies and oenophiles! Tickets are now on sale for the 17th annual Boca Bacchanal, which will be held April 4 - 6, 2019, at the famed Boca Raton Resort & Club.
This popular and much-loved food and wine festival draws over 2,000 residents and visitors, each year, from throughout South Florida. Best of all, Boca Bacchanal will bring together world class chefs from all over the United States, and vintners from all over the world, who will offer attendees the opportunity to enjoy scrumptious food and refreshing libations, while supporting an outstanding cause. Since its inception in 2003, the Boca Bacchanal has supported the Boca Raton Historical Society & Museum. 100 percent of the proceeds from this wonderful weekend will fund innovative and diverse heritage education programs for residents, students, and visitors. This year's events include Bubbles & Burgers on Thursday, April 4; Vintner Dinners on Friday, April 5 and the VIP Party and the Grand Tasting on Saturday, April 6. For additional information or to purchase tickets, please visit www.bocabacchanal.com or phone 561.395.6766, Ext.101.
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Screening a film accompanied by live music is nothing new, yet recently screening modern films with live orchestra has exploded in popularity. But it’s not easy to do right. Pulling off a successful synchronization between film and orchestra requires exquisite timing – the performance must coincide with the action of the film to within one-quarter of a second. Yet the payoff is worth it. With a live orchestra, the audience can hear things they can’t hear in the movie theater or even at home. And the live music is so close, it’s true surround sound! Star Wars: A New Hope will be screened with a live orchestra on Sunday, March 1, at 7:30 pm. Yet it is just one of the over a dozen concerts including Pink Martini and Arturo Sandoval. See all that the Festival has to offer at festivalboca.org.
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.
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 Connection Magazine 30033-4097 or call +1 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Lynn University. © 2018 Lynn University
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YOUR SCENE, YOU’RE SEEN HOLIDAY BREAKFAST [1.]
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[1] Joe & Rosie Martin [2] Troy McLellan [3] West Boca High School Encore Ensemble with Choral Director Catherine Briggs and Troy McLellan [4] Casey Ademski and Ron Wichowski [5] Michael Budd, John McClaskie, Rob Jager [6] Troy McLellan, Steve Pear, John Cheney, Bryant Carter, Pastor Bill Mitchell and Tim Snow
PULSE Professionals Under 40
SUCCESSFUL WOMEN IN BUSINESS [1.]
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[1] Laura MacFarland Cusack and Sarah Pearson [2] Dr. Elizabeth Polsinelli & Sarah Pearson [3] Jackie Reeves 12| Connection Magazine
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[1] Shanine Dorta, Amanda Ellis, Mohamed Abdalla and Paul Metcalf [2] City Commissioner Ryan Boylston, Sarah Pearson and City Councilman Andy Thomson [3] City Commissioner Ryan Boylston
YOUR SCENE, YOU’RE SEEN BOCA CHAMBER BALL [2.]
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[1] Ethel Isaacs Williams and Susan Saturday [2] Susan Saturday, Troy McLellan and Ethel Isaacs Williams [3] Susan Saturday [4] Lynn University Staff and Alumni [5] Susan and Jim Saturday [6] Office Depot Inc. Team
HOLIDAY PARTY & AUCTION [1.]
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TRUSTEE HOLIDAY PARTY [1.]
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[1] Frank and Rita Barbieri with Jackie and Jason Reeves [2] Bob Tucker, Susan Saturday and Troy McLellan [3] Outback Steakhouse Kangaroo and Sarah Pearson
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[1] Lise Orr, Chuck Stout and Rosie Martin [2] City Councilman Andy Thomson and Sarah Pearson [3] Susan Saturday, Troy McLellan and Bobra Bush Connection Magazine |13
MEMBER ANNIVERSARIES
CELEBRATE
Waterstone Resort & Marina
37 Years as Chamber Members!
Our Member Anniversaries
Thank You For Your Commitment! 39 Years As A Member Beacon Group, Inc. Insurance 32 Years As A Member American Equipment Company American Red Cross of Greater Palm Beach and Martin County AT&T AT&T Yellow Pages Babione - Kraeer Funeral Home Boca Grove Golf & Tennis Club Boca Raton Christian School Boca Raton Historical Society & Museum Boca Raton Museum of Art Boca Raton Police Department Boca Raton Regional Hospital Boca Raton Regional Hospital Foundation Carman Law Firm, P.A. NCCI Ro Rabozzi/State Farm Insurance Agency Waterstone Resort & Marina, Curio -A Collection by Hilton 31 Years As A Member Office Depot, Inc. Toshiba Business Solutions Florida 30 Years As A Member Becker & Poliakoff, PA Delray Medical Center George Snow Scholarship Fund, Inc. Hilton Suites Boca Raton Mutual of America One Park Place Penn-Florida Companies Residence Inn By Marriott The Sena Group 29 Years As A Member Boca Country Club 28 Years As A Member Boca Raton Travel & Cruises 27 Years As A Member Boca Raton Mausoleum, Inc. Campbell & Rosemurgy Real Estate Florence Fuller Child Development Centers Hazen and Sawyer, PC 26 Years As A Member Aucamp, Dellenback & Whitney Delray Beach Marriott Delray Sands Resort JM Family Enterprises, Inc. Wyndham Hotel - Boca Raton 25 Years As A Member Fairman & Associates, Inc. 23 Years As A Member AXA Advisors South Florida Florida Aquastore Holiday Inn Express West Boca Sign A Rama, USA, Boca/Delray
22 Years As A Member Adolph & Rose Levis Jewish Community Ctr Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation, Inc. (Golden Bell) 21 Years As A Member Boca Raton Community Middle School Joe Bonnie & Son Moving & Storage Loggers' Run Middle School Oasis Outsourcing, Inc. 20 Years As A Member Crown Trophy SLK Realty, Inc. 19 Years As A Member Arnold-Hanafin Corporation Newell Brands Research Park at Florida Atlantic University SpringHill and TownPlace Suites by Marriott 18 Years As A Member Ged & Bodden, P.A. Greenspoon Marder MG Concepts, LLC Ocean Properties Hotels, Resorts & Affiliates Rendon Center for Dermatology & Aesthetic Medicine Schoeppl Law PA Telcom / Telcare Corp. Transworld Business Brokers 17 Years As A Member Bloom & Freeling, Attorneys at Law 16 Years As A Member South Florida Business Journal 15 Years As A Member CareerSource Palm Beach County Elizabeth A. Dunn, CPA, PA Kaufman Lynn Construction Residence Inn 14 Years As A Member Cendyn The Boca Raton Observer Two Men and a Truck Ultimate Staffing Services West Boca Raton Community High School 13 Years As A Member 5-Spice Asian Street Market Republic Services of Palm Beach 12 Years As A Member Mercantil Bank Self Discovery Group LLC 11 Years As A Member Ameriprise Financial Heritage Investment Group PayDay PayRoll Services Raymond Lee Jewelers RemarkAbleHR, Inc. The Shops at Boca Center
10 Years As A Member American Association of Caregiving Youth Bluegreen Vacations Cloud Computing Concepts, LLC (C3) Extra Space Storage Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith PLLC Max's Grille Mayer Hoffman McCann P.C. 9 Years As A Member Capital Grille Discover the Palm Beaches, The Official Tourism Marketing Corporation for Palm Beach County Malema Engineering Corporation Northwestern Mutual Rick Schuster PA, Lang Realty Vander Ploeg & Associates, Inc. 8 Years As A Member Academy Mortgage Home Loan Corporation Campus Management Corp. Cutting Edge Recruiting Solutions image360 - Boca Raton Oceans 234 The Heritage at Boca Raton Apartments Universal The Communications Company 7 Years As A Member Coastal Car Worldwide Coldwell Banker Boca Resort and Beach Offices/ Flagship Solutions Group LLC Gift of Life Marrow Registry Glick Family Funeral Home Oppenheimer & Co., Inc. SK Quality Roofing, Inc. Sun Broadcast Group, Inc. Temple Beth El of Boca Raton Whelchel Partners Real Estate Services, Inc. 6 Years As A Member 1st Street Deli American Traveler Staffing Professionals Diamonds East International Inc. Ethan Allen Retail, Inc. Hoffman's Chocolate Boca Center iPic Entertainment NYY Steak Pine Crest School Seminole Casino Coconut Creek SERVPRO of South Palm Beach Signature Flight Support Sorrisi The ADT Corporation WM Printing 5 Years As A Member Allegiance Home Health Boca Prep international School Budget Blinds of West Boca Cosmetic Solutions LLC Elizabeth H. Faulk Foundation dba Faulk Center for Counseling J. Alexander's National Transaction Corporation Peak Seven Advertising Potter's Lawn & Landscaping The Storick Group Third Party Administration *January to March Member Anniversaries
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WELCOME New Members
To the Chamber Family
OCTOBER
OCTOBER
NOVEMBER
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
THANK YOU TO OUR REFERRING PARTNERS! Deby Goldfarb, Stepping Out Florida Karina Guittierez, Medical Marijuana Treatment Clinics of Fl Ethel Isaacs Williams, Kaufman Lynn Construction Scott Lappin, Moving Edge Workshop Olga Larossevitch, Olga Aesthetic Medicine Amy Levin Soble, The Legal Group Brad McIver, CBIZ MHN, & Mayor Hoffman McCann P.C. Irina Rothenberg, OZO2 Eco Dry Cleaners Dana Russo, Legend Leasing Michael Nathanson, The Nathanson Brothers Team at RE/MAX Michael Savran, New York Life Joshua Kohn, CIA.Maritima Bridgette DeBrino, Allenby Cosmetic Dermatology J.C. Perrin, Seacoast Bank Baris Guler, VR Business Brokers Joe Sweeney, Loch Bar Mary Falco, Canam Cabinet Corporation Gary Field, NuBarter
R E F E R R A L R E WA R D S PROGRAM
Win big by referring a new member to the Boca Chamber! One FREE ticket to a membership breakfast DECEMBER N E W M E M B E R O R I E N TAT I O N I S S P O N S O R E D BY:
One FREE spotlight ad in a Business Beat email blast Highlight in Connection Magazine as a referring partner Contact Alison Miuccio at amiuccio@bocachamber.com Connection Magazine |15
YEA!
Entrepreneurs
2018-19 Young Entrepreneurs Academy
The Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) is an exciting program that transforms local middle and high school students into entrepreneurs. Through the nine-month long program, students in grades 6-12 generate business ideas, conduct market research, write business plans, pitch to a panel of investors, and launch their very own companies. YEA! is held from 4:30-7:30pm at Saint Andrews School every Wednesday from September 2018 through May 2019. For more information about the Young Entrepreneurs Academy, or how you can become involved as a sponsor or volunteer, contact Sherese James-Grow at (561) 3954433 Ext 232 or sjamesgrow@bocachamber.com.
YEA! IS MADE POSSIBLE BY: OUR GENEROUS PARTNERS & SPONSORS
2019 CLASS SPOTLIGHT Cameron Newman, Poss-ability Cameron, a freshman at Saint Andrews, knows what it means to love his family and help support them. Because of a family member, this growing social entrepreneur is creating an online website of therapeutic resources for children and families that deal with autism. He plans for his website to not only be a one-stop shop for autism information, but a portal to autism specialists ready to help families.
Kristine Assis, V-Treats Kristine, a seventh grade home-schooled student, is growing up in a vegan family. Her love of sweets and baking was not quelled due to her vegan background. Seeing the lack of sweets tailored for vegans, she is creating her own brand of vegan sweets. She will sell her vegan sweets at local community events and markets.
Neil Sachdeva, Vulcan AI Neil, a sophomore at Pine Crest School, is a very tech savvy student. His dedication and love of coding has led him to create a chat bot for small business owners. His awareness of online communication needs and the high cost to implement these services, propelled him to provide a chat bot service at a much lower cost.
Rhea Jain, Re’noosh Rhea, a junior at Pine Crest School, is a budding fashion entrepreneur. Being petite, she realized that she was paying more to get clothes altered than the actual cost of the clothing. With this dilemma, she has created her own petite clothing line that not only fits smaller statures, but also fits the different shapes of petite women everywhere.
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GOLDEN BELL BATTLE OF THE BANDS
golden bell BATTLE OF THE BANDS
TOP TOP FUNDRAISER FUNDRAISER
BATTLE BATTLE OF OF THE THE BANDS BANDS WINNER! WINNER!
george petrocelli
SHADES OF GREY
RATS MOUTH
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PROOF
HEARTBREAKERS
On Friday night, September 28th, the Boca Raton Chamber held its inaugural Golden Bell Battle of the Bands fundraiser in partnership with the School of Rock to benefit the Golden Bell Education Foundation. This SOLD OUT event was held at the Pavilion Grille and was bursting at the seams with over 400 fans and supporters in attendance. With little to no musical experience, 21 of South Palm Beach County’s business professionals formed four bands, committed to learning a song, how to play an instrument and perform as a band while raising funds to benefit the Golden Bell Education Foundation. Participants transformed from their business suits into drummers, vocalists and guitarists adorning wigs and fake tattoos to battle on stage in front of a live screaming audience. At the end of this exciting evening two awards were given – the first award went to 180 PROOF, the 2018 Golden Bell Battle of the Bands Winner. The second award went to the individual top fundraiser, George Petrocelli, of the Boca Raton Resort & Club who raised over $5,000. In total these Rock Stars raised over $25,000 for the Golden Bell Education Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, supporting the Boca Raton Public School System. Be sure to save the date for the 2019 Golden Bell Battle of the Bands, happening on Saturday, September 28, 2019! To find out more about Golden Bell Battle of the Bands and sponsorship information Contact Chasity Navarro at 561-395-4433 Ext: 233 or Email cnavarro@bocachamber.com. Battle of the Bands Participants: 180 PROOF: Joe Martin, Allegiance Home Health, Paul Metcalf, University of Miami, Brad Mitchell, Northwestern Mutual, Philip Piedt, Benchmark Financial Wealth Advisors, Diego Meeroff, Florida Atlantic University, * Band Manager- Tara Auclair, Modernizing Medicine RATS MOUTH: Mohamed Abdalla, Habitat for Humanity, Brian Altschuler, Boca Raton Regional Hospital, Rob Jager, Plum Productions Video, Anne Marie Van Casteren, City of Boca Raton, Matt Swanson, Keller Williams, *Band Manager- Mary Sol Gonzales, Image 360 HEARTBREAKERS: Michelle Adams, CenterState Bank, Donna Biase, Best Foot Forward, Kim Dillon, Boca Raton Regional Hospital, Jena LaMendola, Roxana Scaffidi, Florida Accounting & Advisors, Amanda Ellis, Oceans 234, *Band Manager- Andy Thomson, Baritz & Colman SHADES OF GREY: Frank Bennardo, Engineering Express, George Petrocelli, Boca Raton Resort & Club, Phil DiPonio, Wyndham Boca Raton Hotel, John Mulhall, Mulhall Family Matters, Chris Sapp, YMCA Boca Raton, *Band Manager- Maria Del Moral, Bold Mind Group Connection Magazine |17
RIBBON CUTTINGS
Best Foot Forward
Cinemark Palace 20
Essi-Economic Solutions
Suria Plastic Surgery
The Bachrach Group
Cinnaholic - Boca Raton
Flowers of Boca
Moving Edge
Silver Logic
Willie’s Sushi Bar
Allenby Cosmetics
Boca Raton Florist
Canam Cabinets
CIA Maritima
Loch Bar
Olga Aesthetic Medicine
Ozo2 Drycleaning
Seacoast Bank
VR Business Brokers
Ziffer CPA
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OUR LEADERS Meet the Chamber's New Additions to the Board of Directors
November marks the start of the Boca Chamber's new fiscal year, and with the new year comes exciting changes. This year, we welcomed seven members to the Boca Chamber's Board of Directors who officially began their term on November 1. These men and women - combined with our existing 24 board members - represent the best and brightest in our community. It is their combined knowledge and experience that enables us to strengthen our mission - to promote and sustain economic prosperity in Boca Raton and South Palm Beach County. Their commitment and dedication continues to make Boca Raton the premiere location to do business - and the best place to live, work, learn and play. 2018 marked an extremely successful year under the leadership of our now Immediate Past Chair - Ethel Isaacs Williams, Senior Vice President, Development and Public Affairs at Kaufman Lynn Construction. We are fortunate to have had Ethel serve as a two term Chair of the Board. At the beginning of our fiscal year we welcomed our 2019 Chair, Susan Saturday of BBX Capital Corporation. In addition, we welcomed Jackie Reeves (Bell Rock Capital) onto the Executive Committee as the Treasurer and our newest Board Members: Jason Aube BB&T
Steven Deutsch Frank, Weinberg & Black P.A.
David Hammer Newell Brands
Jason Aube BB&T (Branch Banking & Trust)
Will Fleming MotionPoint Corporation
Brook Thomas West Boca Medical Center
Steven Deutsch Frank, Weinberg & Black P.A.
Todd Hale Office Depot Inc.
Amanda Ellis Oceans 234
David Hammer Newell Brands
Todd Hale Office Depot Inc.
Amanda Ellis Oceans 234 (Representing PULSE)
Will Fleming MotionPoint Corporation
Brook Thomas West Boca Medical Center
Connection Magazine |19
NEW MEMBERS TRUSTEE MEMBERS
(September 1 to November 30, 2018)
Applied Innovations (561) 981-8196 www.appliedi.net
Boca Grove Golf & Tennis Club (561) 487-5300 www.bocagrove.org
TD Bank (561) 361-1613 www.tdbank.com
Boca Ballet Theatre (561) 995-0709 www.bocaballet.org
Cleveland Clinic (954) 659-6190 www.clevelandclinicflorida.org
W.G.I. (561) 713-1690 www.wginc.com
GENERAL MEMBERS 2500Boca on Federal (561) 391-5510 www.2500boca.com Achievement Centers for Children & Families Foundation (561) 266-0003 www.achievementcentersfl.org Alan R. Cooper Small Business Consultant (508) 789-5066 Alltech Collision & Paint (561) 417-2333 www.alltechcollisionandpaint.com Almost a Daughter Senior Relocation Services, Inc. (561) 789-4844 www.almostadaughterfl.com Aloft Delray Beach (561) 469-0550 www.aloftdelraybeach.com Aluksons Business Solutions (754) 777-1672 www.aluksons.com Ameriprise Financial / C. Reginald Esiobu (954) 243-4337 www.Ameripriseadvisors.com Anne M. Gannon - Constitutional Tax Collector Serving Palm Beach County (561) 355-2264 www.pbcgov.com ARF Naturals, Inc. (561) 808-5225 www.arfnaturals.com
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ASP FORCE LLC (561) 877-1717 www.aspforce.com Black Pearl Limousine (561) 852-2345 www.blackpearllimousine.com Boca Raton Headshots (561) 866-4455 www.bocaratonheadshots.com Boca Smile Center (561) 487-4555 www.bocasmilecenter.com Body20 Plaza Real (561) 910-1617 www.bodytwenty.com Brener Investigations Group (561) 408-1672 www.flinvestigator.com
Corporate Interiors, Inc. The CI Group (954) 354-1711 www.the-cigroup.com Core Peace Development (443) 475-7247 Wanda Allen CrossCountry Mortgage (561) 717-2100 www.floridacrosscountry.com Discovering Destinies (561) 475-5800 www.discoveringdestinies.com Doreen M. Yaffa P.A. dba Yaffa & Associates (561) 276-3880 www.yaffapa.com
CIA.Maritima (561) 368-6001
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Deerfield Beach - Boca Raton (954) 427-7700 www.doubletree3.hilton.com
CL Kitchens, Bath and Closets (561) 880-0513 www.clkitchens.com
Eight Risk Management (888) 962-6800 www.eightrisk.com
Coldwell Banker Real Estate / Erik Nissani (917) 547-9950 www.eriknissani.com
Emma Rose's Dry Cleaning & Alterations (561) 465-5559
City Lien Search, LLC (561) 992-5305 www.cityliensearch.com
EPS (561) 998-3441 www.epsservices.com
Cobalt Blueprint (561) 614-2583 www.cobaltblueprint.com
Essentia Natural Memory Foam Mattress (561) 571-9300 www.myessentia.com
Comic Cure (786) 564-2291 www.comiccure.com
EXP Realty -The Ramella Group (561) 206-2507 www.theramellagroup.com
NEW MEMBERS Oak Gem (215) 239-7313 www.oakgem.com
Fade 2 Black Productions (561) 852-7074 www.f2bpro.com
Hired Hearts, Inc. (561) 432-7800 www.hiredhearts.com
Flagler Technologies, LLC (561) 229-1601 www.flagler.io
Howard Kestenberg DDS (561) 394-2475
Outback Steakhouse (561) 338-6283 www.outback.com
J.P. Morgan - Alyssa Zebrowsky (561) 838-4647 www.jpmorgan.com
Padula Bennardo Levine LLP (561) 544-8900 www.pbl-law.com
Florida Sugar Cane League (561) 386-6693 www.sugarcaneleague.org
JByrd's Muddy Waters (954) 428-6577 www.muddywatersrestaurant. com
Peacefulsplit Mediation (954) 272-8292 www.peacefulsplit.com
Fully Promoted-Delray Beach (561) 279-0953 www.fullypromoteddelray.com
Kinetix Solutions (954) 642-2242 www.kinetixsolutions.com
Rausch Insurance Tax & Financial Services (561) 584-0732 www.doesinsurancematter.com
Gateway Mortgage Group, LLC / Micca Dickey (918) 261-8382 www.gatewayloan.com
Laura Singer / Pilates Instructor / Isagenix (561) 699-8355 www.isagenix.com
RCC Associates, Inc. (954) 429-3700 www.rccassociates.com
Goede, Adamczyk, Deboest & Cross (561) 368-9200 www.gadclaw.com
Law Offices of David S. Hollander (561) 571-3536 www.davidhollanderlaw.com
Flags.com (800) 858-8776 www.flags.com
GOL Solutions (561) 289-7278 www.golsolutions.com
Lily of New York (212) 860-6653 www.lilyofnewyorksalon.com
Good Greek Moving and Storage (561) 688-1313 www.Greekmoving.com
Marli Purses-Fish Leather Works, LLC (561) 445-5041 www.marlipurses.com
GrayRobinson, P.A. (561) 368-3808 www.gray-robinson.com
McKee & Vincent Merrill Lynch Wealth Management (954) 537-3881
Group Travel Unlimited (561) 628-6979
Modern Medicine, Inc. (561) 961-5695 www.modernmedicinefl.com
Gypsy Rose Salon (561) 465-5249 www.gypsyrose.salon
ReaXium (561) 717-8042 www.reaxium.com Rescue Operations International (561) 613-9833 www.Rescue-operations.com ripKurrent, LLC (561) 450-5003 www.ripkurrent.com Rise Private Wealth Management (561) 327-4535 www.ameripriseadvisors.com/ james.livolsi S.H. Valet Services, Corp. (754) 244-3336 www.shvaletparking.com
MYBANYAN LLC (561) 757-3341
Seal Wizard (508) 280-9966 www.sealwizard.com
Hemp & Heal LLC (855) 626-9888 www.hempandheal.com
Niroc Consultants, Inc. (954) 540-5205 www.nirocconsultants.com
Shiner Law Group (561) 777-7700 www.shinerlawgroup.com
HiFi Playback (561) 425-8537 www.hifiplayback.com Tom Spiliopoulos
Norman Rosner Associates (754) 999-0003
Signature Bros, Inc. (561) 482-1166 www.signaturebros.com
Higer Polani Law Firm (561) 496-4222 www.bocadelrayattorneyatlaw. com
nXus Software (561) 997-4313 www.thenxus.com
Silvana Borges Art & Interior Design (305) 200-2323 www.silvanaborgesdesign.com
Connection Magazine |21
NEW MEMBERS Silvana Borges Art & Interior Design (305) 200-2323 www.silvanaborgesdesign.com
The Kannico Agency (561) 208-6468 www.kannico.com
VR Business Brokers, M&A (561) 756-9222 www.vrbocaraton.com
Smyltech LLC (561) 909-5015 www.smyltech.com
The Winemakers Table (561) 501-4107 www.thewinemakerstable.net
Warner & Schwartz, CPA, PA (561) 686-8666 www.warnerschwartz.com
Syllinc-A Luxury Business Consultant (305) 205-0968 www.syllinc.com
Tree Cafe @ ICENY (561) 609-2982
Yesil, Inc. (516) 439-6351
Tropical Shores Realty (561) 289-7524
Yolk Restaurant (313) 478-2671 www.eatyolk.com
Tech Superstars (561) 221-2107 www.techsuperstars.com
User Friendly Technology Services (954) 780-8677 www.userfriendlyts.com
Temple Kane (561) 757-6676 www.templepropertygroup.com
Vexel (561) 414- 9093 www.vexll.com
Tennis Inc. /NU Sportswear (561) 757-5411 www.nusportswear.com
Vital Financial Group (561) 613-4900
CSBAdams_BocaChamberConnectionsAd.qxp_Layout 1 11/13/17 4:27 PM Page 1
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22| Connection Magazine
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THE CALENDAR
JANUARY
MARCH
FEBRUARY
4
Prime Professionals Group
1
PRIME Professionals Group
1
PRIME Professionals Group
4
Boca Chamber Ambassador Meeting
1
1
8
New Member Orientation
Boca Chamber Ambassador Meeting
Boca Chamber Ambassador Meeting
9
International Business Alliance
5
International Business Alliance
5
International Business Alliance
10
Membership Breakfast
12
New Member Orientation
12
New Member Orientation
10
Government Affairs Committee
14
Membership Breakfast
14
Membership Breakfast
11
How to Speak Without Fear
14
Government Affairs Committee
14
Government Affairs Committee
15
Small Business Exchange
18
16
Economic Development Committee
Exclusive Trustee Luncheon
Community Cookout
15
19
19
PULSE Luncheon
17
Successful Women in Business
Economic Development Commitee
Successful Women in Business
Smart Talk For Women
PULSE Evening Network
21
22
19
22
Membership After - Hours Network
22
Diamond Awards Luncheon
23
PULSE Meets the Board & Trustees
24
New Member Orientation
29
From How? To Wow!
19 26 28
23
1626 28
Smart Talk for Women Successful Women in Business
Smart Talk for Women Exclusive Trustee Luncheon
17
25
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.
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
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