april 2011 e-business watch
DESCRIPTION
April 2011 edition of the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches' E-Business Watch publication.TRANSCRIPT
e-Business WatchChamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches
April 2011
e-Business Watch
Chamber Announces Community Leader of the Year - George Wedgworth
Office Depot Program Helps Small Businesses Save!
2 Business Watch
THESE PENGUINS DON’T BELONG HERETHESE PENGUINS DON’T BELONG HERE
BUT YOUR AD DOES. Contact Alexandra Guth at [email protected]
April 2011 3
e -BUSINESS WATCH
ON THE COVER
7 Chamber Announces Community Leader of the Year
16 Office Depot Program Helps Small Businesses Save!
StaffDennis Grady
Chief Executive Officer
Sandy PullensDirector of Administrative Services
Kelley BurkeDirector of Sponsorships and Special
Events
Donald BurgessOperations Coordinator
Alexandra GuthCommunications Coordinator/Webmaster
Kelly FanelliMembership Director
Bryan BakerMembership Development
Mark MarloweMembership Development
Sharon McIntoshInformation Coordinator
Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches401 N. Flagler Drive
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Phone: (561) 833-3711Fax: (561) 833-5582
Visit us online at: www.palmbeaches.org
57,000 small business owners in Palm Beach County ... How do they leverage the internet?• Research product purchases (51%)
• Check late-breaking news (49%)
• Search restaurants (39%)
• Search local businesses (37%)
FIND MORE MARKET INFO AT:RealSolutions.PalmBeachPost.com
Source: 2010 Palm Beach Post Custom Scarborough Study, Release 2
4 Business Watch
Officers
Chair Carey O’Donnell O’Donnell Agency
Chair-Elect Michelle Diffenderfer
Lewis, Longman & Walker, P.A.
Treasurer David D. Brooks, CPA
Secretary Charles Gerardi
The Palm Beach Post
General CounselPaul Krasker
Trident Title LLC
At-Large Member Wesley Lauer
Akerman Senterfitt
At-Large Member Harvey E. Oyer III Shutts & Bowen, LLP
Past-Chair Don DeWoody
WGCompass Realty Companies
Board of DirectorsLarry B. Alexander
Jones, Foster, Johnston & Stubbs, P.A.
Scott Butler Butler Construction Co.
John CassidyJohn C. Cassidy Air Conditioning,
Inc.
Dr. David DorfmanMobile Chiropractic of the Palm
Beaches
Tom DyeCarlton Fields, P.A.
Bill Fleming
Palm Beach Atlantic University
Clint GlassBalfour Beatty Construction
Russell GreeneGrand Bank & Trust of Florida
Christine HanleyChristine D. Hanley & Associates,
P.A.
Patti HamiltonSouthern Waste Systems LLC/
Sun Recycling
Rick HermanPNC Bank
Beth KigelKBS Strategies Group, LLC
Don KiselewskiFlorida Power & Light Co.
Patrick KoenigFlagler Realty & Development,
Inc.
Trish Lowry Florida’s Blood Centers
Monica ManolasCEMEX
Danny MartellFlorida Crystals Corporation
Daniel Miller
Broad and Cassel
Frank NewmanWACHOVIA, A Wells Fargo
Company
Mark NosackaGood Samaritan Medical Center
Kevin ProbelRelated Companies
Keith Spina
Glidden Spina & Partners
Jonathan TeafordDigital Domain Media Group
John TempletonTempleton & Company, LLP
Ricky WadeMcDonald’s/”B”ing the Best, Inc.
Steve WassermanWPTV NewsChannel 5
William S. WilliamsLytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey &
Fronrath
Kathy WilloughbyBank of America Merrill Lynch
April 2011 5
Upcoming Chamber Events
Digital Download SeriesJoin the Chamber and The Palm Beach Post for its Digital Download Series on three consecutive Friday mornings in April in the Chamber Board Room. In this changing world of technology, learn what local businesses need to know about what’s available online starting with terminologies and/or demographics; what is available for a fee or free, and how to leverage your website to better represent your business online.
Friday, April 15: Think Outside the Banner – What’s New & What’s NextThis session shows you how to combine display, search, social media and mobile into your marketing strategy.
Register online at www.palmbeaches.org or call (561) 833-3711 ext. 231. $10 per session for Chamber Members.
8 21 April BreakfastJoin the Chamber on Thursday, April 21 at 7:45 a.m. at the Palm Beach County Convention Center for our April Breakfast featuring guest speaker: Jeri Muoio, Mayor of West Palm Beach.
Pre-Pay Members: $30Non-Members: $40Register online at www.palmbeaches.org
For more information please contact Kelley Burke at (561) 833-3711 ext. 231
Sponsored by:
Mayor Muoio
Free parking courtesy of:
6 Business Watch
The Hyatt is the PlaceThe Hyatt Place Downtown West Palm Beach, which was recently honored as the top Hyatt Place in the country, hosted the March Mixer. The networking event celebrated the opening of its new, full-service lobby bar. They serve an extensive selection of signature Mojitos, cocktails, beers, wines and spirits, and have an awesome happy hour weekdays from 5 - 7pm. The hotel is celebrating its second anniversary and is located at the corner of Olive and Lakeview Avenue in downtown West Palm Beach.
Special thanks to the Hyatt Place’s partners, Gratify, Charley’s Crab and Great Wraps, who sponsored the food for the event.
April 2011 7
Community Leader of the YearThe Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches announces George Wedgworth as the recipient of the 2011 Community Leader of the Year Award.
George Wedgworth has contributed greatly to the viability and growth of the vegetable and sugar industries in the Everglades agricultural area. He was instrumental in the formation of the Florida Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative of Florida and has served as its Chief Executive and President for the 54-grower cooperative for over 50 years. The co-op is the largest single employer in Belle Glade and has an economic impact exceeding $285 million annually.
He and his family are the owners of Wedgworth’s Inc., the state’s largest fertilizer company, with 150,000 tons of “Big W” brand production each year and Wedgworth Farms Inc., a 5,000-acre sugar cane farm.
Wedgworth Farms Inc. committed $1 million for facilities and endowments at the University of Florida’s Everglades Research and Education Center in Belle Glade. Among his many honors, Wedgworth was named one of Florida’s “Most Influential Men” by Florida Trend Magazine and received the Distinguished Service to Florida Agriculture Award from the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association.
George Wedgworth will be honored at the Chamber’s Business Awards Breakfast on Friday, May 20 at 7:45 a.m. at the Palm Beach County Convention Center. Seats are on sale now at www.palmbeaches.org. For additional information, please contact Kelley Burke at [email protected]
SunFest Kick-Off MixerCrowne Plaza West Palm BeachWest Palm Beach, FL 33406 1601 Belvedere Rd. 5:30PM-7:30PMRegister online at www.palmbeaches.org
• Win cool SunFest Prizes• Hear Entertainer Highlights• Purchase Advance Discount Tickets• Mixer admission includes 2 drinks and
appetizers
8 Business Watch
Law and Order was the theme for the Chamber’s March breakfast. Crimefighting partners, Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw and State Attorney Michael McAuliffe, discussed how their two departments collaborate to make Palm Beach County a safer place to live and work. The State Attorney has dedicated prosecutors assigned to areas of concern such as gang violence, pill mills and special victims. This way, the prosecutor is familiar with the on-going cases before the trial date is set. Sheriff Bradshaw was recently appointed Chairman of the Regional Domestic Security Task Force for Region 7, which covers Martin County to Key West (Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Monroe Counties). This Task Force oversees all Homeland Security for the Region and is appointed by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner with confirmation by the Governor’s Office.
The breakfast was sponsored by Solantic walk-in urgent care. It has been an innovator in applying retail concepts to the practice of urgent care medicine and is the largest urgent care company in Florida , operating 32 centers statewide.
Law & Order at Chamber Breakfast
Small Businesses Reap Big Rewards in the Chamber
Small businesses have many of the same needs as larger companies. They need a way to reach new customers, advertise, stay current of market trends, network and control their costs. The Chamber is uniquely positioned to provide all these things under one roof.
The diversity of the membership creates access to all types of businesses and professionals. Those contacts are vital both in terms of what’s needed to run the business and ways to find new clients and niche markets. Websites and directories make research easy and networking events facilitate introductions. Listings in directories and announcements in newsletters provide small businesses with the same impact larger companies obtain with big budget marketing dollars. Special advertising packages make the Chamber an especially cost-effective way for members to get the word out about what makes them unique, specials they are promoting and member-to-member discounts they are offering. It’s discounted adverting to targeted markets that make sense for small businesses.
A dollar saved is a dollar earned, and Chamber members have the opportunity to do both. Member-to-member discounts and savings plans passed from the Chamber to its members give them effective ways to control expenses. Increasing sales and lowering costs are important ways the Chamber helps its members reap the most from their membership and boost their overall bottom line. Both are vital for small businesses looking to grow into larger companies and for small businesses to remain the driving force behind the economy of Palm Beach County.
April 2011 9
Small Business + Chamber = Success
We are fortunate to have a strong business climate in the Palm Beaches, and small to medium businesses make up the majority of our business community. Small businesses have many of the same challenges and opportunities as large businesses, but some are unique to the small business arena.
Marketing, for example, can be a challenge for small businesses whose owners may be experts in their fields, but have never worn the “marketing” hat before. These companies are not large enough to have the luxury of a full-time marketing manager, but the need is certainly there. Human resource professionals, technology wizards and financial experts would also make a huge impact on these businesses, but they have to function and grow anyway. How do they do that? The Chamber provides its members with marketing tools, programs and valuable seminars on all these topics. Many of the members offer these services and expertise at a discount to fellow members, others function as consultants.
Business advocacy is another issue for small and medium size businesses. Large companies have lobbyists who represent their issues to legislators. What about the small businesses? One of the most important functions of the Chamber is to act as an advocate, representing the interests of its members and making sure legislators understand their challenges and perspectives. Small business concerns are among the highest priorities of the Chamber.
The Chamber is committed to helping its small business members succeed. The well- being of our community depends upon its businesses growing and the Chamber is in the forefront of that support. To learn more about the Chamber, its support of small business and business advocacy, contact Kelly Fanelli, Membership Director, at (561) 833-3711 ext 235.
“As a new member of the Chamber, I was so impressed by the various seminars that are offered as part of our membership. I attended my new member orientation and found it incredibly informative and helpful in navigating all that the Chamber has to offer. I immediately contacted a friend who is launching a new business, but does not have much business background. I suggested she join the Chamber if only for the seminars and coaching. The value of those seminars will more than pay for her membership dues.”Francine SachsPrincipalGilbert Sachs Group
“FPL is proud of our long-standing partnership with the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches. As our community has changed and grown over the years, the Chamber has afforded businesses the opportunity to express a strong, unified voice on issues critical to our shared success.”Donald KiselewskiFPL
Test
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New Members
10 Business Watch
Alex and AniDebra LeVasseur - Manager150 Worth Ave.Palm Beach, FL 33480(561) 837-6497www.alexandani.comSTORES - RETAIL
Allstate Benefits - Tom LacariaTom Lacaria - Agent4651 Babcock St. NE, Unit 18-347Palm Bay, FL 32905(321) 501-5544INSURANCE
Banyan PrintingTom Ramiccio - Business Development / Marketing Manager1937 10th Ave. NorthLake Worth, FL 33461(561) 586-6220www.banyanprinting.comPRINTERS - COPYING
Believers AcademyLori Dyer - Principal5840 Corporate WayWest Palm Beach, FL 33407(561) 340-2507www.believersacademyinc.orgSCHOOLS
Brickman GroupSebastian Verdoliva - Business Development Associate440 Tall Pines Rd., Suite JWest Palm Beach, FL 33413(561) 242-8822www.brickmangroup.comLAWN MAINTENANCE
Buckler Craft FairsMargaret Buckler - President1697 Doyle Rd.Deltona, FL 32725(386) 860-0092 Ext:12www.bucklercraftfair.comEXPOSITIONS, TRADE SHOWS & FAIRS
Corcoran Group Real EstateAndrew Surma - Sales Associate
340 Royal Poinciana Way #302Palm Beach, FL 33480(561) 379-3999www.andrewsurma.comREAL ESTATE - RESIDENTIAL
El Dorado FurnitureElke Oerter - Manager1901 Okeechobee Blvd.West Palm Beach, FL 33409(561) 478-7807www.eldoradofurniture.comFURNITURE
Florida StageMichael Gepner - Director of Marketing701 Okeechobee Blvd., Suite 300West Palm Beach, FL 33401(561) 515-6372www.floridastage.orgTHEATRES
Global Wines FloridaTina Walsh24 Tradewinds CircleTequesta, FL 33469(561) 222-0191www.globalwinesfl.comWINE & SPIRITS
Italian Antique ImportsLinda Just - President1022 N. K St.Lake Worth, FL 33460(561) 635-1578IMPORTER
Joy CommunicationsHollie Littlefield - Business Communications Expert3461 S.E. Willoughby Blvd.Stuart, FL 34994(561) 622-3311www.joycomm.comBUSINESS TELEPHONE SYSTEMS
Lampert Law Firm, P.A.Scott Lampert Esq.433 Plaza Real, Suite 275 Mizner ParkBoca Raton, FL 33432(561) 376-2110www.lampert-law.comATTORNEYS - INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES
Leila RestaurantAkram Alex Awad - Executive Chef120 S. Dixie HighwayWest Palm Beach, FL 33401(561) 659-7373www.leilawpb.comRESTAURANTS
Oxbridge Academy of the Palm BeachesBob Parsons - President & CEO1601 Forum Place, Suite 307West Palm Beach, FL 33401(561) 972-9600www.oxbridgeacademy.orgSCHOOLS - PRIVATE
Palm Beach PlantationLaura Wallraft - Assistant Manager6860 Lantana Rd.Lake Worth, FL 33467(561) 967-1661www.cal-am.comMANUFACTURED HOME COMMUNITIES
PC LAN TECHSJC Csonka - Chairman1622 Latham Rd.West Palm Beach, FL 33409(561) 682-1277www.pclantechs.comCOMPUTERS - NETWORKING
Ras Roofing LLCJuan Roche - Owner1120 Magnolia St.West Palm Beach, FL 33405(561) 805-8564www.rasroofing.comROOF CONTRACTORS
Rodan and Fields DermatologistsJanice Woodall - Independent Business Owner1231 Singer Dr.Riviera Beach, FL 33404(615) 974-1188SKIN CARE
SeaDreams TravelGerri Augustine - Vacation ConsultantPO Box 1089Jupiter, FL 33468(561) 310-9337www.SeaDreamsTravel.comTRAVEL AGENCIES & BUREAUS
April 2011 11
1st United BankA. Duda & Sons Inc.Ackerman Link & Sartory P.A.Almost FamilyBechtel Jewelers Inc.Binks Forest Golf ClubClear Channel OutdoorConnections for BusinessConsumer Debt Help AssociationCreative Matters, Inc.Cricket CleanersDanny’s Septic and Drain CleaningDynamexExtra Space StorageFlorida Atlantic University Jupiter CampusFlorida Realty Brokers, Inc.
RenewalsGeneral Plumbing Inc.Goldstein & Jette, P.A.GunsterInk & Toner USAJacobs EngineeringLakeside Health Center - Life Care Centers of AmericaLion Country Safari, Inc. - FLLittle Smiles, Inc.McDonald’s/ “B” ing The Best, Inc.Minto CommunitiesOrkin Pest Control - CommercialPalm Beach Metal, Inc.PanachePanera BreadPublix Super Markets Inc. Store #848 at CityPlace
The ALS Association Florida ChapterDonna V. Ghioto - Regional Director of Development101 1st CourtPalm Beach Gardens, FL 33410(561) 429-4242www.alsafl.orgNON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION
The Scotts Miracle-Gro CompanyMichael Lukemire - President, Southeast Region2056 Vista Parkway, Suite 300West Palm Beach, FL 33411(561) 681-7650www.scottsmiraclegro.comLAWN MAINTENANCE
Water’s Edge DermatologyLewis Bergman - Practice Administrator600 Village Square Crossing Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410(561) 694-9493www.wederm.comPHYSICIANS & SURGEONS - DERMATOLOGY
The Blind MonkBen Lubin - OwnerWest Palm Beach(561) 833-3605www.theblindmonk.comRESTAURANTS
The Blind Monk is a neighborhood beer and wine bar pouring 100 wines and 25 craft beers by the glass and offering another 300 wines on their bottle list. Located at 410 Evernia Street in an intimate 900-sq.-ft. space at The Whitney Building, The Blind Monk started with a vision that became reality over several bottles of wine and countless conversations. The Blind Monk represents everything that is great about this town; its rich history and easy going good people. We welcome you to our bar and hope that you enjoy your experience at The Blind Monk.
Rehabilitation Center of the Palm BeachesRepublic Services of Palm BeachSailfish Marina Resort/Palm Beach Water TaxiSouth Florida Science MuseumSouth UniversitySouthern Self StorageThe Continental Group, Inc.The Gardens CourtThe Law Firm of Charles D. Jamieson, P.A.TooJay’sUSA Contract Furniture, Inc.Workforce Alliance, Inc.
BB&T MortgageValarie Nichols - Assist. VP Mortgage Lending OfficerWest Palm Beach(561) 262-4256www.bbt.com/vnicholsMORTGAGES
Photo Id: Ambassador, Ramona Maharaj (Financial Center Leader), Pete Oldbury (Private Financial Services Advisor), Valarie Nichols (Mortgage Lending Officer), Linda Merchant (Mortgage Lending Officer), Paul Chatealain (Relationship Banker), Denise Colombo (Mortgage Lending Mgr), Matthew Westbrooks (Business Services Officer), Natalie Cwick (Sales Officer), Jaymie Hauversburk (ADP Small Business Services, District Mgr), Dale Kahle (City Executive), Ambassador.
Ribbon Cuttings
12 Business Watch
Trustee Happenings
The Chamber Trustees hosted a luncheon for United States Senator Marco Rubio at Ruth’s Chris Steak House @ CityPlace on April 1st. Senator Rubio shared his perspectives on the economy, the Middle East and the future of Florida. The informal format gave the Trustees an opportunity to ask questions and participate in a dialogue with the Senator, while sharing their views on those issues and challenges facing our local business community. This is the first in a series of three luncheons during the month of April. For more information on the Trustee Program and its events, contact Kelly Fanelli, Membership Director, at (561) 833-3711 ext. 235 or [email protected].
April 2011 13
Monica Manolas, Palm Beach/Broward General Manager, CEMEX, Inc.
Monica started in the Building Materials industry over 15 years ago as a chemist at what was then Rinker Material’s Cement Plant in Miami, FL. Monica holds her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Miami, her Master of Science in Industrial & Systems Engineering and MBA, both from the University of Florida.
As a young engineer, Monica went from chemist to quality assurance manager to production manager in Miami, before getting involved in strategic planning, organizational design, and human resources when she moved to corporate headquarters in West Palm Beach. For five years, she was Vice President of Operations and Human Resources for the Concrete Pipe Division, with 55 sites and 1700 people all across the United States. From the time of the takeover of Rinker by CEMEX in late 2007 to October 2009, Monica was General Manager for Florida Materials for the Treasure Coast through the Space Coast. In October, she took on the role of General Manager for Palm Beach and Broward. She was honored as the Most Outstanding Participant in 2008 in the CEMEX International Management Program.
Monica has served on the Board of the Palm Beach Division of the March of Dimes, most recently as Vice-Chair and on the Board of Executive Women of the Palm Beaches. She has served as Chair of their Annual Women in Leadership Awards and raised record donations for scholarships and grants for women in Palm Beach County. She is a graduate of Leadership Palm Beach County’s Class of 2008.
Richard Rampell, President and CEO, Rampell & Rampell, P.A.
Richard Rampell is the President and CEO of Rampell & Rampell, P.A., a certified public accounting firm in Palm Beach, FL. Mr. Rampell has over thirty-five years of continuous experience in providing comprehensive services to a wide array of clients, including a specialization in large real estate and financial organizations. He has authored numerous articles on accounting and tax matters. He has written a weekly column for the Wall Street Journal entitled “By the Books”, and co-authored Tax Aspects of Divorce in Florida, published by the National Business Institute, Inc. He is a trustee of the National Public Radio, Inc. Foundation and graduated from Princeton University with honors (A.B.) and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania (M.B.A.).
Chamber Welcomes New Trustees
14 Business Watch
Ambassador of the Month March
Diane Cunningham - Windstream
It has been a pleasure and an honor to be a part of the Ambassador program here at the Chamber. I have gotten to promote the Chamber and all the benefits it has brought to me and Windstream as well as serve the members. I am a firm believer that the more one
gives, the more they’ll receive, so optimize your Chamber membership and GET INVOLVED!!!! (And don’t forget to
bring a guest!)
Ambassador Happenings
ATTORNEY DAVID PRATHER SELECTED TO PRESTIGIOUS SELECTION PANELDavid Prather, a partner at the law firm of Clark, Fountain, La Vista, Prather, Keen & Littky-Rubin in West Palm Beach, has been named a member of the prestigious Federal Magistrate Judge Merit Selection Panel.
CHRISTOPHER FINLEY JOINS GUNSTER’S WEST PALM BEACH OFFICEGunster is pleased to announce that Christopher Finley has recently joined the West Palm Beach office as an associate.
REG ARCHITECTS, INC. ANNOUNCES THE START OF CONSTRUCTION FOR THE PROJECT FOR PALM BEACH CULTURAL COUNCIL’S NEW HEADQUARTERS.
PRIVATE RECEPTION WELCOMES DR. DAVID FITZPATRICK AS CEO AND SCIENTIFIC DIRECTOR OF MAX PLANCK FLORIDA INSTITUTE
GUNSTER SHAREHOLDER MICHAEL V. MITRIONE ELECTED TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF QUANTUM HOUSEMichael V. Mitrione, a board member and shareholder at the West Palm Beach offices of Gunster, Florida’s Law Firm for Business, has been elected to the Board of Directors of Quantum House. Mitrione practices corporate law and focuses on mergers and acquisitions, private equity and venture capital transactions, corporate finance and securities, joint ventures and partnerships, financial institutions and licensing in sports representation.
FORBES NAMES IRONSTONE BANK’S HOLDING COMPANY, FIRST CITIZENS BANCSHARES, THE FOURTH-BEST BANK IN AMERICA.
Members In Motion
DAN MARINO FOUNDATION TEAMS UP WITH PANERA BREAD TO COMMEMORATE NATIONAL AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH WITH “A TOUCHDOWN FOR AUTISM”
As part of this overall philanthropic partnership, Panera Bread has created an exclusive “Football” cookie that they will pre-sell the last week in March and the entire month of April 2011. These one-of-a kind cookies will be sold individually or by the bakers dozen, the “Marino Dozen” that is. The Marino dozen will contain 13 cookies and 100% of the proceeds from the sale of these cookies will benefit the Dan Marino Foundation and the new Dan Marino Foundation Community Campus that is slated to open later this year. Customers can place their orders online at: http://wifi.covelli.com/panera/touchdown-for-autism/
April 2011 15
Women in Business What Every Woman in Business Should Know
About Personal Injury in Business
The Women in Business Committee welcomed Nancy LaVista, a partner in the new law firm Clark, Fountain, LaVista, Prather, Keen & Littky-Rubin, as a guest speaker at their March meeting. Her topic “What every woman in business should know about personal injury in business”, was very insightful and educational.
Before deciding to become a lawyer, Nancy worked as a critical care nurse. She uses her extensive knowledge of the healthcare industry to help clients with medical malpractice and health-related claims, including medical product liability.
Nancy is also the first female president of the local chapter of the American Board of Trial advocates, an organization whose goal is elevating the standards of integrity, honor and courtesy in the legal profession.
The Women in Business Committee meets on the 2nd Thursday of the month at 11:45 a.m. in the Chamber Boardroom. For more information, please contact Kelley Burke at [email protected] or call (561) 833-3711 ext. 231.
Leadership West Palm Beach Class 2011 enjoyed Health & Human Services Day in March with a variety of guest speakers and tours. The day began with a visit to St. Mary’s Medical Center and a presentation by CEO Davide Carbone, as well as tours of the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) and Trauma Center. Next came a tour of Quantum House and presentations by guest speakers from Vickers House and Oakwood Center. The afternoon session began with lunch and a presentation at The Lord’s Place/Café Joshua, followed by guest speakers Dr. Alina Alonso, Palm Beach County Health Department Director, and Dr. Harry Orf, Vice President for Scientific Operations and Professor of Chemistry at Scripps Florida.
Thanks to our Health & Human Services Day co-chairs, Shannon Bothwell, Huntley Miller, and Dr. Linda DePiano.
Special thanks to our Class 2011 sponsors: Grand Bank & Trust of Florida; Florida Power & Light Company; The Palm Beach Post; INTECH; and Palm Beach Kennel Club.
16 Business Watch
Office Depot Program Helps Small Businesses Save
The Young Professionals of the Palm Beaches held their March HotSpot at STORE Self Storage & Wine Storage in Palm Beach Gardens. New and existing YPOP members networked, sampled wines, and took tours of this state-of-the-art storage facility at the evening event. Special thanks to our sponsor, the University of Miami, and Branden Gould, Manager of STORE, for their raffle prize donations and generous hospitality. The next YPOP HotSpot will be held at Leila Restaurant in West Palm Beach on Thursday, April 7. For more information, visit www.ypopconnect.org.
The Chamber Office Depot discount program provides Chamber members with a discount on Office Depot products and services just for being a member of the Chamber.
Participants of the program will benefit from reduced pricing on office supplies and services, four convenient methods of shopping, and free next-day delivery in major markets with purchases of $50 or more.
Choose from a list of over 100 most frequently purchased items and receive a 30% discount on general supplies, 15% discount on copy paper and toner, or receive a 5% discount on all other products outside of the core list.
Sign up for the discount program today to support your Chamber and save time and money while you’re at it!
Receive deepest discounts on your top purchased items found on this list. For all additional items, receive 5% discounts over everyday lowest prices. Click Here to Enroll.
Receive discounts on:Office SuppliesTechnologyFurnitureDigital print servicesCoffee and break room supplies
February 2011 17
Facebook.com/SunFest
.com.com
Get your tickets early to save $$.
2011 Line-upAnnouncing
Jason Mraz, Earth, Wind & Fire, MGMT, Sublime with Rome/ Supervillains, Cee Lo Green, Jeff Beck, Styx, Taking Back Sunday/Circa Survive/Anberlin, Gregg Allman, Neon Trees, The Avett Brothers, O.A.R., Mike Posner, Sick Puppies, Never Shout Never, Prince Royce, Cherry Poppin’ Daddies, Toad the Wet Sprocket,or Ziggy Marley
Visit the Chamber office orsunfest.com/grouptickets
promotional code chamberwpb
Chamber Discount Available
Discount ends Saturday 4/23
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It’s the motherload of a deal for the whole carload, it includes:4 one-day admissions1 parking spot at the Judicial Center
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Reserve parking BEFORE you leave home Check out all the advance parking programs include this carpool special! Learn more at sunfest.com/parking
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Act soon these areas sell out
18 Business Watch
5 Tips for Buying Business InsuranceUse these steps to assess what types of insurance are best for your business, and how to secure coverage to provide adequate protection and minimize risks.
1. Assess Your Risks. Insurance companies determine the level of risk they’ll accept when issuing policies. This process is called underwriting. The insurance company reviews your application and determines whether it will provide all or a portion of the coverage being requested. Each underwritten policy carries a premium and a deductible. A premium is the price you pay for insurance. Premiums vary widely among insurance companies, and depend on a number of risk factors, including your business location, building type, local fire protection services, and the amount of insurance you purchase. A deductible is the amount of money you agree to pay when making a claim. Generally, the higher deductible you agree to pay, the lower your premium will be. However, when you agree to take on a high deductible you are taking on some financial risk. So, it’s important to assess your own risks before you go shopping.
2. Shop Around. The National Federation of Independent Businesses provides information for choosing insurance to help you assess your risks and to make sure you’ve insured every aspect of your business. The extent and costs of coverage vary from company to company. Some brokers specialize in insuring specific types of business, while others can connect you with policies specific to your business activities. For example, if you operate a tow truck service, you’ll want to find an agent that can help find policies that specifically cover automotive service businesses. Often specialist brokers can get you the best coverage and the best rates.
3. Consider a Business Owner’s Policy. Insurance can be purchased separately or in a package called a business owners’ policy (BOP). Purchasing separate policies from different insurers can result in higher total premiums. A BOP combines typical coverage options into a standard package, and is offered at a premium that is less than if each type of coverage was purchased separately. Typically, BOPs consist of covering property, general liability, vehicles, business interruption and other types of coverage common to most types of businesses. BOPs simplify the insurance buying process and can save you money. However, make sure you understand the extent of coverage in any BOP you are considering. Not every type of insurance is included in a BOP. If your business has unique risks, you may require additional coverage.
April 2011 19
4. Find a Reputable, Licensed Agent. Commercial insurance brokers can help you find policies that match your business needs. Brokers receive commissions from insurance companies when they sell policies, so it’s important you find a broker that is reputable and is interested in your needs as much as his own. Make sure your broker understands all the risks associated with your business.
Finding a good insurance agent is as important as finding a good lawyer or accountant. You should always look for one that has a license. State governments regulate the insurance industry and license insurance brokers. Many states provide a directory of licensed agents.
5. Assess Your Insurance Coverage on an Annual Basis. As your business grows, so do your liabilities. You don’t want to be caught underinsured should disaster strike. If you have purchased or replaced equipment or expanded operations, you should contact your insurance broker to discuss changes in your business and how they affect your coverage.
This information has been reprinted from the U.S. Small Business Administration website. For more information and additional articles visit www.sba.gov.
Now accepting Raffle & Goodie Bag item donations for the
Annual Golf TournamentFriday, June 24, 2011
Annual Golf TournamentFriday, June 24
PGA National Resort & Spa
6.24.11
• 150 business men and women participate in the tournament
• Your company will be featured in our program, Chamber newsletter e-Business Watch and listed on our website www.palmbeaches.org
• All prizes must be valid June 24, 2011 to June 24, 2012
• Please drop off or mail the prize accompanied by this form no later than June 15, 2011 to the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches, 401 North Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
• If possible, please enclose a pamphlet or flyer to help showcase your item
Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches 401 North Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach, FL 33401 Phone: (561) 833-3711 Fax: (561) 833-5582For more information, contact Kelley Burke at [email protected]
Please Fax Back to (561) 833-5582
Why donate?
Please check one: Raffle Item Goodie Bag Item
Item Description:
Value: $ Blackout Dates/Restrictions: Donated by:
Contact Name: Phone: Address:
City/Zip: Fax: Email:
If you would like to play in our tournament call Kelley Burke at (561) 833-3711 ext. 231
To advertise call 1-800-GET-REAL.
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