February 2011 Connection

1 ■ Boca Chamber CONNECTION ■ February - April 2011 www.bocaratonchamber.com

www.bocaratonchamber.comThe Official Publication of the Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Membership Your Best Road to Success!

February - April 2011 B o c a c h a m B e r


COnTenTsOfficersJohn T. Mulhall III, Rutherford Mulhall, P.A., Chair

Cheryl Budd, NCCI Holdings, Inc., Chair Elect

Keith O'Donnell, Flagler Real Estate Services,Vice Chair

Randy Nobles, Comerica Wealth & Institutional Management,

Vice Chair

Kevin Ross, Ed.D., Lynn University, Treasurer

Forrest Heathcott, JM Family Enterprises, Inc. & JM&A

Group, Immediate Past Chair

Troy M. McLellan, CCE, President & CEO/Secretary

DirecTOrsStephen Ast, Boca Raton Resort & Club

Vic Beninate, AT&T

Joe Cilia, Town Center at Boca Raton/Simon Property Group

Melanie Dickinson, South Florida Business Journal

Jerry Fedele, Boca Raton Regional Hospital

Mitch Feldman, West Boca Medical Center

Peter Gallo, Ph. D., Saint Andrew’s School

Michael Kaufman, Kaufman Lynn Construction

Bonnie Kaye, Kaye Communications Inc.

Rick Konsavage, Ocean Properties Ltd.

Monica Luechtefeld, Office Depot

Joseph Pores, Call 4 Health

Burt Rapoport, Rapoport’s Restaurant Group

Rocki Rockingham, Jarden Consumer Solutions

Tim Snow, George Snow Scholarship Fund, Inc

Chuck Stout, Meridian Insurance Group, LLC

Ethel Isaacs Williams, Florida Power & Light Co.

PrOfessiOnal TeamTroy M. McLellan, CCE, President & CEO

Firdaus Dotiwala, V.P., Finance & Administration

Sarah Pearson, V.P., Business Development

Monica Russell, V.P., Government & Community Affairs

Audra Hodges, Marketing & Communications Coordinator

Chasity J. Navarro, Events Coordinator

Alyssa Kleinman, Executive Assistant

Steven Bleier, Sales Associate

David Somberg, Sales Associate

Kathy Sheridan, Member Service & Administrative Associate

Message - Chamber President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

DIAMOND Award Recipient . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Allianz Championship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

DC Fly-In/Facebook Info . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

New Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-8

Member Anniversaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

The Boca Chamber "Seen" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-11

Trustee Membership/Twitter Info . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Boca Bacchanal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Small Business Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Ribbon Cuttings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Member News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Chamber Golf Classic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Professional Team New Members. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Leadership Boca. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Calendar of Events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

1800 north Dixie HighwayBoca raton, fl 33432p: 561.395.4433 | f: 561.392.3780e: [email protected] w: www.bocaratonchamber.com


A Message from your Chamber PresidentEvery new year brings a renewed vigor to make life better – both in our personal and professional worlds. The choices we make set the course for our overall success.

Your decision to be involved with the GBRCC will help guide you on the road back to economic prosperity. If your business is operating at a GOOD level, then we want it to do BETTER. If your business is doing BETTER,

then we want to help you make it the BEST! To that end, we are determined to help you overcome "bumps in the road" by developing innovative programs and creating new opportunities for your business.

The Chamber recently hired three new members of the professional team. Please welcome Monica Russell as our Vice President of Government and Community Affairs, Sarah Pearson as our Vice President of Business Development and Chasity J. Navarro as our Events Coordinator. See page 18 for more information about our new team members.

From the economic development front, we are working very closely with the Business Development Board and the City of Boca Raton in a collective effort to recruit new companies as well as retaining those that already call Boca Raton home. In addition, the GBRCC’s economic development will be rolling out its initiatives for the year. Along with the creation of a Member Visitation and Retention program, the committee will focus on supporting member businesses located downtown to bolster economic activity in that area, attempt to identify some international business opportunities, and assist in determining any additional funding sources for economic development incentives.

On the political and legislative front, the Chamber’s political action committee, BLU-PAC, will endorse candidates in the upcoming Boca Raton City Council races. You will hear from us once BLU-PAC has made its endorsements. Make sure you have March 8th on your calendar to cast your vote. In addition, the Chamber’s legislative agenda will be completed before the start of the state legislative session. Along with state priorities, the agenda will include local and national priorities as well.

We are also celebrating the strong level of leadership that graces this community through events like the upcoming 5th Annual DIAMOND Award Luncheon, where we will honor Margaret Mary Shuff of JES Publishing, who along with her husband John, has spearheaded some of the best locally-focused magazines in the country, including Boca Raton Magazine. In addition, our annual Business Awards Luncheon will take place on Thursday, May 19th at the beautiful Boca Raton Resort & Club, where we will honor the Business of the Year, the Business Leader of the Year and the Small Business Leader of the Year.

We are also excited to announce that we will be coordinating a Washington D.C Fly-In from May 23rd to 25th, which will be co-hosted by our two district congressmen, the honorable Ted Deutch and the honorable Allen West. This is the first time our fly-in will include two congressmen. Over the course of three days, we will meet with a multitude of leaders in the public policy arena, tour locations where public policy is hashed out and truly experience all that Washington D.C. has to offer.

On the networking front, you will continue to have many opportunities to connect with fellow members at any number of events from the Monthly Membership Breakfast and After-Hour Networks to the Successful Women in Business and young business professionals of PULSE. There is never a shortage of networking opportunities with the GBRCC!

Education is a critical component to economic development and the Chamber’s commitment to education will hit a landmark this year with its education foundation, Golden Bell. Now in its 20th year, Golden Bell will donate its millionth dollar to the Boca Raton public school system. This landmark is a reflection of the business community's dedication to making Boca Raton a wonderful place to work and live. Be on the lookout for information on how you can help us celebrate and as always, you can find out more at www.bocaratonchamber.com/goldenbell.

As you can see, the Chamber continues to be very active in creating opportunities for economic development. We hope you will join us in celebrating leadership, education and a return to economic prosperity.

You have many decisions to make this year – by participating in the GBRCC, you have chosen the right path for you and your business!

By Troy M. McLellan, CCEPresident & CEO, GBRCC

Driving Your Business Down the Right Road


If you are interested in showing your support for our 2011 DIAMOnD Award Recipient and simultaneously marketing your company through sponsorships or corporate tables at the DIAMOnD Award Luncheon,

please contact Chasity navarro at 561.395.4433 ext. 233 or [email protected].

Friday, March 4th12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Marriott Boca Raton at Boca Center

5150 Town Center CircleBoca Raton, FL 33486

Details: www.bocaratonchamber.com/events

The prestigious DIAMOND Award luncheon honors a woman who enjoys success in her field, while making a difference in the Boca Raton Community. For the fifth consecutive year, the award will be presented to a woman who inspires others and who helps maintain the high quality of life in Boca Raton.

In 2011, the Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce honors Margaret Mary Shuff, President and Publisher of JES Publishing, as the recipient of the Fifth Annual DIAMOND Award. A DIAMOND Businesswoman is: Dedicated, Inspiring, Accomplished, Motivated, Outstanding, Noble, and Driven to help make her community shine.

ABOUT OUR HONOREE: Margaret Mary and her husband John Shuff have been publishing Boca Raton Magazine since 1981, along with several specialty advertisements, non-subscription-based annual publications designed to increase awareness and generate revenue for specific clients nationwide.

“Margaret Mary (Shuff) exemplifies the essence of a DIAMOND Award recipient,” said Troy M. McLellan, CCE, President and CEO of the GBRCC. “For 30 years, she and her husband John have spearheaded some of the finest local magazines in the country, including the Chamber's own annual publication. She has been heavily involved in enhancing the overall quality of life in Boca Raton and the surrounding communities and, simply by leading by example, has become one of the area’s most prominent business women.”

To Shuff, the key to professional and personal success is teamwork.

“A strong business climate is essential for the vitality of any community, she said. “And when business leaders work together toward creating excellence in a town as they did with Mizner Park, it benefits all who live here. We all need one another to succeed and if everyone works together everyone shares in the results with a healthy, attractive and vibrant city.”

HonoringMargaret Mary shuff

www.bocaratonchamber.com Boca Chamber CONNECTION ■ February - April 2011 ■ 5

In celebration of five years in Boca Raton and the PGA Champions Tour tournament’s 11th year, Allianz Championship management has added exciting new “events within the event” to this year’s program. The festivities will tee-off from February 7-13th at The Old Course at Broken Sound Club and benefit Boca Raton Regional Hospital. General admission to the tournament is once again free through the generous underwriting by sponsors Allianz Life, the City of Boca Raton, JM Lexus, Administaff, and Konica Minolta Business Solutions with opportunities for individuals and companies to purchase VIP seating as well as executive skybox seating and sponsorships on the 18th green with full-service bar and generous buffets.

Based on the record crowds at last year’s tournament, more than 85,000 business and civic leaders, avid golfers and fans, newcomers to the golf experience, and nonprofit supporters are expected to come from South Florida and beyond to Boca Raton. Each attendee will observe such golf legends as defending champion and Boca Raton resident Bernhard Langer, Nick Price, Tom Lehman, Corey Pavin, Gary Player, Paul Azinger and tour rookies Kenny Perry, Mark Calcavecchia, and Steve Lowery competing for the $1.8 million purse in one of the PGA Champions Tour’s tournaments in the early-season Florida swing. All three championship rounds will be televised on the Golf Channel with segments showcasing the distinctive features, advantages and benefits of living, working, and visiting Boca Raton.

Kicking off tournament week will be the first Allianz Championship Women’s Executive Pro-Am presented by Lilly Pulitzer on Tuesday, February 8th, offering a unique “gals and golf” networking experience. The first Annual Allianz Championship Fairway 5K will hit the green on Saturday, February 12th at 7:15 a.m. offering runners and walkers a first-time ever Florida experience of running on a championship golf course followed by a City of Boca Raton-hosted Family Day that offers something for everyone, including face painting, appearances by mascots from Florida sports teams, a bounce house, putting contests, a Don Law golf clinic, and more.

The tournament’s introduction of the Allianz Championship “Birdies Fore Charity” fundraising program to this year’s golf experience line-up offers limitless opportunity to generate funds based on the number of birdies made by the PGA Champions Tour players during the three-day championship play with 100% of dollars raised going directly to the participating nonprofits. Be sure to visit www.allianzchampionship.com to make your pledge to support the Chamber’s Golden Bell Education Foundation.

The Allianz Championship Golf & Wine Experience returns Friday, February 11th at close of championship play so that wine connoisseurs and golf enthusiasts will get the chance to hobnob on the green with legends of golf while popping the cork to sample reds and whites from the private wine collections of golf pros’ own vineyards and have a chance to win VIP tournament tickets, 2011 Masters Golf Tournament tickets, or a $2,500 gift certificate to David Rosenberg Diamonds. JOIN IN THE FUN AT THIS SIGNATURE BOCA RATON EVENTTell your friends and colleagues about all the “events within the event” and visit www.allianzchampionship.com for a full event schedule and tournament updates, and to register for events, participate in “Birdies Fore Charity”, purchase VIP and skybox tickets, and explore sponsorship and volunteer opportunities or call the tournament office at 561-241-GOLF.

5th Annual Allianz Championship Tees Off “events Within The event” Offer More “On The Green” Business Development, Community-Building & Family Fun


... your journey

10 North Ocean Boulevard, Delray Beach

Contact us or view our menu andmonthly promotions on-line.Spa Memberships available.

561.278.8111 spas.com LICENSE #MM18972

GIFT CERTIFICATES ALWAYS AVAILABLE

2525-Nspas-BocaRatonAd.indd 1 1/11/11 12:18 PM

come Get 'em! The 2011 annual Directory!

The Annual Directory books are now available! Please stop by the Chamber office to pick up your copy today!

connect with the Greater Boca raton chamber of commerce on Facebook via our:

• GBRCC Friend page

• GBRCC Fan Page

• PULSE Fan Page

GBrcc members:Post your Business Events on our wall!Post your Specials!Chat with us and fellow friends!

www.facebook.com/bocachamber

1515 South Federal Highway - Suite 306Boca Raton, FL 33432

561-347-0300 Ext. 1107

Aplicor is a global Cloud Based Software Companywhich features a full CRM (Customer RelationshipManagement) and ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) Software Solution for high growth, middle-market and enterprise companies.

Contact Monica Russell at [email protected] for details.

Join the Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce for our

DC Fly-In May 23-25, 2011

with Congressman Ted Deutch & Congressman Allen West

SAVE THE DATE!

When only the best will do.

1200 Yamato Road, Suite B-1Boca Raton, FL [email protected]

Chris Petrucci, Realtor® 954-274-7529

REAL ESTATE • MORTGAGE • TITLE


NEw TRUSTEE MEMBERS:Boca Helping Hands (561) 417-0913 [email protected] James Gavrilos Boca Raton, FL

Blue Cross and Blue Shield / Frederic Ariola (305) 921-7003 www.bcbsfl.com Frederic Ariola Miami, FL

Calusa Animal Hospital (561) 999-3000 www.cvcboca.com Dr. Andrew Turkell Boca Raton, FL

The Club at Boca Pointe (561) 864-8533 www.theclubatbocapointe.com Ian D. N. Fetigan Boca Raton, FL

Deck 84 (561) 665-8484 www.deck84.com Burt Rapoport Delray Beach, FL

EG Communications Group (954) 958-0338 www.eurographics.com Martin Marinov Fort Lauderdale, FL

Florida Shores Bank - Southeast (561) 347-5400 www.floridashoresbank.com Marilyn wilson Boca Raton, FL

Incapital (561) 361-1100 www.incapital.com John Radtke Boca Raton, FL

Infinity Sales Group (561) 665-4310 www.infsalesgroup.com Kenneth Rosen Boca Raton, FL

IronStone Bank (561) 253-8131 www.ironstone.com Mike Coady Palm Beach Gardens, FL

YMCA of South Palm Beach County (561) 395-9622 www.ymcaspbc.org Richard w. Pollock Boca Raton, FL

NEw GENERAL MEMBERS:All American Roofing, Inc. (561) 479-4983 www.allamericanroof.com Joseph Manning Ft. Lauderdale, FL

All Communication Rentals, Inc. (954) 788-9555 www.allcommrentals.com Lois Jamison Pompano Beach, FL

Balkan & Patterson, LLP (561) 750-9191 www.balkanpatterson.com Adam Balkan Boca Raton, FL Bankruptcy Group of Florida (561) 869-3703 www.thebankruptcygroupofflorida.com Josh Liszt Boca Raton, FL

Beverly Boy Productions (305) 579-4792 www.beverlyboy.com Tavares Beverly Pembroke Pines, FL Boardwalk Fresh Burgers and Fries (954) 907-1655 www.boardwalkfreshburgersand-fries.com Irene Jung Boca Raton, FL 33433

BocaFertility (561) 368-5500 www.bocafertility.com Dr. Moshe R. Peress Boca Raton, FL

Boca's Best Pizza Bar (561) 367-7227 www.bocasbestpizzabar.com John Pierson Boca Raton, FL

Busy Brooms Commercial Cleaning (954) 303-0842 www.busybrooms.com Sandy Maritz Boca Raton, FL

Carlo of Boca (561) 988-9699 www.carloofboca.com Luis Bolivar Boca Raton, FL

Charley's Canine College (954) 722-8836 www.charleyscaninecollege.org Steve Ginsberg Tamarac, FL

DCwireNet, Inc. (561) 338-2526 www.dcwirenet.com Daniel Cohen Boca Raton, FL

Edward Jones / Neil I. Kobrin (561) 487-3361 www.edwardjones.com Neil Kobrin Boca Raton, FL

EVS Nespresso (561) 713-4079 www.evsonline.info Mindy Kaufman Miami, FL

First Avenue Collision Center (561) 338-0613 Leslie Harris Boca Raton, FL

First Florida Services (561) 290-1795 www.firstflaservices.com Evan Krauss Jupiter, FL

Flagship Solutions Group, Inc. (561) 289-2045 www.flagshipsg.com Mark wyllie Boca Raton, FL

Foundation Mortgage (561) 899-0099 www.foundationmortgage.net Neil J. Lavikoff Boca Raton, FL

Fur Crazy Pet Salon (561) 488-2242 www.furcrazy.com Dawn Beechler Boca Raton, FL

G.R. Traffic Investigation and Reconstruction, Inc. (561) 275-6140 V. Dawn Chadwell Boca Raton, FL

Gracin & Marlow (561) 237-0804 www.gracinmarlow.com Hank Gracin Boca Raton, FL

Haberman Law, P.A. (561) 988-2600 www.haberman-law.com Leonard Haberman Boca Raton, FL

HealthExcel / Dr. Anthony Stampalia (561) 488-3734 www.healthexcelmedicalgroup.com Bob Briller Boca Raton, FL

Integrated Nutrition, LLC (561) 443-4300 www.integratednutrition.com Barbara Beznos Boca Raton, FL

InterMed of Boca Raton, Inc. (561) 391-8086 www.intermedclinics.com Lolita Torres Boca Raton, FL

The Journey Church (561) 420-0606 www.bocajourney.com Nelson Searcy Boca Raton, FL

K.E.A.N. Realty Solutions LLC (561) 212-7247 www.keanhomes.com Nizan Mosery Boca Raton, FL

Kravit - The Estate Department Inc (561) 482-1002 www.estatedept.com Crystal Larsen Boca Raton, FL

Level Five Management (561) 509-2077 www.levelfive.us Sigrid Lium Boca Raton, FL

The Mediation Doctor (561) 789-0710 www.themediationdoctor.com Deborah Beylus Boca Raton, FL

Millers Elegant Hardware (561) 994-4393 www.eleganthardware.com Fran Golden Abel Boca Raton, FL

Mirtech Corp. (954) 428-9775 www.mirtechcorp.com Alper Karakuscu Deerfield Beach, FL

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney (954) 729-4500 Joseph Riano Boca Raton, FL

(continued on page 8)

Welcome New members!*Due to press deadlines, members listed are those that joined from October 15, 2010 to January 15, 2011.


New Times Culture and Education Center (561) 350-1897 www.shenyunperformingarts.org Yue Shen Doral, FL

New wave Depo, LLC (561) 368-8587 www.newwavedepo.com Jan Correggio Boca Raton, FL

Patrice and Associates (561) 988-9229 Alan Keystone Boca Raton, FL

Pinnacle Tile & Remodeling, Inc. (561) 637-0400 Eben Medlicott Delray Beach, FL

Premier Leadership Coaching (561) 542-8913 www.premierleadershipcoaching.com Alexa Hartley Delray Beach, FL

Prime Cigar & wine Bar (561) 613-6130 www.bocasmoke.com Ryan Leeds Boca Raton, FL

Raith Properties, Inc./MrRenter.com (561) 667-2031 www.raithproperties.com Eric Raith Boca Raton, FL

Realty Associates / Tom Kuleba (888) 528-8585 www.bocaratonrealestateexpert.com Tom Kuleba Boca Raton, FL

Sanctuary Medical Aesthetic Center (561) 886-0970 www.SMACBoca.com Kimberly winkler Boca Raton, FL

Seventh Element (561) 939-8030 www.SeventhElement.com Patrick Stinus Boca Raton, FL

Shraiberg Ferrara & Landau, P.A. (561) 443-0812 www.sfl-pa.com James T. Ferrara Boca Raton, FL

Stara Estates Inc. (561) 237-5540 Patrice Maheras Boca Raton, FL

Studio 10 East (561) 391-2992 www.studio10east.com Francoise Altvatter Boca Raton, FL

Sun Radio Network, LLC (800) 871-6163 www.sunradionetwork.com Ann Bailey Boca Raton, FL

Supreme Lending (561) 350-4766 www.waynerohrbaugh.supre-melending.com wayne Rohrbaugh Delray Beach, FL

Taproot Creative (561) 866-5975 www.taprootcreative.com Tajiana Ancora-Brown Boca Raton, FL

Temple Beth El of Boca Raton (561) 391-8900 www.tbeboca.org Jan Catalfumo Boca Raton, FL

Toon & Bataskov, MD, PA (561) 368-0233 www.toon-bataskov.yourmd.com Karrie Bataskov MD Boca Raton, FL

Ulysse Nardin, Inc. (561) 988-8600 www.ulysse-nardin.com Annie V. Russo Boca Raton, FL

Upfront Foods, LLC (561) 886-0209 www.upfrontfoods.com Gigi Twist Boca Raton, FL

Velocity Voip Telecom, Inc. (561) 282-5500 www.velocityvoip.com Lauren Halperin Boca Raton, FL

Verizon wireless Premium Retailer (561) 392-7011 www.wearewireless.com Sheila Santosuosso Boca Raton, FL

wave 2700 (561) 361-2700 www.wave2700.com John Stilley Boca Raton, FL

Yaffa & Associates (561) 276-3880 www.yaffapa.com Doreen M. Yaffa Boca Raton, FL

(New Members - continued from page 7)

*Due to press deadlines, members listed joined

from October 15, 2010 to January 15, 2011. NOT A MEMBER? If you are interested in joining the

GBRCC, please call 561.395.4433

to speak with a Sales Associate.

Award recipients will be honored in the categories of: • Small Business Leader of the Year • Business of the Year • Business Leader of the Year

For more information and for sponsorship opportunities, please log on to: www.bocaratonchamber.com/events or contact Chasity navarro at

561.395.4433 ext. 233 or [email protected]

May 19, 2011 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Boca Raton Resort & Club (501 e. Camino Real, Boca Raton)

SAVE THE DATE


●Anthony N. Dardano, DO, PA ●Becker Consulting Group, Inc. ●Bennardo & Bennardo, Attorneys at Law ●Children's Museum ●Ergonomics, Inc. ●Lima Vision Center, PA ●Marsha Gandy ●Pan American Cigars Export, Inc.

●Corey Leifer, P.A. ●Corzo Castella Carballo Thompson Salman, P.A. ●Grand Floridian Estate Realty ●Labyrinth Audiology ●Office Depot ●Pinar International Inc. ●Stratis Business Systems, Inc. ●Unity School ●woolbright Development, Inc. ●X-Med Medical Information Systems

5 Years as a

chamber member

10 Years as a

chamber member

Thank you to all of our Members for your continued support! ~ The Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce Team

GBrcc member anniversaries

15 Years as a

chamber member

●Olympic Heights Community High School


Welcome to the Boca Chamber 'Seen'!

Membership

Breakfasts

Charles Shane and Dr. Kevin Ross at the November Membership Breakfast

Hal Rosenthal and Connie Carsberg at the November Membership Breakfast

PULSE

(Professionals United for

Leadership, Service &

Empowerment)

Jessica Frederick and Angela Carrasco at the November PULSE After-Hours Network

Jason Alexander, Erica Berlepsch and Kasey Marlowe at the November PULSE After-Hours Network

Rob Roides and Ellen Franklin at the 29th Annual Holiday Auction

Bob Nichols and Troy McLellan at the 29th Annual Holiday Auction

29th annual

Holiday

auctionDebby Cotter and Dr. Gary Burns at the 29th Annual Holiday Auction

Susan wandersman, Mike wolfson and Merryl Haber at the December Holiday Membership Breakfast

Jerry Fedele, Melanie Dickinson and Rick Murdoch at the Holiday Trustee After-Hours

Ioana Grigore and Ian Fetigan at the Holiday Trustee After-Hours

Michael and Joanne DelGigante and John Mulhall at the Holiday Trustee After-Hours

Trustee

Networks

Successful

Women in

Business

(SWIB)


Welcome to the Boca Chamber 'Seen'!

Membershipafter-hours Network

There's so much to do at the GBrcc!

We have fantastic networking events happening all the time

at the GBRCC. Won't you join us?

Visit www.bocaratonchamber.com/events for more info!

Barbara Sageman and Darlene Sall at the January Membership Breakfast

Jayne Scala and Joseph Riano at the December Holiday Membership Breakfast

J. Albert Johnson and C. Glen Ged, at the December Holiday Membership Breakfast

Gail Eagle and Michael Church at the 29th Annual Holiday Auction

Lise and Mike Orr at the 29th Annual Holiday Auction

Mitch and Kolleen Feldman and Forrest Heathcott at the Holiday Trustee After-Hours

Mike and Cheryl Nowack at the Holiday Trustee After-Hours

JC Perrin and Erica Stein at the 29th Annual Holiday Auction

Patrick Stinus, Brian Niles and Neil Lavikoff at the January Membership Breakfast

Successful

Women in

Business

(SWIB)Amanda Keller and Joanne Iannazzone at the November SwIB Luncheon

Margie Osborn and Victoria Landis at the November SwIB Luncheon

Michele Trilling, Sharon Peress and Debi Richichi at the November SwIB Luncheon

Susan Luxemberg and Dr. Laura Skellchock at the November SwIB Luncheon

Keith O'Donnell, John Shuff and Marie Speed at the Holiday Trustee After-Hours


ARE you serious about being a leader? A leader in your business? A leader in the entire greater Boca Raton community? You are invited to become part of the inner circle of local business - the Greater

Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce Trustee program!

The Chamber created this group of senior-level executives to have an exclusive forum in which to network, make contacts, and discuss major issues affecting the business community. The Trustee Program offers a complete range of benefits and services geared to meet the challenges that CEOs, COOs and high-powered executives face today.

As a Trustee, you will have the opportunity to convene with South Florida’s leading executives and decision makers. You will be invited to attend various events and meetings,

receive private direct emails and group newsletters, and have member benefits and exclusive offers put to you. Most importantly, we will be working closely with each other so that all group members prosper and benefit from one another.

Some of the benefits of your Trustee Alliance are acces to networking forums, VIP events, small group Trustee lunches & happy hours, and meetings with locally-elected officials and community leaders.

Your participation as a Trustee allows you to be a part of our concerted effort to strengthen the economic vitality and quality of life for which Boca

Raton is so well known. For more information about the Chamber's Trustee program, please email Sarah Pearson at [email protected] or call 561.395.4433 ext 238, or visit www.bocaratonchamber.com/trustees.

Trustee Members John Strickroot and Penny Morey at a recent Trustee Member Event.

Take Your Business to the Next Level!

A long-time regular member of the Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce, I admit that I was a tad trepidant about elevating my membership to the Trustee level. RemarkAbleHR provides assistance to any size/type of employer; so being a regular Chamber member has always been great for obtaining referrals and clients. But would the other Trustee members be receptive to me and my business? The answer has been “Yes!” Becoming a Trustee level member has proven to be an excellent personal and professional growth decision. The chance to become better acquainted with the other Trustees, attend Trustee-exclusive sessions (e.g., straight Talk in the Boardroom), as well as being able to listen to the very fine speakers who share their perspectives and wisdom during Trustee gatherings, have all been meaningful--and in a variety of positive ways. At the Trustee level of membership, one feels like a proactive participant in a high caliber group of focused business representatives who are intent on improving and expanding the “Commerce” aspect of Boca Raton.

Trustee Membership: A Powerful Program for Business

Penny MoreyManaging Director

RemarkAbleHR, Inc.(561) 477-3077

[email protected]

Follow @bocachamber on

Tweet with your fellow GBRCC members!

Follow @PULSEYoungPros on

Young Professionals are the PULSE of big business!Post your news - we retweet members!


9th Annual Boca Bacchanal - It's Time To Revel!

Cheers! The 9th Annual Boca Bacchanal is March 18-20, 2011 in Boca Raton, Florida. Food and wine aficionados will want to mark their calendars for this popular weekend featuring a toast to the era of South Florida’s legendary Mango Gang chefs, and award-winning vintners to benefit the Historic Preservation and Heritage Education Programs of the Boca Raton Historical Society. The weekend will be uncorked on Friday evening with a sumptuous series of six Vintner Dinners hosted in magnificent private residences, pairing the featured chefs and vintners in unique collaborations of cuisine and top of the portfolio wines.

Then be ready to dine, dance, bid and “Rock your Bacchus!” at Saturday evening’s Bacchanal & Auction at the Boca Raton Resort & Club. A tropical Floridian wonderland of native vegetation, colorful birds, swimming fish and many delightful surprises welcome guests to this extravaganza of sensational food and great wine created with the encore participation of the Vintner Dinner Chefs and Vintners, presided over by Boca Raton Resort & Club Executive Chef Andrew Roenbeck. Enjoy a delectable reception and silent auction, a multi-course feast with wine pairings, and a live auction offering fabulous wine and lifestyle lots up for bid. We invite you to celebrate with us and then “Rock your Bacchus” with music spinning into the wee hours.

The weekend concludes on Sunday afternoon outdoors at Mizner Park Amphitheatre with the popular Grand Tasting. Sip, savor and stroll your way through this alfresco luncheon revelry on the tented green. Enjoy delicious by-the-bite specialties from 30 top local

restaurants, an exceptional presentation of 140 featured wines, and taste and purchase the herbs, produce, specialty oils and foods in “The Marketplace.”The celebrated era of the mango gang chefs are: Robbin Haas - Gulf Coast Kitchen at the Montauk Yacht Club Resort, Montauk, NY Bistro Cinq, Antigua, Guatemala ; Cindy Hutson - Ortanique on the Mile, Coral Gables, FL; Mark Militello - Cabo Blue, Deerfield Beach, FL; Douglas Rodriguez - De Rodriguez Cuba and Ola At Sanctuary, Miami Beach, FL; Oliver Saucy - Darrel & Oliver's Café Maxx, Pompano Beach, FL and Allen Susser - Chef Allen's, Aventura, FL

The featured award-winning Vintners are: Blair Fox - Fess Parker Winery & Vineyards, Santa Barbara, CA; Kathryn Hall – Hall Winery – Napa Valley, CA; Jacques Lardiere - Maison Louis Jadot, Burgundy, France; Jac Cole – Spring Mountain Vineyard, Napa Valley, CA; Pierre Emmanuel Taittinger, Champagne Taittinger – Reims, France and Rosa Lee de Leuze – ZD Wines, Napa Valley, CA.

In addition to new partners Comerica and JM Lexus, other partners include Republic National Distributing Company, The Boca Raton Resort & Club, Boca Raton Magazine, Cendyn, Carla Marsh Public Relations, Crown Wine & Spirits, Publix Supermarkets Charities, City of Boca Raton, Palm Beach County Cultural Council and the Palm Beach County Tourist Development Council. Promotional Partners are Atlas Party

Rental, Boca Raton Museum of Art, Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce, and livingfla.com.

For more information on Boca Bacchanal, please contact the Boca Raton Historical Society at 561.395.6766, ext. 101 or visit www.bocabacchanal.com.


If healthy eating is one of your New Year’s resolutions — and you’re a frequent business traveler — the road could be a bumpy one. But while navigating a path to healthier business luncheons requires a little more thought, it can be fun and challenging.The Five Road Rules:1. It All Adds Up!Eating just 10 extra calories a day can add up to 1 lb of fat per year. The good news is that you can cut those 10 extra calories a day by eliminating:• ¼teaspoonofbutter• 1potatochip• ½teaspoonofsaladdressing• 1sipofsodaorjuice• ½teaspoonsugar• 1hardcandy2. Cut Back on the FatsFats are denser than carbohydrates and proteins, and more packed with calories. Here’s the breakdown:• Carbsandproteins—4cal./gram• Fats—9cal./gramAsk for foods to be broiled, boiled, or baked.3. Make the "No Big Deal" Changes

Don’t make drastic changes. Make smaller, easier changes you can live with for the long term.Two large slices of pizza with meat toppings and a soda, pack 1,220 calories and 48 grams of fat. Choose smaller pieces of pizza with thin crust and low-fat toppings.4. Forget the Old RulesHere are some new, healthier takes on old rules:•Don’tfinisheverythingonyourplate.Restaurantportionstend to be much bigger than a single serving. One meal can sometimes add up to a whole day’s recommended calories! •Doplaywithyourfood.It’sokaytoremovefatfrommeatorscrape off cheese. 5. Don’t Deprive YourselfYou don’t have to give up all of your favorite foods to lead a healthier life. By watching portions and making small changes, you can achieve a more balanced, lower-calorie diet wherever you are.

Defensive Dining for Business Travelers

These tips were provided by NCCI Holdings, Inc., which brings in guest lecturers to talk about healthy practices as part of its employee wellness program. Local nutritionist Sandy Livingston gave a talk at NCCI recently and cited the work of Dr. Joanne Lichten, America's On-the-Go Health Guru.

the crowd and act out of fear rather than logic, you make easy short term decisions which often wind up to be bad long term decisions.

I can’t tell you how many clients have called me up with panic in their voices, and reiterate to me a statement they heard somewhere. I remind them that a successful portfolio is like launching a successful business. Successful businesses create a business plan, modify that plan, and they stick to it. How many success stories use the words, “Against all odds…”? To be a success, you must do the homework, modify your behavior, come up with your own opinions, and act based upon a plan, forsaking all opinions of others. To be a Contrarian is to believe in your own choices without doubt.

The theory of contrary opinion is simple. Do what other people aren’t doing. It’s a concept that’s easy to say and very difficult to do.

Imagine the markets as a large playing field with people rushing towards one side of the field to buy and the other to sell. The majority of people will be following the crowd, so they can sell at the bottom during a panic and buy at the top if the market is bullish. These same people listen to what the media has to say about it. The media will have different opinions from person to person, but if you notice, the themes in what they report are all the same. This group dynamic is in action everyday. Those people running from one side of the court to the other are reacting emotionally, basing their decisions on the motions of the crowd.

Contrarians are the individualists. They base their actions not on fear, but on their own research and internal guidance system. They have created a disciplined investment plan and stick to it regardless of what the crowd does. This tactic goes against our basic human nature. It is this ability to overcome fear that separates the successful individualists from the majority of people who are just getting by in life. It’s scary to run towards something when everyone else is running away. In my experience, if you allow yourself to feel the pressure of

WRIITEN BY: Bob Child, Boca Raton Wealth Manager. Visit www.ChildWealthManagement.com for more information.*Merrill Lynch Affluent Insights Quarterly Survey Finds New Retirement Sensibilities and Priorities Emerging Among Affluent Americans, Merrill Lynch Affluent Insights Quarterly/BofA, 1/14/10; 3 Ways Baby Boomers and Seniors are Coping with Recession, US News and World Report Jan 2009By investing in bonds you may be subjected to price volatility based on fluctuations in issuer and credit quality. When investing in bonds, you are subject, but not limited to, the interest rate, inflation and credit risks associated with the bonds. Bonds may be worth less than original cost upon redemption or maturity.

The Theory of Contrary Opinion

The Small Business Update


Ribbon Cuttings

Florida Atlantic University College of Engineering

777 Glades Road Boca Raton, FL 33431

Boardwalk Burgers and Fries 21077 Powerline Road Boca Raton, FL 33433

Everglades University 5002 T-Rex Avenue

suite 100 Boca Raton, FL 33431

American Health Association 1181 s. Rogers Circle


Floral & Hearty 101 Plaza Real south

suite # B Boca Raton, FL 33432

City Furniture 3350 Airport Road

Boca Raton, FL 33432

Delray Medical Center Cath Lab

5352 Linton Blvd Delray Beach, FL 33484

Miller's Elegant Hardware 6600 West Rogers Circle Boca Raton, FL 33487

Ulysse Nardin2101 nW Corporate Blvd.


Florida Shores Bank - Southeast

1801 south Federal Highway Boca Raton, FL 33432

Comerica Bank1 s. Federal HighwayBoca Raton, FL 33432

Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith 4730 nW Boca Raton Blvd



member News After an extensive evaluation process conducted by the National Career Academy Coalition (NCAC), West Boca Raton Community High School’s Academy of Drafting and Design has been named a “National Model Academy.” This is the school’s third National Career Academy Model. J.C. Perrin, Business Partner and Advisory Board member to West Boca Raton Community High School, has been selected to receive the 2010 Carl Perkins Outstanding Service Award from the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) during the General Session at the ACTE Convention and Career Tech Expo on Friday, December 3, 2010, in Las Vegas. ACTE offers this award in recognition of the contributions and distinguished accomplishments of those persons who have been identified with the work and purpose of the Association. For more information, please contact Ms. Scotchel-Gross at 561-357-7537 or [email protected] .

Hospice of Palm Beach County is proud to announce that Clyde Meckstroth, DO, MHA, FACOS, FAAHPM, has achieved the status of Fellow of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. Dr. Meckstroth, whose specialty is general surgery and hospice and palliative medicine, is also a member of the American Academy of Hospice of Palliative Medicine, the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons and the American Osteopathic Association. He is board certified in general surgery and hospice and palliative medicine. Hospice of Palm Beach County serves as the choice provider of end of life care for patients in the Palm Beach County community. The non-profit organization provides physical, spiritual and psychosocial services to more than 7,000 patients and their families each year, regardless of their ability to pay. To learn more, please call (561) 848-5200 or visit www.hpbc.com.

BankUnited at Boca Town Center raised $750 for Hospice by the Sea on October 14, 2010. The event featured a selection of colorful orchid-themed artwork created by Jerry Gotkin, a Smithsonian catalogued artist, along with a grand drawing for desirable prizes and keepsakes. Founded in 1978, Hospice by the Sea, Inc. has provided hospice services, home health care, palliative care services, complementary therapies and caregiver support to more than 100,000 patients and families in Broward and Palm Beach counties. For more information about Hospice by the Sea’s programs and services, please call (954) 462-4115 or (561) 395-5031, or visit www.HBTS.org.

The Mathew Forbes Romer Foundation (MFRF) and 166 special guests enjoyed “An Evening of Sweetness & Laughter” featuring the “Laffing Matterz” dinner show on Sunday, January 9, 2011 at The Broward Center for the Performing Arts. Generous sponsors and guests raised more than $45,000 toward the Foundation’s mission.Inspired by the strength of Mathew Romer, who lost his eight-year battle with Tay-Sachs disease in 2003, MFRF was founded in South Florida 12 years ago to support education and research of children’s genetic diseases of the brain.

“On The Money! With Steven L. Pomeranz, CFP” Expands Audience Reach With Debuts On Five Additional Radio Stations In South, Southwest And Central Florida. The popular personal finance and investment radio talk show has been broadcast for the past nine years on National Public Radio® affiliate WXEL 90.7 FM and recently added to the NPR Radio® affiliate WLRN Xtra HD 91.3 FM schedule expanded

the show’s audience reach by hitting the airwaves on five additional Florida radio stations. For more information, visit www.onthemoneyradio.org or call (866) MONEY01.

A sense of community commitment resonated throughout Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith, PLLC’s recent grand opening of its new 12,188-square-foot office building located at Corporate Plaza in Boca Raton. The Firm partners are "AV" rated by Martindale Hubbell, the highest rating in ethics and legal ability. Its partners and associates have served in leadership positions for the Florida Bar, Palm Beach County and Martin County Bar associations. LLL&S Associate Merryl Haber directs and Managing Partner Gary Lesser oversees the Boca Raton office that is located at 4730 NW Boca Raton Boulevard. For more information, please call (561) 655-2028 or visit the Firm’s website at www.lesserlawfirm.com.

New GBRCC member Upfront Foods has selected MDG Advertising to handle product launch, corporate branding, product branding and packaging, integrated marketing and advertising, social media, search marketing and website architecture, design and development. More information about Upfront Foods can be found at: www.upfrontfoods.com About MDG: MDG Advertising of Boca Raton, FL and New York, NY is an award-winning, full-service agency specializing in customized communications strategies. Core capabilities include advertising, branding, creative, digital marketing, media planning and buying, public relations, Web design and development, SEO and social media initiatives. For more information, visit www.mdgadvertising.com.

Habitat for Humanity of South Palm Beach County recently acquired a small lot in the Lincoln Court area of Pearl City and plans to build a four-bedroom home there in the spring. The nonprofit group, which builds homes for low-income families, hopes to buy three other empty lots on Lincoln Court for future Habitat homes. This will be the first home that Habitat for Humanity has built in Boca Raton since 2001.

IBIS Wealth Management, a fee-only, Registered Investment Advisor firm with locations in Boca Raton and Miami, Florida, is pleased to announce that Founder, Thomas W. Balcom, CFP®, CAIA, MBA, has been elected as 2011 President of the Florida Planning Association of Broward County. The Financial Planning Association (FPA®) of Broward County elected Thomas W. Balcom, CFP®, CAIA, MBA, as 2011 President. Balcom began leading as President of the organization on January 1, 2011. For more information visit: http://www.southfloridafpa.org. IBIS Wealth Management is a fee-only, Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) firm located in South Florida with offices in Boca Raton and Miami. The award-winning Certified Financial Planning (CFP®) advisors at IBIS Wealth possess over 40 combined years of experience and specialize in investment and wealth management solutions for high net worth individuals, family trusts, charitable foundations and qualified retirement plans. For more information or to register for The IBIS Wealth Investment Commentary visit: http://www.ibiswealth.com.

Please send business news updates and press releases to Audra Hodges at [email protected]. NOTE: Due to space consideration, we may not be able to run ALL received updates.


"Fore!" a Good Cause!

The cause is networking for your business, with your fellow chamber members at the Chamber’s 41st Annual

Golf Classic! Join us with 36 foursome teams to make connections and enjoy a great day out on the greens. Tell your boss that you are at a meeting! surprise treats and tasters from community restaurants will be enjoyed throughout the course. Lunch and the traditional award ceremony will follow the tournament.

see you on the course!

If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities or would like to purchase a foursome, please contact Chasity navarro at

[email protected] or call 561.395.4433 ext 233.

space is limited, so submit your registration today!

SAVE THE DATE!!! Friday, June 3

Boca Country Club


Leadership Boca represents the Chamber’s effort to ensure that our community leaders will be able to meet the challenges of the future.

The eight-session program is designed to educate civic-minded individuals in the greater Boca Raton area regarding the issues and concerns facing the community.

The program develops a pool of leaders available to become involved in creating, maintaining and enhancing the quality of life in Boca Raton. The eight sessions include: SIMSOC (Simulated Society), Economic Development, Health & Human Services, Education, Environmental Awareness, Government, Media, and Culture & Tourism. Participants will become a more valuable asset to their employer by providing face-to-face contacts with current community leaders, identifying concerns and issues, and preparing themselves to assume future leadership roles. For info, contact Chasity Navarro at 561.395.4433 ext. 233 or [email protected].

Leadership Boca 2011 is Starting Soon!

New Faces ... New IdeasSame Superior Level of Service!

Jackie Reeves of Bell Rock Capital, LLC & Dick Lee of Keller williams Realty will

be Chair and Co-Chair of the Leadership Boca 2011 class.

The Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce constantly strives to exceed the expectations of our membership.

One way we accomplish that is to hire dedicated professionals who can help us develop and grow in the avenues which will help meet the ever-evolving needs of our members and promote a business-friendly environment.

Chasity Navarro is our new Events Coordinator. She will be planning and executing our programs, such as the Monthly Membership Breakfast, Successful Women in Business lunches and PULSE After-Hours Networks and Annual Events such as the DIAMOND Award Luncheon, Golf Tournament, the Annual Celebration and more.

She has been expertly planning both social and business events for more than 15 years. Born and raised in New York, Chasity moved to South Florida nearly 10 years ago. She currently lives in West Boca Raton with her children.

Sarah Pearson traveled all the way from Oregon to join us in

beautiful Boca Raton. She spent four years as the Vice President of Sales and Marketing for the Chamber of Medford/Jackson County in Medford, Oregon – a Chamber of similar size and influence as the GBRCC. She has more than 15 years of experience in increasingly responsible roles within Business Development and is excited to continue her career in the Chamber industry. Sarah will focus on business development, spearheading the Sales Team, Economic Development Committee and guiding the Chamber's Trustee Program. She currently lives with her husband and children in Boca Raton.

The GBRCC recently renewed its commitment to stay deeply involved in government affairs and Monica Russell, the new Vice President of Government and Community Affairs has come on board to help with that effort. With more than five years of experience working with some of the leading legislators in Tallahassee, Monica brings to Boca Raton a keen insider's perspective on legislation that will affect business in Boca Raton. Born and raised in Boca Raton, Monica and her husband currently live in Aventura.

(From L to R) Events Coordinator Chasity J. Navarro, Vice President of Business Development Sarah Pearson, and

Vice President of Government and Community Affairs Monica Russell



Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce1800 north Dixie HighwayBoca Raton, FL 33432-1892

PResORT sTDUs POsTAGe

PAIDBoca Raton, FL

Permit no. 4

Current ResidentOR:

PLATINUM PARTNERSBoca chamber

Be a Part of History! (...and math and English

and science...)Help Golden Bell reach the $1 Million Dollar Donated to

public schools in Boca Raton! www.bocaratonchamber.com/goldenbell

Golden Bell education Foundation

2011

Celebrating 20 Years of Giving!

Documents

February 2011 Connection