The Chamber thrived throughout 2023 and is finishing the fourth quarter strong. Multiple events took place last week as we look forward to 2024 and all it will bring. BIG Ideas, Holiday Social and Deerfield Beach Community Heroes capped off a busy week. 

We also said goodbye to one of our co-chairs of the Social Impact Council—Tracey Prescod, who passed away unexpectedly. Her celebration of life was held on Saturday. Many business leaders joined together to pay tribute. 

Moving forward, the last Board meeting will be on December 21 as Chair Jack Seiler brings the year in for a landing and 2024 Chair of the Board Burnadette Norris-Weeks takes off with her team with Director orientation on January 11.

In 2024 we held over 180 events ranging in size of five to 400. Our signature events—Annual Meeting, Downtown of the Year, Small Business Innovation Conference, Rising Leaders Summer Soiree, Sawgrass Awards, Salute to Business, Perspectives on Florida’s Healthcare, Ally Awards, Holiday Social and much more.

Legislatively we moved the needle on issues ranging from expanding food and beverage on the beach to a New River crossing solution to funding for the Central and South Florida Flood Control System.

In 2024, we kick things off with our Broward County State of our Workforce – January 24, which includes a job fair. The Annual Meeting Luncheon is set for February 15 at the Signature Grand followed in March 14 with Downtowner of the Year. Another outstanding opportunity to engage will be our FPL Washington Summit (May 13-16) where we take 85 delegates to DC to work on issues for our region.

Thank you to all who participated in 2023 and to the Board of Directors, councils and committees for their tireless work. Be on the lookout for our finalized calendar for 2024 and the council/committee enrollment which will be released soon.

All My Best,

Daniel Lindblade, CAE

President & CEO

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐅𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐞.

Get ready to embark on a journey through the vibrant pages of our magazine, where we spotlight our amazing members, showcase our wonderful community, and unveil our outstanding chamber programming.

A special thanks to First Baptist Fort Lauderdale for being our cover sponsor.

Chamber members and local officials joined forces last week, pooling ideas to enhance our community. Topics such as transportation and education took center stage. The event started with a panel discussion featuring Broward County Commissioner Lamar P. Fisher, Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis, and Sunrise Mayor Michael Ryan

"What are the next big ideas? Sometimes it comes knocking on your door. The reality is that we have to create an environment that makes people want to live and visit here. That's the biggest role that we have as a community, to move that needle forward," Mayor Trantalis said.

The event transitioned to interactive group sessions where attendees brainstormed on vital topics like cultivating young talent, transforming Broward into an international hub, and addressing affordable housing.

"We talked about the backbone of our community and that's our small businesses. All of you are most important to us as leaders because we want to make sure that your business thrives in our communities and county. So, we want to hear from you," Commissioner Fisher said.

Gratitude to all attendees and our valued sponsors: AT&T Florida, University of Miami Health System, Memorial Healthcare System, Pier Sixty-Six Resort, and Chevron!

During the recent weekend at the Who's Who in South Florida event, Chamber President Dan Lindblade presented well-deserved awards to the power players shaping Fort Lauderdale's trajectory, as highlighted by Venice Magazine. These visionary individuals are instrumental in the city's ongoing transformation, driven by dedication, resilience, and a profound passion for their pursuits. As Fort Lauderdale evolves, so do these leaders, and you can delve into the details of their remarkable achievements in the latest issue of Venice Magazine.

Upcoming Events

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Tech Palooza: The Future of

the AI Revolution

Happy Holidays Beach Clean Up

CAREERSOURCE BROWARD OPENS REGISTRATION FOR BROWARD COUNTY EMPLOYERS TO JOIN THE SUMMER YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM

CareerSource Broward is excited to announce that registration is now open for Broward County employers interested in participating in the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) 2024. This program offers a unique opportunity for local businesses to host career-minded youth eager to gain valuable on-the-job experience during the summer months. Broward County employers can now register for the Summer Youth Employment Program at https://careersourcebroward.com/syep-emp.

The program is open to youth between the ages of 16 and 18. Participants will earn a competitive wage of $14 per hour, fully covered by the program, and can work up to 30 hours per week between June and August. Youth can be placed in various roles, including clerical assistant or aide positions, with opportunities available in for-profits, nonprofits, government agencies, libraries, community organizations, and more. Prior to their start date, youth will be provided paid employability skills training emphasizing job readiness, professionalism, and workplace expectations.

“The Summer Youth Employment Program is just second to none," said Heiko Dobrikow, general manager at the Riverside Hotel. "We have been doing this for a number of years and, as an employer, I can tell you it brings a lot of value to the table.”

Carol Hylton, president and CEO of CareerSource Broward, emphasized the advantages of the program for both employers and youth. "This program offers multiple advantages to our youth, including gaining real world work experience and income, developing employability skills, and receiving mentorship from professionals across various industries and occupations.”

Employers interested in shaping the future workforce and contributing to the success of Broward County are encouraged to participate as a worksite for the 2024 Summer Youth Employment Program. Registration is quick and easy; complete the short form at https://careersourcebroward.com/syep-emp.

For more information about the Summer Youth Employment Program, please contact Latema King, program manager, at (954) 202-3830, ext. 3021, or lking@careersoucebroward.com

CareerSource Broward is grateful for the support from the Children’s Services Council of Broward County and additional funders that make this program possible.

SUPPORT OUR MEMBER NONPROFITS

As we kick off the Holiday Season with GIVING TUESDAY, we encourage you to support our nonprofit members either by donating or volunteering. Please consider the organizations below and thank you for your generosity.

4Kids of South Florida

ABC Cares Foundation

Afro Pride Federation

Ageless World of Dance

All Saints Episcopal Church

American Cancer Society

Ann Storck Center

Arc Broward - Arc Works

Area Agency on Aging of Broward County

ArtServe

Art Prevails Project, Inc.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward

BowTie Kids

Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County

Broward Children's Center

Broward College

Broward Days

Broward Education Foundation, Inc.

Broward House, Inc.

Broward Housing Solutions

Broward Partnership

Broward Public Library Foundation

Business for the Arts of Broward

Camp Boggy Creek

Canine Assisted Therapy, Inc.

Cayuga Centers

Center for Spiritual Living

Central Beach Alliance

Children First Community Homes & Services

Children's Services Council of Broward County

Cleveland Clinic Florida

Common Ground USA

Community Foundation of Broward, Inc.

Covenant House Florida

Dan Marino Foundation

Deerfield Beach Historical Society

Deliver the Dream

Destiny Fulfilled Outreach Ministries, Inc.

Dillard Center Arts Foundation

Early Learning Coalition of Broward County

Epilepsy Florida

Equality Florida

Equine-Assisted Therapies of South Florida, Inc

Family Promise of Southeast Florida

Farm Share, Inc

Firewall Centers

FLIPANY (FL Introduces Physical Activity/Nutrition to Youth)

FLITE Center of Broward County

Florida Association of Nonprofits

Florida Grand Opera

Food For the Poor, Inc.

Fort Lauderdale Historical Society

Freedom Waters Foundation

Friends of Birch State Park

Funding Arts Broward

Gang Alternative, Inc.

Gilda's Club South Florida

Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida

Glam-A-Thon

God's Gift, Inc.

Goodwill Industries of South Florida, Inc.

Guy Harvey Foundation

Habitat for Humanity of Broward

HandsOn Broward

HANDY - Helping Advance/Nurture the Development of Youth

Heal The Planet Together, Inc.

Healthy Mothers-Healthy Babies Coalition of Broward

Heart Gallery of Broward County, Inc.

Henderson Behavioral Health

Hispanic Unity of Florida

Hosanna Corporation/Hosanna4Youth

House of Hope, Inc.

Humane Society of Broward County, Inc.

International Society for Autism

International Swimming Hall of Fame

Jack and Jill Childrens Center Inc.

Julian's Fountain of Youth

Junior Achievement of South Florida, Inc.

Kids In Distress

Kiwanis Club of Fort Lauderdale

Leadership Broward Foundation, Inc.

LifeNet4Families

Lighthouse of Broward for the Blind & Visually Impaired

Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida, Inc.

Marine Research Hub

Mayla Pediatric Cancer Foundation, Inc.

Museum of Discovery & Science

National Scleroderma Foundation - FL & Puerto Rico Chapter

Neighbors 4 Neighbors

Pace Center for Girls Broward

Pine Crest School

Rebuilding Together Broward County

RiseAsOne

Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale, Inc.

Shak's Hope Foundation

SHIELDUS Co.

Showering Love Inc.

SOS Children's Village of Florida, Inc.

South Florida Institute on Aging - SoFIA

Spiritual Connection Outreach Community Center of South FL

Stranahan House, Inc.

Sweet Dream Makers

Take Stock in Children of Broward County, Inc

TaskForce Fore Ending Homelessness, Inc.

The Grant Cardone Foundation

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

The Local Octopus Foundation

The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army - Adult Rehab Center

The SMART Ride

The Welcome Center (Sheila D. White Youth Center)

Trustbridge Hospice Foundation

United Community Options of South Florida

United Way of Broward County

Urban League of Broward County

Volta Music Foundation

Women in Distress of Broward CountyWomen Voice Network

World AIDS Museum and Educational Center

YMCA of South Florida

Zonta Club of Greater Deerfield Beach

The Guide to Greater Fort Lauderdale is Back!

We're excited to announce that the eagerly anticipated "Guide to Greater Fort Lauderdale" will be making its debut towards the end of this year. Packed with invaluable insights, recommendations, and an insider's perspective on the vibrant Greater Fort Lauderdale region, this guide is your ultimate companion to exploring everything our community has to offer. From hidden gems to must-see attractions, dining delights to cultural treasures, this comprehensive guide is your key to unlocking the best experiences in our beloved city.

For businesses looking to showcase their products and services to a diverse and engaged audience, we're offering exclusive advertising opportunities within this prestigious guide. Don't miss the chance to elevate your brand and reach a wider demographic. To explore our ad prices and proposals, click the button below. Join us in celebrating the essence of Greater Fort Lauderdale and let your business shine in the spotlight!

For previous example, click here! For advertising options, click the button below!

General

Alpha Staff

American Insulation

Arosa Care

Buy With Brooksy

Ceibo Fertility Center

Elevate Digital Marketing

Ethan Forrest | Real Estate Advisor

Four Quarters Agency

Glya Science LLC

Hanging Pants Media

JFT Defense LLC

Marco's Pizza

Middlebrooks & Middlebrooks, P.A.

Morton's The Steakhouse

Oceans 234

Oceanside Labor and Demolition LLC

Papageno Wine & Provisions LLC

Paychex

Sage Mediation and Consulting, LLC

The Brand Advocates

Truluck's Ocean's Finest Seafood & Crab

United Community Options of South Florida

Veterinary Emergency Group

Volta Music Foundation

Trustee

McKinsey & Company

General

AC Hotel Fort Lauderdale Beach

Baxter Martin Advertising

Brizaga, Inc.

Broward Center for the Performing Arts

Broward County Medical Association

Castelli Real Estate Services

Century 21 Hansen Realty, Inc.

Elite Language Academy

Embassy Suites - Fort Lauderdale 17th Street

Fitlife Foods Fort Lauderdale

Florida Grand Opera

Fort Lauderdale Country Club

Fort Lauderdale Historical Society

Fort Lauderdale Stays, Inc.

Healthy Mothers-Healthy Babies Coalition of Broward

Innovative Financial Concepts, LLC

International Society for Autism

L2L Marketing + Communications, LLC

List Industries

Mad 4 Marketing, Inc.

One South Florida Wealth Advisors

Seiler, Sautter, Zaden, Rimes & Wahlbrink

The Marker Group, LLC

Valley National Bank

Weston Town Center Executive Suites

Wow Advisors - Walker Ostrowski Williams CPAs

Trustee

Chen Moore and Associates

Edward Jones Investments

Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance

Holy Cross Hospital, Inc.

Moss & Associates

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Starmark International

Van Dee Fulfillment

Wells Fargo Bank, NA

Chairman’s Circle

AT&T Florida

Florida Panthers / FLA Live Arena

Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale, Inc.

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