Tuesday, July 18

No Meetings Scheduled

Wednesday, July 19

Downtown Networking Partners

GLBX Leads Group

Thursday, July 20

Biz to Biz Leads Group

Branding & Marketing Council

Friday, July 21

Biz Perks East

6th Annual Rising Leaders Summer Soiree

Port Everglades stands out for its business diversity and customer service excellence. As the world's third busiest cruise homeport and a leading container and cargo port in Florida. Serving as South Florida's primary seaport for energy products, Port Everglades boasts convenient access to highways, an international airport, and state-of-the-art warehousing. With a vast intermodal container transfer facility, cargo can reach major cities within days.

Port Everglades Serves as a Pillar for

Fort Lauderdale Economics

With $33 billion in total economic activity, $1.18 billion in state and local taxes, and 191,480 Florida jobs generating $9.5 billion in wages, Port Everglades has become a pillar for South Florida's Economy. 

Remember back in April when Fort Lauderdale suffered severe flooding? One of the results included a gas shortage. This was due to the port having delays on petroleum shipping. This is just one of the many reasons why Port Everglades is vital to Broward County.

Port Everglades is now ranked #12 in the US regarding containerized cargo. This morning, the chamber members gathered to hear from Director Jonathan Daniels & Public Information Officer Joy Oglesby about the port's growing economic impact and future. Chamber members even got to enjoy a tour of the facility. 

Coppola’s Bistro Ristorante Opens

6^th Location in Fort Lauderdale

Congratulations to our new members, Coppola's Bistro Ristorante, for today's successful ribbon cutting at their new site! Chamber members, alongside city representatives such as Mayor Dean J. Trantalis & Chamber Chair Jack Seiler, showed their collective support for the new Fort Lauderdale location. 

Owner, Ricardo Alonso, as well as his team (Brian Alonso, Leonardo Raduazzo, and Enrique Hernandez) showed their gratitude for all the shown support. He plans to continue expansion and growth of the Coppola’s brand to spread Italian fine-dining across Florida.



All attendees got to sample different items from the menu while experiencing traditional, fine Italian dining.  With locations in Kendall, Coral Gables, Doral, Coral Springs, and now Fort Lauderdale, feel free to stop by and enjoy Italy's delicious, authentic taste. From the chamber, we'd like to send our thanks for hosting a great event!

It’s no secret that Florida, especially South Florida, is susceptible to hurricane damage. Broward County ranks as one of the top-5 single-family areas at risk for storm surge and hurricane wind in 2023, according to the Insurance Information Institute. In the same study, it states that over 700,000 people are at risk for storm surge, which would total at $211.4 billion in repairs.

Chamber members gathered to hear about Hurricane readiness insight from professionals from SERVPRO, Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport, and former CBS Weatherman, Craig Setzer.

Mike Panster from SERVPRO spoke about his experiences with homeowners during the restoration process. Panster gave clear instructions to businesses preparing for hurricanes, such as having elevators on the first floor, offered this suggestion – keep the elevator on the third floor to avoid flooding at the base. He made a point against a common mindset, where people tend to stay in their homes to wait out the storm. Panster followed with descriptions of individuals who drowned, attempting to wait out the storm.

Krystal Permanan took the podium emphasizing the importance of aviation to Fort Lauderdale. She mentioned Foreign-Trade Zones, which is an area within international commerce not subject to U.S. duties, or taxes on imported materials. Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport also runs a youth program for those interested in aviation as a career choice. Upcoming community event: Uptown 5K on the runway. 

Guest Speaker Craig Setzer, former CBS Weatherman and Meteorologist gave a detailed presentation on the history of Hurricane activity across the Atlantic Coast, then offered practical steps and guidelines to help protect you and your loved ones. “Surge hazards are what we base our evacuation (plans) on. If you live in a flood zone, you need to evacuate," Craig Setzer said.

A great event and very informative!

Greater West Broward Council is in a growth pattern. Today's working meeting included scheduling upcoming mixers, Leaders Luncheon, and their Annual Sawgrass Awards scheduled for August 10 at the Renaissance Fort Lauderdale West Hotel. Tickets on sale now.

Register Today For The Summer Soiree!

Don't miss the 6th Annual Rising Leaders Summer Soirée.

Save the date for Friday, July 21, 6 - 9 p.m., at Grateful Palate, located at

3003 NE 32nd Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308 (next to Shooters Waterfront).

Don your white attire and join us for an evening embracing the Avant-Garde theme.

$80 for members, $100 for non-members.

Registration includes a drink ticket, delicious hors d'oeuvres,

captivating entertainment, and an exclusive swag bag.

Sponsorship opportunities and vendor tables available.

Secure your spot now for networking and exposure!

Click here to Register

Click here to Register

Click here to Register

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