Greetings!

October has arrived and it brings a month full of can't-miss events! Salute to Business presented by Bank of America is always an incredible opportunity to honor individuals and companies making huge strides in our community. Registration is already open, so make sure to reserve your seat for one of the Chamber's biggest events of the year!

Chairman's Circle and Trustee members , our monthly reception is WEDNESDAY at the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina. Register now to take advantage of this complimentary event.

Also, be sure to show your Chamber pride! Download a Proud Member Badge to use on social media, your website, or any way you choose here! While you're at it, follow us on Facebook , Instagram and Twitter and use the hashtag #ftlchamber.

We want to recognize your business' accomplishments, so remember to send your press releases or any major news about your organization to [email protected].

The Mega-Mixer of the Year

Is a Day Away

The GLBX Business Community Ally Awards will take place tomorrow! This is a last call for the mega-mixer of the year. The chance to pre-register is almost over, so make sure you save your spot for this incredible inaugural event.

We'll be honoring those doing business with and for the LGBT+ community, and now the wait is almost over. Guests will be able to mix and mingle as they enjoy delicious cocktails and tasty hors d'oeuvres, while taking in the spectacular views atop the Pier Sixty-Six Hotel & Marina. Be part of a special evening and register now!

BIG Ideas & BIG Announcement

Coastal resiliency, transportation and workforce development rose to the top of many discussions at Ocean Land Investments' BIG Ideas Conference. But how do we get certain messages across and create action?

It's the question many participants pondered, during breakout sessions at this year's event. GFLCC President & CEO Dan Lindblade announced plans for the inaugural International Economic Resilience Convention, which will take place next November in Fort Lauderdale.

The Chamber will be making a concerted effort to band together with local organizations and governments to create awareness of the event and its message.

We invite you to click on the video and take a look at some of the highlights of last month's conference and once again, thank you to all of the sponsors who made it all possible!

Last week's Board of Directors meeting covered an array of topics, but we would like to thank Mayor Mike Ryan of Sunrise for joining us and giving an update on what's at the top of his city's agenda. The Board was also joined by Mark Gale, Executive Director of Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport.

Mr. Gale gave an update on the upcoming closure of the airport's north runway, which has been in operation since 1943. The closure, which is needed to make overdue repairs, will begin in the summer of 2019. Broward County's largest airport is on pace to take in about 36 million passengers this year and is currently in negotiations with low-cost carrier, Swoop Airlines. Mark Gale recently completed a trip to China to engage in talks on possible non-stop flights between East Asia and FLL. As Mr. Gale explained, expanding upon the international terminal is "the key to our future."

Mark Gale also mentioned a positive outcome of last year's Washington Summit. With the help of all those who embarked on the Chamber's trip to the nation's capital last year, FLL and Port Everglades have seen an increase in Customs and Border Patrol agents. A request made to elected officials in D.C., during the 2017 summit.

Helping the Homeless

The Fort Lauderdale Forum put the spotlight on the growing initiative to help the more than 2,300 people living on the streets of Broward County.

GFLCC President & CEO Dan Lindblade is part of a team taking part in the "United We End Homelessness" initiative.

The Fort Lauderdale Forum's meeting was fittingly held at the Fort Lauderdale Women's Club, adjacent to the growing homeless encampment that has crowded the plaza area between Stranahan Park and the Main Library.

Fort Lauderdale Vice Mayor Ben Sorensen was among the panel, which spoke to dozens of business leaders and residents about the issue. Please click on the video to hear some of conversation and CLICK HERE to read more about the program aiming to help the homeless.

Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce Chair Juliet Roulhac embarked on a trip to Taiwan, along with many other American delegates including Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis, for the 2018 Global Harbor Cities Forum.

Mayors and representatives from 38 harbor cities worldwide pledged Sept. 27 in Kaohsiung to pursue the sustainable development of land and sea resources and build more livable and resilient environments that can cope with the effects of climate change.

To read more about the forum, click here: https://www.taiwantoday.tw/news.php?unit=2&post=142453 .

The Chamber has developed a new incentive for members. Every Chamber member's business is being included. This is a new website, independent of the Chamber site, designed to drive visitors to your homepage. If you're looking for even more exposure, you can move on up! Click the video below to see how it works.

Upcoming Events

Become a Tutor from the Comfort of Your Own Home or Office

More than 200 prominent companies and organizations partner with Innovations for Learning to recruit an army of volunteers to help students in under-resourced schools and communities.

Click here  to get started.

Chamber Chatter

Put Your Business in Front of HUNDREDS of THOUSANDS of Readers!

TravelHost is offering a special advertising rate to CHAMBER MEMBERS for its upcoming October/November "Boat Show" issue.

Your message, within a special section of the issue, will be seen by over 200,000 visitors from around the world as well as over 800,000 digital impressions on TravelHost's website and social media platforms.

For more information, click on the flyer and contact Ina Lee at

(954) 463-4733