Message from the CEO: Moving Business Forward

Good Morning Valued Chamber Member,

The United States Senate passed H.R. 1799, the PPP Extension Act, which ensures that small businesses have access to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). MetLife & the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Index showed that 59% of small businesses still feel as though it will take more than six months for normalcy to return.

COVID-19 liability protections for Florida’s businesses and healthcare providers has been signed into law by Governor DeSantis, becoming the first major policy adopted this year. Florida Senate Bill 72 gives businesses and healthcare providers, including nursing homes, new protections from COVID-related lawsuits. Plaintiffs now need to prove clear and convincing evidence and that a defendant acted with gross negligence. The bill also shields those who make a good-faith effort to follow virus protocols.

The Health Care District of Palm Beach County has launched a self-scheduling COVID-19 appointment website, which allows residents to book appointments in real-time if slots are available. The new site will allow users to make an appointment if there are slots available at the three locations operated by the Health Care District of Palm Beach County: The South Florida Fairgrounds, the South County Civic Center, and the Burns Road Community Center. Those already on the Health Care District's vaccine waiting list will be prioritized for an appointment. Click here to access the site.

Hotel occupancy rates in Palm Beach County have climbed for the first time in over a year, with some properties reporting close to 80%. Events like The Honda Classic, Major League Baseball spring training, spring break and St. Patrick’s Day have helped in returning to a rate not seen since March 2020. Additionally, the marketing efforts by Discover The Palm Beaches and the Palm Beach County Sports Commission, along with well-communicated safety measures and increased vaccinations, have played a significant role in the recovery of our important tourism industry.

The Palm Beach County School District is seeking input from families, employees and students to determine priorities for the next multi-year Strategic Plan. The Plan will build on accomplishments achieved over the past five years. The district created a brief survey consisting of six questions and will be open until April 9^th. All responses will be kept confidential. To take the survey, click here.

Looking for a quick way to find an event, register for an event, and receive pop-up notifications of important Chamber, County, City of Boca Raton, and City of Boynton Beach information? Download the Boca Chamber App – found on the App Store and Google Play Store. Keep your Chamber at the tip of your fingers! You can also stay up to date on all Chamber activity by visiting us at bocachamber.com.

We continue to provide you with valuable virtual and in-person experiences. Most virtual programs are recorded and available for you to access on the Boca Chamber’s YouTube Channel. Hit the subscribe button to find out when new content is posted on our channel.

Below is a list of our upcoming virtual and in-person experiences:

3/31 – 12:00 p.m. Virtual Exclusive Trustee Presentation

Topic: CEO Spotlight

Speaker: Eric Silagy, President & CEO Florida Power & Light

Click here to register

4/2 – 8:30 a.m. Virtual PRIME Professional Group