A Publication of the Belle Glade Chamber of Commerce

Dear Chamber Members, Partners, and Friends,

This year marks a truly special milestone for our Chamber of Commerce - 60 years of growth, collaboration, and community pride. For six decades, the Chamber has supported local businesses, championed economic development, and helped shape the place we are proud to call home.

To honor this remarkable journey, we invite you to join us for our 60th Anniversary Denim & Pearls Banquet on November 18, where past, present, and future will come together in celebration. Dust off your denim, shine up your pearls, and get ready for a night filled with recognition, entertainment, and heartfelt appreciation for the people who make our business community shine.

As we reflect on the legacy of those who built the foundation we stand on today, we also look forward with excitement. The Chamber continues to evolve, embracing new opportunities and empowering our members to thrive in a changing world.

Thank you for your ongoing support and dedication. Together, we will continue advancing prosperity and strengthening the spirit of our community - for the next 60 years and beyond.

We can’t wait to celebrate with you on November 18!

Warm regards,

Erika Medellin

We’re continuing our monthly series on Chamber benefits, shining a spotlight on the tools and opportunities available to help your business grow.

This month’s feature focuses on one of the Chamber’s most powerful member benefits - your access to Networking Opportunities & Events.

Through mixers, breakfasts, ribbon cuttings, and special gatherings, Chamber events help you make real connections that spark new customers, referrals, and business relationships. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just getting started, showing up and engaging in these events can elevate your visibility and establish your presence in the community. With each handshake and introduction, you're building a stronger, more connected business.

Networking Opportunities & Events

What’s the Benefit?

Chamber members enjoy exclusive access to mixers, luncheons, ribbon cuttings, and special events that bring the local business community together. These gatherings offer consistent chances to connect face-to-face with potential customers, referral partners, civic leaders, and fellow entrepreneurs - all in a supportive, collaborative environment.

How It Helps Your Business

• Builds Relationships: People do business with those they know and trust.
• Expands Your Network: Every event is a chance to meet someone new who may need your services or recommend you to others.
• Increases Visibility: Just being present makes your brand more recognizable in the community.
• Opens Doors: Conversations at Chamber events often lead to new partnerships, referrals, and even media opportunities.

Tips to Maximize This Benefit

1. Bring Business Cards: Always have something to leave behind.
2. Perfect Your Elevator Pitch: Practice a 20-second intro that tells who you are, what you do, and how you help.
3. Follow Up: Send a friendly email or message to new contacts within 24 hours.
4. Attend Regularly: Familiar faces build trust. The more you show up, the more memorable you become.
5. Invite a Guest: It strengthens your network and introduces new potential members to the Chamber.

Real-World Example

"While attending a Belle Glade Chamber networking breakfast, I was introduced to the Literacy Coalition’s Read With Me program. This marks my second year reading to kindergarten students at Gove Elementary, and it has been a wonderful experience connecting with so many amazing individuals. Thanks Belle Glade Chamber for providing this life changing opportunity!"

-Brenda Bryant, Legislative Aide for Senator Lori Berman

What to Do Next

• Check the Chamber’s Event Calendar: Look for upcoming mixers, breakfasts, and special programs.
• RSVP & Show Up: Make it part of your monthly routine.
• Sponsor or Host: Want even more visibility? Ask about sponsoring or hosting a future networking event.

View Upcoming Events

Contact Chamber About Hosting

Pro Tip of the Month

Show up early — the best networking happens before the program officially starts. And don’t be afraid to introduce yourself first. Everyone is there for the same reason: connection.

Denim & Pearls: Where Belle Glade's Best Shine Bright

Join us as we celebrate six decades of community leadership, service, and success at the Belle Glade Chamber’s 60th Annual Awards Banquet, held Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at 6:00 PM at the First Baptist Church Gymnasium. This year’s theme, Denim & Pearls, blends down-to-earth charm with classic elegance - the perfect backdrop for a night honoring those who make our community shine.

We’ll recognize outstanding individuals and organizations across several categories, including Citizen of the Year, Lifetime Achievement, Business of the Year, and Agri-Industrial Award, as well as honors for our local heroes: Palm Beach State College Impact Award, GEO Correctional Officer of the Year, PBSO Deputy of the Year, West County Corrections Officer of the Year, PBC Fire Rescue of the Year, and the PBSO Civilian Staff Member of the Year. Don’t miss this unforgettable evening of recognition, connection, and celebration.

For tickets and additional information:

Contact the Belle Glade Chamber at 561-996-2745 or email info@bellegladechamber.com 

A Spirited Adventure in the Glades

From the heart of South Florida’s sugarcane fields comes a new chapter in Glades innovation. What began as a family’s century-old farming legacy has evolved into a bold vision for community revival - one that’s turning sugarcane into opportunity. With deep roots in the soil of Lake Okeechobee and the guidance of Kentucky’s first female master distiller, the family behind Sugar & Spice Farms is crafting more than rum - they’re shaping a brighter future for Pahokee.

Discover how this homegrown spirit, Otherland Society, blends heritage, hard work, and heart to lift up the Glades.

Read the full story at floridafarmfamily.com

Glades Cleaning Services

For more info click here.

2025-2026 Season

Check out the new season of events at the Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Theater.

Click here for more info.