A Publication of the Belle Glade Chamber of Commerce

Dear Belle Glade Chamber Members,

I am truly honored and excited to serve as the President of the Belle Glade Chamber. As we enter this new chapter, I would like to take a moment to recognize and congratulate our newly elected Executive Board:

 Kiley Damone, Vice President

 Jenna Rimes, Secretary

 Jennifer Earnest, Treasurer

 Brenda Bryant, Board Member

 Lomax Harrelle, Board Member

 Eva Webb, Board Member

 Linda Santiago, Board Member

 Brannan Thomas, Board Member

 Perry Yance, Board Member

 Eddie Rhodes, Board Member

Each of these leaders brings unique skills, dedication, and vision, and I am confident that together we will guide our Chamber into a year of growth and achievement. Our mission remains clear: to strengthen our business community, foster meaningful connections, and expand opportunities that benefit all of our members.

With the support of this outstanding board and our engaged membership, I am excited for the year ahead and eager to see all that we will accomplish together.

Warm regards,

Erika Medellin

We are excited to launch a new newsletter series, “Make the Most of Your Membership,” designed to spotlight the many benefits that come with being a Chamber member. Each month, we’ll feature one of the tools, opportunities, or resources available to help your business grow, connect, and thrive.

We’re beginning this series with one of the most visible and celebrated benefits: Ribbon Cuttings & Grand Openings.

A ribbon cutting is more than just a photo op - it’s your chance to introduce your business to the community, showcase what you offer, and generate momentum. The Chamber team works with you to coordinate your event, promote it through our networks, and ensure local leaders and fellow business members are present to celebrate your milestone. Whether you’re opening your doors for the first time, relocating, or celebrating a renovation, a ribbon cutting provides the spotlight your business deserves.

This is just one way your Chamber membership helps you build visibility and strengthen connections. Stay tuned each month as we highlight other benefits designed to make your membership work for you.

Ribbon Cuttings & Grand Openings

What’s the Benefit?

The Chamber hosts ribbon cuttings and grand openings to welcome new members or celebrate expansions - complete with social media buzz, attendance, and photo ops.

How It Helps Your Business

·       Immediate public exposure

·       Builds credibility and community excitement

·       Generates photos and content you can reuse

Tips to Maximize This Benefit

·       Invite your network and offer a same-day promo

·       Bring branded swag and signage

·       Share the Chamber’s post to your own pages

Real-World Example

“Our ribbon cutting with the Chamber brought new faces through our doors and truly put us on the map. It made us feel like part of the community - and gave us the jumpstart we needed!”

– Nick Persons, Practice Manager, Best Care Family and Wellness Center

What to Do Next

Schedule your ribbon cutting today!

Pro Tip of the Month

Ribbon cuttings are great for media invites - let the paper or radio station know about it ahead of time.

Thanks to your generous support, the 2025 Teacher Appreciation Breakfast was a morning to remember. Held on Friday, August 8th at the First Baptist Church Belle Glade’s gymnasium, the event welcomed 300 dedicated teachers from across the Glades. Guests enjoyed a hot breakfast, a warm community atmosphere, and the excitement of over $1,200 in door prizes.

The highlight of the morning came when the Hand Foundation awarded trophies to the recipients of the Glades Educators Making a Difference Award, honoring exceptional educators who go above and beyond for their students.

We were honored to have Mr. Mike Burke - Palm Beach County Superintendent of Schools, Marcia Andrews -PBC District 6 School Board Member, Wesley Ledesma - Hand Foundation, and Tamey Jones - Shepherd School Principal join us in celebrating our educators and sharing words of encouragement. Their presence underscored the importance of supporting and recognizing our teachers.

Your sponsorship made this celebration possible - every detail, from the food and prizes to the special recognitions, reflected our community’s appreciation for its educators. The smiles, applause, and heartfelt thanks we witnessed are proof of how meaningful this event is to those who dedicate their lives to shaping our future. Adding to the excitement, WPTV NewsChannel 5 was on site covering the event, which was later featured during their 6:00 PM news broadcast, shining an even brighter spotlight on our teachers and the community’s appreciation for them.

We extend our deepest thanks to our 2025 sponsors: Bank of Belle Glade, BG Rotary, Belle Glade Housing Authority, City of Belle Glade, City of South Bay, FINFROCK, First Bank, Glades Gas, Grid One, Growers Management, HE Hill, Nelson & Associates, Reliant Fire & Security, Royals Family Business, Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative, U.S. Sugar, Florida Power & Light, Leadership Glades, and the Hand Foundation. We are also deeply grateful to the First Baptist Church Belle Glade, their staff, and youth group, as well as the many volunteers whose time and energy made this event possible. Your partnership, generosity, and teamwork not only celebrate our teachers but also strengthen the bond between our businesses, organizations, and the people who inspire the next generation.

The Belle Glade Chamber of Commerce was honored to host a special dedication ceremony for a new art installation created by Project Lift. The piece, inspired by the Chamber’s logo, now proudly hangs in our office as a vibrant symbol of community, collaboration, and creativity.

During the dedication, guests gathered to celebrate not only the unveiling of this meaningful artwork but also the impact of Project Lift’s mission—empowering youth through hands-on learning, mentorship, and personal growth. A commemorative plaque was revealed alongside the piece, marking its significance and the partnership between Project Lift and the Chamber.

Following the ceremony, attendees enjoyed light refreshments and the opportunity to connect with one another while reflecting on the importance of supporting local initiatives that uplift our community.

The Chamber extends its sincere gratitude to Project Lift for their artistry and dedication, and to all who joined us in making this event a memorable milestone for Belle Glade.

Mayor Wilson Honored with Statewide Innovation Award

The Belle Glade Chamber of Commerce proudly congratulates Mayor Wilson on receiving the Mayors Municipal Innovation Award for Service Delivery Improvement, presented by the Florida League of Mayors.

The Mayors Municipal Innovation Awards (MMIA) program recognizes municipalities across Florida that have developed and successfully implemented innovative, creative, and cost-saving initiatives that directly improve services for residents and businesses. This prestigious award highlights local governments that go above and beyond to make municipal operations more efficient, responsive, and citizen-friendly.

Competing with cities across the state, municipalities are grouped into three budget categories and judged in one of three areas: Technology/Innovation, Quality of Life, and Service Delivery Improvement. Mayor Wilson’s recognition in Service Delivery Improvement showcases Belle Glade’s commitment to delivering smarter, more effective services that make a real difference in the community.

The award was presented at the Florida League of Mayors’ Annual August Membership/Business Meeting, held in conjunction with the Florida League of Cities’ Annual Conference.

This statewide recognition not only celebrates the leadership of Mayor Wilson but also shines a spotlight on Belle Glade’s dedication to innovation and excellence in public service.

Selfcare Sudaze

The Recovery Community HUB of PBC

Florida Farming

LW Graphic Design

New Beginnings Academy

The Drawbridge at Torry Island

Preferred Care Home Health Services

Canty Media Group

Everglades Harvesting, Inc.

Usher's 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.

Fraud has never been a bigger problem than it is right now, and it can be very difficult to identify scams. Attend our free seminar geared specifically toward businesses to learn the latest and how you can protect yourself, your employees and your assets.

Monday, September 8

Locations:

• Clewiston Country Club, Noon to 1 p.m.

• First Bank Fort Myers Branch, 6-7 p.m.

RSVP here: https://www.first1bank.com/.../fraud-awareness-seminar.html