Tuesday, June 27

Oakland Park/Wilton Manors/Uptown Council Meeting

Working Women Win Leads Group

Cabernet & Connections Deerfield Beach Mixer

Rising Leaders Mixer

Wednesday, June 28

Trustee Advisory Council Meeting

Thursday, June 29

Biz to Biz Workshop - AI Essentials for Business Leaders

Friday, June 30

No Meetings Scheduled

Lindblade Receives Guiding Light Award

Dan Lindblade, CAE, President of the Greater Ft. Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce, has been awarded the Guiding Light 2023 Community Impact Award. The award shows recognition for community engagement and dedicated service to its members. 

The award was administered by the Pompano Beach Chamber of Commerce, which held its “Guiding Light 2023” Awards Ceremony last week. The event was sponsored by companies such as: FPL, Southwest Airlines, Centennial Bank, and more.

Chamber President, Dan Lindblade, CAE, is an expert organization management professional with over 3 decades of experience ranging from the national stage all the way to the local levels. He’s given the Greater Chamber of Fort Lauderdale Commerce 15 years of service and continues to do so. As the beating heart behind the ins and outs of operations, Dan advocates on behalf of the organization and acts as its spokesperson.

From Public Relations, Director of Government Affairs, Executive Vice President, to now CEO, Dan’s service spreads across multiple cities. Cities such as: Madison, WI, Orlando, Albuquerque, Fort Lauderdale, as well as Lexington, KY.

Dan Lindblade combines his comprehensive expertise and drive to produce effective communication and push for a lasting impact on the business community.

Board of Directors Luncheon at Margaritaville

Maria Medina brought strategic perspective in discussing statistics and insights relevant to the LGBTQ+ and the business community during the Chamber’s Board of Directors Luncheon. The event proved to be an invaluable source of inspiration, fostering a collaborative spirit that will undoubtedly contribute to the continued growth and success of our local businesses.

The speech left us with statistics regarding the LGBTQ+ unemployment rate being 11% in comparison to the national average of 6%. The percentage of uninsured LGBTQ+ members 21%, as opposed to 15% for the national average. Additionally, food insecurity for the same community is 27% compared to 16% for the national average.

The luncheon was held at Margaritaville in Hollywood Beach, with 63 attendants. The event brought together esteemed board members and influential business leaders, creating a platform for meaningful discussions and strategic collaborations regarding inclusion.

During the luncheon, the chamber's board members presented insightful updates on the region's economic landscape and inclusion statistics, sharing valuable insights into current trends, challenges, and opportunities. The event fostered an atmosphere of engagement and collaboration, as attendees actively participated in dynamic conversations, as well as Bingo, centered around driving growth, innovation, and inclusion for the Broward business community.

Stay tuned for more exciting events and initiatives as we strive to create an environment conducive to the progress and prosperity of our vibrant business community.

Highlights From the Downtown Council Breakfast

Cultural Art’s impact on our economy has grown in a major way. Studies have shown that the nonprofit arts and culture sector of Broward County is estimated to be a $414.2 million industry. The industry supports over 11,000 full-time employees and produces $40.1 million in revenue for the State of Florida.

The Downtown Business Council gathered for the monthly Chamber Breakfast to discuss the growing effects of Cultural Arts and the juxtaposed benefits to Broward County.

The event brought together a diverse group of industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals, all ready to discuss why Cultural Arts are such an integral component of our live, work and play economy. The event was held at Tower Club Fort Lauderdale.

The collaboration stemming from the event was a true testament to the spirit of entrepreneurship and collaboration in our business community. The event provided a platform for business professionals to gain actionable insights to propel the Cultural Arts movement forward in Broward.

The Downtown Business Council represents the essence of our business community’s strength and perseverance. We are synonymously paving the way for a future of prosperity. Join us at the next event and share our journey of growth, innovation, and shared community success.

LevelUp Program in Deerfield Beach

Kicks Off Focus Group

The Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the City of Deerfield Beach kicked off our new initiative “Level Up” for minority women owned business on Wednesday, June 21. Over (20) business owners attended with rich conversations including notable individuals such as Courtney Biscardi, Executive Vice President of the Urban League of Broward County, Corlette Deveaux, CEO of DG Incorporated, and Jacqueline Jimenez, CEO of Newsworthy stories. Their presence added valuable insights and perspectives to the event.

The Focus group provided a rich environment for networking, sharing stories, and exchanging resources. The opportunity to unlock resources and receive tips on securing capital, amplifying one’s brand, business strategies and tactics were incredibly invaluable for entrepreneurs, particularly for black women who may face unique challenges in the business world.

Overall, the “Level Up” initiative will continue to provide an anchor of supportive and empowering platforms for black women business owners in Deerfield Beach. By fostering connections, sharing expertise, and offering valuable resources, the program aims to enhance the entrepreneurial landscape, assist in retention, and promote the success of these businesses.

Time is Running Out! Register Your Restaurant for Dine Out Fort Lauderdale Today!

Attention all Chamber Members! The end of this week marks the deadline to register your restaurant for Dine Out Fort Lauderdale! As a member of the Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce, we invite you to showcase your restaurant for the entirety of August.

Your culinary expertise will be on full display, attract new customers, and allow you to collaborate with esteemed establishments in our vibrant food community.

Don't miss this opportunity to gain exposure and promote your business to the luxury, travel crowd looking for the absolute best food that Fort Lauderdale has to offer. Register your restaurant for Dine Out now at the link below.

https://www.visitlauderdale.com/partners/participate-in-lauderdeals/dine-out-lauderdale-sign-up/sign-up/

Let's make Dine Out a celebration of Fort Lauderdale's thriving dining scene!

For assistance, contact (954)765-4466 • gflcvb@broward.org

101 NE 3rd Ave., Suite 100, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

Early Registration Now OPEN on Our Website!

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.

Early bird pricing until July 1: $65 for members, $80 for non-members.

Regular pricing starts July 2: $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!

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