Member of the Month: Johnnie Mejia

Johnnie Mejia is passionate about mentorship, leadership, and community collaboration! With over 21 years of experience in the financial services industry, he relocated to Fort Lauderdale from Miami in 2019 and became an active member of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce through PNC Bank. Johnnie said, “When I attended the Downtowner of the Year event, I caught my first glimpse of the professionalism and passion the Chamber has in elevating community and businesses throughout Broward County. I knew then I wanted to contribute individually to help make an impact on the economic success for the Chamber and its membership.”

Upon joining the Gay+Lesbian Business Exchange (GLBX) Referral Advantage Leads Group he was elected as Vice Chair and became Chair in 2022. “It was during the pandemic and participation in the Chamber Leads Groups had dwindled, we knew we had to find new ways to generate business through valuable networking opportunities.” said Johnnie. It was with his leadership and piloting several meaningful discussions amongst the group, they were able to create/host impactful events and cultivate inclusive spaces bringing people together in meaningful and supportive ways. This is a reminder of the thoughtful words by Japanese writer Ryunosuke Satoro, “Individually, we are one drop. Together, we are an ocean.”...Click Here for Full Story

Honoring the History and Importance of Juneteenth

The Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce honors the Juneteenth federal holiday each year. We celebrate our government's recognition of the history regarding enslaved Black people who were freed after the Civil War, but were not told and did not know they were free - resulting in many injustices.

Happy Birthday Dan Lindblade

Yesterday, we celebrated a special milestone for our President and CEO, Dan Lindblade, CAE – his birthday!

With over 30 years of experience championing business causes across the nation, Dan has been instrumental in elevating the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce.

From lobbying for vital issues to serving on key committees like the Orange Bowl and Winterfest Boat Parade, his dedication knows no bounds.

Join us in wishing Dan a Happy Birthday!

Fort Lauderdale to Get Its MONOPOLY Board Game Edition

Here's a short blurb for a newsletter post regarding Fort Lauderdale becoming the newest MONOPOLY board game edition:

Exciting news for Fort Lauderdale! The city is being immortalized with its very own edition of the iconic MONOPOLY board game. The MONOPOLY: FORT LAUDERDALE EDITION, licensed by Hasbro and created by Winning Moves International, will replace the classic Atlantic City properties with beloved local landmarks, businesses, and nonprofits from the Fort Lauderdale area.

Mayor Dean Trantalis expressed his enthusiasm, saying, "Generations of people have enjoyed playing the traditional Monopoly game and it is a real honor for Fort Lauderdale to be featured in such an iconic game. A Fort Lauderdale edition of Monopoly is another way to share with the rest of the world the great news about what a wonderful place Fort Lauderdale is to call home."

Residents can submit suggestions for landmarks and businesses to be featured on the board by emailing fortlauderdale@toptrumps.com. Local businesses and nonprofits also have a unique opportunity to secure their place on this historic edition. The game will be available for purchase in stores and online through retailers like Barnes & Noble and Amazon just in time for the holiday season. Get ready to celebrate Fort Lauderdale in an exciting new way!

Breaking Boundaries, Shaping the Future:

The Tri-Regional Mayor's Breakfast Forum & Big Ideas"

Don't miss this groundbreaking event that brings together leaders and visionaries from across municipal lines. Engage in thought-provoking discussions, explore cutting-edge solutions, and foster unprecedented collaboration to tackle the region's most pressing challenges.

Date: Tuesday, June 25th, 2024

Time: 7:30 - 11:45 am

Location: Coral Ridge Yacht Club

This is your chance to be part of a transformative movement, where innovative ideas take center stage, and cooperation paves the way for a brighter, more sustainable future for all our communities. Don't let this opportunity slip by – secure your spot today and be a catalyst for positive change!

Working Women's Leads Group: Speed Networking

Last week, the Working Women Win Leads Group held an engaging speed networking event that drew over 60 attendees. Chamber Chair, Burnadette Norris-Weeks, and Board Member, Barbora Kassakdian, were on hand to share encouraging words with the group. The event also provided an opportunity to introduce Ariadna Wood, the Chamber's new Business Development Executive, to the leads group members. The high turnout underscores the value these networking opportunities provide for career-minded women in the Fort Lauderdale area.

Join us for Small Business Town Hall

Mezcal Lauderdale 2024: The pioneering 3-day Mezcal Festival in Florida expands the experience to include over 40 participating brands and limited seating Tasting Dinners from Mexican-born chefs, solidifying Fort Lauderdale as the annual destination for mezcal aficionados in Florida. See their events here https://www.mezcallauderdale.com/  Use Comp Code for $15 Off at Checkout: ML24GFLC

Upcoming Events

Director & Trustee Luncheon

Biz Perks East

Real Estate & Construction Council: State of the Markets

Rising Leaders - June Mixer

Construction Industry Forum

Deerfield Beach: Cabernet & Connections

Annual Hurricane Preparedness Luncheon

We are accepting applications for Leadership Fort Lauderdale Class 31!

We are seeking motivated individuals who are passionate about making a positive impact in Fort Lauderdale and are committed to personal and professional growth. Whether you are a young professional looking to advance your career, an entrepreneur seeking to expand your business network, or a community advocate dedicated to driving meaningful change, this program is tailored to help you achieve your goals.

If you or someone you know would benefit from participating in the Leadership Fort Lauderdale program, we encourage you to apply or nominate a candidate today. Applications are now open, and the deadline is August 30th, 2024.

To learn more about the program and apply, please visit our website here. If you have any questions or need further information, please contact Dolores Molina, 954-462-8023 or via email dolores@ftlchamber.com

Upcoming Grand Openings

Silvia Pangaro Photography

Discounted Tickets for Members

Apex Shooting Center Summer Special

Water Taxi Tickets

Miami Marlins Tickets

As a member of The Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce swing into savings for the 2024 Miami Marlins baseball season with discounted tickets all season long! Experience the excitement of Miami Marlins baseball, coming off an unforgettable playoff run in 2023.

Don't miss this chance to be part of the Marlins' journey to victory. Grab your discounted tickets today and get ready for an unforgettable day at the ballpark!

Seven Outstanding Broward College Professors Named 2024-2025 Endowed Teaching Chairs

Seven Broward College professors were named 2024-2025 Endowed Teaching Chairs, the academic award bestowed by Broward College to a faculty member for their excellence in the classroom. The endowed teaching chairs are:

· Dr. Lilian Muniz Alvarez;

· Rosena Beniste;

· Dr. Savena Budhu-Barajas;

· Dina Durand

· Marjetta Geerling;

· Joshua Kimber; and

· Dr. Cathileen Montesarchio

*Their information is below.

These exceptional faculty members were surprised by the news in their classrooms by Interim Broward College President Dr. Donald Astrab; Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Jeffery Nasse; Vice President for Advancement and Chief Development Officer for the Broward College Foundation Megan Cottle; and Chair of the Broward College Foundation Endowed Teaching Chair Selection Committee Dr. Stanley Marks....Click Here for Full Story

Bagels & Co. in Wilton Manors Supports The Pride Center at Equality Park and The Our Fund Foundation With Rainbow Bagel Sales

A portion of sales from the rainbow bagels sold at Bagels & Co. in Wilton Manors during Pride Month in June will benefit The Pride Center at Equality Park and The Our Fund Foundation.

Located at 1015 NE 26th St., the neighborhood café also will be serving free coffee from 7 to 10 a.m. on Pride Day, Friday, June 28.

“We support the local communities whenever we can,” said Mike Marsh, Bagels & Co. managing partner. “It’s important for us to be part of the DNA of Wilton Manors. We have worked with Pride Center and The Our Fund Foundation, which are two very important organizations in South Florida.”...Click Here for Full Story

NEW MEMBERS - May 2024

Dental Team of Bayview

Embassy Church of South Florida

Embassy Suites Deerfield Beach Resort and Spa by Hilton

Fairport Global

Gilead Sanders LLC

Hephelle

Island Restrooms LLC

Katrina Moldova Gallery

Key Transportation Services Inc.

Lais Brito Design

Massages On The Water

Medical Anti-Aging

Primerica

Prospect Lake Clean Water Center

Silvia Pangaro Photography

Tasteful Thoughts

TJB Consulting LLC

Wizard Cleaning

Trustee

Weinstein Legal Team

Trustee Plus

Kelley Kronenberg

RENEWING MEMBERS - May 2024

13th Floor Investments

Bass United Security Systems, Inc.

Bayview Payroll Services

Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County

Broward Partnership

Business for the Arts of Broward

Comcast Business

CONRAD Fort Lauderdale Beach

FiscalChimp

Great Locations, Inc.

ID & Design International

J. Hilburn Custom Men's Clothing

Jungle Queen Riverboat, Inc.

Leadership Broward Foundation, Inc.

Northwestern Mutual - The South Florida Group

OUTSFL Newspaper & Magazine

Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr, LLP

Signature Grand

Sorensen Consulting, Inc.

South Florida Commercial & Residential Group

STUDIO ROMAN

The First Tee of Broward

Valley Forge Fabrics

Women in Distress of Broward County

YOT Bar & Kitchen

Trustee

EDSA

AutoNation

Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO)

Coca-Cola Beverages Florida

Comcast Communications

Nova Southeastern University - H. Wayne Huizenga College of Business and Entrepreneurship

The Business Advisory

Sawrass Awards

Jazz in the Hall

TECHMARK Innovation Conference 2024

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