Tuesday, September 5

Government Affairs Council Meeting

Wednesday, September 6

Downtown Networking Partners

Social Impact Council Breakfast

Thursday, September 7

Biz to Biz Leads Group

Economic Resilience Council Meeting

Friday, September 8

GLBX Council Meeting

Member Orientation

Membership Council Meeting (Hybrid)

At the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce, we believe that your stories are the heartbeat of our community. Whether it's a business milestone, a community initiative, or an inspiring journey, your experiences matter.

We invite all our valued members to share your success stories with us. Your stories not only inspire others but also highlight the strength and resilience of our Broward County business community.

Have a recent achievement, a unique business journey, or a community project you're proud of? We'd love to hear about it! Your story could be featured in our newsletter, website, or social media, showcasing your contributions and inspiring others.

Please submit your stories and any accompanying photos to jsaunders@ftlchamber.com each week by Friday evening. Let's celebrate your successes and continue to strengthen our community through shared experiences.

Thank you for being an essential part of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce. We look forward to sharing your stories with our community.

Labor Day, celebrated on the first Monday of September, is a tribute to the American workforce. Its origins date back to the late 19th century when American workers faced grueling conditions, including long hours and unsafe workplaces. In 1882, the Central Labor Union of New York City organized the first Labor Day parade, marking the beginning of this holiday.

Oregon became the first state to officially recognize Labor Day as a public holiday in 1887, and by 1894, it had gained national recognition. President Grover Cleveland signed the bill into law following the Pullman Strike, a pivotal moment in labor history.



Today, Labor Day is a time for parades, picnics, and relaxation, but it also serves as a reminder of the labor movement's achievements and the ongoing efforts to improve workers' lives. This year, as we celebrate, let's also reflect on the history and significance of Labor Day, honoring the contributions of American workers.

Upcoming Virtual Business Coaching Event

Board of Directors Application

Interested in becoming a member on the Board of Directors? Click the button below to fill out the form!

Small Business Person of the Year Nomination Form

Board of Directors Meeting: Update on 2023 Strategic Plan & Report on Right Management

Two Motions were passed at the Board of Directors Meeting on August 31st at the Chamber. One was a motion for the new website design, and the other was to continue funding the Prosperity Fund. Other topics included:

Recognition of Current Board Members

Resignation of Former Board Members

Treasures Report

Summer Financial Statements

Past Events

Partnership with Career Source Broward

Kelly Kolb, Esq. Report on Right Management

David Connington, from the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance, shed some light on the economic stance for Florida during his report, "There are 0 marketing dollars for Florida...I have not had a single out-of-state project."

AKT Fort Lauderdale Grand Re-Opening

AKT - Fort Lauderdale has re-opened its doors to the public! Owner Lashae Bacon appreciated the support shown at today's ribbon cutting! She also partnered with local health & wellness-related businesses to provide sampling and giveaways to those who attended. Chamber Chair Jack Seiler, Chamber Ambassadors Anthony Santana, Soli Rodriguez, and others were in attendance!

Hatch Brunch of Fort Lauderdale is now open for business! Owner Lawrence Lessing appreciated all the support from city officials, including:



State Senator Rosalind Osgood

State Representative Chip LaMarca

City Commissioner Steve Glassman

Chamber President & CEO Dan Lindblade

Gail Bulfin, Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance

If you're looking for a new brunch spot in Fort Lauderdale, look no further than 715 N. Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304!

Leadership Fort Lauderdale is adding a new component to the program! How are you leading yourself? A full day dedicated to leadership training, development, and interaction! For more information, contact Dolores@ftlchamber.com.

Make Your Excellence in Healthcare Awards Nominations Today!

Nominees for the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce Excellence in Healthcare Awards are those individuals, programs and entities who provide care, services and innovative programs above and beyond all expectations. These nominees are shining examples of the best and the brightest in our healthcare community. Awards will be presented on Thursday, November 9, 2023, at Perspectives on Florida's Healthcare program presented by Broward Health at the Signature Grand. All awardees will be notified by Chamber staff or a member of the Healthcare Council.

The deadline for submitting your nominee is Friday, September 19, 2023. Click here to make your nominations today!

The Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship, part of the Florida State University, is accepting applications for its Spring 2024 Small Business Executive Program (SBEP) and Nonprofit Executive Program (NPEP) held in South Florida. Offered at no cost to participants, the program is funded by The Jim Moran Foundation and Jan Moran and her late husband, automotive pioneer Jim Moran. The application deadline is Saturday, September 30.

This year, the Jim Moran Institute is celebrating its 10th anniversary of offering these executive programs at no cost to the South Florida community. The South Florida team has guided and graduated 45 classes and more than 700 leaders since its inception in 2013 and they are committed to continue working with the talented entrepreneurs and leaders in their community.

The SBEP is designed for CEOs, entrepreneurs, business owners, and presidents of small businesses, while the NPEP is for executive directors, presidents, and CEOs of nonprofit organizations. Graduates emerge with the skills and training needed to turn challenges into strategic advantages, capitalize on business opportunities, and implement best practice management. Participants represent a variety of industries.

“Learning that I’m not the only one going through some of the struggles as a business owner and the opportunity to meet and network with others was what I found to be most beneficial,” said Max Zaslavsky, owner of Max Zaslavsky DMD and a graduate of the SBEP.

For the full article, click here.

• Broward County Labor Force Numbers:
• Labor Force: 1,071,543
• Employment: 1,040,924
• Unemployment: 30,619
• Percentage Rate: 2.9%

• Projected County Population for Broward by 2027: 2 Million
• The average Florida Hourly Earnings is $24.98
• Fastest Growing Companies - Ranked by Growth Rate:
• Air Pros USA (Hollywood)
• Conquest Cyber (Miramar)
• Cardella Construction Co. (Lauderdale-by-the-sea)
• Stretch Zone (Fort Lauderdale)
• CloudHesive (Fort Lauderdale)

*Stats Provided by GFLA Economic Sourcebook 2023*

The Perspectives on Florida’s Healthcare event is organized by the Chamber’s Healthcare Council, which works to improve our community’s quality of life by catalyzing leadership, growth, innovation, and outcomes. Contact liza@ftlchamber.com for sponsorship information!

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