Banana Boat Celebrates It's 30th Anniversary

Festivities will begin Thursday, November 6th and run through Sunday November 9th. In honor of its 30 years serving Boynton Beach, Banana Boat will give 30% off the entire check, food and liquor,during this Celebration.

The weekend will include food specials like Live Maine Lobsters and Prime Rib, plus a host of drink and other food specials in addition to their regular menu. Expect to see the best in live Music, magicians and other entertainers plus thousands of prizes and giveaways. Banana Boat’s famous happy hour will be even bigger and better on Thursday and Friday with special drink prices and complimentary appetizers at the bar.

When the Banana Boat started back in 1978, most of today’s staff still had not been born yet. Boynton Beach was just a quiet fishing village back then. The Boynton Beach mall would not be built for another 7 years. The giant Motorola factory on Congress ( now replaced by Renaissance Commons) was still farmland. In fact all of Congress Avenue was still farmland. There was not one restaurant on Congress Avenue at that time. My, how things have changed!


The Banana Boat was originally decorated with fish nets and numerous nautical artifacts. In 2000, the Banana Boat underwent a Multi-million dollar renovation to coincide with construction of a new bridge and a changing downtown. During this time the state demolished its old 1935 Ocean Avenue bridge and replaced it with a much bigger bridge right next to Banana Boat. Also during this time, other old buildings next to Banana Boat were demolished and a new Marina Village that included two multi-story condominiums just west of the marina began development.


It is estimated that over 10 million customers have visited Banana Boat, and over 6,500 employees have worked there, since its opening in November 6, 1978. Banana Boat has a number of long-time employees, including one 30 year employee, three 27 year employees, a few 20 year employees, and quite a few 5 and 10 year staff members.

Banana Boat is seen as a landmark “anchor” to the restaurant and nightlife activities in Boynton Beach. As a family business, they take great pride in offering that “Authentic Florida Experience” for those locals and tourists seeking fresh seafood, fun appetizers, sandwiches and cocktails, at reasonable prices, overlooking the waterfront in Boynton Beach.

For more information on Banana Boat’s anniversary celebration, feel free to call the restaurant at 561-732-9400, or check out their website at BANANABOATBOYNTON.COM.

Networking Over Easy

Tough times calls for easy strategies, and one of the simplest and most cost effective methods to make and keep your business strong is networking.

This Chamber event offers incredible opportunities and business card exchanges are ubiquitous, so bring plenty!

Friday Nov. 7 from 8 a.m. - 9 a.m. at ChicK- Fil - A 1560 W. Boynton Beach Blvd.

Coretomic

David Castrucci, Founder/CEO of Coretomic (right) with David Weir on yestersday's edition of South Florida Business Report.



Boynton Beach based Coretomic is the quintessential 2.o web based operation. Its sleek and efficient business model delivers cutting edge Internet components to its global clientèle. David Castrucci, Founder/CEO describes its services as "managing interactive assets" and has contractrated with Palm Beach Neurology to develop data transfer and web based training platforms. Other clients include Chittenden Bank Corporation and York International. Coretomic has over 40 employees with other offices in Vermont, Colorado and Russia. The company projects gross revenue to reach 45 million in 2009.

City appoints additional representatives to the County Business Development Board

Additional appointments to the board are (shown above L to R) Vice Mayor Rodriguez, Commissioner Ross, and City Manager Bressner - they join Mayor Taylor, CRA Executive Director Bright and Assistant Director Brooks.

Founded in 1982 by chambers of commerce, the Economic Council and other business leaders, the Business Development Board is a private, not-for-profit corporation designated by the state as Palm Beach County's official economic development organization. Although it operates as an autonomous organization, it works closely with the chambers of commerce, other county organizations and the County Commission to achieve economic development goals in the areas of business recruitment and expansion, job creation, workforce development, infrastructure, and availability of capital.

How do financial crises end?

At the time of this post the Dow Jones Industrial Avg. is down over 300points. Yesterday Former Fed Chief Alan "irrational exuberance" Greenspan called the current situation a Credit Tsunami. (See video below) The economic condition cannot be overstated, and investors big or small are calling for strategies that truly speaks to the economy.

Chamber Member Wyn Yelin Financial Advisor, UBS Financial Services Inc. offered the following anecdote :

Like forest fires, there are essentially two ways of dealing with financial crises. The first is to do nothing. Let the fire burn itself out. The second way is to send in the fire fighters.

Which approach is chosen will depend on what is at stake. If the forest fire does not threaten to spread to the big towns, then less dramatic measures are required. But if the fire is being helped along by strong winds and threatens to break containment and spread to neighborhoods and cities, then there is a lot more at stake. Fire-fighters will be called in from far and wide, and the state will use all measures at its disposal to put out the fire.

We have seen both approaches used in previous financial crises. The 1987 stock market crash, which was severe, did not spread, and therefore, doing almost nothing was the right thing to do. On the other hand, like in 1929, a financial crisis can lead to a Great Depression. In such a case, doing nothing could end up being very costly.

However, the fact that there is no universally applicable answer to which approach to take does not necessarily imply that there is not a certain set of rules which need to be applied to solve a crisis. In their seminal work on the Panic of 1907, the US economists Robert Brunner and Sean Carr emphasized how the failure of collective action could worsen and deepen a crisis.

In a nutshell, the Panic of 1907 was a financial crisis in the US, and especially in New York City, which was characterized by numerous runs on banks and other financial institutions. Back then, the Federal Reserve didn’t exist and therefore there wasn’t an obvious "lender of the last resort" – someone who could supply the fire fighters with unlimited amounts of water for their hosepipes. Therefore, there was also no obvious way to stop the crisis.

In this particular case it took the leadership of the legendary banker John Pierpont Morgan. He gathered around him a circle of influential New York bankers and forced them to form an association aimed at supporting the distressed financial institutions. Moreover, once this group was in place, there was a very strong commitment to draw a line in the sand and declare: "the trouble stops here".

Lessons from past crises show that to solve them we must see rule-based action, clear communication, a credible leading coalition, collaboration of private and public forces in an internationally coordinated fashion, unless we want the crisis to run its own course.

The current crisis reached a threshold in early October, where letting it run its own course was no longer a viable option. Sooner (rather than later) the crisis is going to stop because the authorities are going to do what is necessary to stop it. This is likely to include a broad rescue plan from the US and foreign governments, and their respective monetary authorities.

What is the individual investor to do? History shows that pulling out of the markets during a panic might be as costly for a broadly diversified investor as to go back in too early. Financial crises seldom die of old age. At some stage someone blows the whistle. This is the moment one needs to time correctly and for this, one needs to keep a cool head even if it seems that the world is falling apart.

During these volatile times stay focused on your long term goals. If you have a financial advisor, you should be in weekly contact with them. Take ownership of your financial future.

Provided by Wyn Yelin, Financial Advisor, UBS Financial Services Inc.

Written by Andreas Hoefert, global economist, UBS Wealth Management Research.

Commerce Tools

The growing diversity in Boynton Beach is easily reflected in our business community. As the Chamber of Commerce membership continues to expand the type of support we provide will follow suit, especially as the importance of a global economy extends to Congress Avenue.

Improving communication with a diverse workforce, clients and customers can make all the difference and sites like LiveMocha.com can serve as a valuble tool. It's a free service that employs a social networking concept to build language skills. The site was recently featured in the Wall Street Journal and praised by the New York Times.

Traveling soon? Let us know what you think of the services below:

Boynton Travel

Cruise Control

Delray Yacht Cruises offers the romance and excitement that can only be expected from a brand new 105-foot luxury vessel aptly named The Lady Atlantic.

This regal yacht recently featured on WPTV News Channel 5 was the host site for the latest Boynton Beach Chamber of Commerce monthly networking mixer. Capt. Joe and wife Kerry Reardon (shown in photo) presented amazing ambiance that redifened Boynton Beach business casual. The picturesque views and titilliating menu will undoubtedly help you close any deal, professional or personal.

In attendance were other Chamber members including President and CEO Glenn Jergensen and Realtor Susan Fox of Prundential/Florida Realty.

www.delraybeachcruises.com

Chamber's New Home- In The Heart Of Boynton Business District

Chamber of Commerce Moves to the Corner of Gateway and Congress Ave. to Compson Place at Renaissance Commons

The Greater Boynton Beach Chamber of Commerce is celebrating its Eighty-Third Year of existence in 2008. With this milestone the Chamber has executed one of the most ambitious undertakings in its history, moving the Chamber Visitor Lobby and Administration Offices west of I95 into the heart of the Business District for Boynton Beach and Central Palm Beach County.

From the beginning our Chamber has been active in the community, an involved business organization working to improve, enhance and promote the City of Boynton Beach and the area that surrounds it.

Five years ago the reining Board of Directors under the leadership of Past Chamber President Diana Johnson, made a strategic decision to move the Chamber Offices to the West to better service our members, residents and visitors to the area. From the early days of the storefront Chamber of Commerce on Federal Highway, when the City limits were east of what today is Interstate 95, to the past twenty years the Chamber of Commerce has maintained a presence in the First Financial Plaza building on Ocean Ave., the Chamber has maintained the responsibility to the community of fostering a healthy business climate.

Now fast forward to 2008 where the Greater Boynton Beach Chamber of Commerce stretches to the westernmost boundaries of unincorporated Palm Beach County and the Ag Reserve near State Road 7/441, and now Congress Ave. becomes the Business District for the area. “Moving the Chamber of Commerce to the corner of Gateway and Congress Ave. has fulfilled the strategic decision the Board of Directors made in 2003”, said Glenn Jergensen, President and CEO of the Chamber. “Locating to Compson Place at Renaissance Commons reinforces the concern that the Chamber of Commerce has for maintaining a business climate that is strong and supportive of the retail, commercial and service businesses that serve the growth in this area, it is our responsibility to promote all business within the Greater Boynton Beach area, this is healthy for our members and the community as a whole,” said Jergensen. “We have accomplished this relocation through Chamber of Commerce Membership funding, as the Chamber is a Not for Profit Membership Organization not a governmental agency”, added Jergensen.

Our Chamber Mission is to Serve, Protect and Promote the Membership of the Chamber of Commerce and the new Visitor Lobby for our membership will serve those who request information and promote the quality of life in the area and Palm Beach County. Our web site, www.BoyntonBeach.org, Business Monthly publication and Member information will provide guidance to visitors in our Lobby for selection of Dining, Hotels, Retail establishments and Service Providers for our market of consumers and business owners throughout Greater Boynton Beach. We will also promote our local attractions such as the boating and fishing excursions from our Intracoastal Marina, the Children’s Schoolhouse Museum, Green Cay Nature Preserve and the Loxahatchee Wildlife Refuge for all visitors and residents to witness the quality of life in this area we call Boynton Beach. Members using Members focus our efforts everyday.

Your Chamber is working tirelessly to gain the recognition that the Greater Boynton Beach area is a great place to live, work and play.

Understanding The Emerging Workforce

Chamber Education Luncheon Welcomes Dr. Art Johnson

The 2nd Annual Chamber Education Luncheon is set for Wednesday Oct. 29, 2008 at 11:30 a.m. at Indian Springs Country Club. The Guest speaker will be Palm Beach County School District Superintendent Dr. Art Johnson who will speak on "Focus on Education" .

ADMISSION IS $40.00 ($20.00 tax deductible) additional donations accepted. Proceeds benefit the Foundations Scholarship Fund. Commerce Bank is a sponsoring the luncheon.

Vacancies Can Help Broaden Retail Developers Scope

In today's Sun Sentinel Canyon Town Center in West Boynton was highlighted as one of the many commercial projects in our region suffering from a challenged occupancy. The article clearly points to the overall economic conditions as the reason for most of the problems, but Paul Owers the author of the piece poignantly adds that overbuilding deserves its share of the blame.

The article goes on to explain that this sluggish climate can continue for another 18 to 36 months.

For many developers a three year projection could have dramatic impact on its current tenants and ultimately on the surrounding residential community. This economic climate undoubtedly presents a troubling outlook, but may also offer an opportunity for developers to broaden their scope and market more aggressively to lesser known businesses.

Admittedly they could offer more risk, however it could ultimately provide greater reward not just for landlords, but for the larger anchor tenants that could benefit from a new and more loyal Boynton Beach shopper.

The rendering (shown above) of Canyon Town Center seems to suggests a diverse retail environment which is easily reflected in our Chamber's networking events and growing membership. If CTC developers begin to attract more unique and innovative retail outlets this could very well culminate a highly profitable and distinguishable shopping utopia.

Here's s a short list of unique retailers that are helping Boynton Beach plazas attract the coveted loyal shopper: Tropical Smoothie Cafe, Pyure Aveda, Donnino Portraits and Art-Sea Living.

For more information about Canyon Town Center contact GL Commercial leasing and management services at 954-796-4500.

Opinions expressed in this blog may not reflect an official position of the Greater Boynton Beach Chamber of Commerce.

Marriott Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

General Manager Chris Moulton (with scissors) posing with (right) Commissioner Marlene Figueroa Ross, Commissioner Woody Hay, Chamber President Glenn Jergensen, & Mayor Jerry Taylor .

Brand new bistro, vast digital & technology upgrades, eco-friendly amenities- all coming in at a generous $9 million to complete the 170 room Marriott Hotel on Congress Avenue.

According to Jason Alexander Director of Sales the goal was to create an upscale magnetic and modern destination in Boynton Beach.

The hotel was originally built in the early 8o's as a Holiday Inn and recently was acquired by Courtyard Marriott. Final touches are wrapping up on the state of the art business center and is expected to be complete by mid-November.


Courtyard Marriott
1601 N. Congress Ave.
Boynton Beach, Florida 33426 1-561-737-4600

Bush Addresses U.S. Chamber of Commerce

The President's remarks (click here for video) reiterated an optimistic outlook but also reminded that the credit markets will continue to take time to thaw.

Mr. Bush's decision to deliver his address at the US Chamber of Commerce in D.C. , almost an hour before the opening of the financial markets may symbolize the ongoing correlation of Wall Street to Main Street- Or in our case Congress Avenue.


Speaking of Congress Avenue today Linens & Things at the Boynton Beach Town center has officially launched its going out of business sale. According to the NY Times Linen's & Things filed for bankruptcy protection in May and will liquidate its 371 stores over the next 11 weeks.

Bethesda R.N. Open House

**RN Open House on October 15th, 2008 at Bethesda Memorial Hospital's Clayton Conference Center. Come visit us between 8am-2pm. Learn about the great RN opportunities. Any questions, please contact Duarte Mendonca, Nurse Recruiter at (561) 737-7733 ext 4371 or email: Duarte.Mendonca@bethesdahealthcare.com

Click on Nursing at Bethesda to learn more and to meet the CNO.

Boynton Beach Holiday Inn Awarded Green Certification

Holiday Inn Boynton Beach was recognized by the Green Lodging Association for it's environmentally friendly enhancements. The Florida Green Lodging Program was established in 2004 by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) with the intent of recognizing and rewarding environmentally conscientious lodging facilities in the state. The lodging industry is one of Florida’s largest commercial sectors. According to research conducted by VISIT FLORIDA®, over 80 million people visit Florida annually with about 50 percent of those staying in a hotel, motel or bed & breakfast. With this many visitors, the lodging industry can have a significant and positive impact on Florida’s natural resources.

The One Palm Designation provided by the DEP is based on enhancements to a facility that includes water and electricity conservation systems, coordinated recycling program, enhanced preventative maintenance, monitored by a on-site volunteer Green Team. In February 2008 the Boynton Beach City Commission adopted Resolution R08-025 establishing a Green Task Force to guide innovative environmental projects within Boynton Beach.

Boynton Beach Holiday Inn
1601 North Congress Avenue
Boynton Beach, FL 33426
(561) 737-4600

Member Money Maker

Tuesday Oct. 7 at 8:00 a.m. at Hampton Inn

Paul Licata of ProActive Training & Consulting will conduct this session - It is a follow up to the popular networking seminar Member Money Maker. Contatct Paul at 561 - 683 - 8145 for more details or the chamber office. ProActive is a leader in corporate training - many of their programs can result in positive results - especially in the areas of sales and marketing.

Paul also conducts networking over golf at Cypress Creek Country Club Fridays at 4:30 p.m. - The schedule is changing now that season is upon us - call Paul or Cypress Creek Country Club for more details.