Michael Zeff, President & CEO, The Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches

In an interview with Invest:, Michael Zeff, President and CEO of The Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches, discussed the region’s thriving economy, highlighting key growth sectors like finance, AI, and real estate. “Numerous industries in the area are expanding into this market, contributing to a robust and dynamic economic landscape,” Zeff said.

How would you describe the economic climate in West Palm Beach and Palm Beach County, and what impact has it had on local businesses?
The overall business economy for Palm Beach County continues to be strong. Presently, the GDP of Palm Beach County is twice the national average. Unemployment remains consistently lower than both the state and national averages. The economy is further bolstered by constant development, with new buildings being constructed regularly. Significant investment growth is occurring in sectors such as finance, real estate, artificial intelligence, technology, and financial technology. Numerous industries in the area are expanding into this market, contributing to a robust and dynamic economic landscape.

How has the workforce landscape evolved and are businesses seeing improvements in recruitment and retention?
The workforce continues to show demand across various sectors. Palm Beach County is fortunate to host several top-tier universities, which contribute to a highly educated local workforce. Florida Atlantic University, now an R1 research institution, Keiser University, Palm Beach Atlantic University, and Lynn University are all located within the county. Additionally, Vanderbilt University has announced plans to establish a presence in Palm Beach County. These institutions play a crucial role in cultivating skilled professionals. However, there remains a need for improvement in skilled labor, and efforts are being made at all educational levels to address this gap.

What are some strategic benefits of joining The Chamber as a member?
The Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches is the oldest and largest business institution in Palm Beach County, established in 1913, just four years after the county itself was founded in 1909. The chamber focuses on four key pillars, which we refer to as P.A.C.E.: Prosperity, Advocacy, Education, and Connections. Regarding prosperity, we work to foster a thriving business environment. Advocacy is central to our mission, as we engage with local, county, and state leaders to create policies that support business growth. Education is another priority, offering workshops, seminars, and training opportunities for entrepreneurs and business owners. Finally, we emphasize connections, serving as a hub for networking and facilitating new business relationships.

What are the most pressing policy issues you are addressing to create a pro-business environment?
Our advocacy efforts at the state level have centered on several critical initiatives. First, we have supported fully funded, year-round Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) programs for 4-year-old students. For the agriculture industry and new developments in western Palm Beach County, we have advocated for investment in State Road 880 East and West, a farm-to-market initiative. In healthcare, we have pushed for additional funding for behavioral health beds, particularly for children under 12 experiencing mental health crises, as Palm Beach County currently lacks these resources. Additionally, we have championed ongoing investments in water quality and restoration projects, including the Lake Worth Lagoon initiative.

What new programs or resources has The Chamber introduced to support businesses in leveraging technology and innovation for growth?
Recognizing the growing importance of technology, The Chamber has recently established an Artificial Intelligence and Technology Committee. This committee brings together industry experts to explore advancements in AI and other emerging technologies. Our goal is to ensure that our members remain at the forefront of innovation, equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to adapt and thrive in an evolving digital landscape.

What new initiatives or partnerships have been introduced to ensure year-round tourism activities as they play a vital role in the local economy?
Indeed, tourism is a cornerstone of Palm Beach County’s economy, with far-reaching impacts on real estate, workforce development, and overall investment. We often say that it all begins with a visit: when people experience the area, they are more likely to return, relocate, work, and invest here. To sustain this cycle, we collaborate with hospitality and tourism partners to promote the county as a premier destination. These efforts not only support the tourism and hospitality sectors but also drive broader economic growth.

How is The Chamber preparing to address future challenges related to population growth and infrastructure to sustain West Palm Beach’s appeal as a top relocation destination?
We are seeing explosive growth in Palm Beach County, particularly in West Palm Beach, along with significant investment. While this growth is beneficial, it brings certain challenges, particularly related to infrastructure. The Chamber is collaborating with the city and county to address traffic concerns, as the county is undertaking a transportation study to evaluate how best to support the region’s transportation infrastructure and alleviate congestion.
As the community expands, other resource-related challenges emerge, such as water availability. We are working with the city, county, and state to support mitigating these issues and ensure access to high-quality, clean drinking water. The city of West Palm Beach is investing in a reverse osmosis project, which is notable because the city remains one of the few that sources its water from a freshwater supply rather than the Floridan Aquifer. This new system will supplement existing water resources.

What role do sustainability and environmental considerations play in your economic development strategies for the area?
Florida is a peninsula, surrounded by water, and one of our top industries in Palm Beach County is tourism. Maintaining healthy beaches and protecting the community from weather events and natural disasters is critically important. This involves preparedness, sustainability, and strong building standards, which we are proud to have here in West Palm Beach. Ensuring resilience against future challenges is a key priority in our economic planning.

What initiatives have The Chamber introduced to enhance member retention and attract new businesses to the network?
The Chamber is experiencing significant growth, driven in part by the rapid expansion of the business community in Palm Beach County. Since I joined the chamber in November 2024, we have focused on core objectives: prosperity, advocacy, connection, and education. By concentrating on these fundamental principles, we have been adding over one new member per day. We are on track to welcome more than 300 new members in my first year alone.
While it may seem simple, refocusing on The Chamber’s core mission has proven highly effective. We are proud to support the business community, as we have done for the past 112 years.

How does The Chamber plan to leverage its resources and influence to position West Palm Beach and Palm Beach County as a globally recognized pro-business hub over the next few years?
At The Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches, we are focused on building something that lasts. Our P.A.C.E. strategy, prosperity, advocacy, connection, and education sets the pace for economic growth across the county. Over the next few years, we will continue to amplify that mission by strengthening our voice, sharpening our message, and expanding access to opportunities for our members.
Palm Beach County is fertile ground for business, not just in agriculture, but across industries. From legacy family businesses to major financial firms relocating from Wall Street, companies choose this region because of the strong foundation we offer. Our role is to tell those stories, elevate our members, and showcase what makes this community exceptional.
That’s the power of PBC Built, our bold new campaign celebrating the people and businesses that define our economy. Through storytelling, visibility, and connection, we are building more than momentum. We are building a reputation as one of the most dynamic pro-business regions in the country, and we are just getting started.