In an interview with Invest:, Donald Burgess, president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches, talked about what makes Palm Beach an attractive location for people and businesses, the various incentives the Chamber offers to its members and how employment, especially within the hospitality industry, continues to be a top concern.
What have been some major highlights over the last year and what are your priorities going forward?
In 2022, we faced challenges due to the lingering effects of the COVID pandemic. As an organization that brings people together, we suffered a decline in membership as hundreds of businesses decided against renewing their membership. However, we saw signs of recovery last year, with event attendance gradually returning to pre-pandemic levels and a significant slowdown in membership losses. It was a turnaround year for us as we started building and regaining momentum.
Moving forward, our top priorities are to continue organizing exceptional events, grow our membership and retain existing members. Additionally, we are focusing on important community issues, such as affordable housing, specifically workforce housing, and improving mobility for people commuting and navigating the city. With the tremendous growth we are experiencing, we recognize the associated challenges that come along that and we are determined to address them.
What incentives does the Chamber offer to attract more members?
Just to mention a few, by joining the Chamber of Commerce, you not only support our mission but also gain valuable tools and opportunities to promote and grow your business. For example, as a member, your business will have its own dedicated page on our website, providing greater online visibility. You will also gain access to valuable resources, such as our job board, where you can post job openings. Additionally, you can share news releases and promote any specials or offers your business has through our website. Furthermore, you will be listed in our online business directory and our print publications, ensuring increased exposure for your business. In our print publications, your business will be listed alphabetically and by category, maximizing your visibility. Members also enjoy exclusive discounts on our event registration fees. All of these benefits are included at no additional cost once you have paid your membership dues.
What strategies or resources does the Chamber provide to support the growth and expansion of the existing businesses in Palm Beach County?
Our main responsibility is to be the voice of the business community. We actively engage with the city and county commissions, ensuring that businesses facing challenges can turn to us for assistance. Our committees play a crucial role in gathering feedback and concerns from various business sectors.
When we reach a consensus on specific issues we follow up by writing letters of support or presenting our case before the relevant city or county commissioners. This could involve addressing challenges faced by our members or advocating for specific development projects in certain locations. We have made it our mission to speak up on behalf of the community whenever such matters arise.
What are the top concerns right now for the business community in Palm Beach County?
Similar to last year, our top concerns revolve around employment, especially within the hospitality industry. Additionally, housing poses a critical challenge since the availability of suitable housing directly impacts businesses’ ability to retain employees. It is essential to support our workforce by ensuring they can live in proximity to their workplace. If we fail to address this issue, employees may be forced to relocate to areas with more affordable housing, potentially leading to talent loss for businesses.
Furthermore, transportation has emerged as another challenge for employers. We are actively working to prevent transportation-related gridlock issues that are commonly experienced in cities like Miami or New York. Our goal is to avoid the burden of high transportation costs for employees commuting to work. Therefore, we are dedicated to finding solutions that alleviate both housing and transportation challenges.
In what ways do you expect to see Palm Beach County’s economy diversify in the coming years?
The economy of our region is already well diversified. We boast a range of industries, including healthcare facilities, which are prominent in our area. Additionally, we have a strong agricultural sector that plays a vital role in supplying the nation with agricultural products. Furthermore, we are known as “Wall Street South,” indicating our significance in finance, but our economy extends beyond that.
We have a thriving life sciences industry, a robust marine sector, a prominent aviation presence and a flourishing distribution and logistics network. These various sectors contribute to our already diversified economy, creating a solid foundation for growth and prosperity.
What makes Palm Beach a unique and attractive place for businesses to continue to thrive?
One of the appealing factors of our region is the favorable climate, complemented by a proactive government and a vibrant business community. The hospitality industry provides abundant employment opportunities, making it a significant contributor to our economy. Moreover, our region is not just renowned for its beautiful beaches, in addition to a multitude of parks and recreational facilities. This makes our area not only a desirable place to work but also an excellent place to live, given the wide range of activities and amenities available to residents. With the ongoing progress and economic boom, we anticipate that this positive momentum will continue.
As the county continues to grow, what do you hope will change and what should stay the same?
Moving forward, I believe it’s essential for us to shift our focus away from primarily developing downtown areas and instead consider expanding toward the western regions, if possible. This balanced approach can promote growth and prosperity in a wider geographical area.
Equally important is maintaining our business-friendly environment. It has come to my attention that in some cities, organizations seeking to relocate have encountered unwelcoming attitudes. In contrast, we take pride in our commitment to listening to and accommodating the needs of businesses interested in joining our community. However, it’s worth noting that we are discerning and adhere to established rules and regulations that have been refined over many decades. Our goal is to provide equal opportunities and ensure that everyone, whether it’s the Chamber of Commerce, the Economic Development arm or government officials, has a platform to be heard.
Where do you see Palm Beach County’s economy going within the next three to five years and where does the Chamber fit into that?
I envision our continued progress as a community. While we acknowledge our current success, we understand that it also brings challenges that cannot be ignored. One of our top priorities is to address the housing issue, ensuring that our workforce has access to affordable housing. Additionally, transportation is a crucial aspect that requires more than simply adding or widening roads. We strive for comprehensive solutions in this regard.
As we expand and grow, we remain committed to the vision shared by our mayor and city leaders that West Palm Beach should be a community of opportunity for all. For the Chamber, this sentiment extends throughout Palm Beach County. We believe in creating a thriving environment where everyone can flourish.
The Chamber of Commerce plays a vital role in organizing exceptional events that attract people to our community. We have a range of exciting activities in the pipeline, including award ceremonies. These ceremonies recognize outstanding businesses, female leaders through the Athena Awards franchise and our esteemed firefighters. With the community’s backing, we will continue to serve as a voice for the business community, fostering unity and collaboration among all stakeholders.
