In an interview with Invest:, Noel Martinez, president and CEO of Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce, talked about the chamber’s work in prioritizing adaptability, technological advancements and diversity, how Palm Beach County is thriving economically and the Chamber’s evolving role to meet changing business needs.
What have been some major highlights and milestones over the last year?
Over the past year, we have accomplished several significant milestones. One of the most important achievements was refreshing our strategic plan. After five years, we evaluated our progress and made adjustments to align with the changing world. We also developed a regional disaster resilience plan in collaboration with all 10 municipalities, aiming to strengthen our infrastructure to better handle natural disasters. We received a grant for this initiative, ensuring a quicker reopening of our region for the benefit of businesses and the community.
Another notable accomplishment is our Palm Beach North branding initiative. Started in 2007, we rebranded Northern Palm Beach County as Palm Beach North, emphasizing our exceptional quality of life. Recently, we refreshed our brand and launched the Palm Beach North podcast, where we interview local and regional leaders, including elected officials, CEOs and even local celebrities. This initiative aims to promote our region and highlight our hidden gems.
Education has been another priority for us, recognizing its importance to the business community and our future workforce. We have actively connected our schools with the Chamber, fostering collaboration and involvement. Through the Palm Beach North Chamber Foundation, we raise funds for education, granting over $26,000 in scholarships to students and partnering with the Nicholas Foundation to recognize outstanding teachers with $1,000 awards.
Given the economic challenges, how does Palm Beach County continue to collaborate with and attract new key players and businesses?
We’re on fire right now. If you look at the Florida scorecard, our stats show some impressive numbers. Our current population stands at around 1.5 million. By 2030, the projections indicate that Palm Beach County alone will reach between 1.7 to 1.8 million residents. Additionally, we’re looking to create nearly 85,000 new jobs. We’re bursting at the seams but in a fantastic way. Despite concerns about the national economy, I believe we in Palm Beach County, especially the North End, will be the last to feel any negative effects. We’re experiencing tremendous growth, planning ahead and getting ready for the opportunities coming our way. As such, we prioritize various strategies to support our region.
For attracting new businesses, education is paramount because businesses considering relocation often inquire about the quality of schools for their employees’ children. We’re actively engaged in enhancing education, addressing the needs of both private and public schools. Advocacy remains a crucial aspect of our mission. Chambers play a pivotal role in consistently advocating for our business community. It’s vital for incoming businesses to know that there’s a dedicated group fighting for their interests.
Collaboration with the Business Development Board is also significant. As they attract businesses, our focus is to make our area as appealing as possible. Our branding initiative plays a vital role in promoting and highlighting the numerous offerings of the Palm Beach North Region. Building strong partnerships with the 10 municipalities in the Northern Palm Beach County area is essential. This collaboration enables us to facilitate business processes, including permits, planning, and zoning, expediting their progress.
Moreover, workforce development is a key consideration. We actively engage with our education partners to ensure the growth of a skilled workforce that aligns with the needs of incoming businesses. Strengthening these relationships demonstrates our commitment to providing a talented workforce for our region’s success.
What strategies or initiatives are in place to ensure a strong workforce for the local business community?
Workforce development programs play a crucial role in our region, which is why we collaborate with CareerSource and other business organizations, working alongside our schools to ensure they provide the necessary curriculum for the future workforce. It’s imperative to communicate with our businesses and emphasize the importance of improving work conditions. Encouraging our businesses to offer competitive wages, flexible working hours, work-from-home options and better healthcare is essential to retain top talent and stand out from competitors.
In addition, we focus on enhancing recruitment strategies. By providing resources, hosting seminars and inviting guest speakers, we equip businesses with the tools they need to attract exceptional candidates. Embracing technology is also vital. We encourage our businesses to leverage available technologies to boost productivity and accomplish more, especially in times of labor shortages.
How does the chamber collaborate with the local government and officials to advocate for business-friendly policies and support economic development?
We have a strong relationship with all 10 municipalities in the North End of our region. Every month, our Government Affairs committee meets and receives reports from each municipality. These reports cover a range of topics, including upcoming developments and updates from recent city council meetings. Our open-door policy ensures that we have direct communication with the city managers of all 10 municipalities. This allows us to address any issues that may arise, such as outdoor seating or signage concerns, as well as funding requests.
Furthermore, we develop a legislative agenda known as our Prosperity Agenda. We gather feedback from our members through surveys, asking about their most significant challenges. Talent acquisition, labor shortage, insurance and affordable housing are among the key issues discussed. We also consult with our municipalities to align our agenda with their upcoming projects and priorities. When our municipalities require funding for bridge repairs, infrastructure improvements or resilience initiatives like our disaster resilience plan, we advocate for them in Tallahassee. We engage with legislators both in the capital and in our local communities, ensuring their awareness of our region’s needs.
What makes Palm Beach a unique and attractive place for business to thrive in and also for people to relocate to?
The quality of life in our region is second to none. Our infrastructure is well-maintained, with clean streets and excellent amenities. We boast incredible golf courses, renowned restaurants and outstanding boating opportunities. Moreover, our community is incredibly diverse, both culturally and in terms of recreational activities. Whether you enjoy hiking, camping or immersing yourself in nature, we offer a wealth of options. We take pride in our region’s vibrant tapestry.
One significant advantage we have is our infrastructure’s readiness for the growth ahead. Unlike major cities with heavy traffic that can turn a five-mile journey into a 30-minute ordeal, we have efficient transportation systems. This factor further enhances our attractiveness as a desirable place to live and work.
How do you see the Chamber’s role evolving within the region as the population continues growing?
Chambers of commerce are constantly evolving and they must continue to do so every day. Advocacy remains a crucial aspect of the work that chambers do, fighting for and educating businesses in our communities. This fundamental role will persist. However, resilience has gained significant importance, especially in the wake of the pandemic. Chambers must guide their members and communities in building resilience, which has become increasingly vital.
Technological advancements also have transformed the way we connect. In this Zoom-centric world, people prefer virtual meetings over lengthy commutes. Chambers must adapt to this shift and embrace technology to better serve their members. Furthermore, inclusivity and diversity have taken on paramount significance. Chambers of commerce, historically seen as exclusive “good old boys” networks, have undergone substantial transformation. With 10 municipalities, each has its unique characteristics, from Riviera Beach to Lake Park to Jupiter. It’s crucial for the leadership within our organization to mirror the diversity of our region. This inclusivity should be evident in our member recruitment, committee selection and board composition. Every aspect of our work needs to consider and embrace the diverse perspectives and voices that make up our community.
