Mission / Vision

this goal, Miranda said, is for the chamber to work hand in hand with the municipalities it serves to get in on the ground floor with those planning to start up a business. “We are working to establish a process with the cities and the villages so when an individual is looking to apply for a business license, they are referred to us so we can educate them. We want them to take the time to really research the investment decision they are making,” Miranda said. “We are also working on a strategy for working with local retail developers and leasing agents to identify potential categories or industries that are needed in the western communities.” Other priorities for the executive director include freshening up the chamber’s longtime events like WestFest — adding more value for sponsors and a different look for participants. This will help imbue the traditions with some added excitement, Miranda said. “In an effort to keep up with the times, we worked with Palm Beach County staff to have WestFest proclaimed as the first ‘green’ event for Palm Beach County. Thanks to the support of Florida Public Utilities as our major sponsor, we are on our way to making that a reality for 2008.”

And, in keeping with the times, the special event upgrades are only a part of it. Through an anonymous $25,000 donation, the chamber is already in the midst of upgrading all its technology, including its web site and member database. Also on Miranda’s to-do list is the way west-area residents shop and use services. “I want to start a campaign to encourage our residents to really ‘keep it local,’ to utilize the businesses in the area when they need a product or service,” she said. “Whether it’s dining or hair care, we want to ask them to try to stay in our area and support the local businesses (and families) that have made an investment in our community. We want to try to keep our shopping plazas occupied.” Of course, 2008 being the chamber’s 25th anniversary year, Miranda is spearheading a big marketing campaign. Partnering with Comcast Spotlight, the chamber will soon begin a branding campaign for the western communities that will be aired throughout Palm Beach County. The four part series of television commercials will promote several industries that are the backbone of the local economy. The first quarter “Did You Know” campaign spotlight showcases the equestrian industry and features John Goodman of the International Polo Club Palm Beach, Mark Bellissimo of the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center and Miranda. Future spots will promote the medical, retail, dining and entertainment industries.

“As the regional chamber for Wellington, Royal Palm Beach, Greenacres, Loxahatchee Groves and the Acreage/Loxahatchee area, we have a stake in this community,” Miranda said. “We

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