prospectorPLUSbusiness development board of Palm Beach CountyWinter 2011

in this issueInternational Accreditation

Grow FL – Economic Gardening

Expansions & Relocations

Strong Partnerships

Our work, will of course, continue with building our economicdevelopment website, www.SmartStartPalmBeach.com with its databaseand mapping of all shovel ready property, and the listing of cities and townsthat support expedited permitting and economic development incentives.We are also working on a unique marketing outreach campaign with new

printed and digital materials.

In the months of September and October, the BDB collaborated with theConvention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), Tourist Development Council, CulturalCouncil and many others on a marketing piece with Delta Airlines. InDecember, Palm Beach County was featured in Delta Air Line’s signaturemagazine, Delta Sky, which has 5.3 million readers and is ranked as one ofthe highest read magazines by C-Suite executives. The story titled, “ThePerfect Business Climate,” talked about why Palm Beach County is the ideallocation to live, to work, to learn and to play. We especially want to thank ourfriends at the CVB and Jorge Pesquera for their partnership.

Lastly, I want to take the opportunity to thank those who partner andcollaborate with us daily for economic development success in Palm Beach

County. The financial support from our Board of County Commissioners andthe partnership with the Palm Beach County Economic Development Officeis critical to our success. We also work very closely with our Chambers ofCommerce, Workforce Alliance, Enterprise Florida, Economic Council, andpublic/private educational institutions as we travel all parts of this county. Lastbut not least, we thank you, our members, for your financial contribution,expertise, time and ideas. Your continued support at the highest level is criticalto the economic sustainability of this county.

Sincerely,

Kelly SmallridgePresident & CEOBusiness Development Board of Palm Beach County, Inc.

To our Members and Partners:

The Business Development Board of Palm Beach

County moves into a new fiscal year, it’s important to

note our goals and missions for the coming months. As

Palm Beach County’s economic development partner,

our goal is to create 1,500 new jobs from new

companies relocating into our community and

expanding corporation that already have a Palm Beach

County address. While creating jobs, we will continue to

focus on the economic development ecosystem of key

industry sectors, ensuring that our business climate

remains competitive and attractive.

A Letter from the CEO

B D B P R O S P E C T O R P L U SC 2 W I N T E R 2 0 1 1

B u s i n e s s D e v e l o p m e n t B o a r d

What can Workforce Alliance do for Palm Beach County businesses?

• Talent management• Recruit qualified employees • Provide facilities for interviews and/or training• Assist in applying for federal training funds

• Provide on-site human resources assistance• Provide local Labor Market Information• Assessments• Outplacement Services and more

A Workforce Alliance Account Manager is alwaysavailable to help fulfill your workforce business needs.

Call 1-800-556-JOBS(5627) or go on line www.pbcalliance.com

pbcalliance.com1-800-556-JOBS (5627)

employflorida.com1-866-FLA (352)-2345

BOARD OF ADVISORSAnspach Effort, Inc., TheBank of AmericaCiti BankFlagler Real Estate ServicesFlorida Crystals CorporationFlorida Power & Light CompanyFlorida Trend MagazineGeoGlobal Partners/GMJ HoldingsGunsterHardrives, Inc.LRP PublicationsMcGladreyNova SoutheasternUniversity - Palm Beach

Palm Beach Aggregates, LLCPalm Beach County Board of CountyCommissionersPlastridge Insurance AgencyPNC BankPratt & Whitney RocketdyneRegions BankSouth Florida Business JournalTempleton & CompanyWachovia, A Wells Fargo CompanyWorkforce Alliance, Inc.

CORPORATE MEMBERS1st United BankAFLACAlpern RosenthalAnderson-Moore Construction Corp.Applefield Waxman, Inc.Aquila Property Company, Inc./BinksForest Golf ClubB/E Aerospace, Inc.Baron Sign ManufacturingBehavioral Healthof the Palm Beaches, Inc.

Blackstone Property ManagementBroad and CasselCampus Management Corp.Celedinas Insurance GroupCompson Associates, Inc.DoubleTree Hotel in the GardensDuane Morris LLPEcclestone OrganizationEdwards Angell Palmer & Dodge LLPErnst & Young LLPFlorida Public Utilities CompanyFuoco GroupGL HomesGreenspoon Marder, P.A.Hedrick Brothers Construction Co., Inc.JFK Medical CenterLockheed Martin CorporationOffice Depot FoundationPalm Beach Gardens MarriottRendina CompaniesRutherford Mulhall, P.A.Sabadell United BankSBA Communications CorporationTD BankThinsolutionsWest Palm Beach Marriott

IN THIS ISSUE

prospectorPLUSbusiness development board of Palm Beach CountyWinter 2011

Rob

ert Stevens

Cover Photo: Robert Stevens

MEMBER PROFILES

Palm Beach Aggregates 5Hedrick Brothers 6

BankAtlantic 7Celedinas Insurance Group 9

Pharus Group 10Florida Public Utilities 10A Professional Touch 11

Ernst & Young 11Lesser Lesser Landy & Smith 12

GrowFL 3

Economic Development Initiatives 4

Calendar of Events 4

International Economic Development Council 6

Relocation & Expanding Businesses 8

B D B P R O S P E C T O R P L U S2 W I N T E R 2 0 1 1

PRESIDENTS LEVELMEMBERSPresident

AirLiance Materials

Anixter

BankAtlantic

BankUnited

BioFlorida

Boca Raton Resort & Club

Boca Raton, City of

Brazilian Court Hotel

& Beach Club/Cafe Boulud

Calvin, Giordano & Associates, Inc.

Carey O’Donnell Public Relations Group

Catalfumo Construction and

Development, Inc.

CB Richard Ellis, Inc.

CBIZ Goldstein Lewin

Cleveland Clinic Florida Health & Wellness

COMCAST

ComDesign

Comerica Bank

Crocker Partners LLC

CS Media Works

Cushman & Wakefield of Florida, Inc.

Dale Carnegie Training

DaszkalBolton LLP

Dewhurst Associates, Inc.

DPR Construction

Express Employment Professionals

First Park South Florida

Florida Atlantic University

Florida Research Park

Forte Interactive

Frank Crystal & Company

G4S Secure Solutions (USA)

Gardens Mall, The

Hoffman’s Chocolate Shoppes

Hollywood Media Corp.

Honda Classic, The

HSBC Bank

Iberia Bank

IBM Southeast Employees’ Federal Credit

Union, Parent Company

of PGA Credit Union

Jade Communications

Junior Achievement

of the Palm Beaches, Inc.

Jupiter Medical Center

Kaufman Lynn, Inc. General Contractors

Keyes Company/Realtors, The

Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc.

Leboffe & Associates

Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith, PLLC

Lots of Yachts/Lots of Spots

Max Planck Florida Institute

McCraney Property Company

MDG Advertising

Mirzam Asset Management

Navarro Lowrey, Inc.

BDB Assists GrowFLwith Economic Gardening

The Business Development Board of Palm Beach County is working with GrowFL in anoutreach effort to assist companies that may need technical and information tools to continuegrowing. GrowFL is the centerpiece of Florida’s new entrepreneurial strategy of “economicgardening,” which focuses on cultivating companies with the potential to grow into thepowerhouses of the state’s economy. In 2009, UCF was selected to administer the statewideprogram.

The GrowFL program is free of charge for companies that have grown beyond the startupphase and meet certain criteria.

“The continuing challenge for GrowFL is to recruit from companies that fit the specific criteriaof second-stage growth companies, said Becky Magaw, VP of Business Retention and Expansion,Business Development Board of Palm Beach County. “ So we are putting out the call to: for-profit, privately held businesses which employ between 10 and 50 people, generate $1 million to$25 million in annual revenue, demonstrate growth in number of employees and gross revenuesduring three of the past five years.”

The program offers a full range of free growth services, which include everything from marketresearch to web and social media strategy to capital and labor referrals.

As many as 5,000 Florida firms would qualify for this promising program in the areas of bio-technology, software development, energy and professional, technical or other services.

For more information go to GrowFL.com

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CalendarMARCH 2 - 4FAM TOUR

MARCH 302nd Upper Level Breakfast – The Colony(Greenspoon Marder)

APRIL 4-5PB Strategic Forum – PBC Conv. Center

APRIL 14BOD, BOA & Corp. Reception(Workforce Alliance)

APRIL 283rd Quarter PACE Luncheon – (Bank of America)

MAY 6Annual Golf Tournament

MAY 11Coffee Talk

MAY 26BDB Breakfast

JUNE 15BDB Breakfast

JUNE 303rd Quarter Upper Level Breakfast (Alpern Rosenthal)

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B u s i n e s s D e v e l o p m e n t B o a r d

PRESIDENTS LEVELMEMBERS (continued)Nexus Energy Solutions

Northwood University

Oasis Outsourcing

Palm Beach County Convention

and Visitors Bureau

Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island

Beach Resort & Spa

Palm Beach State College

PGA of America

PGAL

Port of Palm Beach

Preferred Printing & Graphics

Professional Touch International

Quest Contracting Services, Inc.

Raitt Corporation

Related Companies

Richard S. Bernstein

& Associates, Inc.- Insurance

Richman Greer, P.A.

Right Management

RML Video Production Services

Schanel & Associates, PA/CPA

Schulz Training

Seacrest Services, Inc.

Shamin Abas Public Relations

Shutts & Bowen LLP

Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation

Southern Waste Systems/Sun Recycling

STH Architectural Group,

a LEO A DALY Company

Stiles Corporation

Suffolk Construction Company,

Southeast Region

TBC Corporation

Tequesta Agency

UBS Palm Beach Wealth Group

Wantman Group, Inc.

Ward, Damon & Posner, P.A.

Weitz Company, LLC., The

Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC

Wells Fargo Insurance Services

West Palm Beach/CRA WPB City

Center/Downtown District

West Palm Beach/Northwood

Pleasant City District

ProspectorPLUS is published by:

Passport Publications & Media Corporation

1555 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd., Suite 1550

West Palm Beach, FL 33401

(561) 472-8778

a passion for people & publishing

®

Economic DevelopmentINIT IATIVES:

SHOVEL READY PALM BEACH Shovel Ready Palm Beach is one of the BDB’s most successful economic

development initiatives. It is focused on analyzing, mapping and showcasing available land in Palm Beach County. The program systematically reviews shovel ready landand then lists qualified sites on the BDB’s new website: SmartStartPalmBeach.com. Eachmonth, the BDB’s Shovel Ready committee reviews qualifying applications from across thecounty. The BDB’s Shovel Ready Palm Beach program is one of the few true shovel readyprograms in the US. If you need more information about ShovelReadyPalmBeach, or if youhave land that may qualify for this program, contact Shawn Rowan at srowan@bdb.org.

INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC FORUM OF THE AMERICAS

The International Economic Forum of the Americas is coming to Palm Beach County inspring 2011 and the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County is supporting theeffort. The event in Palm Beach County will focus on world finance, competition, trade, life science and green energy. Nicholas Remillard, Vice President of the International Economic Forum of the Americas, has been meeting with BDB partners as the event plan-ning is underway.

P R O S P E C T O R P L U S B D BW I N T E R 2 0 1 1 5

Palm Beach Aggregates:Helping to Build Palm Beach County

“I firmly believe that the best years in Palm Beach County’s historyare still ahead of us,” says Enrique A. Tomeu president. “The BDB playsa critical role in moving us forward with its highly effective economicdevelopment efforts.”

Based in Loxahatchee, Palm Beach Aggregates was established onapproximately 3,000 acres in western Palm Beach County in 1990 asGKK Corporation. In 1997, GKK came under new ownership andmanagement and became Palm Beach Aggregates. “We saw the growthpotential for the region, and decided to make a major investment,” saysTomeu. “At that time, the land was being used for mining and farming,including sugar cane, sod and vegetables.”

Palm Beach Aggregates has steadily invested in and expanded itsmining operation over the years. Now, the company operates on over3,200 acres in the western region, producing aggregate, a broadcategory of construction materials, including crushed stone, sand, gravel,that add strength and durability to other products.

“We provide the raw material used for concrete, asphalt production and

baserock for road construction,” says Tomeu. “We are very focused on aggregateas our core business, and we service Palm Beach and Martin Counties,

Palm Beach Aggregates’ customers include contractors androadbuilders, as well as concrete and asphalt companies serving thepublic and private sectors. Its products can be found in all majorhighways, county and state roads, private developments, utility projects,and environmental restoration projects in South Florida. “We also providethe raw materials for the construction business, including asphalt, pavingand concrete for homebuilding,” Tomeu adds.

In recent years, Palm Beach Aggregate has also created waterstorage reservoirs, taking advantage of the region’s unique geologicalformation that holds water naturally.

Today, Palm Beach Aggregates serves the construction needs of theSouth Florida region, drawing on an extensive network of long-timeclients. As Tomeu says, “We have a close-knit business community herethat encourages cooperation and nurtures new companies.”For more information, www.palmbeachag.com.

For nearly 20 years, Palm Beach

Aggregates has been helping to

build Palm Beach County. Today, the

company – whose products are in

place throughout the region – is

looking forward to a bright future.

Enrique A. Tomeu

B u s i n e s s D e v e l o p m e n t B o a r d

BDB Accredited byInternational Economic Development Council

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) recentlyrecognized the BDB as an Accredited Economic DevelopmentOrganization (AEDO) – the second in the state of Florida.

“The Business Development Board of Palm Beach County displaysthe professionalism, commitment, and technical expertise that isdeserving of this honor,” said IEDC president and CEO Jeff Finkle.“Earning the AEDO accreditation tells the community and prospects thatthe BDB has attained a measure of excellence assuring that their trust iswell-placed and their business is in good hands.”

The AEDO program is a comprehensive peer review process that measures economic developmentorganizations againstcommonly held standards in the profession. The

program consists of two phases: documentation review and an onsite visit.Each phase is designed to evaluate information about the structure,organization, funding, programs and staff of the candidate economicdevelopment organization.

Maintenance of the AEDO status is required every three years and isaccomplished through documentation submission and/or onsite visits bya team of the AEDO subcommittee.

“We are very honored to be part of an elite group of economicdevelopment organizations not only in Florida, but throughout

the nation,” said Kelly Smallridge, president and CEO.“This recognition affirms that we have the highest

level of infrastructure, staff andprograms in place to be

ranked amongthe best.”

From “green” office buildings and historic restorations, to educational facilities,country clubs and estate homes Hedrick Brothers Construction brings visions to reality.“We take great pride in the quality of our work, and we strive to ensure our clients receivethe very best,” says Dale Hedrick, LEED AP, president of the West Palm Beach companyfounded in 1979. “Our culture of accountability has helped us produce excellent results.”

Known for meticulous craftsmanship, innovative technologies and projectmanagement systems, Hedrick Brothers Construction is a leader in sustainable practicesthat provide a healthier workspace, energy efficiency, minimal environmental impact andcost savings. A member of the U.S. Green Building Council, Hedrick BrothersConstruction has completed five sustainable projects in Palm Beach County, includingEcoPlex, a West Palm Beach office building.

“With our long track record and financial stability, we build lasting relationships withowners,” Hedrick says. “We have grown considerably over the years, not only in projectsize and type, but also in the ability to give back to our community.”

Hedrick Brothers Construction has been a member of the BDB for more than adecade. “The relationships we have developed through this organization have contributedto the growth of our company,” says Hedrick. “By bringing new businesses to PalmBeach County, the BDB is strengthening the economy of our community.”

For more information, www.hedrickbrothers.com.

Dale Hedrick

Hedrick Brothers Construction:Bringing Visions to Reality

B D B P R O S P E C T O R P L U S6 W I N T E R 2 0 1 1

Ken Binger

BankAtlantic began in 1952 in Fort Lauderdale. Today, BankAtlantic is one of the oldest and largestFlorida based community banks, employing 1,400 people who work at 100 branches across SouthFlorida and the Tampa Bay area.

“Our ongoing commitment to service, efficiency and convenience allows us to successfullycompete as a community bank with larger national banks,” says Ken Binger, president, PalmBeach/Treasure Coast. “While we offer the same innovative products and services as our biggercompetitors, they can’t match our level of personalized service.

Binger adds, “We pioneered seven-day banking in Florida, plus we’re open early and late. Our freeonline banking and bill pay, mobile banking and telephone banking services let customers conductbanking transactions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, making us ‘Florida’s Most Convenient Bank.’”

For the business community, BankAtlantic offers a full range of business checking accounts,savings accounts and business services including merchant credit card processing, online banking andbill pay, treasury management and business debit and credit cards.

Community involvement is an integral part of the BankAtlantic philosophy. “Our employees haveprovided their talent, resources and countless hours of volunteer work, while BankAtlantic and theBankAtlantic Foundation have provided over $15 million in grants to charitable organizations that promoteprograms in education and literacy, the arts and human services across the state,” Binger said.

Similar to the BDB’s mission to stimulate economic energy, promote diversity and enrich thevitality of Palm Beach County, BankAtlantic aims to provide financial solutions that will strengthen therelationships, while assisting its vision to be known as Florida’s best bank.

For more information, www.bankatlantic.com.

BankAtlantic:‘Florida’s Most Convenient Bank’

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P R O S P E C T O R P L U S B D BW I N T E R 2 0 1 1 7

B u s i n e s s D e v e l o p m e n t B o a r d

B D B P R O S P E C T O R P L U S8 W I N T E R 2 0 1 1

RELOCATIONSFlorida Flavors and Concentrates, Inc., the second largest beverage

company in Brazil, will add a manufacturing plant and 16 additional jobs inRiviera Beach to its corporate portfolio. The plant will manufacture and mixcola and other flavored beverages for shipment to Brazil and worldwidemarkets. The company has leased a 13,000-square-foot building and, withhelp from the City of Riviera Beach expedited permitting process, thecompany has completed its interior renovation efforts. The total economicimpact of the project will be $11.7 million.

“The assistance from the Business Development Board and theresponsiveness of the city of Riviera Beach confirmed that we made the rightdecision in locating in Palm Beach County,” said Didier Hardy, president ofFlorida Flavors and Concentrates, Inc.

Modernizing Medicine Inc. is opening its corporate headquarters inBoynton Beach. Initially, the company will create at least nine new jobs,growing to over 18 in Palm Beach County.

Led by CEO Dan Cane, Modernizing Medicine Inc. is a software providerthat delivers the next generation of healthcare IT solutions for small andmedium-sized specialty medical practices. The company received $22,000in financial assistance from the Boynton Beach Community RedevelopmentAgency for building improvements and rent subsidies.

The company’s exclusive product called Electronic Medical Assistant,EMA, is an intuitive software system that saves time for doctors and staffwith patient notes, prescriptions, test orders, billing and documentation.

EXPANSIONSLRP, Inc., a specialty publishing company with headquarters in Palm

Beach County, will be expanding its South Florida operations, adding jobsand leasing new warehouse space.

LRP Publications will relocate its Pennsylvania-based printing andmailing facilities and expand its Palm Beach County operations, includingrenovations to its current corporate offices, during the next six months. LRPwill add 40 new jobs and lease an additional 5,000 square feet of warehouse

space in Riviera Beach. The capital investment for the project is estimated tobe $700,000.

LRP Publications currently has more than 200 employees in Palm BeachCounty. The company publishes industry magazines, newsletters, books,videos, case reporters and web products in specialized areas such as humanresources, worker’s compensation, and education administration.

MDVIP, Inc., a national leader in personalized, preventive healthcarewill relocate its corporate headquarters in Boca Raton. MDVIP, Inc. willrelocate its 150 employees to 20,000 square feet of corporate space at theLynn Financial Center.

MDVIP, Inc. was founded in 2000 with a network of affiliated physiciansthat specializes in personalized, preventive care. There are currently morethan 430 MDVIP-affiliated physicians providing care to more than 135,000patients throughout the country.

“We are delighted about our new location and appreciate the partnershipwith the BDB,” said Dan Hecht, CEO, MDVIP, Inc. “The new facility will alsoplay host to hundreds of visiting physicians from all around the country asMDVIP continues to expand its national network of exceptional physicians.These visiting physicians and their guests will have the opportunity to enjoyall the local services that Boca Raton has to offer,”

ADT Security Services, a business unit of Tyco International and oneof Palm Beach County’s largest employers, plans to expand and strengthenits corporate headquarters offices in Boca Raton, after receiving assistancefrom the BDB. ADT North America plans to grow at a new office location at1501 Yamato Road, where it will be joined by the Boca-based corporateoperations of Simplex Grinnell, ADT Latin America, and some Tyco corporateemployees.

Tyco and ADT are among the largest employers in Boca Raton with 700employees at the One Town Center Road location and more than 1,200employees in Palm Beach County.

The State of Florida and the City of Boca Raton offered economicincentives totaling approximately $1.3 million through the Governor’s QuickAction Closing fund. The agreement secures hundreds of well-paying Floridajobs, many in managerial and technical fields and sets the stage for futureemployment growth. The recent acquisition of Broadview Security combinedwith the realignment of ADT North America into separate Commercial andResidential/Small Business organizations, created a need for additionalcapacity at the current Boca Raton corporate headquarters.

“As ADT continues to grow, the incentives from the state and the cityof Boca Raton allow us to better match real estate assets to our changingbusiness needs while helping grow and improve our corporate headquartersoffices and customer demonstration areas. In the process we have theopportunity to create an exceptional new work environment for ouremployees,” said ADT North America Residential/Small Business PresidentJohn Koch.

SURGItrace, LLC, a company specializing in the research, design anddevelopment of “real-time” global tracking solutions for the medical devicesindustry supply chains, is establishing its headquarters operations at theFlorida Atlantic University Research and Development Park in Boca Raton.The company currently employs four people and will add 35 new jobs as itcreates its emerging company at the Research Park.

Relocating, Expanding BusinessesChoose Palm Beach County

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With more than 50 years of experience, Celedinas Insurance Group delivers insurancesolutions and personal service. The national full-service insurance firm based in South Floridawas recently recognized by The Insurance Journal as one of the “Top 100 Privately OwnedInsurance Advisory Firms in America.”

Led by Ray Celedinas, president and CEO, the Celedinas Insurance Group specializes inthe negotiation of terms, conditions and placement of all aspects of business insurance,personal lines coverage, employee benefit programs, and life insurance.

Celedinas is a Certified Insurance Counselor with more than 29 years of experience in theinsurance industry. He is also a principal in Orchid Insurance, Florida’s top wholesale providerof high-value home insurance products, and Vero Insurance, the top insurance advisory firmfocused on the insurance needs of affluent clientele on the Treasure Coast.

Celedinas has received numerous company and industry awards for excellence, serviceand performance. He is supports numerous philanthropic causes, and serves on the boards ofThe Benjamin School and First Tee of the Palm Beaches. He resides in Palm Beach with his wifeof 25 years and their two daughters.

“The competition among counties and cites to attract the very best employers has reachedan unprecedented level,” says Celedinas. “Thanks to the efforts of The Business DevelopmentBoard, we have a cohesive entity working to attract the very best companies to our area andretain them.”

For more information, www.celedinas.com.

Celedinas Insurance Group: Delivering Insurance Solutions

Ray Celedinas

B u s i n e s s D e v e l o p m e n t B o a r d

Delivering Clean,Natural Gas

Whether providing strategic consulting services or operational support,Pharus Group is dedicated to helping small to mid-size companiessucceed. “We provide a comprehensive scope of services to support thecore competency of busy entrepreneurs,” says Christopher Morhardt,president and founder of the Port St. Lucie-based firm. “We become partof the management team, providing expertise and advice on an as-neededbasis.”

Pharus Group’s services encompass strategic planning andimplementation, cash flow management, human resources, executive leveladvisory services, and sales and marketing. The firm also has a medicalpractice management division and experience with biotech spinoffs.

“We provide the non-core technology support to run a balanced,intelligent business,” says CEO and managing partner David Bernstein.“That could include branding, financial analysis or developing an exitstrategy – whatever is needed to assist the business owner(s) in achievingtheir ultimate success.”

In the past year, Pharus Group has also helped several clients obtainbank financing or equity investments – a valued service in today’s tightcredit market, according to Bernstein, who has more than 35 years ofcorporate management experience, including several successfulturnarounds.

Pharus Group maintains an active role in the South Florida businesscommunity through participation in multiple Chambers of Commerce andBusiness Development Board memberships. The company is proud of thesupport and working relationship with attorney William Berger, Esq. and thelaw office of Greenspoon Marder.

For more information visit, www.pharusgroup.com

By delivering clean, natural gas to residences and commercial establishments,Florida Public Utilities Company provides energy-efficient, cost-saving solutions toPalm Beach County homes and businesses. Cooking tops and ranges, tankless waterheaters, pool/spa heaters and outdoor grills are among the most popular natural gasapplications, according to Jason Van Hoffman, manager, marketing services, in WestPalm Beach.

“We have seen a significant upturn in demand this past year,” says Van Hoffman.“Gas appliances really reduce a customer’s electric bill, while reducing carbonemissions as well.” For instance, a tankless heater provides on-demand hot waterwithout the need for continual heat – a potential savings of 3,000 pounds of carbona year for a residential system.

Restaurants and hotels can enjoy substantial cost benefits as well, because ofthe greater demand for hot water and meal preparation. “We have also been workingwith Palm Beach companies deploying new technologies, such as large air-conditioning units powered with natural gas.”

Many new businesses coming to Palm Beach County with assistance from theBDB are also considering natural gas, Van Hoffman says. “Like the BDB, we believein providing support for new companies to relocate here.”

Florida Public Utilities Company also provides propane gas and electric service.For more information, www.fpuc.com

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David Bernstein, CEO, Greg Pashke, CPA, Laura Holt, Financial Specialist, Chris Morhardt, President, Kevin Clark, Business Consultant

Pharus Group:Providing Resources for SuccessfulBusiness Management

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A “Professional Touch”for Meetings and Events

Ernst & Young:Recognizing Entrepreneurial Success

For more than 30 years, Professional Touch International (PTI) has been orchestrating special events, meetingsand travel incentive programs for a “who’s who” roster of clients. “Our services surpass our promises,” saysfounder and president Lexye Aversa, espousing “We become your extension and arrange everything except the air

you breathe.”Aversa’s savoire faire, extensive local and international connections, and creativity bring meetings

and special events to life, supported by a seasoned, multilingual staff who share her passion andvision. Featured as Best Global Event Planner on the Fox TV series, “The Best of South Florida,”she is also a guest host on

Seaview Radio’s “Living in Palm Beach County.” The firm’s Destination Management Company handles incoming programs throughout Florida,

while the international division arranges unique ROI extravaganzas. “Imagine corporate games in theBarcelona Olympic Stadium or an awards banquet in an authentic palace or castle, evenStockholm’s Nobel Prize Hall,” beams Aversa. “We also offer insider expertise with tours and tripsto Italy thanks to my husband and partner Gianni, who hails from Rome.” PTI’s capabilities alsoencompass promotional campaigns, strategic marketing services and multimedia productions.

“We find value in the BDB’s exceptional ability to forge intra-community collaborations amongits members,” says Aversa, active in many philanthropic endeavors and serving on several boardssuch as the hotel association,

maintaining close relationships with general managers. “PTI delivers results-oriented, life-tasting experiences for our sophisticated clientele,” she says, “with dedication to top-caliber kid glove services,befitting our name.”

For more information, call 561-776-1173 or email LexAversa@ProfessionalTouchIntl.com.

Ernst & Young is a global leader in assurance, tax, transactionand advisory services. They are 144,000 people committed tomaking a difference in capital markets around the world throughquality of services provided and through their commitment to areasserved, like South Florida.

“Similar to the Business Development Board, we work hard toattract and recognize businesses”, says Steve Belous, managingpartner. “Which is why for nearly 25 years, Ernst & Young hashonored the world’s most inspiring entrepreneurs through ourannual Entrepreneur Of The Year award (EOY).” EOY is known asthe world’s most prestigious business award for entrepreneurs. Theprogram not only honors business owners locally, many also gaininternational recognition.

Ernst & Young understands innovation and entrepreneurshipare differentiators setting them apart from competitors, as well askey elements to economic recovery and growth. Through EOY andErnst & Young’s annual Strategic Growth Forum, they provideprograms and resources to help businesses connect, developsolutions and operate effectively.

To learn more about Ernst & Young, EOY and the StrategicGrowth Forum, visit www.ey.com or call 561-955-8000.

Lexye Aversa

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B u s i n e s s D e v e l o p m e n t B o a r d

Lesser Lesser Landy & Smith:The Quiet Personal Injury Firm

There’s a good reason Lesser Lesser Landy & Smith, PLLC is known asthe quiet personal injury law firm. “We have grown through the years byexcellent client service and our ability to represent clients effectively inmeritorious cases,” says Gary S. Lesser, managing partner. “We have theexperience to push to get the best possible results, and we respect ourclients’ desire for good communication in these cases.”

Founded in 1927, the firm handles serious personal injury and wrongfuldeath cases. “We do no formal advertising, and most of our clients arereferred to us by past clients, other professionals, and our friends in thecommunity,” says Lesser, a native of West Palm Beach who has handlednumerous high-profile matters during the past 18 years. Lesser has lecturedat seminars throughout Florida on legal ethics and various personal injurylegal issues.

Known for being seasoned trial lawyers with high ethical standards,Lesser Lesser Landy & Smith also believes in giving back to the legalprofession and the community. The firm’s lawyers have served in leadershiproles in various associations, including the Florida Bar Professional EthicsCommittee.

“We are active in numerous charitable organizations as well as being bigbelievers in the BDB,” says Lesser. “Palm Beach County needs a strongbusiness community in order to be successful.”

For more information, www.lesserlawfirm.comGary Lesser

With Comcast Business Class, we get reliable Internet that’s up to 10 times faster than DSL and a T1

line. We have phone service that’s the best in call clarity and our own dedicated local account team that

provides support 24/7. Now we’re not a small business, we’re a fast business.

800-391-3000 | business.comcast.com

Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. Speed comparison between Comcast Business Class 16 Mbps service and standard 1.5 Mbps DSL and T1 service (downloads only). Actual speeds vary and are not guaranteed. Call for details. Call clarity claim based on August 2010 analysis by Tektronix. Comcast © 2010. All rights reserved. NPA63543-0011

INTERNET, VOICE AND TV FOR LESS KEEPS US FASTCatch us if you can

www.mhreal.com

Strength. Security. Stability.

We invite you to visit your nearest branch to see familiar faces delivering extraordinary service.

www.iberiabank.com

Palm Beach Gardens 11345 Legacy Ave, Bldg D, Ste 101

561-653-5070

West Palm Beach 605 North Olive561-653-5036

Boca Raton 1180 North Federal Highway

561-869-4861

Pompano Beach900 North Federal Highway

954-601-1100

Expanding our footprintToday, finding a bank in a position of strength is a rarity. During a time when our nation’s economic landscape proves challenging for many financial institutions, IBERIABANK remains financially stable and well-prepared for future growth. Our unique position enables us to seize rare opportunities and continue to expand our footprint.

For 123 years, we have taken care of our clients' families and businesses. We look forward to taking care of yours.

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