President’s Message

Though we should be doing it much more often, November is the month we often slow down and think about what we are thankful for.  For me, number one on the list is always this easiest: I am so very thankful for my wonderful wife and two incredible children.  I am fortunate to be a part of such a loving and caring family.  I am also very thankful to have the opportunity to serve as the President of the Palm City Chamber of Commerce.  Working with Missi, Nikki and the Board of Directors on an almost daily basis has been a wonderful experience.  As President, I have attended more events than ever and realize what a great membership we have in this Chamber.  We live in such a terrific community and being active in the Palm City Chamber of Commerce has allowed me to see all the incredible business leaders we have here.  Though I have many, many more Chamber members I want to meet and talk with, the new relationships I have developed over these past few months will last long after my Presidency ends.

As we get closer to the end of the year, your Chamber of Commerce is as active as ever.  In October we held the first annual Boos and Brews event at Charlie Leighton Park.  Thank you for all who attended (and a special thanks to those that also dressed up).  Our very own Speak Life End Bullying non-profit (located right here in Palm City) had a sneak peek viewing of its new anti-bullying video, which allowed Martin County residents the opportunity to get a first look at the new movie they produced, which will soon be released nationwide.  If you do not know about Speak Life End Bullying and its campaign, please visit their website.  They do, and will continue, to make such an impactful difference on our youth.  We should all be thankful for their efforts.

We also had the second annual Veterans Memorial Bridge 5K, which allows us all to say a very, very special thank you to all of those men and women that have served this great country of ours over the years.  Moving forward, be on the look out for information on the Holiday Village celebration at Town Center on Mapp Road. The event is scheduled for December 1^st and will be a fun way to kick off the holiday season.

Thank you for all that you have done as part of the Palm City Chamber of Commerce.  We are your community Chamber and would not be here without your support and involvement.

October

Exciting, active times, at the Palm City Chamber of Commerce. We celebrated the grand opening of the Mapp Road and Palm City Community Redevelopment Area improvements in August and continue to be excited about the improvements and expectations for what’s ahead. Stay tuned as we hope to get new projects off the ground and moving in the CRA. Thank you to Commissioner Ed Ciampi, Martin County staff and Sunshine Land Design for all the work in getting the project completed.

We are also excited to prepare for and announce the first Annual Brews and Boos event. Friday night, October 22nd, we will have beer tastings, food trucks, music and lots of fun. Please visit the Palm City Chamber website or check out our Facebook page for more information. Sponsorships are still available, but you need to hurry before the opportunity has passed.

Please also mark on your calendar the Palm City Chamber of Commerce Veterans Memorial Bridge 5K run (and walk). We had an incredible turnout last year and expect an even bigger event this time. The run will start at Jock Leighton Park and continue over the Veterans Memorial Bridge. We are planning on some very special attendees, so whether you run or not please plan on attending to celebrate our veterans on that very special day.

Your Palm City Chamber of Commerce is busy this month so please visit our website so you can stay up to date on all the events we have lined up in the weeks and months ahead. I have said it before and will always believe it, you get from the Chamber what you put into the Chamber. These events are for you and an opportunity for you to grow and learn. And remember, we are your community Chamber and are here for you whenever you need us, for whatever reason. Be safe!

September 

One step closer to fall and cooler weather (well cooler weather somewhere!).  Having thought we had moved on from Covid concerns, or at least reduced those concerns, we are now once again faced with wearing masks when out and about and last month confronted with sending our children back to school, with or without a mask requirement.  As we encountered last year around the same time, the decision to wear or not wear mask often results in heated discussions and strong beliefs one way or the other.  We have seen these emotional responses across the nation, within the state and our County.  Those that know me well know my feelings and past requests for respectful discussions, whether with the idea of having a cup of coffee with someone whose opinions may differ from you or just a simple statement on thinking before we speak.  With what has occurred recently, and with anticipation that emotions may remain high in the weeks and months ahead, I wanted to use this month’s article to republish the Chamber’s statement on civility that we prepared and issued around this time last year.  Please read.  We are a small community, but a strong and vocal one.  We must slow down and give all others the same level of respect we desire to be given to ourselves.  It is okay to disagree and in fact that is what makes us stronger and better.  Even if you don’t agree with another person, slow down and take the time to listen and try to understand why they believe and feel the way they do.  You may likely still not agree with them, but you at least will hopefully appreciate their feelings.  This remains true for your neighbors, for strangers and especially our local officials.  If you find yourself on the other side of a discussion with someone, take a deep breath and before posting something on social media, writing an angry letter or providing public comment at a meeting, give that person a call, take the time to sit down with them (and yes have a cup of coffee or a beer with them) and just listen.  You will be amazed at the difference it will make. I would love to be your first call to have a cup of coffee (or beer) with!  We are your Community Chamber and are always Keepin’ It PC.

July 2020

Civility – a formal politeness and courtesy in behavior and speech.  As we struggle our way through the Covid-19 pandemic, the resulting regulations, mandates and closures, and in anticipation of local, state and federal elections in the coming months, we must never forget this word, its meaning and the underlying principles.  We must never forget we are but one community, one state and one country.  We, as individuals and as the Palm City Chamber of Commerce, cherish our rights of free speech and the value of honest debate and discussion.  But as we debate and discuss the issues that confront us, and the tough decisions that follow, we must always demonstrate civility, and respect, especially to those that may disagree with us and to those we have placed in charge to govern.  We must appreciate differing views and opinions, even if we don’t agree with them.  We must listen.  The next time you make public comment at a Commission or Board meeting, the next time you go to post a message on social media, or even the next time you debate a neighbor, friend or stranger, slow down, think about the words you are about to say and the actions to come.  Think of these words.  CIVILITY.  RESPECT.  Embrace them.  Too many in our community, our state and in our country have lost sight of the basic principles.  If you will not uphold and honor these words in your actions, why should others.  Why should our leaders?  Why should our teachers?  Why should our children!  Change starts with you.  Change starts with us.  Change starts with our community.  Let us appreciate each other and our differing views and opinions, without name calling, demeaning rhetoric or, even worse, hate filled speech.  We, as the Palm City Chamber of Commerce, as leaders of the community, and as your neighbors and friends, take the pledge to do so.  As we work our way through these difficult and trying times, let us respect our differences.  Let us be civil in our words, actions and deeds.  The time is now.  We, as individuals and as a community-oriented Chamber of Commerce, will demand this of our leaders and of those that exercise their rights of free speech and public comment.  Please, let us all practice civility.