Advocacy

Recent examples of how we advocate for businesses:

County commission OKs change to convert Palm Beach International Raceway property into warehouses

The lawyers said the development could bring approximately 1,500 jobs to the region, $4.6 million in annual tax revenue and $1.7 million in initial impact fees.

The Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce and Business Development Board of Palm Beach County endorsed the warehouse plans.

"The property owners, after years of operating it as a racetrack that just failed to be viable long term for the site, went to the market to see what the options were," said Seth Behn, who is representing property owner IRG Sports & Entertainment, said during the hearing. "This land has an industrial usage zone so potential buyers have been interested in the site, want it for a warehouse, logistic use.”

Referendum Renewal: Ad Valorem Tax Abatement

As advocates for the business community, the Palm Beach North Chamber has taken the official position in support of the City of Palm Beach Garden's ballot item for the Ad Valorem Tax Exemption Program.

The Ad Valorem Tax Exemption Program is an economic development tool that helps the City to diversify its business base by encouraging qualified industries to locate or expand in Palm Beach Gardens. They aim to attract businesses that offer higher-than-average salaries and that will have a significant, long-term impact on the local economy. In the case of UTC, the City achieved this goal when the company’s decision to locate their headquarters in the City resulted in a $148 million capital investment and the creation of 541 new jobs.

The Palm Beach North Chamber sees the Ad Valorem Tax Exemption Program used by the City of Palm Beach Gardens as a win-win for the business community, as well as residents of the City. Economic development tools such as these, when used responsibly, allow for a more attractive business climate, helps attract high-salary jobs and allows governments to attract targeted industries that work with their roadmap for success.

We’d like to ask Palm Beach Gardens residents and businesses to support this renewal by voting YES on August 23^rd!

Disaster Resiliency Plan

In collaboration with all 10 of the Palm Beach North Municipalities, the Palm Beach North Chamber has developed a regional disaster resiliency plan. Our ultimate goal is to be more resilient as a region so when we get hit by a natural disaster, we will be able to open up our businesses quicker.

One of the strategies in our strategic plan that was put together almost 5 years ago was to foster the development of a coordinated risk, disaster preparedness and recovery strategy. This special project catapulted our efforts to provide resources to our Palm Beach North Community through acquiring the Disaster Resiliency Plan.

The unprecedented crisis of COVID-19 has heightened the level of uncertainty and disparity for marginalized communities at the same time as it has restricted access to essential social services. Through this plan we are able to offer resources to our municipalities to enhance the quality of life for their business and communities.

Small Business Relief Fund

In partnership with the PGA Corridor Association, we worked with the the City of Palm Beach Gardens to develop an aggressive program that provided significant relief to businesses with no more than 25 employees.

The Small Business Relief Fund provided critical financial support to up to 50 businesses with a one-time grant payment of $20,000 for each qualifying applicant.

President & CEO Noel Martinez speaking at press conference

Chamber Foundation

The Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce Foundation is affiliated with the Chamber to oversee the endowment established through a donation by John C. Giba. The Board of Directors of the Foundation receives and administers funds for educational purposes.

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NorthPAC

NorthPAC is governed by appointed Trustees that are members of the Chamber. NorthPAC Trustees represent the Palm Beach North business community and make decisions based on impact to the overall economic prosperity and quality of life to the region.