HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Business Forum_2/23/2021MINUTES
BUSINESS FORUM MEETING
VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FL
FEBRUARY 23, 2021 2:00 PM COUNCIL CHAMBERS
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Abby Brennan at 2:00 p.m.
Present were:
Mayor Abby Brennan, Vice -Mayor Kyle Stone, Council Member Laurie Brandon, Council
Member Bruce Prince, Village Manager Jeremy Allen, Village Clerk Lori McWilliams and
members of the Palm Beach North Chamber and Business Forum.
Absent were:
Lisa Hoyer, Kimberly Vanderpol, Laura Spalding, Chelsea Paine and Mark Eble.
AGENDA ITEMS
1. Welcome and Introductions
Noel Martinez - Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce President
Chris Atkinson - Flip Flop Sub Shop
Stephen Smith - One World Zero Waste
Matt Hammond - Village Utilities Director
Harrison Vaughn - CAL, LLC and Council Seat 2 Candidate
Amber Strand - Colonial Life
Resa Listort - AFLAC
Guy Riska - Global Risk Partners Insurance
Molly Young - Council Seat 2 Candidate
Brittany Cartwright - Palm Beach North Chamber
Amy Angelo - Oceanna Coffee
Mr. Martinez provided a short update from the previous meeting and the four categories
that the forum was tasked with researching and returning with updated
recommendations.
2. Communications Suggestions: Lisa Hoyer, Amy Angelo, and Chamber Team
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Ms. Angelo announced three communication factors were identified; Business to
Business, Business to Council and Business to Residents.
Mr. Martinez explained his research found the Village provided communication to
residents through several sources and was impressed by the Smoke Signals newsletter
and Village website. He noted the challenge was promoting the communication outside
of the Village and suggested local businesses and the Chamber spread the information.
It was suggested to partner with local TV stations for local shows. The Mayor had
recently done a program with the local news station CBS 12 highlighting Tequesta and
local businesses.
A combined master customer list and QR code on Smoke Signals to list businesses was
also suggested.
Business spotlights were appreciated and the Village would continue with this venture.
3. Event Suggestions: Kimberly Vanderpol, Stephen Smith and Chris Atkins and
Laura Spalding
Mr. Smith proposed ideas of Town and Beach cleanups where participants could bring in
their collections to a local business for a discount on items. An electronics recycling event
was also discussed offering discounts for those as well.
Farmers Market organizers were approached and feedback and information was
pending.
The forum participants suggested opening all events to both residents and non-
residents.
4. Social Media Suggestions: Chelsea Paine
Not present, no update given.
5. Business Recruitment: Mark Eble and Brittany Cartwright
Ms. Cartwright offered an update on her research regarding why businesses should
move to Tequesta. She found several highlights that were shared with the forum:
1. Year round summer climate - promoted an active lifestyle.
2. Harmonious relationships between businesses and local government.
3. Ample business sites within a multitude of budgets.
4. United force between businesses and lifestyles.
5. Great schools and education opportunities.
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She also noted that Education, Businesses and Local Government all work
collaboratively together. The area offers landscapes, seascapes and cityscapes. Their
was also a thriving arts culture and vibrant community.
The forum added the tribal nature of the Village and the desire to support their own as a
incentive to small businesses. In addition, Tequesta was a gateway to parks as people
have to travel through Tequesta to get to many state and local parks.
6. Village Update
Vice -Mayor Stone provided feedback on the meeting he and Manager Allen had with
Kelly Smallridge, President of the Business Development Board. While it was productive,
the Village had a focus on the retail side as opposed to large office type businesses.
7. Open Discussion
Mr. Martinez shared the goal of the meeting was to see what the forum came back with
and now he would meet with Manager Allen to develop a plan.
Council Member Brandon suggested businesses reach out to local schools and churches
for sponsorship opportunities and ways to get involved to spread their name in the
community.
Council Member Prince suggested an electronic marquee on US1 to highlight Village
events.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 3 p.m.
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