Page 13 - Palm City Spotlight - May '23

Palm City Spotlight, Page 13

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may 2023 Palm City Community Center, 2701 S.W. Cornell ave., Palm City
Phone: (772) 286-8121 Fax: (772) 286-3331
WWW.PalmCityChamber.Com

President’s message

Is it just me or has this year been flying by? It seems like I would be remiss if I didn’t highlight our kickoff to Cinco de Mayo weekend with our
just yesterday that we were having a gala to induct our 2023 28th Annual Golf Tournament that was held on May 5th. Adding a fiesta vibe was such a
Board of Directors for this year. I cannot believe summer fun way to enhance this already wonderful golf tournament. This event is always a great
is upon us! I always look forward to these days when it is opportunity to network, laugh with other chamber members, and, of course, golf at the elite
lighter later so that my family and I can enjoy the gems that Piper’s Landing Yacht and Country Club. This event would not have been possible if it was
Martin County has to offer after we all get home from work. not for the generous sponsors who supported this fun outing. Thank you to our presenting
Speaking of those gems, recently, the Board, sponsor, O’Donnell Impact Windows and Storm Protection for recognizing the impact this
Ambassadors, County Staff, and excited citizens gathered Chamber has on its community. This event is always a fun way to celebrate and support our
to celebrate the Ribbon Cutting for the brand-new Palm Chamber, and I am eager to see how we can top this year in the coming years.
City Community Center. This space provides a much- I hope everyone has a great month and a wonderful beginning to summer!
needed rental space at Charlie Leighton Park. The Palm Your humble President (King) J
City Community Center rental space accommodates up Don Pipes
to 100 guests. It features laminate floors, a kitchen with refrigerator, microwave, ice
machine, prep tables, warming station, tables, and chairs. We heard stories from the
team who worked on this project from the beginning and their vision for this space and
appreciated hearing their dedication to Palm City. I encourage you to stop by and see
this space and utilize it for your future events!
executive Director’s Corner

Sometimes things you have no control over are just I bring this up because we are constantly hearing about how fabulous Martin County
meant to be. is and that it is special. Often, people say it is unique due to the “small town charm,” the
As a young girl of 12, I didn’t have much to say about wonderful location, and the controlled growth. It may be all of these, but I believe the number
where my family chose to live. We had moved all over south one reason that Martin County is so fabulous is the people.
Florida, Delaware for a year, and Freeport, Grand Bahama I taught in the Martin County School District for 34 years. Each year, I would get a new
for 3 ½ years before our family settled in Jensen Beach. I crop of little learners that would blossom and grow throughout the school year into wonderful
realize how fortunate that was for me and my children. young people. I have had the opportunity to stay in touch with many of my former students
My father was an electrical contractor, and he was and I am proud of every one of them.
transferred to where the company felt he was needed most. When I retired, I chose to get involved in the business and community part of our county
Each time we moved, it was a transition for me, my mom, by becoming the Executive Director of the Palm City Chamber of Commerce. I have held
and my brother. I believe this is part of the reason for my more outgoing personality because this position for 3 ½ years now and I am learning more each day.
I was constantly meeting and making new friends. I now understand why Martin County has so many non-profit organizations because we
NEED them. The philosophy at the Palm City Chamber is that if we have a strong community
then we will foster a strong business community. This is why we highlight a Non-Profit of
2023 Palm City Chamber of the community so that citizens realize what is available when they are in need, or so that
the Month each month. The purpose is to get the mission of each of our non-profits out to

Commerce board of Directors residents can find an organization that they can be passionate about to volunteer their time
or donate financially.
For me personally, I have recently lost my amazing mother.
Before she passed, she was at Treasure Coast Hospice and
President Don Pipes APP Jet Center her care was beyond amazing. Every person we encountered
was kind, caring, and passionate.
Vice-President Peter Sicoli Sailfish Insurance The friends that I have made in Martin County came
Treasurer David Bradford Edward Jones through to support my family and me during this difficult
time. It makes me extremely grateful to my parents for
Secretary Meghan Shirey Boys & Girls Club of Martin County choosing to live in Martin County way back in 1974 when

Past President Christina Franco Hampton by Hilton it was very quaint. Maybe instead of the “Sailfish Capital
of the World” we could rename it to “Martin County where
Director Tyson Waters Fox McCluskey Bush & Robison your community cares.”

Director Gigi Suntum Caring Children Clothing Children Missi Campbell
Director Cheree Ramirez Children’s Services Council of MC Executive Director
Palm City Chamber of Commerce Mom
Director Carolyn Leibowitz Cruise Planners

Director Robin Hall Out2News President’s Council
Director Tara Biek-Robison Tara Biek Creative

Director Shaun Plymale Treasure Coast Legal member
Director Mike Gonzalez Blue Stream Fiber
Director Rob McLaughlin Access 365 Urgent Care We would like to highlight our President’s Council Member Capstone IT Services.

Director Patrick Gleason State Insurance This fabulous company is there when you need them to help with all your computer and
technology needs. Mike and Sara Borlaug, with their dedicated team of experts, can solve
Director Steve Klaassen Colorado Pawn & Jewelry issues remotely and talk you through any difficulties that you may be having. Reach out
Director Rebecca Beckett HJ Sims to them at 561-257-1879 or www.capstoneitservices.com

Ex-Officio Toby Overdorf State Representative
Ex-Officio Ed Ciampi Martin County Commission
Ex-Officio Michael DiTerlizzi Martin County School Board