MELBOURNE REGIONAL CHAMBER OF EAST CENTRAL FLORIDA, INC.

1005 E. Strawbridge Ave.Melbourne, FL 32901

321-754-5400www.melbourneregionalchamber.com

Palm Bay Rotary ClubOctober 29, 2009

Area Served:East Central Florida including Melbourne, Palm Bay,

West Melbourne, Viera, Suntree, Indialantic, Indian Harbour Beach, Malabar, Melbourne Beach,

Melbourne Village, Palm Shores, Satellite Beach, Harmony, Patrick Air Force Base

“To develop and promote the business interests of our members through advocacy, representation

education and support while acting as an advocate for overall growth and prosperity of our business

community.”

Mission Statement:

• First chartered under the name Melbourne Chamber of Commerce in 1925

• Accredited by U.S. Chamber since 1985• Member of the U.S .Chamber and the Florida Chamber

Governmental Affairs Committee• Meets monthly – typically last Tuesday of

month at 8AM• Annual Business Agenda

– Tax and Tax Regulation– Transportation– Health Care – Government and Legal Reform– Education / Workforce Development– Immigration Reform– Space and Technology– Economic Development

Florida Hospital and the Burnham Institute for Medical Research at Lake Nona have joined forces to build a research facility on Princeton Street near Orange Avenue that will bridge diabetes and obesity research and treatment. The institute will bring scientists, clinicians and the procedures necessary to facilitate clinical research under one roof. Groundbreaking will be the first quarter of 2010.- Orlando Sentinel

"Central Florida has matured as a regional destination for life sciences."

LAKE NONA

Help Save America's Human Space Exploration Program Our Goal: 500,000 letters by October 31

On Tuesday, September 15, 2009 at the Brevard County Commission Meeting,

Robin Fisher, Brevard County Commissioner (D1), made a request to the entire business community of Brevard. He requested that all of us send letters to the

White House encouraging President Barack Obama to hold true to the campaign promises made to our

community on August 2, 2008. Some businesses are also making these

available at their front counters for their clients and customers to get on board!

Write a letter on your organization's letterhead and send it to the President -

share your letter with us at Letters@SaveSpace.US.

Governmental Affairs Committee• Now Reviewing Health Care Reform

– Recent presentation by Congressman Posey’s Office

– Linked In groups are posting comments– Next GAC meeting will track developments– Health First breakfast November 5

• Also supported Amtrak station• Local Preference Policies• West Melbourne WAVE (brownfields district)• Reviewing St. Johns Heritage Parkway• Trip to China report

(Committee of Continuous Existence)• Screen, educate, endorse, and support pro-

business candidates• Take formal positions and support political

issues• Communicate the value of a business-friendly

environment and the critical role that the business community plays in the establishment of a vibrant Brevard

Purpose: To Inform, Educate and Protect local area consumers

– Promotes member businesses that hold themselves to high ethical & customer service standards

– BBC Consumer Guide

– Better Business – Better Living Expo

– Work with We Help Brevard to cross-register providers to Seniors

Health Care providers can apply to become a BBC member – offering further assurance to patients and clients.

Area Business Councils Quarterly meetings to engage members within their localized business communities.

•Speakers on topics of interest •Discuss localized issues & concerns•Networking

•Beaches Area Council•Palm Bay Area Council•Viera-Suntree Area Council•West Melbourne Business Association/Business Council

Young Professionals – Chamber 2040

•Designed to serve professionals under age 40•Formation stages – launched this summer•Focus on professional development•Provide input to Chamber committees

Multicultural Council

•Designed to bring small business ownerstogether in a united cross-culturalEnvironment.

Women of Excellence (WE)

• Designed to promote building strong relationships amongst professional women, professional development and community involvement

• Holds 3 annual events:– Women of Excellence Awards– New Year New You– Back to School Day

Chamber Visitors BureauPromotion of our area as a destination to groups, individual & family vacationers, and business travelers• Work with Space Coast Tourism Development Council• Visitors Guide – undergoing branding exercise,

new guide due out by fall• Help launch and support events

Career Academies - Linking Students and Business• Business & Finance Academies at Melbourne High, Viera High and Melbourne Central Catholic

• Construction & Design Academy at Palm Bay High

• PIRATES (Program for Independent Research, Advanced Technology, Engineering and Science) Academy at Palm Bay High

• Bayside Engineering & TechnologyAcademy (BETA) at Bayside High

• A+ Academy at Eau Gallie High

MELBOURNE REGIONAL CHAMBER OF EAST CENTRAL FLORIDA, INC.

1005 E. Strawbridge Ave.Melbourne, FL 32901

321-754-5400www.melbourneregionalchamber.com

Palm Bay Rotary ClubOctober 29, 2009