Ft. Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce

Gene began his banking career in Southeast Bank’s management training program in July 1985.  With formal credit training and three years of banking experience, Gene has worked his way up the ladder at Southeast Bank, to Senior Vice President/Regional Executive, and after 11 years with Suntrust, Gene moved to Bank of America’s Private Bank in Miami as Senior Relationship Manager and then relocated to Broward County and joined Northern Trust, NA in March 2002.  Gene is currently the Senior Vice President and Managing Director of the Weston Office of Northern Trust.  He is deeply entrenched in the Weston area, as he serves on the board of Rotary Club of Weston, the Weston Hills Country Club, and the Weston Philharmonic Society.  He is also former board member the Weston Business Chamber (A council of the Fort Lauderdale Chamber), as well as, a trustee member of the Coral Springs Chamber.
Gene is Series 7 and 63 licensed.  Gene lives in Pembroke Pines with his wife, Lorie

 
June, 2010

Yamilet Ramirez-Morgan,
Chief Executive Officer,
Claudia Mosley,
Chief Financial Officer
Merchant Processing Solutions,

Yamilet was Born in Bogotá, Colombia and raised in Westchester, NY she now lives with her husband in Fort Lauderdale, FL, where MPS is headquartered. Yamilet moved to South Florida in 2001 and it was then when her career in the electronic payments industry began. In July 2005 she graduated with an MBA in Technology Management from the University of Phoenix. After graduation her entrepreneurial spirit took off and by early 2006 she created and established MPS with the goal of surrounding herself with what she considers today to be a “WINNING” team. "I am very lucky and blessed to have the opportunity to share my life with what I consider to be the brightest minds and giving souls around. I strongly believe in the power of multiple positive minds visualizing a mutual goal and making it happen by mutual determination." 

Claudia was born in Bogotá, Colombia, and raised in Westchester New York. She has a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Marymount College of Fordham University.
Claudia brings 15 years of accounting experience to MPS. She has been recognized for her outstanding leadership skills, ability to apply sound logic to complex problems and design solutions, and her comprehensive understanding of the transaction processing industry from a financial perspective.
She now happily resides in Cooper City, FL, with her husband and FOUR BEAUTIFUL KIDS! She is a new Rotarian and believes that a busy schedule does not excuse from community responsibility.

Jan, - May 2009

Project 100
Uniting our talents to better your future
Project 100 Team

Our Mission is to Grow Our Business Community’s Awareness of the Strength and Value of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce.
As the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce approaches its 100th year in service to the community, local leaders banded together to create an epic centennial celebration to commemorate. What started out as an event planning committee for the special occasion, has evolved into what is now a team of experts challenged with redesigning the Chamber from the ground up. The plan has not only include a physical transformation of the Chamber itself, but also creative solutions to upgrade affiliate benefits and drive membership. The masterminds behind this undertaking are known as Project 100. Click here to view project 100 Members

December 2009

Serge Mallat, CLTC
Agency Director of Financial Planning
Mass Mutual Financial Group

Serge has been a financial advisor for over 19 years. He is the Agency Director of Financial Planning at Mass Mutual Financial Group located off of Cypress Creek Boulevard.  He focuses on providing financial solutions to help clients achieve their financial goals. His area of expertise is in portfolio construction and efficiencies as well as all of the protection strategies such as life insurance, disability and long term care.  Serge  acts as his client’s “Individual CFO” and makes sure they are set up for success. 
Serge is one of the Chamber’s Board of Directors and his the Chair for the Small Business Committee. He also Chairs the Wednesday Downtown Networking Partners Leads Group.

November 2009

Dr. Tom Latrielle, D.C., P. A.
Mobile Chiropractic of Broward. Cnty.
www.mobilechiropractic.com

MC of Broward has been involved with a majority of the chamber's meetings and has volunteered services to multiple groups including: FTLCC, Latin Cham. of Comm., Fort Lauderdale Coin Club, JA professional connections, Covenant House of South Florida, PetSet, Broward County Humane society, Water for Life, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Busloop.org, Broward County Chiropractic Society, Walk for breast cancer, American Red Cross and many more.

October 2009

Gerard Andrews
Creative Director/Principle
www.tagevents.us

Gerard Andrews, Creative Director and Principal at TAG Events, is a 12-year veteran of special events management.  Gerard’s unique experience with a wide variety of events from cocktail receptions for 50 guests to an outdoor festival/show with 100,000 plus in attendance, provides the management depth attributed to the success of TAG.  TAG Events, is a Florida based event production and destination management firm. 

Gerard also volunteers’ at the Chamber as Small Business Committee Co-Chair, BizPerks Breakfast Chair, Business to Business Lead Group Chair and Networking @ Noon Chair.
For more information visit www.tagevents.us or contact 954.205.4295.

September 2009

Susane Kingsley
Broker Associate, RE/MAX Partners
 www.SusanKingsley.biz
 Susan@SusanKingsley.biz

Licensed since 1990, specializing in Buyer Representation. Designations include ABR, CDPE, CRS, GRI, SRES and TRC. Professional & social memberships include: National, State & Local Board of Realtors,   Real Estate Buyers Agent Council, Council of Residential Specialists, Senior Advantage Real Estate Council, International Consortium of Real Estate Agents,  Buffini & Company Club Net, Women's Executive Club of Fort Lauderdale, Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce/ Diplomat Committee & Concierge Committee, Riverwalk Trust, Buyers USA Relocation Network, Madison Who's Who, Gold Coast Jazz Society and Bally's Total Fitness.

August 2009
Margarethe Sorensen

Owner, Margarethe Sorenson Make Up

Margarethe Sorensen is a South Florida based professional make-up artist whose aim is to create make-up styles to suit the individuality of each face. She views make-up as an incredible tool which enables her to bring to light and to enhance the beauty residing within each person. Visit www.margarethesorensenmakeup.com  or call today at 954-937-7663 or email MPSorensen@aol.com.

July 2009
Sandy Coghill

Owner, Fun Promo Stuff

Sandy Coghill is owner of Fun Promo Stuff, a promotional products company, conceived in 2004. The strength of the company is Sandy's attention to detail, follow-through and her sincere interest in the success and prosperity of her clients. Sandy joined the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce in 2004. As an entrepreneur, Sandy's philosophy is to give back to the community. She donates her time to the Chamber as a member of the Diplomat Committee. For additional information, visit www.funpromostuff.com or call 954-493-9881.

April 2009
Tony Beall
Director of Fund Development for the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation (MSF)

Tony Beall is the National Director of Fund Development for the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation (MSF). He is responsible for generating awareness and funds for the MSF in the continental Units States through fundraisers, planned giving and grants.
With national headquarters in Fort Lauderdale, the mission of the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation is to provide programs and support services to those persons affected by MS that help them maintain their health, safety, self-sufficiency, and personal well-being; and to heighten public awareness of multiple sclerosis in order to elicit financial support for the MSF's programs and services and promote understanding for those diagnosed with the illness.

March 2009
Dan Young
Founder and President BooksPro Accounting.

Dan is an Advanced Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor, the highest level of certification granted by Intuit and a Certified Bookkeeper. Dan serves on the Boards of the Rotary Club of Weston, the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce, the Weston Business Chamber and the Legends at Weston Hills Condominium Association. BooksPro Accounting offers services that are tailored to the specific needs of each valued client. The company was launched in 2006 and supports a vast client base in the Tri-County area. For more information, visit www.bookspros.com or contact Dan at 954-349-2402.

February 2009
Doug Tinklepaugh
Pinnacle Contractors, LLC

Doug is a Trustee member and attends the Board of Directors / Trustee luncheon as well as the Trustee reception each month. He also participates on the Trustee Advisory Board. Doug is active in the Chamber, attending events such as the Downtown Council breakfast as well as being a member of the Chamber's Gay & Lesbian Business Exchange group.

Are you an active and engaged member of the chamber? You could be in the running for member of the month. The nominations are chosen by our diplomat committee.

August 2010

Michael Berry
G.M. - Signature Grand 

Michael Berry, General Manager of the Signature Grand, participated in the Leadership Broward Program (Class XXIII) and quickly joined the LBF Board and Executive Committee as VP of Special Events.  As a result of Michael’s commitment to LBF, the Signature Grand signed on as a Community Trustee and provides generous financial and in-kind donations and hosts our “Signature” events.  Michael has a giving spirit, kind heart and a great talent for creating unique themed events which always deliver a “wow” experience.  Further, on behalf of Signature Grand, he has generously sponsored and underwritten additional events and activities such as the LB Adult and Youth LB program days, Senior Executive Orientation, LB Orientation & Retreat, LB & YLB Graduations and the list goes on.  Michael, with the help of some of his LBF friends, designed an 8-week etiquette course for at-risk children and young adults hosted by the Signature Grand, which enabled them to learn valuable lessons while enjoying wonderful meals in an elegant setting that they might not have otherwise had. Michael is our LBF Hero over and over and we are proud that we had the opportunity to recognize him as our Chamber Hero.

July 2010

John Torregrosa
V.P. - UBS Financial Services 

John Torregrosa, Vice President, UBS Financial Services has quietly worked for many years to promote Broward Children’s Center and the needs of the children with disabilities we serve. John has been very involved from arranging for the children to receive holiday presents, to painting the Center's respite home, a facility that gives those caring for a child with special needs the chance to take a break from the 24 hour stresses of caring for a child with a disability. John also continues to speak to community members about the Center and the needs of those we serve and is always working to raise the profile of our nonprofit and suggest ways in which the community can help further our mission.
John also continues to speak to community members about the Center and the needs of those we serve and is always working to raise the profile of our nonprofit and suggest ways in which the community can help further our mission. John is one of those heroes whose commitment to nonprofits is born out of a deep sense of civic responsibility. In this way this hero is helping us to ensure children with disabilities receive the care they need to be as healthy and happy as possible. For more information on Broward Children’s Center please visit www.bcckids.org.

June 2010

Joseph Mustipher, Jr.
CEO - Rosen's Prestige Tire & Auto

From the moment Joseph became involved with Children's Diagnostic & Treatment Center,  he jumped in with both feet, volunteering at our Toy Village, donating an MP3 player for one of our teenaged clients with special healthcare needs, and quickly inserting CDTC into every conversation he was having while he networked!  He enthusiastically joined the CDTC Transformers and was responsible for making a wonderful connection between the Ft. Lauderdale International Film Festival (FLIFF) and CDTC!  Thank you, Joseph, for being "a nice guy to know" as you say on your business card AND our Chamber Hero! 

May 2010

Mel DiPietro
CEO
Resource Benefits, Inc.

Mel DiPietro is a founder and principle of Resource Benefits, Inc.  Mel is active within the local community and in the spirit of giving and helping to promote awareness of a local nonprofit, he approached Angel's Pediatric Heart House with a fundraiser idea.  "Toes in the Sand Shrimp Boil on the Beach" was Mel's brainchild and he took charge of everything--sponsorships, invitations, permits, decorating the venue and even the cooking!  It was a wonderful and successful event that everyone enjoyed.  In fact, the guests had such a great time that they all agreed it should be an annual event and we have already started planning for next year! 

April 2010

Bill Feinberg
CEO
Allied Kitchen and Bath

Bill Feinberg is known in the community for his tremendous philanthropy, especially for hosting and supporting many events in Allied Kitchen and Bath's 15,000 square-foot showroom.  After hearing about Starlight's Children's Foundation's mission to help seriously ill children and their families Bill immediately decided to become involved.  Bill and his team at Allied volunteered to host, promote and underwrite all of the costs for a fundraiser that promises to be one of Starlight's best receptions yet.  Bill is constantly generating new and exciting ideas, with this reception featuring a Hollywood "Walk of Fame" theme as Allied's "Walk of Starlight's Stars" on April 29th. 

March 2010

Gregg Wallick
CEO
Best Roofing

Catholic Hospice’s Wishes Granted Program allows patients to live out their last wish and it is our mission to make it happen. On Friday, February 5th one of our social workers contacted the Community Relations office regarding a patient who was in dire need of a roof repair. The patient lives alone and has been under our care for various weeks. He had a roof leak and was very worried that he would have to leave his home and move. I immediately contacted Tina Kapp, of Best Roofing, who I had met at the last Biz2Biz leads group meeting, and explained our patient’s problem. After getting the approval from Gregg Wallick, Tina called me and on Tuesday, February 9th Best Roofing went to our patient’s home and repaired the leak at no cost. We cannot express our gratitude to Wallick  of  Best Roofing for their support towards our mission. Their help and quick response made a difference for our patient and he was grateful that he could stay in his home.

February 2010

Barbara Rosen
Gold Aviation Services
Special Projects/Client Relations

Barbara has been a volunteer at Gilda’s Club South Florida since 1998.  She began her adventure with the children in Noogieland, helping with the Wednesday night groups.  Her duties at Gilda’s Club evolved into participating in event planning committees including Glamour in the Garden and Gold Aviation Services third annual event Next Generation in Flight, benefiting Gilda’s Club.  Her contribution to Gilda’s Club has been invaluable.  Gilda’s Club staff and members would like to thank Barbara for all her support.  To learn more about Gilda’s Club please visit www.gildasclubsouthflorida.org and for more information about Gold Aviation Services please visit www.goldaviation.com.  

January 2010

Mark Budwig
President and CEO
S.Mark Graphics

Mark Budwig has been on the Board of Directors of Broward House for seven years and currently serves as President.  Along with his partner Nick Scalzo and their company S.MarkGraphics they have developed graphic identity, printed marketing material, and a website for Broward House all on a pro bono basis. Mark’s many contacts in the community have served Broward House well and he continues to be a staunch supporter of our programs/services and the HIV community.  He currently also serves as the Chair of our Development Committee which supports and advises our fundraising efforts including our annual donor program, The Spirit of Hope Society which has increased by 40% since he has been Chair. Along with Broward House, Mark has given of his time and energy to many non-profits in our community including Jessica June Children’s Cancer Foundation (JJCCF) and stands as a Hero to all the organizations he touches. s.mark.com

December 2009

Dan Young
President and CEO
Young Consulting Group

Dan Young provided unconditional support to the Jessica June Children's Cancer Foundation (JJCCF) during a time of need.  He came to our rescue at our Broward General office by helping with JJCCF QuickBooks Accounting entries.    Young is the President & CEO of Young Consulting Group,  www.YoungConsultingGroup.com, and has wealth of knowledge on everything related to QuickBooks Accounting Software and entries.  He was able to answer all of our questions and solve 100% of our problems.  We offer our testimony on the services received from such a quality individual who is an active member of our community.  The Jessica June Children's Cancer Foundation appreciates the pro bono services Dan Young donated to us.  For more information on JJCCF please visit www.JJCCF.org

November 2009
 
Chase Adams
Managing Director
Adams Associates

Chase Adams, an attorney and charitable planning consultant, recently hosted eight Fort. Lauderdale Chamber non-profits at a breakfast where he donated his services in an effort to help each charity raise immediate funds.  He is a member of the Partnership for Philanthropic Planning, and has served on the Planned Giving Committee of Holy Cross Hospital and United Way of Palm Beach.  Past-president of the Ft. Lauderdale Planned Giving Council, he has also served on the board of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.  He has provided major gift and planned giving consulting for American Red Cross, March of Dimes and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (South Florida Chapter).  He is listed in “Who’s Who in American Law,” “Who’s Who in Finance and Business,” “Who’s Who in America,” and “Who’s Who in the World.” www.financialarchitect.com

October 2009
 
Larry Van Dusseldorp
Director of Business Development
DTS Direct Mail & Fulfillment Services

Larry Van Dusseldorp asked Angel’s Pediatric Heart House (APHH), “What can I do to help?” Since  asking that question Larry has offered in-kind services, invited APHH to be his guest at various events (which is invaluable to us, as it helps to expand awareness of our organization in the community) and is diligently working on recruiting potential board members.   Larry is involved in many community issues, organizations and groups and truly has a servant’s HEART.  In a recent conversation someone asked him, if he could do anything in the world without having to worry about money, what would he do?  He replied, “I would do exactly what I’m doing now, help others.”  That is why Larry is our Chamber Hero.  For more information on APHH please visit www.aphh.org.

September 2009
 
Keith and Joseph Winn
GreenProfit Solutions, Inc.

Keith and Joseph Winn, GreenProfit Solutions, Inc. are the textbook example of how for-profit Chamber members can reach out and aid their non-profit fellow members through the provision of expertise and services. A tour of the Center’s programs serving the most medically fragile children in our community quickly resulted in an offer from GreenProfit Solutions to provide a complete pro bono sustainability plan. This initiative will save the Center thousands of dollars in operational expenses and develop a sustainable, socially responsible business and health practice model. This commitment is one of countless hours and expenses that the Center could not venture into without GreenProfit Solutions. To learn more about Broward Children’s Center please visit www.bcckids.org or contact Thor Barraclough, Executive Director thorb@bcckids.org.

August 2009
 
Doug Tinklepaugh
Pinnacle Constructors

For supporting Broward Children’s Center & Broward House
Doug Tinklepaugh is the personification of  a Chamber Hero.  He is an exceptionally talented business leader who also understands the essential nature of giving back to his community and the non profits that serve it.  Doug has spent many hours advising Broward Children’s Center on ways to ensure their construction projects are the most cost effective and highest quality facilities possible, including absorbing many costs. Doug has also given of his time and talent to Broward House. Once again his professional expertise and in-kind contribution to the renovation of several of their facilities and also sponsored  two receptions. Doug is a hero and we thank you!  To learn more about Broward Children’s Center visit www.bcckids.org and to learn about Broward House visit www.browardhouse.org.

July 2009

Allan Weiss &
Elliot Weissmark
Wells Fargo Advisors

Allan Weiss & Elliot Weissmark of Wells Fargo Advisors shared their time, energy, efforts, talents and resources to spearhead a networking event benefitting Rebuilding Together Broward. Together they were able to secure the food and beverage for the event, as well as underwrite the additional costs associated with the planning and execution. Allan & Elliot enjoy sharing their professional network and encouraged them to take part in an introduction to Rebuilding Together Broward, the local affiliate of the largest nonprofit restoring safe and sanitary living conditions to low income homeowners. For their active contributions to the community, Allan & Elliot are Chamber Heroes. To learn more about RTB, please visit www.RebuildingTogetherBroward.org.

June 2009

Alfredo Aguirre
Merrill Lynch, Assistant Vice President
Senior Financial Advisor

Alfredo Aguirre embodies the perfect mix of a corporate professional with a philanthropic heart. He gives his time, attention, and genuine interest in the mission of Children's Diagnostic & Treatment Center. He has enthusiastically introduced friends and colleagues that he thought would be helpful to the Center, which is truly priceless. He has acted like a Board Member in facilitating donations of hearing aids and offering to connect CDTC with key contacts in the community that could help further the Mission. Alfredo's keen understanding of the important role non-profits make in our Community is why he is a Chamber Hero. To learn more about CDTC visit www.childrensdiagnostic.org.

May 2009

Tedd C. Simmons, Ph.D
CEO & Managing Principal
The Curtiss Group International
Trustee Member

Imagine the feeling you'll get, knowing you have helped support families affected by congenital heart defects. Tedd knows that feeling because of his generous contributions to Angel’s Pediatric Heart House (www.aphh.org). APHH, a trustee member, is a non-residential, congenital heart defects support community. It is a place where the entire family—parents, CHD child, siblings and relatives—can come together and join others affected by CHD to give hope and encouragement and to share their experiences. Tedd, you are a hero and we thank you for making a difference.

Heroes don’t just wear capes, they sometimes wear tool belts or business suites, or jeans and t-shirts. Heroes are those who donate their time, there resources, their efforts to better a needy person’s life. Our heroes are for-profits who help non-profits achieve their goals. Are you one of these heroes!