Carmine Priore III
Chairman
Florida Power & Light
Carmine Priore III is the Vice President of Production Assurance and Business Services for Power Generation Division, FPL, where he is responsible for his Team providing production standardization and commercial management of FPL Group power generating assets in the US. Just prior to Priore’s current responsibilities, he was the Regional Plant General Manager of the West County Energy Center. Carmine received with honors a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Florida and a Master of Science in Engineering Management, combining Business Administration and Industrial Engineering from the University of South Florida. Additionally, he completed the executive program, Driving Corporate Performance, at Harvard Business School. Carmine serves on the Village of Wellington Planning & Zoning Adjustment Board, Palms West Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors as Chairman and is a trustee of the organization, Wellington Chamber of Commerce President’s Circle & Business Development Committee, and the Palm Beach Central High School Advisory Board. He is active in charitable fundraiser having chaired events for School for Autism and Diabetes Research Institute. A 23-year resident of Palm Beach County, Carmine lives in Wellington with Terri and their three children.
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Bland Eng
Chamber - Elect
Palms West Hospital
Bland Eng is Chief Executive Officer of Palms West Hospital. He has executive responsibility for all of the operations of this major regional medical services facility. Eng earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Miami and his MBA and MHS degrees from the University of Florida. He is board-certified as a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. Eng is actively involved in the American Heart Association; Rotary International, where he is a Paul Harris Fellow; the United Way; the Federation of American Hospitals; and, the American College of Healthcare Executives. Eng and his wife, Erika, are active philanthropists having chaired events for local organizations including Little Smiles. They have an eight-year old son, Brandon, and a two-year old daughter, Ava.
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John Spillane
Past Chairman
J.P. Spillane,CPA, P.A.
John Spillane is President of J.P. Spillane, CPA, PA, serving as managing principal of this Wellington-based financial, tax, accounting and business consulting practice. Spillane serves many business and individual clients in the area. He is currently a member of both the American Institute of CPAs and the Florida Institute of CPAs. Heavily involved in the Palms West Chamber of Commerce, including a stint as President, he also is quite active in the Royal Palm Beach Rotary Club. John also serves as an officer and director on a variety of several local boards and is heavily engaged as an active member of several business networking clubs. Spillane and his wife, Linda, have lived in the western communities for more than 35 years. They have two adult daughters, Lori and Kristin.
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Francisco Gonzalez
Board Legal Counsel
Gonzalez & Shenkman PL
Francisco J. Gonzalez is an attorney and partner at the Wellington-based law firm of Gonzalez & Shenkman, PL, where he heads the firm's commercial and residential real estate and business transactions practice. Gonzalez, formerly of Steel, Hector & Davis, LLP, earned his B.S. with honors in Journalism and Communications from the University of Florida in 1991, after which he attended the Catholic University of America, graduating in 1994 with his Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree. Active in the community, Gonzalez sits on Board member and is legal counsel for our association; concurrently, serves as vice-chair of the Palms West Chamber Economic Development Task Force. He has served on the board of Junior Achievement of the Palm Beaches and is a Class of 2002 graduate of Leadership West Palm Beach. Frank and his wife, Christina, reside in Wellington with their three sons, Nicholas, Nathan and Daniel.
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Terri M. Wescott
Treasurer
AccuDial Pharmaceutical, Inc.
Terri M. Wescott is the Vice President and Controller of AccuDial Pharmaceutical, Inc., a company which plans on launching a family of eight over-the-counter analgesic, allergy, cold, and cough children’s medications. The company’s patented rotating labeling system enables precise dosing of children’s medications by weight. Additionally, Terri is owner of Accounting Concepts of South Florida, Inc., which supplies bookkeeping and accounting services to small and medium-sized businesses, as well as homeowners and condominium associations. Terri is also deeply involved in the community where she serves as assistant district governor for Rotary International and is treasurer of the Royal Palm Beach Rotary Club. She holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Auburn University and received her MBA from University of Phoenix. Terri is married to Glenn and has a 14 year old son, Justin. She confesses to a love for golf.
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Ellen Sanita
Secretary
The Palm Beach Post
Ellen Sanita is the Call Center Revenue Manager for The Palm Beach Post. Her responsibilities include managing a team of Client Specialists, whose goal is to help businesses grow through advertising in the Palm Beach Post, PalmBeachPost.com and La Palma. In addition, she manages a team of Consumer Sales reps, whose goal is to grow the subscriber base through renewals and new subscribers. Ms. Sanita earned her BS in Business Education from Rider University (NJ). Ellen is an officer and member of the Executive Board at The Palms West Chamber of Commerce, where she serves as Secretary. She, along with her family pitching in, “love working at community events,” where she represents both the Palms West Chamber and The Palm Beach Post. Other community activities include serving as a judge for the William T. Dwyer Awards and volunteering for many events benefiting the Hispanic and Lake Worth Chambers of Commerce and United Way. Ellen Sanita and her husband Mark are residents of Wellington, where they live with their two sons, Jordan and Dylan.
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Susan Giddings
Vice Chair - Economic Development
O'Dell Land Development Consultants
Susan E. Giddings is Vice President/Principal of O’Dell Land Development Consultants. She is responsible for the Wellington-based company’s overall growth and business development in addition to client coordination with governmental agencies and contractors. Giddings holds degrees in business administration and accounting. Her leadership in community organizations is highly visible. Giddings serves on several committees as well as on the Board of Directors at the Palms West Chamber of Commerce and is currently Treasurer of the Wellington Rotary Club. Married to husband Ray, the couple resides in West Palm Beach.
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Eric Gordon
Vice Chair - Education
BankAtlantic
Eric Gordon is a Vice President with BankAtlantic, where he serves as Market Manager based at the institution's Royal Palm Beach location.Gordon has been active in the Palms West Chamber for approximately 13 years, serving as a leader in a very broad range of activities.. Gordon received his bachelor's degree in political science from the State University of New York (Brockport). Despite the time he devotes to The Chamber, Eric is active in other community organizations. For example, he is currently serving as president of the Royal Palm Beach Rotary Club; is a long-standing member of the Western Communities Business Associates; and is deeply involved in the Unity for Kids Early Prevention Program. Eric Gordon is a single parent with two young adult children, Lacey, a 19-year-old student at Florida State University and 16-year-old Jeremy.
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John H. Southard
Vice Chair - Facilities
Balfour Beatty Construction
John H. Southard is a Senior Project Manager at Balfour Beatty Construction. He is currently managing construction projects in the South Florida area. Southard’s community interests are varied. In addition to serving as Vice Chairmen of Facilities and being heavily involved in construction planning efforts at the Palms West Chamber of Commerce, he is deeply committed to Leadership of Palm Beach County in the GET REAL and Adult Class programs and the Construction Career Academy’s in our local High Schools. Both John and his wife Gail are longtime residents of Wellington and have three adult children and two grandchildren.
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Gina K. Rascati
Vice Chair - Government Affairs
Residential Appraisal Specialists, Inc.
Gina K. Rascati is President/Owner of Residential Appraisal Specialists, Inc. a residential real estate valuation and consulting firm. Rascati is a State certified residential real estate appraiser and is an SRA designated member of the Appraisal Institute. She earned her B.A. in Business and Finance from the University of South Florida. Gina is active in the Girl Scouts and is its service unit manager for the Glades. She is a founder of the Wellington Toastmasters Club and also does some political campaign consulting. Gina Rascati is married to Brian Mekarski and enjoys reading, gardening, cooking and her dogs.
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Rachelle Crain
Vice Chair - Marketing
The Mall at Wellington Green
Rachelle Crain is Marketing and Sponsorship Director for The Mall at Wellington Green. In this role, she develops and manages both local and corporate driven marketing initiatives and programs. She oversees media and public relations plans and serves as a media spokesperson for the Center. She is also responsible for the development and activation of sponsorship programs designed to provide the opportunity for area businesses to reach and interact with shoppers and merchants. She is a graduate of Branell Women’s College with an AS degree in Marketing and Merchandising. She is a member of the Palms West Leadership Class of 2008 and serves on the Palms West Chamber's Marketing Committe. Raised in Palm Beach County, she has two daughters and resides in Palm Beach Gardens.
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Scott Armand
Vice Chair—Membership
Armand Professional Services, Inc.
Scott Armand is President and CEO of Armand Professional Services, Inc. He is responsible for the daily operations of this growing family business. Armand is active in the community, serving in leadership roles with the Palms West Chamber of Commerce, where he serves as vice chairman of membership and the Rotary Club of Royal Palm Beach, where he is past chair. Armand and his wife, Mary (Mair) are the parents of five children and have two grandchildren. They have resided in the western communities for more than 20 years.
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Dale Pickford
Vice Chair - Technology
Graphic-Signs, Inc.
Dale Pickford Graphic-Signs, Inc. Dale Pickford is president of Graphic-Signs, Inc. where he is responsible for the firm’s overall operations, in addition to supervising sales, installations and artistic content. Dale earned an Honors Degree in Computer Science from Manchester University and later a Business Studies Degree from Surrey University, England. Prior to founding Graphic-Signs, Inc. Dale served as the Chief Information Officer and Chief Technology Officer of several multinational companies. Currently he also serves as a Trustee and is on the Board of Directors of the Palms West Chamber of Commerce as a vice-chair of the Technology Committee and as an assistant scout master for Boy Scout Troop 208. Dale and his wife Maria live in Wellington and have two teenage children, Kyle and Ashley.
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David Albright
Sterling Bank
David Albright is President and Chief Executive Officer of Sterling Bank. In addition to his executive role at this growing bank, he serves on the board of directors of the Palms West Chamber of Commerce and is active in many community affairs throughout Palm Beach County. A graduate of the University of Florida with a BSBA in Finance, the Wellington resident has been married for 15 years to Shelly and is the proud father of four sons; Kyle, Mitchell, Reese and Fletcher.
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Jeff Bishop
Wellington Regional Medical Center
Jeffrey Bishop, D.O. has been appointed Chief of Medicine at the 158-bed Wellington Regional Medical Center. Dr. Bishop, former owner and a practicing physician at Western Communities Family Practice, is a well known, highly respected family physician in the community where he has served patients for more than two decades. He is a board-certified family physician who earned his medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. No stranger to Wellington Regional, Dr. Bishop has held various leadership positions at the facility, including Vice Chief and Chief of Staff as well as Chairman of The Hospital’s Board of Governors. Deeply involved in community and professional organizations, Dr. Bishop is proud to be assuming this position at this “exciting time of growth and development,” and vows to “work closely with the Board of Governors and administrators on issues that impact quality of care.” He and his wife, Charlene, are residents of Royal Palm Beach and have two sons and two daughters, ranging in age from 15 to 33 years.
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Tensy Caine
PNC Bank
Tensy Caine is Senior Vice President and Regional Manager for the Palm Beach South Region of PNC Bank. She leads a team currently comprised of seventeen banking centers in the southern and western communities of Palm Beach county. She is a Trustee Member of the Palms West Chamber of Commerce where she also sits on the Board of Directors. Caine is a Board member of the Western Communities, Business, Technology and Education Advancement Board Inc, a member of The Palm Beach Atlantic University Wellington Advisory Group, and an Associate Member of The Palm Beach County League of Cities. She also chaired the Wellington Community Fitness Run & Walk to benefit the Hospice of Palm Beach County. On behalf of PNC, this veteran business leader is a certified Women’s Business Advocate. The mother of four adult children and grandmother of 5 resides in Wellington and is a lifelong resident of Palm Beach County with a passion for her community and her family. .
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Bob Bloom
Ink & Toner USA, LLC
Bob Bloom is co-founder, vice president and chief operating officer of INK & TONER USA, LLC. The business was founded in 2004 in West Palm Beach, and it has grown to be the largest ink and toner discount retail store in South Florida. In 2006, Bloom initiated the company’s comprehensive training, licensing, and support program – the "un-franchise" – which shows entrepreneurs how to run a low start-up cost, low overhead, successful ink and toner retail business. INK & TONER USA has provided training to business owners in Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, New York, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Indiana, California, Massachusetts, and Texas. Bloom has degrees in environmental engineering, secondary education, computer systems, and he has an extensive background in education, marketing, business development, and sales training. He and his wife, Jane, have been married for 33 years and have been residents of Wellington since 1982. They have two grown daughters, Jacy and Dara.
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James DuBois
Callery-Judge Grove
James DuBois is Callery-Judge Grove’s Manager of Special Projects. Since1993, he has served the Grove in many capacities, from packinghouse production to harvest management and sales. Most recently, he has been helping to steer the grove’s future and agricultural land planning. James has been a Seminole Improvement District Supervisor since 1998.. He has represented his district on the Western Communities Council. He has also served the Town of Lake Park as Chairman of the Marina Advisory Board and Vice Chairman of Planning and Zoning. His wife, Desca, is currently the Mayor of Lake Park. James enjoys serving the PWCC as a director and as a member of the Government Affairs, Economic Development and Nominating Committees.
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Mayor Sam Ferreri
City of Greenacres
Sam Ferreri is the Mayor of the City of Greenacres for the past 19 ½ years. He is also a principal with SchenkelShultz Architecture. Sam earned his masters degree in architecture from the University of Florida. He is a licensed Architect and member of the American Institute of Architects. Sam is or has recently been involved actively in the Alzheimer’s Association of Southeast Florida Chapter as Chairman for the last two years, Board of Governors of Wellington Regional Hospital, Florida League of Cities where he is a Board Member and past President, Advisory Board of the National League of Cities, Secretary/Treasurer Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council and board member of the Palm Beach County Metropolitan Planning Organization. Sam and his wife Donna have two grown daughters, and of course live in the “Place to Be”, the City of Greenacres.
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Kathy Foster
K. Foster Designs, Inc.
Kathy Foster is President of K Foster Designs, Inc., an interior design services and consulting business she has owned since 1983. She earned her B.A. Degree from Brooklyn College of the City University of New York in Textiles and Design. A 29 year resident of Wellington, Foster served as the Village’s first Mayor and is a Founding Member of the Palms West Chamber of Commerce. Kathy has also served as Executive Director of the Adam Walsh Children’s Fund, as President and CEO of Junior Achievement of Palm Beaches, Inc, and as President of Effective Solutions, Inc. She and her husband, Michael Nelson, have four children and three grandchildren.
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Silvia C. Garcia
Insurance For You, Inc.
Silvia C. Garcia is the founding President of Insurance For You, Inc. Her key responsibilities are management, marketing and sales at her full-service insurance agency. Silvia is a Cuban native with 25 years of insurance industry experiences and community efforts. She has been recognized for her contribution to the business community as well as her commitment to quality service including the Palms West Chamber of Commerce’s prestigious “Business of the Year” award in 2008. Silvia is a past president of the Palms West Chamber of Commerce, was the first woman president of the WPB InterAmerican Businessmen’s Association and serves on numerous boards and committees including the board of governors of Leadership Palm Beach County, the Hispanic Chamber and the Children’s Fund. Many recognize her as one of the Palm Beach Post’s Ask A Local. Garcia, who resides in Wellington, is the proud mother of Sandra and Suzette, and doting grandmother of precocious Katarina.
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Michael Horwitz
Chameleon Consulting LLC
Michael Horwitz is a principal consultant with Chameleon Consulting LLC, a firm specializing in helping individuals and organizations create value over time. Horwitz has more than 35 years of experiences in individual and small business environments as a former Certified Public Accountant and in a variety of management capacities in design, development, construction, multi-unit management, restaurants, hotels, service-related industries, financial institutions and nonprofit organizations. He holds a Masters Degree in Leadership from Nova Southeastern University with a multidisciplinary background in team building, organizational behavior, project management and leading change. Michael is a Center for Leadership Studies Certified Educator and Trainer, using situational leadership to help organizations create a common language in order to help to help increase performance and profitability over the long term. Since 1991, Mr. Horwitz has provided services to individuals and small/ medium size businesses to establish their needs and provide the critical knowledge to create a strategic plan of action and execution. Using a combination of visual mapping, Balanced Scoreboard Approach, Good to Great and others, he creates a unique program and process to develop business strategies that are in alignment with an organization's vision, mission and values.
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Doug Keip
Florida Public Utilities
Doug Keip leads the Palm Beach County residential and commercial marketing team at Florida Public Utilities,where he has been employed for nearly all of his 30 year professional history. He studied Business and Economics at the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point. Keip is quite active in the community serving not only as a Board Member at the Palms West Chamber; he is also a member of several area chambers and serves as treasurer of the Palm Beach Gas Association. With Florida Public Utilities and its parent company, Chesapeake Utilities, being major corporate sponsors of the March of Dimes, Doug is very active as a leader in that program. Doug Keip, a 20-year resident of the western communities, lives in Loxahatchee with his two sons, ages 10 and 16.
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Matti Mattioli
Village of Royal Palm Beach
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Candace Morrow
BankAtlantic
Candace Morrow is Vice President and Market Manager for BankAtlantic, based at the Andros branch of the financial institution. She is a 30-plus year veteran in banking and has been with BankAtlantic for more than eight years. Candace has been very active in the Palms West Chamber in many volunteer roles and points with special pride at her service as an Ambassador. Morrow believes strongly that The Chamber offers many opportunities for members but cautions that they need to be involved and engage in networking to achieve maximum benefit..In addition to her many endeavors at The Chamber, she is also active in Strides Against Breast Cancer. Her professional involvement includes serving as BankAtlantic Representative at the Palm Beach County League of Cities. Candace and her husband, Ken, reside in Boynton Beach. They have three adult children and four grandchildren.
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Dave O'Keefe
Your Computer Guy
Dave O'Keefe is Founder and President of Your Computer Guy, Inc.,a six-year old company created with a mission to work with small businesses, and, in effect, operating as the client's own Information Technology Department. The growing Wellington-based operation holds industry certifications including Gold Certified Microsoft Partner, Microsoft Small Business Specialist and is a member of the Apple Consultant Network. In addition to serving on the Palms West Chamber Board, YCG provides full support for the staff on IT issues for the chamber. Other professional activities include a prominent role for the Palm Beach IT Association which he founded in 2005 and has a seat on the Palm Beach Central High School IT Academy Advisory Committee. Dave and his wife, Jessica, reside in Royal Palm Beach with their daughter, Chloe, who is about to enter kindergarten.
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John Picano
South Florida Fair Grouds
John Picano is Public Relations Manager with the South Florida Fair, where he is responsible for the organization's highly-visible public relations effort. He has been with the non-profit corporation for 14 years. This highly-skilled veteran professional also has 28 years of professional experiences in radio,on air and in program director and news director positions at WJNO and WIRK. Picano earned his bachelor's degree in Political Science from the University of Florida. In addition to serving on the Palms West Chamber Board of Directors, he is a very active participant in a variety of professional, charitable and religious community endeavors. For example John is a Trustee of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society; current Director and Past Executive Secretary of the West Palm Beach Kiwanis; serves on the Public Relations Committee of the Palm Beach County Convention and Visitors Bureau; and is an active congregant of Our Lady Queen of Apostles Church. John and his wife, Kathy, live in West Palm Beach, have three adult children, ranging in age from 25 through 32 and Granddaughter Madison, age three.
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Robert Rabenecker
Chick-fil-A
Rob Rabenecker is the owner/operator of Chick-fil-A at the Mall at Wellington Green .He earned his undergraduate degree in Marketing and Management from Eastern Kentucky University after which \he received his M.A, in Arts and Sports Management from Ohio State University. Rob is very active in community affairs. In addition to serving on the Palms West Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, he is a Trustee Member. He also is Past Chairman of the Board of Directors and current Executive Committee member of the Northern Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce and serves on the Board of the Jupiter Tequesta Chamber. He is an active member of the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches. Rabenecker also sits on the Board of Directors of the Palm Beach County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Prior to purchasing his current business operation, he was General Manager of Roger Dean Stadium for 10 years. Rob and his wife, WPTV News 5 Anchor Chandra Bill have two sons, Aidan and E.J. and live in North Palm Beach.
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Paul Schofield
Village of Wellington
Paul Schofield has been a resident of the western communities for 30 years. During that time, he has worked in both the private sector and in government. Paul began his career with the South Florida Water Management District working in the Regulation Department as a Water Resources Engineer. After that, he spent the next decade working at Shalloway Engineering where he was partner, then spent the next five years working as a private planner in Royal Palm Beach. After a brief period with Palm Beach County, Paul served as Royal Palm Beach’s Planning, Zoning and Building Director for five years. Paul has been with Wellington since 2001 where he served first as Planning, Zoning and Building Director, then as Community Services Director and now serves as the Village Manager. He earned his B.S. in Business Administration. Paul Schofield and his wife, Karen, have been married for 35 years and have one son who is a Deputy with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Department.
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Geoffrey Sluggett
Geoffrey B. Sluggett & Associates
Geoff Sluggett is president of Geoffrey B. Sluggett & Associates, Inc., a full service Governmental Relations consulting firm. He has more than 23 years of local, regional and state government experience. Prior to starting his own firm, Geoff was with one of the leading lobbying firms in the South Florida region. In addition, he served as Director of Government Relations for the Associated General Contractors of America, where he represented the commercial and industrial construction industry. His past experiences also include serving in a legislative staff role with the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners. Mr. Sluggett has been a resident of Palm Beach County for more than 45 years and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Affairs from Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton.
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Denise Smith
Cardinal Appraisal, inc.
Denise Smith is President of Cardinal appraisal and is a State Certified Residential Appraiser. It is her responsibilty to provide the market or replacement value of residential real estate, be it in the form of single family, townhouse, condominium, duplex, triplex, quadraplex or vacant land. She is a Member of the Appraisal Institute and has taken more than 500 hours of appraisal education. Ms. Smith serves on the board of directors on the Palms West Chamber of Commerce and also lends her abilities in event production for the community through Tromsi, Inc. Denise lives in The Acreage with her "wonderful husband and two children."
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Joanne Stanley
Republic Services of Palm Beach
Joanne Stanley is Sales and Marketing Services Director for Republic Services, responsible for acheiving corporate goals in Palm Beach County and on the Treasure Coast. Since its merger with Allied Waste in 2008, Republic Services is the second-largest waste and environmental company in North America, serving more than 3,000 counties and municipalities in 42 states and Puerto Rico. Stanley's 18 years of industry experiences provide her with a wealth of business and corporate knowledge. She earned her bachelor's degree from Florida State University in 1983. Heavily engaged in community activities that enhance the quality of life for the customer base served by Republic, she sits not only on the Board of the Palms West Chamber of Commerce but also is a Board member at Saint Laurence Chapter. Joanne also works actively with other non-profit organizations such as the Lord's Place; Boca Helping Hands and Habitat for Humanitry.
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Robert Trepp
Cardinal Electric, Inc.
Robert Trepp is President of Cardinal Electric Inc. He is responsible for the firm’s business operations and community relations. Trepp, active in community affairs, is a Palms West Chamber of Commerce Trustee and member of its Facilities and Government Affairs committees. A Past President of the Acreage Landowners’ Association, Trepp was recognized as the Palm Beach County Schools Business Partner of the Year in 2006 and Business Partner/Community Leader in 2007. His Seminole Ridge High School involvement includes seats on its Business Partner Executive Committee, School Advisory Council and Construction Academy Advisory Committee. Trepp, an Acreage resident, founded Cardinal Electric in 1996 and, with partners Steve Glass and Jim Behlmer, has grown it into a statewide company. He founded Tromsi Inc. with Sofia Rossi in 2006 to promote local events in the western communities.
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Dennis Witkowski
JJ Muggs Stadium Grill
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Alan Zangen
Alan S. Zangen, P.A.
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