Good News for Chamber Members

WASHINGTON - A national study by The Schapiro Group, an Atlanta-based market research firm, reveals a number of important findings about how consumers and business owners perceive the local chamber of commerce and the businesses that are their members. For example:

• " When consumers know that a business is a member of the local chamber, they are 44% more likely to think favorably about it.
  
  
• Consumers who are told that a business is a chamber member are 51% more likely to be highly aware of it and 57% more likely to think positively of its local reputation.
  
  
• Consumers are 63% more likely to buy goods and services in the future from a company that they believe is a member of the local chamber of commerce.
  

The study also has good news for businesses that sell to other businesses.

• When business decision-makers believe that a business is a chamber member, they are 37% more likely to think favorably of the business, 51% more likely to be highly aware of it, 58% more likely to think positively of its local reputation, and 59% more likely to buy goods and services from it.

The results of the Schapiro study are clear: Positive perception increases among consumers and business owners when a business is identified as a member of the local chamber of commerce.

Survey sponsors: This study was sponsored by IBM, Administaff, Jim Blasingame and AskJim.biz in cooperation with American Chamber of Commerce Executives. The study was conducted by The Schapiro Group and coordinated by Market Street Services.

Coral Springs Chamber Update

The Coral Springs Chamber's Networking at Noon is transitioning to an exciting new format starting on December 5th. Our new lunchtime event is a "Power Luncheon", where attendees can "eat and learn". Members will enjoy a served, sit down lunch and learn about business topics that can assist them and increase their knowledge.

The Power Lunch will be held every other month and will feature an educational seminar designed to help members with their business. The first presenter is Judi Hedge, from On the Edge with Judi Hedge. She will be presenting "Your Net Working, "and will teach you valuable networking tips. We look forward to many more exciting speakers and topics for 2008!

Also, the fee for the Wake- Up Breakfast will be $18 as of January, 2008. We regret any inconvenience; however the price increase is due to the rising costs that the Chamber has to pay for the event.

John Sommerer & Company, PA Randee Abramson

Randee Abramson is an associate member of John Sommerer & Company, PA, a full-service CPA firm in Coral Springs that specializes in small to medium-sized companies as well as individuals, trusts and not-for-profits.

Abramson is a graduate of Florida Atlantic University, and after obtaining her Certified Public Accountant designation, joined Arthur Anderson as an auditor. She has worked for companies such as Ellesse USA, Wilshire Corporation, Homes of South Florida, Transeastern Homes, and Lennar Homes of Broward County in the capacities of Controller or VP of Finance.

Abramson has been a resident of Coral Springs for over 20 years and holds active memberships in the Florida Institute of CPA's, the American Institute of CPA's, the National Council of Jewish Women, and the American Business Women's Association, where she is currently the Hospitality chair. She is also a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the Florida Association of Realtors (FAR), and the Realtor Association of Greater Fort Lauderdale (RAGFL).

Merrill Lynch
James Miller, Assistant Vice President / Financial Advisor

With almost 10 years in the financial services industry, James is a seasoned professional who is competent to assist you in making life-changing financial decisions.

By combining his knowledge of numbers and the desire to help people live more meaningfully, James continues to realize his professional and personal goals.

As a wealth manager, he seeks to understand his clients broadly and deeply enough to find the opportunities that add value not only to their financial objectives, but also to their life aspirations. In conversations with clients, James helps them determine what's really important, and then develop actionable, flexible strategies that result in a blueprint for their lifestyle.

James believes that wealth management is no longer just about finances. Instead, it is understanding what you want to accomplish with your affluence and helping you manage all the complex issues raised by wealth. Knowing that difference is significant.

James believes a balanced life is the essence of happiness. As such, he is dedicated to helping the community be a better place to live, work and raise a family. In his spare time, James enjoys running, golfing and coaching his children's various sports teams. James is married to Beth for 12 years and considers her to be his most valuable asset.

James can be reached at 954-755-6525 or emailed at LLOYD_J_MILLER@ml.com.

Leadership Coral Springs Class of 2008

The first session of Leadership Coral Springs began on September 28th. Orientation consisted of self assessment and team building exercises. Thanks to Pat Mirabello and Korey Meckes from the City of Coral Springs for assisting with the team building portion of the day.

The next class was on October 24th, and the topic was" Healthcare and Volunteerism." The day was graciously hosted by Northwest Medical Center and it was great to see all our past graduates from Northwest! Day Captains, Sherry Centore and Kathy DeArmas did an awesome job! The class got to tour Northwest Medical Center, had an opportunity to get a "behind the scenes view" of the hospital and learned about MRSA. In addition, the class began the "leadership learnings" portion of the program, conducted by Ray Zentis, a professional CEO coach.

The final portion of the day, volunteerism, was spent at God's Little Acres. Thanks to Bob and Joan Nast for inviting the class.