It has been almost a year since I took over as director of the Ponte Vedra Beach Division of the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce. It has truly been an honor and a privilege to serve our wonderful community, which Coastal Living ranked as one of the Top 20 Best Places to Live on the Coast in 2018.
Our Visitor Information Center is becoming busier every month with guests wanting to find their own piece of paradise here in Ponte Vedra. We all know that to have a strong economic environment, we must have a strong community. We are truly blessed to have leaders, business owners, teachers and residents working together to share in the responsibility of fostering economic success here in our beautiful community.
As we continue to make our way into the new year, I am thrilled to be implementing the Chamber’s new strategic plan as introduced by Chamber President & CEO Isabelle Renault and unanimously approved by our Board of Directors. The plan, entitled 2018 & Beyond, will provide action steps to increase our capacity to adapt, be a fierce advocate for members’ success and a known influencer of public policy. Over the next three years — with the hard work, dedication and expertise of staff, board members and volunteers — we are dedicated to continuing to support local businesses through promotion, education, advocacy and by providing quality events.
Also, mark your calendars for March 14 at Ruth’s Chris Steak House here in Ponte Vedra Beach for guest speaker Henry Dean, who is the chair of the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners representing District 5. He will join us during Chamber at Noon to speak about beach renourishment, smart growth and impact fees.
Then on April 12, we welcome the CEO of K9s For Warriors, Rory Diamond, for our joint luncheon with the Jax Chamber. Based in Ponte Vedra, K9s for Warriors has now expanded west to Alachua County, taking over a 67-acre property where it will be able to pair more veterans with service animals.
The Ponte Vedra Beach Division offers three monthly events to serve our Chamber members: a Before Hours, Chamber at Noon and an After Hours. We invite you to join us at one of these events; don’t forget to bring your business cards!
If you are not a member of the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce, please consider joining us today. Your membership will benefit your business and this community: one of the best places in Florida to live, work and play. Thank you again for a great year, and I look forward to seeing you out and about!
