The annual Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce Installation Gala “A Diamond Affair: Celebrating 100 Years from Cane to Coral” will be held Friday, April 26 at 6 p.m. at the International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington.
“We are very excited to be celebrating our first complete year as a newly formed chamber and 100 years of history with our businesses and our communities. We are so proud of all that has been accomplished since are merger last year,” CEO Jaene Miranda said. “Our members look forward each year to this event, and it would not be possible without the support of partners like our presenting sponsor, Mercantil Commercebank.”
The merger last year brought two chambers together as one — the Palms West Chamber established 30 years ago this year, and the Greater Lake Worth Chamber, which is celebrating 100 years and was instrumental in forming the City of Lake Worth.
The event will feature the installation of the 2013-14 chamber officers and directors. The ceremonial gavel will be passed from current chairman, Dr. Jeffrey Bishop, to the new chairman, Francisco Gonzalez of Gonzalez & Shenkmen.
“It has been an honor to serve as chairman,” Bishop said. “We have accomplished many projects and have had many successful fundraising events. The joining of the Lake Worth and Palms West chambers has proven to be very beneficial for all the communities involved. Certainly in the past year the medical community has had significant exposure with the many mixers. I will be there to help Frank Gonzalez in his transition as the new chairman.”
Gonzalez, a Wellington resident, provides experienced legal representation in the areas of commercial and residential real estate and business law. “It is a privilege to be stepping into the role of chairman of the chamber,” he said. “In these trying economic times, it’s vital to have an organization such as our chamber as an advocate for our business community members. I am committed to making central Palm Beach County not only a place where existing businesses can thrive and grow but one that attracts new industries and employment centers.”
Aside from his work with the chamber, Gonzalez is also a graduate of Leadership West Palm Beach, served on the board of Junior Achievement of the Palm Beaches and coached basketball for the Wellington Recreation program. He and his wife Christina have three sons: Nicholas, Nathan and Daniel. They have lived here since 1997.
The evening will start off with a cocktail reception, followed by an elegant dinner, silent auction, live auction, the installation of the board and dancing the night away. Tickets cost $125 for members and $175 for nonmembers. To purchase tickets, visit www.cpbchamber.com or call (561) 790-6200.
