PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER:

Happy Holidays to All.
At this time of year, we want to stop and thank others. For everyone we have worked with this past year, thank you for your support. For all our suppliers who have helped us achieve our goals, thank you. For all of you we have seen throughout the year -- from friends to business partners, thank you. Let's all work together to get through these tough times and be thankful for what we have achieved. Happy New Year to all. Special thanks to Ginny Fujino, Blacktie-Southflorida for photo with Santa.

COMMUNITY CONNECTION:

Light Up Lauderdale
Be a part of our Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk community by helping to "Light Up Lauderdale" for the holidays, brought to you by Riverwalk Trust and the City of Fort Lauderdale. This is your opportunity to adapt a pole or tree! For further information, contact the Riverwalk Trust at 954-421-1541.

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER:

A look at some S.MARK work


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logo identity


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COMMUNITY CONNECTION:

Riverwalk Trust Get Downtown

Join Fort Lauderdale's Riverwalk Trust organization, the group to be apart of in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Join now for the annual rate of $100 and here's what you get:

• Two tickets to Fall and Spring Riverwalk Get Downtown, Fort Lauderdale's largest outdoor cocktail party (this Friday night, November 14 from 5 - 8 pm). Tickets otherwise $25 each ($100 value)

• Annual Subscription to Go Riverwalk monthly magazine ($50 value)

• Complimentary tickets to four additional Riverwalk Trust networking events

For additional information, contact Mark Budwig at design@smark.com or visit Go Riverwalk.

BUSINESS NETWORKING:

Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce presents 2008 "Salute to Business" awards dinner
Each year, the Chamber recognizes top individuals in our community. This year's gala is coming up on Thursday November 6, 2008. For further information, contact Connie Edery at 954-462-6000, ext. 8760 or connie@ftlchamber.com.

COMMUNITY CONNECTION:

Broward Alliance's Creative Industries & Film Commission Committee
In October, the Broward Alliance recognized Mark Budwig and Mike Greene for chairing their Creative Industries & Film Commission Committee for the past year. The Committee cultivates understanding and builds community awareness for creative economy strategies as a force for economic development.


(left to right) Sula Miller, Mark Budwig, Mike Greene and Elizabeth Wentworth

(left to right) Diane Sobo, Mary Becht and Elizabeth Wentworth

Carolyn Stewart and Mark Budwig

Devin Avery and Mark Budwig

The Creative Industries and Film Commission Committee
(All photos by Art Pollack, Art Pollack Photography)

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER:

Broward House Shines
I am proud to be a part of the board of Broward House, an outstanding organization providing a full array of services to those living with and at risk for HIV and other health issues. On Friday, I had the heartwarming opportunity to see 27 individual adults graduate from their substance abuse treatment program. Each graduate had tears in their eyes and were so thankful to the Broward House staff for giving them a chance to live. It is through fund-raising efforts that programs like this are possible.

This past week, Macy's Fort Lauderdale Galleria store hosted a fashion show to raise funds exclusively for Broward House. For further information, either contact us directly or visit Broward House on-line.

COMMUNITY CONNECTION:

Special Event Thursday October 2, 2008

Open to the business community -- free event!
Don't miss it.

BUSINESS NETWORKING:

Social Networking 2.0 at


Check out the link above for one of the greatest networking tools to come along - LinkedIn.com. The outstanding web site allows you to keep in touch with all those networking connections you've made over the years. It also provides you with thousands of additional resources through other connections. Watch out, it's addictive.

COMMUNITY CONNECTION:

Oktoberfest Saturday 10/4/08 11am-11pm
Don't miss the fun and excitement as Oakland Park Main Street presents the fourth annual Oktoberfest celebration in downtown Oakland Park. Fun and entertainment for the whole family including a Bavarian-style “Biergarten” offering a selection of popular German favorites such as bratwurst, knockwurst, pork loin, sauerkraut and German potato salad, as well as freshly baked pretzels, “Brotchen,” apple strudel, and the decadent “Schwarzwaelder Kirschtorte,” in addition to a selection of German wines and authentic German-brewed Oktoberfest beers.


A large tent replicates the authentic atmosphere of a Bavarian village celebration, including a stage and a dance floor. Some of the famous Oktoberfest dances will be performed, including the German weavers dance and performances by the “Edelweiss Schuhplattlers” (children’s dance troupe) and the “Original Auerhahn Schuhplattler Dancers” (adults). Vendors in the Alpine market will offer a variety of gift items, and collectibles and more. A carnival featuring rides, games and refreshments will entertain kids and adults alike.





The fun also includes a ‘Dachshund Dash,’ keg races, stein races and ‘Apfelstrudel’ eating and polka dance competition.

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER:

A look at some S.MARK web sites

BUSINESS NETWORKING:

Tower Forum - Another Great Networking Group!














I found the Tower Forum a few years ago, thanks to friends at the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce. The Tower Forum hosts thought provoking breakfast forums addressing, debating and discussing current issues ranging from business and the economy to government, the arts, education and sports. The new season starts October 2 with the Broward County Governors debate. Check out the Tower Forum web site for more information. It's the best deal in town!

BUSINESS NETWORKING:

Neighborhood Marketing 101
One of the best ways to get business in Fort Lauderdale is by getting involved in the community. I recommend joining a minimum of three organizations. I've selected the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce, Riverwalk Trust and the Tower Club. Click on the link to learn more about these. What's neat about these three is their membership's overlap, giving me the opportunity to build relationships quicker.

BUSINESS NETWORKING:

A Great Networking Event

When I first moved here back in 2001, I joined the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce. I immediately volunteered my time and got involved. I joined the Small Business Committee and became very active and invented “Jazz in the Hall,” a trade-show designed for small business mixing jazz music with a cocktail reception. The annual event brings over 30 exhibitors and a crowd of 300 members to the Chamber building. It’s excellent networking and a great way to expose yourself. The next Jazz in the Hall is coming up Thursday October 30 beginning at 5:30 pm. It takes place at the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce, 512 NE Third Avenue.