Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce Oct 28, 2016
Government Affairs
From the Greater Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce

Dear Members,

More than two years ago, iPic Theatres was selected to build a theater and their national HQ at the former library / chamber site just south of Atlantic and Federal. The Chamber of Commerce announced our support of this project for all the reasons listed below. However, our City has delayed this project on several occasions. Meanwhile, other cities have rolled out the red carpet for an iPic in their town and the company continues to grow and thrive in other areas.

We believe iPic will be more than a positive addition to our downtown. The approval of this project will also help attract other businesses; including along the Congress corridor and other areas where we need smart growth. Prospective businesses look for a thriving downtown with a unique mix of retail, restaurants and family-friendly entertainment. They also look for "business friendly" towns.

We Need You Tuesday night, Nov 1 at 6pm at Commission in City Hall.

Delray residents and business owners who want iPic in our downtown need to voice their opinion. Seriously, you need to show up and speak up. It's as simple as saying, "I'm in favor of iPic."

Here are just a few of the reasons many of us support this amazing project:

  • The iPic project adds a family-friendly entertainment option to our walkable downtown. This project gives local residents and tourists from the hotels a fantastic family-friendly place to walk to.
  • The project brings with it much needed Class A office space and a parking garage. The project brings the national corporate headquarters for iPic, a company receiving rave reviews for innovation in many cities including Scottsdale, Miami and New York City. The headquarters office will bring quality jobs to our downtown.
  • Positive media exposure--iPic was recently featured on the Today Show for taking an outdated business and turning it into something innovative.
  • The project will drive business to downtown shops and restaurants: 40% of iPic's business comes from summer blockbusters during our downtown's slowest time of year.
  • This project is a smart addition to our downtown, adding something different to the mix of restaurants and retailers.

    • If you want to see iPic come to Delray, please step up and speak up on Tuesday, Nov 1st.

    Karen Granger
    Election Day, Nov 8
    Vote! With the General Election quickly approaching, we encourage our members to know the candidates and the issues and to be sure to make your voice count and VOTE!

    The League of Women Voters provides a very thorough list of candidates and positions. For Q&A on the constitutional amendments, see the Sun-Sentinel.

    Early voting began Monday, and runs through November 6th. For more information about where to vote, please visit the Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections.

    Chamber endorses 1-cent sales tax
    The Chamber Board of Directors has voted to support the 1-cent sales tax for Palm Beach County. We encourage you to vote YES.

    While it is always difficult for a Chamber of Commerce to support a new tax, we are in favor in this case, because the money will improve our infrastructure... including rebuilding and enhancing our schools, improving public safety, and repairing roads and bridges (which will in turn, reduce traffic congestion). It is estimated that 25% of the money raised by the tax will be paid by visitors and tourists, and there will be a citizen oversight committee to make sure the money stays in Palm Beach County and the committee will make sure the money is being spent properly on the proposed projects. B asic items like groceries and prescription drugs will be exempt from the tax. More information, read here and the Sun-Sentinel endorsement here

    Annual Legislative Luncheon, Nov 17
    Please register for this year's Legislative Luncheon on Thurs, Nov. 17th at Bethesda Hospital. This is always a great event which provides the opportunity to meet and mingle with our County and State elected officials. You can also submit questions for the panel discussion.

    We appreciate the on-going support of Roger Kirk at Bethesda Hospital for hosting this event and Michael Weiner of Weiner & Thompson for coordinating and sponsoring this annual event. Sponsorship opportunities are available, please contact Patty Reed at 279-1380 x105.

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    Governmental Affairs Calendar
    Nov 1: City Commission Meeting
    Nov 2: CRA Board Meeting
    Nov 8: ELECTION DAY
    Nov 8: City Commission Workshop
    Nov 15: City Commission Meeting
    Nov 17: Legislative Luncheon
    Nov 17: CRA Board Meeting & Workshop
    Nov: No Gov't Affairs or Econ Development Meetings
    Governmental Affairs Resources
    On the Record is a member benefit from the Greater Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce, a bi-monthly newsletter on regional, state, and federal governmental and regulatory news that is relevant to your business. Articles and links contained in this email may not represent the views of the Chamber.   
    Contents
    2016 Election
    1-cent tax
    Legislative Luncheon






     


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    When people pass through our doors, they immediately notice something   different  - Some call it "connection", others call it "culture" or a unique "vibe." What ever "it" is, it's something you can't bottle, and it's something truly special. We're glad that you're a part of "it" too!