Outline of Chamber Farewell Speech - Delivered 06/10/2010

I joined the chamber with the intention of doing a little networking, hoping to find some business. But as I got to know the people of this city and the people who are so involved in the chamber, I forgot about that.

In the two years I have been Chairman, This chamber has grown over twenty percent. We cut out a lot of the money losing stuff and ran the place like a business. We started great events like the Dania Beach Blast, Shades of Green, our successful business expo. Tri-chamber networking, leads for lunch, and Lunch & Learn, which has been standing room only every time we've held it.

People love us because we are fantastic. Some people hate us for the same reason. All I can do is consider the source and take both as compliments. .

Og Mandino said: Always will I dig for reasons to applaud; never will I scratch for reasons to gossip.

Overall, for every criticism we get, we get a hundred compliments. People often would tell me what a great job I was doing. Those of you who know me, know I try to be humble

So, it's only fitting that I spend the little time I have left here thanking the people who made me look good.

I wish to express my thanks to Commissioner Walter Duke, who has been a steadfast supporter of this chamber.

Russell Baker, who was just the nicest guy and always had a great point of view.
Robin Hirsch, who did such an awesome job with last year's golf tournament.
Fred Nash, who is taking the bull by the horn on membership.
Paul Lamb will be grabbing the bull's tail, so we'll be eating steak.
Melina Degelsmith, who is no longer on the board because she became a mom.
Karen Renzaglia, also a new board member, and I couldn't be happier.
Pat Chukerman, who has taught us all to expose ourselves and has been a good friend.
Scott Singer, for whom I have great respect - and I want a ping pong rematch.
Rose Lizana, who always brought perspective to the board.
Ruth White, aka Troublemaker, who is our treasurer, and our conscience.
Theresa Garcia, who is stealing my job!
Ron Dooley, who left enormous shoes for me to fill, but was always there when we needed him. Your experience and wisdom made my life much easier.
Tim Pelott, and Tony Jimenez, who took me under their wing not only as a part of their business, but as a friend.

Joanne Morrow, who brought us to another level on events. Joanne doesn't know this, but she's actually a part-time employee.


And, of course, my friend Vicki Payne. What would any of us do without you? I was thinking the part of this job I was going to miss the most was calling you up, telling you dirty jokes, and keeping you from your work, but the truth is, I can keep doing that.