West Palm Beach February 2026

- By Noel Martinez, Chair, Florida Association of Chamber Professionals; President & CEO, Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce - ’ S mall and local businesses are the backbone of our regional economy. They create jobs, drive innovation, and shape the character of our communities. Yet too often, the policies that impact their success are shaped far beyond their storefronts and offices, within committee rooms and chambers in Tallahassee. That is why advocacy is not optional. It is essential. At the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce, serving as a trusted advocate for our business community is central to our mission. Our role is to ensure that the voices of Palm Beach North employers, entrepreneurs, and community leaders are heard and respected when decisions are made at the local and state level. ADVOCACY WITH PURPOSE AND IMPACT Effective advocacy goes far beyond a single meeting or legislative session. It requires education, communication, and consistent relationship-building. Through our Prosperity & Policy newsletter on LinkedIn, we keep our members informed on issues that directly affect their businesses, such as workforce development and housing to infrastructure, sustainability, and economic competitiveness. By breaking down complex policy matters and providing timely updates, we empower businesses to understand how public policy intersects with their day-to-day operations and long- term growth. Advocacy directly impacts the potential for economic growth in our region. Policies shaped today influence tomorrow’s workforce pipeline, housing availability, transportation systems, and environmental resilience. When businesses engage in the advocacy process, they help shape pro-business policies that strengthen not just individual companies but the entire regional economy. RELATIONSHIPS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE One of our greatest strengths as a Chamber is the depth of our relationships. We maintain strong, productive connections with local and state elected officials, regional stakeholders, the Florida Chamber of Commerce, and community and thought leaders. These relationships are built on trust, consistency, and mutual understanding, and they matter when it counts. Just recently, we returned from Palm Beach County Days in Tallahassee, an annual, two-day advocacy trip held during committee weeks. This is a critical time in the legislative process when priorities are shaped, and conversations set the tone for the session ahead. During these visits, we meet with our local legislative delegation, as WhyAdvocacyMatters BUSINESS PROFILE 4 W E S T PA L M B E A C H | F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 6