Dania Beach Chamber Regional 

Business Expo a plus for the economy

By David M. Udoff

Sun Times

   DANIA BEACH - From banking to the serving of Latin food, a successful outpouring of participants and businesses gathered for the Dania Beach Chamber of Commerce Regional 2010 Biz Expo held at the Dania Beach Jai-Alai.

  Dania has a rich proud history.  Founded 1904 by immigrants from Denmark, this is Broward’s first city. Once known for abundant tomato farms and distribution plants, this small town has survived its share of fires, hurricanes and economic turmoil. 

  The tomato farms are long gone due to the salt water intrusion that occurred from Intracoastal drainage.  The annual tomato festival and Pirates World theme park has also found it’s way into the history books.   

  However, Dania still manages to retain its charm and capitalize on anticipated growth as the city annexed lands westward.  Destinations include: Design Center of the Americas, International Game Fish Association Museum, and Bass Pro Outdoor World. 

  Drive along Federal Highway (A1A) and you will discover some antique stores and historical buildings in the southwest section of town.  A visit to the renowned Jaxson's Ice Cream Parlour will satisfy your sweet tooth.  There are several other points of interest for tourists and locals alike worth mentioning: Florida Atlantic University SeaTech, John U. Lloyd State Park and outstanding beaches and fishing pier. 

  Surrounded by Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, The Florida East Coast Railway and a vibrant marine industry, you will see why many in the community call Dania Beach their home and place where they do business.  

  Joanne Morrow, Dania Beach Chamber of Commerce membership said, “We have this event once a year and hold the event here at the Jai-Alai building since the facility is easy to find.  Professionals want to network face-to-face. We offer food, beverages, live acoustic guitar music and raffles.”

  Inside the Jai-Alai exhibition hall, approximately 100 exhibitors paid a fee for a booth to showcase their services.  It was great exposure and the businesses that did particularly well attracting customers, did so with personable sales pitches, merchandise giveaways or with creative presentations. 

  The chamber offers many events throughout the year giving members an opportunity to network.  There are two luncheons a month, after-hour socials, quarterly breakfasts and an exciting family festival that will be held at the beach this February anticipating 50 vendors. 

  Dania Beach is working towards leaping into the 21st Century. “The city is building a new library and just had a ribbon cutting for the city hall garage. A new government center is planned and the Hotel Indigo will start construction nearby,” says Morrow.

  “The Pirates Inn property has been purchased and will be demolished in approximately 6 months.  A mall is planned for the corner of Federal Highway and Dania Beach Boulevard.  This proposed mall will include restaurants, a bowling alley and a movie theatre,” continued Morrow.

  Visitors met with various marketing representatives.  As a media sponsor of this event, The South Florida Sun Times feels advertising in their local newspaper, which covers nine cities, is your best bet for successful results in bringing repeated business.   

  Another exhibitor who found the attendance bustling on a Thursday evening was Carol Margolis, Memorial Healthcare Systems. “I have not been to the Jai-Alai for many years and find this Biz Expo will generate more activity for the gaming facility.” 

  Daniel R. Farmer, The Accounting & Tax Company, exhibits at the Biz Expo each year.  “It’s a great turnout tonight and we’ve had many who expressed interest in our services and stopped by to talk.  We are a locally owned company and can help anyone with the new tax laws.” 

  Jim Stoodley is a resident of Hollywood and finds the Dania Beach Chamber events more active than other civic networking groups.  “I have been to several of the Dania Biz Expos and this one is the largest turnout I’ve seen.  I find the members are more outgoing and friendly.” 

  An epicure selection was available and reasonably priced. Chef Wayne’s fusion menu gave attendees a taste of the upcoming Rosh Hashanah holiday foods with a mix of Jewish-style brisket and Asian flavors. The sweet potato latke with a hint of ginger was flavorful. 

  As the Biz Expo participants packed up their promotional material, an exciting fast moving game of Jai-Ala was taking place.  It is kudos to the Dania Beach Chamber of Commerce for providing businesses the opportunity to grow.