Palm Beach State College received the Business of the Year award during its 90th anniversary from the Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce during its Business Awards Luncheon May 19 at Boca West Country Club.
More than 300 people including local mayors, council members, county commissioners, and state representatives gathered for the celebration which also honored Business Leader of the Year Paul Adkins, chairman and CEO of Florida Peninsula Insurance Company, and the Small Business Leaders of the Year Jon & Bonnie Kaye of Kaye Communications PR & Marketing.
“PBSC embodies the principles that we champion every day: innovation, excellence, vision and commitment,” said Troy McLellan, president and CEO of the Boca Chamber. “The College has not only a commitment to the success of their business but as equally important a commitment to the success of their community.”
Presenting the award to the College was last year’s Business of the Year recipient Angelo Bianco, who spoke about how PBSC has transformed the community.
“As last year’s winners, we understand the dedication, hard work and commitment it takes to earn this prestigious honor. Palm Beach State College has been a pillar of greatness in our community for decades providing quality education and training to students of all ages and backgrounds.”
Bianco further spoke about the College’s long history and how it helped the community during the Great Depression.
“PBSC helped struggling high school graduates find employment during this difficult time. The Great Depression left an unforgettable mark on our nation’s psyche and history. Institutions like PBSC sprang into action offering something more tangible than hope – a plan of action.”
Accepting the award on behalf of the College was President Ava. L. Parker, J.D., who also brought Provost and Dean of Student Services at the Boca Raton campus and Boca Chamber Board of Director Van Williams to the stage.
“Many of you have had the pleasure of working with Van, and I really believe that the fact that we are being recognized at this point is because of his great work.”
Parker also recognized District Board of Trustee Wendy S. Link who was in attendance and former Boca resident and philanthropist Yvonne Boice, who passed away last year, for their unwavering support of the College. She also praised the employees at PBSC.
“I have this really cool job because I have the opportunity to represent an institution that’s staffed by amazing people that care about our institution and students and the families that we serve.”
During the luncheon, Boca Raton Mayor Scott Singer also presented the College with a proclamation recognizing its 90th anniversary. Accepting the honor was Parker and Williams. Other PBSC staff in attendance included Matthew Lenihan, business and community relations director; Dr. Germany Dixon, associate dean of Public Safety; Angela Harrington, chief communications and public affairs officer; Brett Larsen, campaign and special gifts manager; Kristi Sorrow, college relations and marketing specialist; and more.
The proclamation talked about PBSC’s history, degrees, programs, and its many talented and skilled graduates.
The Boca Chamber’s Business Awards luncheon celebrates entrepreneurs and business professionals who not only generate economic prosperity in our community but also have a strong philanthropic involvement. For more information, visit www.bocaratonchamber.com.
