- April 23, 2024
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Allen Goodman, 2019's chairman. Photo by Paola Rodriguez, courtesy of the chamber
Patti King, Chamber President Jorge Gutierrez, 2018 Chairman John Subers, Vice President Heather Edwards, Robbin Wilson, Melinda Rivera and Nina Paolucci. Photo by Paola Rodriguez, courtesy of the chamber
Allen Goodman is introduced by his friend Frank Fredericks. Photo by Paola Rodriguez, courtesy of the chamber
The 2019 Board of Directors. Photo by Paola Rodriguez, courtesy of the chamber
Young Professionals. Photo by Paola Rodriguez, courtesy of the chamber
On his big night, Allen Goodman’s family was nowhere to be seen. But he would have it no other way.
Goodman, who was installed as the 2019 chairman of the Flagler Chamber of Commerce on Friday, Jan. 25, at the annual installation banquet at Hammock Beach Resort, told the audience that Karla, his wife of 25 years, was supporting their youngest son at a state wrestling match. His other two sons are serving in the U.S. Marines Corp, having recently been advanced to the rank of corporal.
In addition to expressing how proud he was of his family, he thanked his predecessor, AdventHealth Palm Coast Foundation Director John Subers, who served as chairman in 2018.
“Your leadership and mentorship has been incredible,” Goodman told Subers, adding that Subers had demonstrated how to effectively lead a board.
Goodman challenged the chamber members to be united with economic development efforts. He also encouraged members to call him first if they were considering not renewing their membership.
Goodman, an agent with Trademark Realty Group, worked in the hospitality business for 39 years. He has also run seven marathons, according to his friend Frank Fredericks, who traveled from South Carolina to introduce him.
Prior to Goodman’s speech and the installation of the Board of Directors, Subers reflected on his own year as chairman and promised members, “If you're intentional about building relationships in your community, you will see returns.”
While Goodman is the new leader of the volunteer board, the leader of the paid staff is Chamber President Jorge Gutierrez, who began the night with a look at 2018. He said the staff worked together to analyze every aspect of their efforts, as well as the chamber’s finances. They categorized everything into two categories: strategic or nonstrategic. By doing so, they were able to eliminate $104,000 of spending. Meanwhile, the Chamber 62 initiative provided an infusion of cash.
In addition to Gutierrez, chamber staff members today are Vice President Heather Edwards, and Robbin Wilson, Patti King, Nina Paolucci and Melinda Rivera.
Gutierrez challenged members to develop their businesses for the future: five to 15 years beyond 2019.
For chamber events, visit http://business.flaglerchamber.org/events/.
