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Special Feature

Chamber’s New Chair
Looks Ahead

By Gary Bitner

atch for the Greater Fort the City of Fort Lauderdale and launched
Lauderdale Chamber of the City’s “Business First” initiative.
WCommerce to make major Lindblade was President of the Chamber
strides in 2023, now that John P. “Jack” and they worked together to overcome
Seiler has taken the reigns as Chair of the local impacts of a collapsing real
the Chamber’s Board of Directors. estate market and subsequent high
unemployment rate.
The former Mayor of the City of Fort
Lauderdale, successful trial attorney They focused their efforts on supporting
and popular member of the business three primary industries in Broward –
community is leading the Board of tourism, real estate development and
the largest Chamber of Commerce in the marine industry. The Business First
Broward County as we head into 2023. initiative worked to ensure business
and governmental decisions promoted
While downtown Fort Lauderdale and
its environs are an important focus of tourism, backed the marine industry
the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber, and encouraged good real estate
Seiler sees his role as working with development.
local business and community leaders Fourteen years later, the Business First
and governmental entities to advance initiative continues at the Chamber
economic activity throughout the county of Commerce and the City. The
and the region. unemployment rate is down more than seven points and
the Chamber has expanded its focus to include technology,
“The key is that all sectors prosper, including all demographics
and all regions of the county,” says Seiler. It’s the old adage of healthcare and transportation initiatives, plus affordable
a ‘rising tide floats all boats’.” workforce housing and education.
Seiler wants to build business growth through an emphasis on
Dan Lindblade, President & CEO of the Greater Fort
Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce, says he is looking transportation, workforce housing and education.
forward to collaborating with Seiler on behalf of Chamber “If we can’t get our workers to and from their homes and
members and others. workplaces, we don’t have a workforce,” he says. “Without
“Jack Seiler is a consummate leader, whom I have known for
over 30 years. He understands how to bring people together
and has a no-nonsense approach to business. It should be a
great year.”
FORGING AHEAD WITH A
“BUSINESS FIRST” INITIATIVE

Seiler and Lindblade have a long history of cooperation and
friendship, back to 2009, when Seiler was elected Mayor of

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