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CommunityWise Award-Winning, Santaluces High School Marching Chiefs To Perform At Independence Day Parade In Nation’s Capital “Music is about communication, creativity and cooperation; and by studying music in school, students have the opportunity to build on these skills, enrich their lives, and experience life from a new perspective.” — Bill Clinton, President, United States of America Lake Worth’s Santaluces High School Marching Chiefs, two time FMBC Class 4A State Championship winners, received a special invitation to perform at America’s 2007 Independence Day Parade in Washington, D.C., on July 4th. This year, the Marching Chiefs were personally selected by the Governor’s Office to perform at America’s birthday celebration. The invitation is an honor in which only 15 marching bands throughout the entire U.S., at both college and high school levels, are chosen to perform. The parade consists of invited bands, military and specialty units, floats and VIP’s, and is a patriotic, flag waving, red, white and blue celebration of America’s birthday. The Marching Chiefs are expected to perform before a street audience of over 300,000 spectators. Known for its outstanding performances, the band consists of nearly 140 students in various categories: marching band, color guard, winter guard, concert band, wind ensemble and jazz band. In the past, the marching band has been invited to perform at such events as the Rose Bowl, Sugar Bowl and the Orange Bowl, and was even invited to London, England, to perform for the queen. Since 1994, band director Evan Rogovin, who took a rogue 38-member band and transformed it into a 140-piece ensemble with two State Championship titles, has headed the Santaluces Marching Chiefs. We are seeking to raise $135,000 each year for our band program, and need an additional $90,000 this year in order to send them to this exciting parade. Your generous contribution will help impact the lives of these teens and help them take pride in themselves and their many accomplishments. For more information, contact Evan Rogovin at 561-642-6237 or email RogovinE@palmbeach.k12.fl.us. ❂ 32 June/July 2007
Real EstateWise Development Dynamics in South Florida By Neil M. Shpritz Today’s high costs involved in recruiting a workforce to South Florida was the subject of an article I just finished reading in a local newspaper column. Cited were the oftenheard anecdotes of some of the firms moving from our state. The issues, however, are quite complex. Indeed, there has been a decline in population as people have moved away to other states or to less expensive areas within Florida. Much of the blame is rightfully laid at the steps of taxes and insurance. However, the prime subject of my remarks goes to more fundamental issues. It goes to the very heart of economic development and what we want our economy to be in the future. First, a bit of historical perspective. “Selling Florida” historically was accomplished by talking about our magnificent weather, attracting senior retirees and being the low cost provider of labor. This was a rather common business attraction device, one used by many Sun Belt states in particular. With the relatively unskilled labor force required for tourism and to some degree, agriculture, this strategy worked quite effectively! Fast forward now to 21st century Florida. There is a highly concerted effort to attract high technology jobs of all fashions. Job requirements include a much higher level of education and expertise. Consequently, the cost of living becomes higher as the workforce earns higher wages and demands a much higher level of services, especially in education, housing stock, transportation efficiencies, and quality of life matters. It is a labor force that places a tremendous emphasis upon education, from K-12 to college and graduate school. And, isn’t that really what economic development professionals owe to potential employers and employees We cannot afford to be left behind in a “time warp” and just promote costs. Please remember, there is much truth in the adage that one can always find someone who will perform a service or produce a product cheaper. Nevertheless, we are often disappointed when we buy something at a “too good to be true” price Major public and private sector investments in infrastructure are required to make South Florida truly attractive for employers offering quality jobs. However, the failure to move our economy into one making our region a national leader will cost us much more in the long run. Frankly, our area has the potential for such a leadership role. We certainly should be able to have an economic climate that would keep people of all ages here. This columnist is aware of the painful transition from a lowestcost mindset to a dynamic, diversified economy. The train has already left the station; Florida will no longer offer the lowest costs in today’s (or tomorrow’s) global economy! The results from transforming our heavily-populated region (fifth largest metropolitan area in the nation) into the economic powerhouse it deserves to be are more than worth the growing pains! Costs can be competitive and very attractive; the days of bargain basements are gone as we move to the quality model. See you next time. — Neil Shpritz has been an economic development professional for more than 35 years. His national experiences encompass both the private and public sectors. He can be reached at P: 561-306-6860 or by email, nmsecon@adelphia.net. ❂ FloridaWise Magazine 33
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