About
Mission & Values
To achieve this goal, the Economic Council promotes prudent economic growth; advocates for the quality of life in Palm Beach County; encourages the principles of good government and good citizenship; takes an active interest in the civic, cultural and social welfare of the county and the state; provides a forum for the open discussion of matters of public interest; and seeks to inspire service-minded citizens to serve their community.
The Economic Council of Palm Beach County’s diverse membership includes nearly every area industry and its membership consists exclusively of top level business. The Council is dedicated to providing community leadership that helps businesses thrive and grow in Palm Beach County.
Since 1975, the Council and its members have created and sustained a productive business climate with a non-partisan agenda. As a results-driven organization, the Economic Council is a social, economic and political voice that businesses in Palm Beach County and neighboring communities trust. For almost 40 years, the Economic Council’s foremost goal is to positively impact the business landscape of Palm Beach County.
Policy Statement on Racial Equity
The Economic Council of PBC members have unanimously approved the following position statement:
As members of the Economic Council of Palm Beach County, we acknowledge that businesses across this nation and in our local community thrive when they are diverse and inclusive. We recognize that our nation’s history has created disparities in systems and policies which have disproportionately created economic challenges for individuals based on race. It is our belief that individuals should enjoy the civil liberties provided in this great nation without regard to race and further affirm that this organization will stand for anti-racism.
For this reason, the Economic Council has created a Racial Equity Sub-committee whose objective is to inquire, consider and make recommendations that drive progress in key areas including but not limited to education, housing, job skills, health care, access to capital, racial justice and infrastructure. We stand united with conviction that taking this stand is the right thing to do and will result in a better business and lifestyle climate for all.
History & Impact
Established in 1975, the Economic Council of Palm Beach county is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that supports an open and collaborative relationship between the public and private sectors in Palm Beach County. Membership of the Council is comprised of a diverse mix of different industries of varying sizes in the area whose leaders have an active and influential role in the community.
The Economic Council and its members have established the organization as a trailblazer in the community for identifying key policy and issue areas that affect how businesses operate and that have a considerable impact on the citizens of the community. These include but are not limited to taxation, regulation, government efficiency, education and workforce preparedness, transportation, growth management and economic development.
As the “voice” of businesses in the community, the Council works to guide and shape the economic and civic landscape of Palm Beach County.
Historical Timeline
1975
Council Established
Founders included: Llwyd Ecclestone, Leo Vecellio, John R. Smith, George Elmore, Tom Pledger, Alex Dreyfoos, William Dwyer, John Temple
1978
Airfare Reductions
The Council helped lay the groundwork for airfare reductions to major national airports and later, the expansion of the Palm Beach County airport.
1981
Discover Palm Beach County
The Council helped in founding Discover Palm Beach County, Inc.
1982
Business Development Board/Royal Palm Beach Festival
The Council helped establish the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County and played a role in the founding of the Royal Palm Beach Festival, the predecessor of Sunfest
1984
Education Foundation of Palm Beach County, Inc.
The Council helped lay the groundwork for the Education Foundation of Palm Beach County, Inc.
1985
William T. Dwyer Awards for Excellence in Education
The Council founded the William T. Dwyer Awards for Excellence in Education, recognizing outstanding teacher achievements in Palm Beach County.
1988
Formation of the Criminal Justice Commission/Bed Tax
The Council facilitated the formation of the Criminal Justice Commission (CJC) and also played a role in the creation of the Bed Tax, this eventually led to the TDC.
1990
Project Mosaic
The Council created a community partnership, Project Mosaic, to address issue of racial integration in the schools and community, and its effects on the excellence of education.
2014
Raleigh-Durham Leadership Trip
The Council hosted an inaugural benchmarking trip to the Raleigh-Durham, NC area, where nearly 50 Palm Beach County community and business leaders investigated how this region has made education, entrepreneurship, and healthcare exemplary.
2014
Operational Efficiencies Committee/County Search Committee for County Administrator & Superintendent
The Council created an operational efficiencies committee for the School Board and participated in a County search committee for the selection of the new County Administrator and Superintendent of Schools.
2015
MLB Spring Training
The Council assisted in the expansion of Major League Baseball Spring Training in Palm Beach County.
2016
Penny Sales Tax & Denver Leadership Trip
The Council joined with community leaders in the Palm Beach County Tax Support Coalition to promote a successful Penny Sales Tax Campaign
2016
Agriculture Summit
The Council hosted the first Palm Beach International Agriculture Summit
2017
PBC Housing Summit
The Council came together with community leaders to discuss innovative tools and models to explore solutions for increasing attainable housing in Palm Beach County .
2018
Charlotte Trip
Benchmarking Trip to Charlotte.
2020
COVID-19 Workgroups
Spearheaded COVID-19 Workgroups to ensure safe operating practices.
2022
Housing Bond
$200 million Housing Bond approved on the November Ballot utilizing Hometown Housing Trust PAC.
2022
Nashville Trip
Benchmarking Trip to Nashville with 60 stakeholders traveling.