MLK5k & Divine Nine 5k Challenge
Annual State of the County Address Breakfast
Date and Time
Thursday Oct 26, 2023
7:30 AM - 8:00 AM EDT
Date: Thursday, October 26, 2023
Check-in & Networking: 7:30 AM
Program: 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Location
Black Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County
400 Hibiscus Street
West Palm Beach, FL, 33401
400 Hibiscus Street, Suite 200 West Palm Beach Florida 33401
Fees/Admission
General Admission Members $25 | Non-Member $35.00
Website
Contact Information
Tracy Thomas
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Description
The Black Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County invites you to a distinguished breakfast event featuring a compelling State of the County address by Verdenia C. Baker, Palm Beach County Administrator. This is an exclusive opportunity for members of the Black Chamber of Commerce to gather, network, and gain insights into the county's present and future.
Event Details:
Guest Speaker: Verdenia C. Baker, County Administrator
About the Event
The annual State of the County event, organized by the Black Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County, is a platform for members and regional decision-makers to come together. Be part of this engaging breakfast event where you'll have the opportunity to hear County Administrator Verdenia Baker deliver her insights on the state of the county in 2023 and provide a glimpse into what to expect in 2024. Gain valuable knowledge about the county's direction, growth, and development while enjoying a delicious breakfast.
Why Attend:
- Gain insights into the county's current status and future plans.
- Network with fellow Chamber members and regional leaders.
- Engage in discussions about community growth and development.
- Connect with decision-makers who shape the local business landscape.
Register Today:
Secure your spot at this exclusive event by purchasing your ticket. Seating is limited, so act quickly to ensure your participation. Don't miss out on this opportunity to be informed, inspired, and connected.
We look forward to welcoming you to the State of the County Breakfast event.
Guest Speaker BioVerdenia C. Baker, County Administrator Palm Beach County
Verdenia, a certified government financial manager, was chosen as the next Palm Beach County Administrator in 2015. She oversees 6,800 positions and balances a $6.7 billion budget. Palm Beach County is Florida’s third largest county with 1.5 million residents and growing. Notably Palm Beach is one of four Florida counties and one of 50 counties nationally achieving the AAA bond rating, critical for financial stability.
Verdenia’s career with Palm Beach County began as a budget analyst in 1987. She demonstrates the ability to collaborate with strategic partners to enhance the quality of life for residents and businesses. Verdenia lead negotiations in recruiting the Florida Scripps Research Institute to Palm Beach County, a foundation of the local biotechnology industry. Verdenia again was the leader in a voter-approved 2016 Infrastructure Sales Tax initiative. Estimates are to generate $2.7 billion for new and renovated schools, roads and facilities over a 10-year period.
Recognizing equality of housing, representation, and business opportunities for all, Verdenia led initiatives such as the Mandatory Inclusionary Workforce Housing Program, Community Land Trust, re-implemented the small/minority/women business enterprise program in 2019, and the recently created Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Verdenia is actively involved with tourist development, securing events such as the third presidential debate in 2012, Super Bowls in 2001, 2007 and 2020, and Major League Baseball Spring Training expansion. Achievements for Census redistricting in 2000, 2010 and recently for 2020.
Verdenia holds a Master of Science Degree in Public Administration, Bachelor of Science Degree in Rehabilitative Services, both from Florida State University. Verdenia affiliates with national, state, local, professional and community organizations and has received numerous accolades. While Verdenia’s acknowledgements span decades, her recognitions in 2021 include; July 2021, Verdenia obtained the role as President of the Florida Association of County Managers, a collective body of all 67 counties in Florida. In mid-August, the President of the National Association of Counties, NACo appointed Verdenia to Healthy Counties Advisory Board. NACo is comprised of nearly 2,500 counties, which serve 40,000 elected county officials and 3.6 million county employees.
Florida’s Onyx Magazine’s one of 2021’s Women on the Move, honoring the state’s most impactful and influential women. The Palm Beach County Black Business Investment Corporation honored Verdenia with the Joseph C. Bova Award in February 2021. The CEO stated Verdenia is the calm in any storm, never gives up and perseveres while advocating the rights of small/minority/women business enterprises. In May 2021, because of a collaboration in response to the pandemic, Verdenia, the county’s Florida Department of Health director and Health Care District CEO received the 2021 Leadership Heroes in Medicine Award from the Palm Beach County Medical Society.
In March of 2022, Verdenia was one of 15 awarded Women Who Move the Nation by COMTO, the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials in Washington D.C. In May of 2022, The Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida recognized her leadership as a role model to young women in our community by honoring her with the Emerald Leader Award. Harvard invited Verdenia to attend a public sector executive summit in August. South Florida Business & Wealth selected Verdenia as an honoree at its 2022 Excellence in Leadership Apogee Awards in November of 2022.
Verdenia is married to Joe and they have two daughters, Jasmin, Shannee, and granddaughter, Lauren Nicole.
