(West Palm Beach, FL – December 16, 2024) The League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County (LWVPBC) is kicking off 2024 by inviting interested people to another information-filled event.

Wednesday, January 15 / 11 am to 1 pm

Hot Topic Discussion

KA-CHING, KA-CHING!

The Financial Impact of Art/Culture & Hospitality/Tourism in The Palm Beaches

Guest Speakers:

David Lawrence

President & CEO, Cultural Council for Palm Beach County

In Palm Beach County, the arts generate $335.3 million in economic impact and 4,360 jobs. The arts also influence tourism, enhance education, and have social impact. The study shows that 87% of Americans believe arts and culture are “important to their community’s quality of life and livability.” As Palm Beach County’s chief advocate for the arts and cultural community, Dave Lawrence leads the professional staff of the Cultural Council, and represents the cultural community in local, regional, and national matters. Since joining in 2018, he has worked to rebrand the Cultural Council, build a robust artist services team, restructure the Council’s programs and services, and launch new initiatives to provide direct funding to the cultural sector. He created the Artist Innovation Fellowship program, awarding 21 Palm Beach County artists to date with career-enhancing funding and opportunities, the Cultural Resiliency Fund and the Artist Relief Fund to help economic recovery for the sector post pandemic. In 2023, Dave conceived and created YES, the Year of Extraordinary Support providing $13.4 million in new and expanded funding – the largest investment in the cultural sector in the Council’s 46-year history. Previously, Lawrence served as the President & CEO of the Arts Council of Indianapolis and has more than 34 years of experience as an arts administrator.

Milton Segarra

President & CEO, Discover The Palm Beaches

Tourism is among Palm Beach County’s major industries, generating an annual economic impact of approximately $10 billion and supporting more than 85,000 local jobs. A distinguished Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME), Milton Segarra joined DTPB in 2022 and oversees the official tourism marketing organization for the collection of 39 cities and towns known as The Palm Beaches, stretching from Boca Raton to Jupiter. Tasked with growing visitation and the local tourism economy, the organization works year-round to bring travelers to visit Palm Beach County. The Palm Beaches have a rich history as America’s First Resort Destination®, where genuine hospitality is a way of life among a vibrant and welcoming blend of people, cultures, and coastal towns. Before coming to Palm Beach County, Segarra led the Coastal Mississippi Tourism Board as CEO, and Meet Puerto Rico (Puerto Rico Convention Bureau) as President & CEO. His exceptional career journey has seen him excel in the hotel industry with prestigious brands such as Hilton Hotels and Resorts, Hyatt Hotels and Resorts, and the Sands Hotel and Casino in Puerto Rico.

Where:

Fountains Country Club

4476 Fountains Drive in Lake Worth 33467  (South of Lake Worth Road, West of Jog Road)

Registration Fee:

$45

Notes:

+ Doors open at 11:00 am. The 3-course, sit-down lunch begins at 11:30 am, the program starts at noon.

+ Advance registrations and payment must be made online at

https://www.lwvpbc.org/content.aspx?page_id=4091&club_id=294802&item_id=2435731

+ Walk-ins cannot be accommodated. Fee is nonrefundable.

+ Deadline to register is January 9, 2025.

Parking:
+ Show your driver's license at the gatehouse and tell them you are "from the League of Women Voters attending a luncheon at the Clubhouse".
+ Entering from Lake Worth Rd: Clubhouse is less than 1/4 mile on your right.
+ Entering from Jog Rd: follow signs to Clubhouse, 1.5 miles.
   (Gate at Melaleuca and Jog Rd is for Residents Only.)
+ Enter clubhouse parking area at large sign "Fountains Country Club".
+ Selfpark where available. There is plenty of parking.
 + Enter through main doors under portico.

About the League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County:

The League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County is a nonpartisan political organization of women and men of all ages and backgrounds, encouraging informed and active participation in government through education and advocacy. The League of Women Voters of the United States believes that voting is a fundamental citizen right that must be guaranteed. For more information, please visit lwvpbc.org or facebook.com/lwvpbc.

Attached Images:

1.   David Lawrence, President & CEO, Cultural Council for Palm Beach County

2.   Milton Segarra, President & CEO, Discover The Palm Beaches

Available for Interview:

Kathi Gundlach, LWVPBC President

[email protected]

Media Contact:

Gary Schweikhart, PR-BS

561.756.4298 / [email protected]