Nicklaus Children's Health System 116th Annual Meeting

BLU's Marketing & Communications Director, Melissa Garcia Villa, was honored to attend the Nicklaus Children's Health System 116th Annual Meeting presented by Truist, the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce’s largest business gathering of the year.

Hosted at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, the event brought together top executives, industry leaders, elected officials, and civic influencers to celebrate the strength, resilience, and innovation shaping our community. Among the distinguished leaders in attendance were Congressman Jared Moskowitz, and Mayor Dean Trantalis whose presence reflected the importance of strong public and private sector collaboration in advancing the future of South Florida.One of the highlights of the morning was the inspiring keynote address by Jim Allen, Chairman of Hard Rock International and CEO of Seminole Gaming. His insights on leadership, growth, and global brand expansion resonated deeply with the room, underscoring the importance of bold vision and disciplined execution in today’s evolving business landscape.

The morning also marked an important transition in Chamber leadership with the induction of the 2026 Board of Directors. Debbie Danto of Danto Builders delivered a meaningful tribute as she passed the gavel to 2026 Board Chair Janna Lhota of Holland & Knight. This symbolic moment reflected both gratitude for past leadership and excitement for the future direction of commerce in our region.

A special congratulations to Ina Lee, owner of TravelHost and a valued supporter of BLU, who was honored with the prestigious Terry Stiles South Florida Business Leader Award. Ina’s voice and leadership continue to make a meaningful impact across the Fort Lauderdale business community, and it was wonderful to see her recognized for her contributions and influence.

As a company rooted in health, wellness, and longevity, BLU by ThriveWell™ values opportunities to engage with leaders who are shaping not only economic growth but also community well-being. Events like this strengthen collaboration across industries and reinforce our shared commitment to building a thriving, innovative Greater Fort Lauderdale.

We are grateful to be part of a business community that continues to lead with excellence, vision, and impact, and we look forward to contributing to the conversations and partnerships that will shape the future of our region.