- March 6, 2025
Fifty students attended the business expo free of charge to build professional relationships with local business leaders. Photos by Anastasia Pagello
Keynote speaker Andy Corty president of Florida Trend Magazine tested the guests knowledge on national population trends, demographics and politics.
Guest speaker Christie Kimbell shared the seven principals that engage prospects and generate interest, with fellow guest speaker Harry Arnon who does business in more than 40 countries and shared insight on organizational success.
Cline Construction President Scott Sowers raises his hand to recognize himself as born in Florida during the talk presented by keynote speaker Andy Corty president of Florida Trend Magazine.
Fifty local students crowded onto the stage and grinned at the cameras at the Palm Coast BAC Business Expo Friday, Oct. 30, at the Hammock Beach Resort.
“Our community is fortunate to have a large reservoir of bright, young talent...” President and CEO of Flagler County Chamber of Commerce Rebecca DeLorenzo stated in a letter to the guests. “…Providing these new learning opportunities and allowing these students to make professional connections are important investments in our future.”
This year the event theme was “Journey to Excellence” which entails continued improvement for business leaders in their professional and personal endeavors. The event was presented by the City of Palm Coast, Thrive Magazine and the Palm Coast Business Assistance Center. Fifteen students came from the Daytona State College’s Associate and Bachelor business programs. The other 35 students were from Flagler Palm Coast High School’s Future Business Leaders of America and the Matanzas High School’s DECA club.
“This expo has given me great insight on owning a business,” Isabella Dennany said. “When I was younger, I always wanted to own my own business, but needed direction on how to get started.” Dennany is a junior at Matanzas High School and is currently taking a class on marketing with teacher Barbara Tant. She is also a member of DECA, a club which has started a mini business at the high school.
The club has successfully provided the students with real life application on how to manage a business. The Coffee Spot offers snacks to students for a light breakfast during first and second period.
"As the head cook I have been handed a leadership position to handle inventory," she said. "This experience has helped me build an understanding on owning a real business and what it would entail.”
Guests who attended the business expo benefited from listening to morning and luncheon keynote speakers Mark Lamping president of Jacksonville Jaguars and Andy Corty president of Florida Trend Magazine who gave insight on the challenges and opportunities business owners may encounter. Throughout the seminar various guest speakers gave insight into their success.
Guest speaker Christie Kimbell, vice president of marketing for Touchpoint Alliance, shared with the assembled guests seven key principals that engage prospects and generate interest within a company.
Coastal Cloud Managing Principal Tim Hale talked about how technology is creating new challenges as well as opportunities for upcoming businesses. President of Hernon Manufacturing, Harry Arnon, does business with over 40 countries, spoke about the success of the various international companies.
