The Palm Beach Branch’s members generally conduct their meetings during the third week of each month, beginning their sessions at 6:30pm. As meeting locations and times are subject to change, check here to review specifics concerning each month’s meeting.
The Chair of the Palm Beach Branch is John Szerdi. The Branch's current standing committees and Chairs are as
follows:
The Branch Governing Council includes the standing committee Chairs (listed above) and the following Officers:
Past Chairs
Anyone who has served in the chief executive officer role of a business or volunteer organization appreciates the commitment of time that is put in to figuratively steer the ship safely into port. To that end, it's with sincere thanks that we note the outstanding contributions of the past Presidents of the USGBCSF's Treasure Coast and Palm Beach Branch:
Volunteers
The Branch's leadership team and committee make-up is comprised entirely of volunteers. Thanks solely to these unselfish individuals' dedication, passion, expertise and, very often, long hours of volunteerism, the Treasure Coast and Palm Beach Branch is making terrific inroads in spreading the good word about green-building initiatives. If you are interested in learning about sustainability and green building, and if you value camaraderie, teamwork and fun, email Nancy Oliver and have a discussion about volunteering for our Branch. You won't regret it!
History of Our Branch
The Palm Beach Branch has had a short but exciting existence. The former Treasure Coast and Palm Beach Branch held their first meeting in April 2007 with 22 attendees. In October 2007, the group became an official Branch of the USGBC South Florida Chapter. In February 2008, our first LEED Workshop drew 96 attendees! In the Spring of 2010, the Branch had grown to more than 300 members!
Meetings are generally held the third Thursday of the month.
In the Fall of 2009, the Branch Governing Council of the TCPB Branch held meetings designed to sketch out a game plan to create a leadership group for a separate TC Branch. Over the course of the following months, myriad training sessions took place and a solid base of support to manage a Branch north of Palm Beach County began to emerge.
With more than 70 USGBC South Florida Chapter members in Martin, St. Lucie, Okeechobee and Indian River Counties, as well as a solid leadership group, the Chapter's Board of Directors granted provisional status to the Treasure Coast Branch in July 2010, and creating at the same time renamed Palm Beach Branch. After one year as a provisional Branch, the Board will consider moving the TC group to full Branch status in the Fall of 2011.
Of the many educational programs in which the PB Branch participates, two are large conferences -- in the Fall, the PB Branch helps organize the popular Treasure Coast Green Conference. In the Spring, they are involved in hosting the South Florida Green, Energy and Climate Conference.
Two of the Branch's most fun events are its annual HallowGreen parties. Last year's were held at Hotel Biba in West Palm Beach (October 29) and at Element Lounge in Port St. Lucie (October 30). These parties provided a great way to get on the USGBC green bandwagon and meet other members. Click here for snapshots of the 2009 affairs and here for a quick synopsis.
The PB Branch followed up those two October affairs with a terrifically successful toy drive, having asked their members to bring presents for children to their December meeting. Click here for a snapshot of the delivery of the toys and gifts to Children's Hospital.