Bringing you News that Counts
Bringing you News that Counts
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June 2, 2009 IN THIS ISSUE
For more information about Palm Beach County’s programs and services, visit us online at www.pbcgov.com. During hurricanes or other activation events, Public Affairs will email releases to Count-e-News subscribers. If you have any questions or to provide feedback, you can email us at countenews@pbcgov.com or call (561) 355-2754. To unsubscribe from Count-e-News, click here. |
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Consumer Affairs Searching for MVP Businesses
The MVP Program is just starting to gain recognition by local businesses. About 35 companies have already signed up to be members. As an additional incentive, the first 300 companies are being given the added distinction of being “Founding” members. Companies can join the program by visiting the MVP Program Web site, www.pbcgov.com/mvp, and clicking on "Become a Member." "MVP is a win-win-win for consumers, businesses and Consumer Affairs," said Director Dennis Moore. "In these difficult economic times, consumers are desperately searching for businesses they can trust to treat them fairly. Our MVP Program is all about building consumer confidence." In the first seven months of the 2009 fiscal year, residents used the Consumer Affairs Web site, www.pbcgov.com/consumer, to look up information about businesses 414,704 times. Consumers can now use the Web site to look for the distinctive MVP logo and know that businesses with this designation are committed to quality service. The user-friendly MVP Program Web site can be accessed through the Consumer Affairs Web site or by going directly to www.pbcgov.com/mvp. To find a company with MVP status, simply click on “Find a Business.” Then choose a business category to see a list of all businesses of that type and the ones that have earned the MVP logo. Consumer Affairs may also remove a company from the MVP Program if it doesn’t continue to meet standards. Consumer Affairs has been an effective consumer watch dog in the county for 37 years, and it provides results-oriented mediation and consumer protection services for residents. The MVP Program helps to accomplish these goals. Last year, Consumer Affairs recovered over $635,000 in cash refunds and services for consumers. The Consumer Affairs Division was initiated by the Board of County Commissioners in 1972 to help county citizens resolve disputes with local businesses. The division has enforcement authority over businesses that conduct unfair or deceptive trade practices and has regulatory authority over the local moving, towing and vehicle for hire industries. During declared emergencies, the Consumer Affairs Division enforces a county-wide price gouging ordinance. For more information on the program, call 561-712-6MVP (6687).
New Intermodal Transit Center Dedicated
Palm Tran’s new bus routing facility is located alongside the Tri-Rail station in downtown West Palm Beach, making it very convenient for commuters to use both public transit services. Invited speakers included West Palm Beach Mayor Lois Frankel, Palm Tran Executive Director Chuck Cohen, FDOT District 4 Secretary Jim Wolfe and Marty Perry of the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority Governing Board. The intermodal facility features 18 bus bays, seven covered bus shelters with benches and lighting, restrooms and water fountains, and a “kiss and ride” passenger drop-off area on the north side. Funding and construction required the cooperative efforts of five governmental agencies, Commissioner Koons noted. Palm Tran is providing service to the intermodal center seven days a week with nine routes running on weekdays: Routes 1, 2, 31, 40, 41, 43, 44, 45 and the newly created Route 49. Route 1 operates on a 20-minute frequency, most others on 30 to 60-minute frequencies. For more information, please call Palm Tran at 841-4BUS (841-4287).
Hundreds of Residents Attend Grand Opening of Canyon Town Center Amphitheater and Community Park
Residents enjoyed the grand opening of Canyon Town Center Amphitheater and Community Park on Sunday, May 17, where more than 1,000 people attended. Western-area residents rocked to a free performance by The Fabulons and enjoyed free food, refreshments, giveaways and activities provided by local merchants. Commissioner Burt Aaronson also attended. AYSO Region 1370 soccer youth joined in the celebration with morning exhibition games on the new athletic field, and provided free afternoon soccer clinics. Canyon Town Center Amphitheater includes a 1,200-square-foot stage and outdoor grass festival seating that can accommodate up to 250 people. A nearby athletic field and parking complete this new community park. Canyon Town Center Amphitheater is operated by the Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department and is located at 8802 Boynton Beach Boulevard in Canyon Town Center.
Tourist Development Council Welcomes New Director
As former general manager of the Palm Beach Gardens Marriott, Amidon brings his leadership skills to the TDC, which also oversees four other county agencies: the Film and Television Commission, the Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Sports Commission and the Cultural Council.
Amidon takes over the TDC to replace former tourism Executive Director Charles Lehmann, who left the position after serving for two decades.
Amidon said among his many goals as he takes the reins of the TDC is to strengthen the collaboration between the four agencies.
“We want to increase tourism within the county to increase bed tax collection, which will go to the funding of these agencies,” Amidon said. “Each of these agencies is headed by true professionals with the goal of promoting Palm Beach County to visitors.”
As residents head into Hurricane Season 2009, Palm Beach County is preparing for your needs. While the last three years have been relatively quiet - especially compared to busy hurricane seasons in 2004 and 2005 - it only takes one storm to remind us of Mother Nature’s fury. If that one storm does affect us, you can be assured that Palm Beach County is ready and able to respond quickly. It’s everyone’s responsibility to be prepared in case a storm hits. Government alone cannot begin to handle all of the adverse impacts. Make sure to have evacuation plans in place and your home as secure as possible. Please use the Palm Beach County Hurricane Survival Guide in preparing for the 2009 hurricane season. There are valuable phone numbers, lists and tips to keep your family safe in the event of another storm. Don’t wait until a hurricane is bearing down to make these important decisions. Prepare now to ensure your family’s safety. Together we can make it a safer hurricane season for everyone. If you have questions, please contact Palm Beach County Emergency Management at 561-712-6400. We are here to help!
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