The Tower Forum is a private, non-profit, non-partisan business organization established in 1976.  The organization consists of business executives from industries and professions in south Florida. The Tower Forum has become the “go-to” discussion venue in Broward, where these leaders identify critical issues facing our community, engage in public dialogue, and encourage positive change.

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Next breakfast discussion:
Thursday, Jan. 10, 2019

(to RSVP, please scroll down to blue RSVP button)

 Why aren’t  college/university degrees necessary for achieving the American Dream?

Face it: college costs time and money! Not only is the debt high but many don’t need it. Times have changed.

There are currently about 3 million “skilled labor” jobs nationwide where the labor supply for young, skilled workers is not only very low, but the demand is very high – jobs where talented workers can be making $100,000 per year or more by age 30.

There is a growing trend of people who are pursuing a high skill, high wage, high demand career without a significant investment of time and money.

Discuss with our panel of experts from industry, business, workforce development and education how viable and less costly paths are becoming more popular.

PANEL:

Robert Crawford   

Robert Crawford, involved in Workforce Education for 46 years, is the Director of Atlantic Technical College and Technical High School, one of three Technical Colleges operated by the School Board of Broward County, Florida, with an enrollment of over 6500 post secondary and more than 700 high school students.

Mark Schaunaman

Mark Schaunaman is a Hollywood, FL native and has over 35 years in the construction industry as an Operating Engineer. Possessing a master’s degree in Labor Administration, Mark is President of South Florida Building & Construction Trades Council, representing construction trades in the South Florida area. He served as Apprentice Director for the South Florida Operating Engineers Apprentice Training Program 2000-2011. He is currently Chairman of the South Florida and West Coast Florida Operating Engineers Apprentice & Training Funds.

Mason Jackson

Mason Jackson has been the President/CEO of CareerSource Broward, formerly known as WorkforceOne Employment Solutions for the past 32 years. Overall, he has been involved in workforce development programs for over 42 years, having served on multiple boards and garnering numerous leadership and workforce development awards.

Matt Rocco

President of the South Florida Manufacturing Association, Matthew’s experience spans more than 10 years in the corporate arena and higher education. Among other accomplishments, he has worked extensively with employers to create customized workforce programs for their companies, and created partnership opportunities in the business community. 

MODERATOR: Heiko Dobrikow

Heiko is the Executive Vice President at the Las Olas Company and also the General Manager of the Riverside Hotel, which both are owned and operated by the Wells Family of Fort Lauderdale. He is a seasoned hotelier of over 30 years and business professional with extensive experience in all areas of property & asset management.

SPONSOR JANUARY BREAKFAST: TBA

AT: Tower Club, 28th Floor, One Financial Plaza, 100 SE 3rd Avenue, Fort Lauderdale

WHEN: Thursday, 1/10/19; doors open at 6:45 a.m.; program begins at 7:30 a.m.; concludes around 9:15 a.m.; free parking for attendees until 10:00 a.m. COST: No cost for paid members of Tower Forum; non-members: $35 (note: no cost for working media); credit card online, or mail check, payable to Tower Forum, P.O. Box #15041, Plantation, FL 33318. Buffet breakfast included.

We encourage participants to join Tower Forum. While we invite you to attend 2 breakfasts at $35 each, you must join Tower Forum to attend thereafter. Membership is from date of joining through 9 consecutively scheduled breakfasts.

In order for us to provide sufficient breakfast and seating, RSVP’s and advance payments are required, and are non-refundable. Seating is limited.

RSVP’s received after 5 pm, Friday, Dec. 28, cannot be assured a seat.

 

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Please consider joining Tower Forum,
the best venue in Broward for 9 breakfasts
of meaningful, thought-provoking discussion.

Become an active participant and network with community business leaders, professionals and public officials.  Be informed and stimulated by key players regarding hot, current topics which impact you and the community. Enjoy full buffet breakfasts in downtown Fort Lauderdale’s prestigious Tower Club. Your membership begins on payment and lasts one year from joining. Submit your information with a credit card on our convenient online Membership Application, or print out the form and postal mail it with your check.