Agri-tourism a Family Fun Destination Brand

October 28th, 2010 11:00-1PM

Clewiston Chamber of Commerce

This workshop is a ground floor opportunity for farmers, ranchers, and anyone who is interested in learning more about starting a agritainment business.

This workshop is also for landowners in Hendry, Glades and Western Palm Beach County's who are looking for new uses of their vacant land and how to co-partner to get the most benefit of starting a agritainment business.

Guest Speaker Hugh McPherson,Maze Master built Maize Quest from the ground up. His experience helps build entertainment value through attraction selection and marketing know-how.
Maize Quest's operational and marketing systems were developed from Hugh's hands-on experience and his compilation of information from across our network of operators. Hugh's the 'Big Idea' guy who lives for creating innovations in maze-based entertainment. Are you looking for the next big idea?

Hosted by the Hendry County Economic Development Council and The Enterprise Development for Glades Entrepreneurs (EDGE) Center.

Fresh Food, Water, and Air will be served for lunch so please click here to reserve your seat.

Check out what is happening at the IFAS Extension office- Veggie Fever.

I think I see the muck monster!

What our Community Supporters are saying!

Our Community Supporters are the foundation of our Success here is what they have to say:

Letters of Support

City of Belle Glade Moving Forward

The City of Belle Glade has published two very professional documents that we want to share with you:

Organizational Review and Status Report 2010

Current and Future Projects and Programs 2009-2010

Agritourism/Agritainment

The EDGE Center is organizing a new Agri-tourism and Agri-tainment business committee to develop a new strategic agri-tourism business plan for the Glades.

An organizational meeting will be held on September 21st, 2010 at 11:30AM at the Lakeside Medical Center conference rooms 2 & 3.

This meeting is a ground floor opportunity that is open to all farmers, ranchers, and anyone interested in learning more about starting an agritourism/agritainment business.

This is an opportunity for land owners to discuss additional uses for their lands and for those business owners or individuals looking for a business venture to learn more about co-partnering.

Don't miss out on this very amazing opportunity that will put the Glades on the Map.

Fresh food, air and water will be served for lunch.

Special Guest Speaker - Hugh McPherson creator and operator of Maize Quest.

Limited seating please Click here to reserve a seat.

(Have you heard that the muck monster was spotted in the corn field behind the College?)

Check out what is happening at the IFAS Extension office- Veggie Fever.

Now you can make your appointment online!

appointment scheduling - by BookFresh

EDGE Stimulus Garden

The EDGE Center staff has planted and new garden and we need you help to make it grow. When you pick an item from the EDGE Garden is allows us to create more opportunities and fulfill more dreams for the Glades Communities.

Please visit the EDGE Garden often because we are planting new items daily. You can visit 24/7/365. If you need any help please call gardner Javier at 561-993-3343.

Earn Tax Credits from the State By Hiring new employees

If you have hired a new employee within the last six months you maybe entitled to a tax credit from the State.

We are currently scheduling FREE workshops on how to obtain these credits.

Call us today to reserve a seat.

561-993-3343 ext 2. or email edgectr@gmail.com

Community Events Committee planning Annual “Glades Corny Fest” Oct 30&31

Historical Avenue A between 200 and 300 Blocks.

The Community Events Committee was formed on September 9,2009 and have been working very quickly to put together this years first community event.

This event will take place on Oct 30 & 31 on Historical Avenue A between the 200 and 300 block. From 10AM-7PM.

Plans are for 40 booths with local arts, crafts, and food. Local non-profit organizations are invited to inform and raise funds for their projects.

The Mariachi Mexico International Band will be performing as well as local step dancer teams. King Samuel Sounds will DJ the event.

There will be contests for all age groups.

Kids 7-15 can enter the “Draw the Muck Monster” contest 1st prize will be $100 dollars all participants will receive a certificate of participation.

Ages 7-12, 13-17, 18-? Corny Costume Contest – 1st place prize per category will be $100 2nd place will be $50

Ages 15-30 Corn Eating Contest 1st Place $100 2nd Place $50

Ages 30-? Cornbread recipe contest $1place $100

All ages Step Dancers competition 1place $100

All Booths will be judged for design and content. 1st place winner will be given free advertising for a year on the EDGE website.

Reservation for Booths will be accepted until 10/25 call 561-993-3343 ext 3 or 906-2612.

Sponsorships for contests are available. Ad's in program start at $25.00

Visit the website at www.cornyfest.com

Rural Enterprise Zone Benefits

If your business is located in Belle Glade, Pahokee, or South Bay and you have hired new employees call us today and learn how you can receive upto $6,000 to train your new employees.

561-993-3343 ext 102.

Glades Tri-Cities Coalition

The Cities of Belle Glade, Pahokee, and South Bay Commissioners organize to bring the Glades together on issues of mutual concern.

The group has voted that Mayor Steve Wilson will chair the coalition.

The organization has created committees for Economic Development and Education, they will hold monthly meetings.

The first project that the Committee will present is the:
Talent Showcase- Spirit of the Tri-Cities
The event will take place on December 20th, 2008 at the Belle Glade Amphitheater on Torry Island Road.

View Larger Map

For more information about the Coalition and its plans visit their information website at www.tri-citiesonline.info

Besure to stop by the EDGE Center Booth and register to win a 7 day cruise.

Special Offering for Business Owners in the Glades

Are you looking for a way to increase your business income in the Glades? If you answered yes, then continue reading.

The Enterprise Development for Glade Entrepreneurs (EDGE) Center has a special business offering that is for Business owners who want to show their support of entrepreneuralism in the Glades Communities.

We are expanding our Partnership Link program for the upcoming 2009 year and now is the time to join with the EDGE to market your business while showing support for your community.

When you signup for a partnership link with the EDGE you will receive the following benefits to market your business for one low price:

1. Your provided marketing materials (business cards/brochures) will be displayed in the EDGE offices lobby.
2. Business Referrals for your services will be provided to inquirers by the EDGE staff.
3. A link from our website to your website or an electronic business card will be placed on the EDGE website.
4. Once a year a mass mailing of your marketing materials will be emailed or mailed to the EDGE client database.
5. You will receive the Business Spot Light Recognition Award from the City Mayor.
6. You will receive a FREE Spot Light on your business ad in the local newspaper and on the EDGE BLOG.
7. You will be receive a partnership card that will entitle you to discounts on services and products at participating businesses.
8. You will be notified of Professional Networking opportunities that will be offered by the Belle Glade & Pahokee Chambers of Commerce and Palm Beach County Economic Development.

$150.00 per year

(tax deductible as a business expense)

This offering for partnership services is from 10/1/08 - 9/30/09.

This special is only being offered between August 1 thru September 30th, 2008.

As an incentive to register early you will receive A personalized 4" x 8" paver brick engraved with your business name that will be placed on the walkway of the new Innovation Center and your choice of a 7 night cruise for 2 or $300 worth of free gasoline. (ask us how you can offer great travel incentives for your customers)

Payment for this program must be received at time of registration we accept credit card payments through paypal, business checks, and cash.

We can help you to make your business be all that it can be. Don't be the only business who didn't take advantage of this opportunity, call us today.

561-993-3343 or EDGE Email

Petition for Support

Petition powered by ThePetitionSite.com

Betty Boyer honored at GIN

At the May 5 Glades Initiative Community Service Awards banquet Betty Boyer, Chairperson of the Board of Directors for the EDGE Center was awarded the Community Service Award for her contributions to the residents and businesses of Western Palm Beach County.

Betty married Bill Boyer 42 years ago and has 3 children 7 grandchildren, and 1 great grandchild. Together Betty and Bill own and operate a field grown tree farm called Plant and Grow Nursery, Inc.
Some of Betty's prouds contributions include:

• Her 11 years of service as a Board member of the EDGE Center a non-profit business incubator since 1997.
• As a guardian ad litem for 17 years she was awarded the guardian of the year award from the Florida Dept of Law Enforcement. She is currently on the Citizens for National Security Task force.
• She has served faithfully as a member of NAACP, Republican Executive Committee district 100, Past President of American Legion Aux Post 161 south Bay, Past President south Bay Crime Watch, past disaster chairperson for the American Red Cross, Member of the Board of Adjustment in South Bay, past Chairman for the South Bay Beautification committee, A member of the Cuban American club, partnership for neighborhood initiative, Belle Glade chamber of Commerce, First woman member of the Belle Glade Elks Lodge, BG Boat Lock Committee and procurement committee, Belle Glade Zoning Board member of the Belle Glade Garden Club, member of the BG Weed and Seed program, Past Citizen on Patrol for Belle Glade, Past crime watch Belle Glade, Member of the Arthur R. Marshall foundation, Member of the first Baptist church, and a political activist .
• Most recently while waiting to attend a meeting at City Hall, Betty selflessly paid the $1300 monthly water bill of a desperate resident because the person had small children and couldn’t afford to pay the incorrect bill.

Betty is known for her kind heart and giving and the Board of Directors of the EDGE proudly honored her with this award for her contributions to the residents of the Glades.

EDGE Business Innovation Center

The EDGE Board of Directors have entered into a contract with the City of Belle Glade to continue the renovation of the Old Town Center on Avenue A.

After renovation the Center will be used by the EDGE Innovation and Historical Exhibit Center to provide an incubation facility for new cultural and technological startup businesses and as a nature center and museum.

The project will be funded with a State of Florida Cultural Grant, and numerous other Grants as well as local donations.

The project is benchmarked for 1st floor completion by December 2008.

The contractor Benny Richmond, Ins was chosen for this project. Richmond Inc. is a family based contractor who has served the Glades area for more than 50 years and remembers the historical Ave A district when it was all that there was in down town Belle Glade.

We need your help to make this a success so the EDGE Center is selling engraved building bricks that will be used to pave the walkways. Buy a brick and preserve the names of your families and businesses in the Glades . To purchase a brick online click here or call Javier Tejada at (561)993-3343 ext 102. or email

We will be publishing videos and pictures that will be available online as the project progress. Check back with us often or if you would like to be notified of changes click here.

Glades Afro-Arts Festival

Glades Afro Arts Festival

March 14-16, 2008

Belle Glade, Florida
Music on the Avenue, Cultural Food, crafts, arts and music from 15 different countires.

Family fun.

March 14 - Avenue A Merchants will kick off the Glades Afro Arts Festival with a BIG Sidewalk Sale from 10AM-10PM on Avenue A between 1st St and 4th St

March 15 - 11AM-6PMGlades Afro Arts Festival will be held at the Lake Shore Park on SW 12th St. Lots of games and rides for the kids, cultural food and art vendors.

6PM-10PM Music on the Avenue on Avenue A between 1st and 3rd st.

March 16-11AM-4PM Spiritual Music on the Avenue and lots of cultural food and big discounts on fashions.

Purchase any merchandise from Avenue A merchants during the festival and win 2 roundtrip Airline tickets.

Present your receipt at the EDGE Center at 241 W Ave A to pickup your free tickets.

Call 561-993-3343

Vendors welcome

Javier's Big O' 110 mile Hike

The Hike begins on Saturday November 17th, 2007 and end on November 25, 2007. To help motivate Javier on his journey check back or signup to receive posting and give your supporting comments.

Good Luck Javier from all of your supporters.

Omar's Urban Clothing, MODA by Matari, Anthony's Fine Fashions, Missouri Dept Store, Plant and Grow Nursery, Inc. , Boyer Emergency Services, Inc., Gene Bryan Enterprises, Management Support, Little Hands Learning Center, Harper's Fly-In Ranch Resort, Todd Realty, Inc.

More sponsors will be added along the journey.