March 14, 2024 – January 1, 1960 was a Friday, gas was selling for 31 cents a gallon, and Senator John F. Kennedy wasn’t yet a presidential candidate. It was also the day Memorial Healthcare System joined the Greater Hollywood Chamber of Commerce.
More than 64 years later, Memorial is still aligned with its community business organization, and was honored with the chamber’s “Legacy Award” for being its oldest member. Formal recognition took place during a luncheon at the Diplomat Beach Resort.
“The impact Memorial Healthcare System has had on our organization is immeasurable,” said Marie Suarez, executive director of the Greater Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. “They’ve provided leadership, spread our mission and vision, and, most importantly, provided high-quality healthcare that helps attract people and businesses to our city.”
Memorial Regional Hospital CEO Peter Powers and Caitlin Stella, CEO at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, are current chamber board members. Former Memorial leaders Frank V. Sacco, Zeff Ross, and Douglas Zaren are just a few of the many that have helped shape the chamber in the last six-plus decades.
“All those individuals shared their knowledge, facilitated our growth, and shared a common goal of improving our community. The partnership we’ve had with Memorial has been priceless,” said Suarez.
“During most of the time we’ve been serving the health needs of the community in south Broward, the chamber has been equally effective on the economic front,” said K. Scott Wester, president and CEO of Memorial Healthcare System. “We’re equally vested in ensuring the area thrives, and we’ve done it through collaboration and unified actions.”
