From the Editor

As we began planning the Green Business and Sustainability Issue, published in November 2017, we found that the members of the Editorial Advisory Committee did not have a shared understanding of what was meant by “sustainability.” Discussing it to reach agreement, we decided that we needed to publish an issue that looked beyond ecological and environmental sustainability to the challenge of building businesses that lasted over time – “sustainable businesses.” Mike Jiloty, a member of the committee proposed the theme – Here Today, Here Tomorrow. The result is the issue you hold in your hands.

Our cover story is extremely unique. While most of us are aware that Brown & Brown is one of the largest insurance companies in the world and is located here in Daytona Beach, we are probably not aware of the vision of J. Powell Brown, the firm’s president and CEO. His vision is to build a “Forever Company.” In the article, you will learn about his strategies to build a sustainable business: invest in your people and community, encourage entrepreneurship and an ownership culture within the company, take risks and learn from failure, work hard, be disciplined, focus on the fundamentals, do it your way, and strive to anticipate what could be around the corner. Good advice for all of us seeking to sustain our businesses over time.

Another feature article, “All in the Family: Creating a Business to Last for Generations,” is a must read for all family owned businesses. The Family Enterprise Center at Stetson University guides family businesses through transition and growth. Learn more from this article.

On page 21, the Chamber recognizes members who have continuously maintained their membership for 25 years or longer.  A very loud “shout-out” to Hayward Brown Insurance, at 77 years the longest continuous member of the Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce.

We also looked at two industries and the trends they are experiencing. Higher Education sustainability is a significant benefit to our county with 397 years of collective educational experiences. Read the article on page 22. Also, our Q&A on page 7 with Dr. Delicia Haynes outlines new strategies being explored in the healthcare industry. Are they sustainable?

Our next issue, scheduled for publication in May, will explore “Diversity in Business.” If you own a business that you feel is a leader in client, supplier or employee diversity or if you are a woman, minority or veteran owned business and you have a story to tell, send us an email at editor@evolvemagazinesflorida.com. We love good stories!

HOWARD M. HOLLEY
Publisher and Editor, EVOLVE