Laurel Baker
Executive director of the Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce
Why: Past president of The Rotary Club of Palm Beach, former chairwoman of the Architectural Review Commission. As a former longtime resident and consumer of Palm Beach merchandise and services, she got to know the town by strolling its sidewalks, window-shopping and getting to know the people who take pride in their businesses. She was a one-woman chamber before working on its behalf, and she communicates her devotion to the town in all of her activities.
Cristine Condon
Sales associate with Sotheby's International Realty for 24 years
Why: Considered Sotheby's top producer in residential real estate sales. Among her notable recent transactions, she was the listing agent in the $23 million sale of a spec mansion at 1075 N. Ocean, a lot once owned by Mollie Wilmot. She also represented the seller in the $16 million sale of Nuestro Paradiso. Previously, she assisted Steve Schwarzman in buying Four Winds for $20.5 million; listed and sold 1960 S. Ocean Blvd. for $33.6 million; represented the seller in a $32 million deal for 1290 S. Ocean Blvd.; brought in the buyer who paid $24.87 million for 615 N. County Road; listed Mel Simon's 5-acre ocean-to-lake Manalapan spread, which sold for $29.87 million; and shared the listing for 120 Casa Bendita, which sold for $30 million.
Gail and Frank Coniglio
Entrepreneurs and real estate investors. In addition, Gail is a member of the Palm Beach Town Council. Owners of Cucina dell' arte and Spa Cara in Palm Beach and E.R. Bradley's in West Palm Beach. Landlords for Hampton Liquors, Tropical Fruit Shop, Sprinkles and Justin's of Palm Beach, among others.
Why: Through E.R. Bradley's, in partnership with Palm Beach Day School, the Coniglios provide food and clothing for 80 children at Hope Rural School each Christmas and Easter. In 2003, the Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce presented Gail with its annual "One and Only Award" for work on behalf of children. The couple's older children are involved in managing three of the family businesses.
Sherry Frankel
Owner, Sherry Frankel's Melangerie gift emporium
Why: The current president of the Worth Avenue Association, Frankel is a tireless and jovial cheerleader for Worth Avenue who has organized pet parades, costume competitions, fashion shows and other events to increase retail traffic on the island's main shopping drag. The association's annual "Seal the Deal" promotion raises money for Easter Seals.
Linda Gary
Real estate broker and founder of Linda A. Gary Real Estate
Why: Gary has a high-profile presence in the Worth Avenue Building on the corner of South County Road, considered to be the most expensive real estate lease in town. Earlier this year, she put together a $25 million-plus deal for 101 El Vedado, and is the listing agent for the home of that buyer, who's asking $23.9 million. Member of the Greater South County Road Association.
Murray Goodman
Founder of The Goodman Co., developer of Neiman Marcus
and 150 Worth/The Esplanade
Why? Successfully led the fight for the first Starbucks in Palm Beach, which opened in March 2007 at 150 Worth Ave. The Goodman Co. has about 5 million square feet of retail space under way in Florida and the Southeast. Goodman was honored in 2002 with the Town Beautification Award for work to improve the 100 block of Worth Avenue. He donated a lot at Peruvian Avenue and South County Road for a town park.
Pamela Gottfried
Broker/President of Martha A. Gottfried Real Estate
Why: As the heir to a real estate empire created by the late Martha Gottfried, Pamela Hoffpauer Gottfried is capable and astute. She broadened the firm's reach by establishing a presence in the West Palm Beach market, as well as positioning its offices on the island. She is past president of the Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce, a longtime director of the Worth Avenue Association and a member of the International Real Estate Federation.
Burt Handelsman
Real estate investor, founder of Love Realty,
375 S. County Road
Why: Handelsman buys and holds real estate, whether it is a retail building on Worth Avenue, an office building in downtown West Palm Beach or a golf course in New York. He is a member of The Worth Avenue Association and the Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce and sponsors events, including the annual Worth Avenue Halloween Costume Contest and Young at Art for school students.
Ed Kassatly
Co-owner of Kassatly's linen emporium,
the oldest store on Worth Avenue, founded by his father
Why: A direct link to the island's history, Kassatly is mild-mannered, genteel, friendly and professional. He is a past president of the Worth Avenue Association and the Worth Avenue Property Owners Association.
Garrison duPont Lickle
Managing director and regional president of Lehman Brothers Trust Co.
Why: Lickle uses his legal background and considerable experience in the financial services industry to run the investment banking firm's fiduciary/trust business. He was the founding chairman of the town's original Shore Protection Board and works on behalf of numerous charities and cultural groups. He is a member of the board of directors of the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts.
John Maus
Co-owner of Maus & Hoffman, 312 Worth Ave.,
with locations in four other cities
Why: Current president of the Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce, a director and past president of the Worth Avenue Association, Maus is a consensus builder and is willing to point out what isn't being done in a situation that needs attention.
Jim McCann
Broker and executive
with The Corcoran Group
Why: In 2007, McCann was named one of America's top real estate professionals by The Wall Street Journal, Real Trends and lore (Lives of Real Estate) magazine. He was recognized for a total sales volume of $93.48 million, No. 32 in the nation.
James Meany
President and CEO of Lydian Bank
& Trust Co., 180 Royal Palm Way
Why: Meany has proven effective at recruiting top talent to the bank. Lydian has opened offices in North Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Boca Raton, Coral Gables, Sarasota and Tampa. He supports the Hospice of Palm Beach County, American Cancer Society, American Heart Association and numerous cultural groups.
Lawrence Moens
Real estate broker/owner of Lawrence A. Moens Associates Inc.
Why: The notoriously camera-shy Moens has been selling homes on the island for more than 25 years. His special skill is putting together private deals: knocking on doors to approach an owner about selling a house not on the market. In 2007, he represented the buyer of 343 El Bravo Way, the home of the late broadcaster Curt Gowdy. The landmarked mansion sold for just under $20 million. Moens represented both sides of a $20.8 million deal for about 2 acres of vacant land at 1220 S. Ocean Blvd. His most famous coup was $70 million for Casa Apava, plus vacant waterfront acreage for another $22 million. He donated two 12-foot bronze bears, former mascots at FAO Schwarz, to The Nicklaus Children's Hospital at St. Mary's Medical Center and Jackson Memorial in Miami.
Jesse Newman
Jesse Newman & Associates,
a public relations firm
Why: Newman knows everyone, young and old and loves — and loves to promote — Palm Beach. He is president-emeritus of the Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce, after 29 years as president. A Worth Avenue Association director, Newman also served as executive producer of A Worth Avenue Story, a documentary starring historian Jim Ponce.
David G. Ober
Southeast Chairman, Sotheby's
Why: Under Ober's direction, Sotheby's auction house has become a recognized force on the island, lending support to several causes. Among other positions, Ober is vice president of the Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach, a Society of the Four Arts trustee and a fellow in the National Tropical Botanical Garden. Ober and his wife, Polly, have served as chairman and chairwoman of the Norton Museum's Bal des Arts and as chairman and chairwoman for the Community Foundation's Celebration of Philanthropy dinner.
Donald J. Trump
Real-estate developer, entrepreneur, lecturer, television personality
Why: Trump renovated Mar-a-Lago and turned the landmarked mansion into a successful private club. He turned a controversy about an 80-foot flagpole and outsized American flag on the Mar-a-Lago grounds into more than $100,000 in donations to charity and then stirred the Royal Poinciana Plaza pot by offering to buy it for $35 million. He bought and renovated the Gosman estate, still on the market for $125 million. He hosts the Donald J. Trump Pro/Am Invitational, which benefits the Prostate Cancer Foundation. He provides transportation on his airplane for ambassadors who attend the International Red Cross Ball. He supports Autism Speaks, Unicorn Children's Foundation, the Police Officer's Educational Assistance Fund and a similar fund for the children of Palm Beach Fire-Rescue personnel. Nationally, he supports the United Way, the Police Athletic League, the Cerebral Palsy Foundation and AIDS research.
