Message From Kiran Chhaganlal

Greetings TiE Members and Friends!

It is with pleasure and enthusiasm that we welcome you to TiE Florida.   Since our inception, we've had the distinct pleasure in watching our chapter grow and develop into a dynamic part of the TiE Global Network.  There are currently 42 chapters of over 10,000 members in 9 countries extending well across the globe.  With the support of the TiE Global network, local sponsorship, and volunteers, TiE Florida will be instrumental in developing Florida’s next generation of entrepreneurs. 

Developing Talent, ideas, and Enterprise is fundamental to the TiE Philosophy.  TiE is also recognized for its development of leadership, its high standards of quality, and the caliber of its members.  It is no accident that TiE members are counted among the top tiers of their industries.  The spirit of entrepreneurship that TiE embraces drives the creative impulse, develops strong social skills, and thrives upon resilience, tenacity, and perseverance, —all key components to business success. 

As a relatively young chapter, TiE Florida’s evolution and development depend on adhering to this philosophy and these very standards.  We take pride in implementing and living up to core TiE values by presenting activities and events that are not only informative, but key to developing productive business relationships within the Central Florida entrepreneurial community and globally.  It is imperative that we provide information, advice, current trends, and the best industry practices to our membership and partners to reach our initiatives.  For when our members win…TiE Florida wins.

Over the past year, TiE Florida has appointed an Administrator, Terri Ward, on a part-time basis.  Terri plays an integral role in executing the day-to-day operations of TiE Florida.  We have also had a series of successful events in West Palm Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, Boca Raton, and Orlando.  Efforts are underway to expand to Tampa and Jacksonville.  The list of volunteers has grown.  Tie Florida has with the valuable assistance of TiE Silicon Valley, this very updated web-site.  We have grown our membership base, as well as our number of Charter members.

The coming year will present additional opportunities for growth and expansion.  We intend to take TiE Florida events and activities to a new level this year as we continue to offer an even greater range of events and programs.  One of these, TiE’s mentoring program will be a cornerstone in our chapter’s foundation.  Mentoring will become a major focus for TiE Florida as it empowers us to consistently achieve our mission of fostering and nurturing entrepreneurship. 

To our members, sponsors and friends, we wish to extend our hearty appreciation for the support and contributions you have made towards the growth of TiE Florida.  Your commitment, time, efforts and focus have not gone unnoticed.  For our guests, we hope that you will consider formally joining us as a new TiE Florida Member for what promises to be a landmark year. We are still at a stage in which you can directly impact the shape and environment of the chapter.  Your feedback and input will be readily accepted and valued.  The development of our chapter resources and the integration into the TiE Global Network will definitely be of value to our members.  We are grateful for the opportunity to meet you and work with each of you towards fulfilling your entrepreneurial goals. 

Kiran Chhaganlal

President, TiE-Florida