City of Lauderhill Commissioner

                     Dale V.C. Holness  
 

     “He is faster than a speeding bullet!” ”He is the ultimate multi-tasker!” These words are often used to describe Lauderhill Commissioner Dale V.C. Holness! Since he is active in so many organizations, causes, and philanthropic endeavors, legend has it he never sleeps! Really, there is no one like him!  

     This Commissioner owns his own mortgage/real estate company, and belongs to and chairs several real estate boards.  He has been active in the community for many years as a member of the NAACP, and the former Member Chair for Operation PUSH.  He served on the Board of the NW Business Men’s Association and was a valuable asset at the Education Summit for churches and schools.  But that was not enough for commissioner Holness.  He worked relentlessly to secure $100,000 from the City Commission for education for two consecutive years.

     He often visits his homeland of Jamaica to help further the countries economic and political environments.  
He frequents Homeowner Association Meetings, mentorship programs and civic organizations like the Kiwanis and the Caribbean American Soccer.  

     In spite of all his commitments and his passion for his City, family always remains first for him.  Commissioner Holness always takes time out of his busy schedule to drive his kids to school and spend quiet family time on Sundays.  With children of his own, Commissioner Holness intimately understands the importance of developing our youth.   

     INITIATIVE – A few years ago, a new Lauderhill Chamber of Commerce was founded by Commissioner Holness.  Under the auspices of Commissioner Holness, membership now includes over 200 businesses and moneys were collected and donated to the victims of Hurricane Wilma.  His initiative to resuscitate Lauderhill’s business community not only benefited the City’s commerce but, children and families benefited as well. Commissioner Holness also took the initiative to introduce KAPOW (Kids And the Power Of Work) to two local Elementary Schools reaching over 160 students and expanding the possibilities for their future careers, and showing them how success in school can equal success in work, and in life.  He is not only an advocate for KAPOW, but he volunteers his time to work hands-on with the participants.  Additional Elementary Schools have been slated to participate in the KAPOW program.

     COMMITMENT - At the direction of Commissioner Holness, a comprehensive educational and life skills initiative which serves countless residents was put into place referred to as the Lauderhill A+ Plan:  Residents of all ages can find a class or program to either improve their educational performance or attain assistance for personal or vocational advancement; Resources were secured to provide classes and services to our community; Parenting classes, literacy classes, a Mentorship program,
GED classes, FCAT (Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test) preparation, health and nutrition awareness, and financial management workshops were also implemented.  He also initiated the partnership with Broward Community College to provide Continuing Education Courses & Program such as College Prep and Life Success Skills.  

      INNOVATIVE – Several “Town Hall” meetings were led by Commissioner Holness to include religious leaders, community leaders, business owners, and residents.  As a result, the public shares in a new found awareness of the plans and maintains even an increased level of buy in.   

      VISION – Commissioner Holness created a partnership between the City of Lauderhill and Work Force One. This year he held his first job fair where over 500 attendees sought employment or education.  Several vocational schools found applicants.  Numerous colleges accepted new students, and several employers found new employees.  Holness’ vision to create a stable tax base with viable commerce resulted in better trained, educated, and employed residents.  

     LEADERSHIP –His revolutionary ideas led the Lauderhill Commission to a very beneficial Sister City Relationship with Suzano, Sao Paolo, Brazil, contributing to the professional development for artists who will have access to an extended international network, increasing the opportunity to develop collaborations and partnerships through an international residency program.  His commitment to making the City of Lauderhill one of the newest international vacation destinations was vital in the implementation of several major projects such as Central Broward Regional Park.  This Multipurpose Stadium is able to host International cricket tournaments, football competitions, and international soccer games - drawing thousands of visitors to South Florida like never before.   

      INTEGRITY –When invited to attend a trip to France, by the developer of Lauderhill’s future Cultural Arts Mall of the America’s, this Commissioner paid his own way in order to avoid spending tax dollars. He met with several ministers of trade and arts and culture.  His dedication to the project led him to practice City business on his own time and dime.  His veracity to keep the City’s budget lean demonstrated his high level of integrity and strong commitment to a cause.  

     Lauderhill’s Superhero is not serving his community at the speed of light he is doing it with a smile!  Never will you find such a busy person who is ALWAYS happy and never has a bad day.  Commissioner Holness serves with his heart, he is Lauderhill’s champion!