Meet Alex Ruane | Membership and Special Events Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alex Ruane and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alex, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
In the past year I had a baby so I have had to adjust EVERYTHING! Coming to work is now the easy part– when I get home is when the hard work starts. I have really had to be cognizant of working late, attending after hour events, and spreading myself too thin. I want to make sure that I am present as much as possible for not only my daughter, but my husband! I like the new balance. It is not perfectly manicured yet, but it is a work in progress.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

I think that when people/business owners hear the word “Chamber of Commerce” they think it’s very cookie cutter. Most Chambers operate and provide similar benefits but I am always thinking of ways to set our Chamber apart. How can I get involved? What would I want someone in my position to help me with? I make it a priority to remember names and faces and to get to know my members. I try to provide individual experiences that will help their business stand out. I tell people the Chamber is like a gym membership- you can have it, but unless you use it, you will not see the benefits!

I always wanted to do something with events and people– this job is the best of both worlds. Planning corporate networking events, festivals and things of that sort are right up my alley.

Over the years I have seen those above me operate the business in MANY different ways and styles. The biggest thing that I have taken away from that– never step on anyone below you. Doing the right thing is never easy, but would it be worth it if it was easy?!

I have done it all in this job– clean the bathrooms, work on the finances, change light bulbs. But truly, that is the best way to learn and make sure you know everything about the role. Every task has set me up for success.

Through work and meeting so many people I started a branch of a moms group called the Mom Walking Collective. We meet 2x a month at parks and coffee shops to just chat, meet new friends and build community with our children. It’s such a simple concept but has brought me so much joy.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Fort Lauderdale is a dream destination. The restaurants and shopping are top notch. The Marriott Harbor Beach on Fort Lauderdale Beach is one of my all time favorite spots. The dining and amenities are top notch. We would lay by the pool, get a cabana and sun bathe.

I would take them to Cafe Europa on Las Olas for dinner, I love their food! We could shop along las olas and stop to have some wine at Ann’s Florist and Coffee Shop.

But if none of that sounds good to my company, I am totally good with staying home- getting a workout in, grilling some food and hanging out by the pool!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

I would say that my husband deserves credit here! He is my “hype man.” He looks at situations that I bring to his attention and provides a different outlook than I am seeing.

My team at work TOTALLY deserves a shout out. They are first class amazing! We work extremely well together and pull off amazing events. Everyone has their job duties, but no one is afraid to step up, jump in and do whatever it takes. The longevity of our employees speaks volumes!

Over the years I have looked at people who I admire- Andy Frisella for one, and dissected what they are doing and how can I do it. Not everyone may agree with his point of views, BUT he always speaks for what he believes in, is hardworking and driven. I truly want to help businesses in our area prosper and grow. I work hard to create lasting connections between people in the community and be a person that others will come to when they need help.

Website: www.plantationchamber.org

Instagram: @plantationchamber