Gold Coast Chapter 60 History & Accomplishments
In 1970 the NAWCC Gold Coast Chapter 60 was chartered as the second Florida Chapter to serve Dade, Monroe, Broward, and Palm Beach counties. Within 3 years, along with Central Florida Chapter 19, we had our first combined state meeting. This was the start of what has now become the Florida Mid Winter Regional. Due to hard work, cooperation, exceptional and strategic planning the Florida Regional has become the largest and most widely attended NAWCC Convention, equaled only by the NAWCC National Convention. We were the host of the 2005 National Convention in Fort Lauderdale and co-host of the 1988 National Convention in Orlando.
Chapter 60 recognized the need for organized clock and watch repair classes and formed them in the mid 1970s. This was for the benefit of our members and to educate the public about our organization. These classes continued until 1999 when we voted to support the NAWCC Field Suitcase Workshop (FSW) program. We sponsored 32 FSW classes, double any other NAWCC Chapter and in 2004 was honored with the inaugural “Friend of Education, Award”. In 2005, our Chapter was honored for new member sponsorship 7th highest Chapter and one of our members as the 6th highest individual new member sponsor of NAWCC.
Chapter 60 has supported NAWCC by making significant financial contributions to National for educational projects as well as specific special projects. Over the years several members have serves on national committees and 2 members recently served on the NAWCC Board of Directors.