When Oakland Park incorporated for the 2nd time in July of 1929, the City’s center was surrounded by farms. When the train barreled through the City center it didn’t even stop to pick up the mail. It was pulled into the train and another mailbag was dropped for the postmistress to pick up. As time passed, more and more people became attracted to the little City and its population began to grow.
A 1944 brochure published by the City to attract more residents, boasted “649 white people, [of] native born American stock” (Sallee, Location 419). The brochure clearly excluded any minority residents, which is a far cry from the Oakland Park of today which celebrates its diversity. Nevertheless, like the Oakland Park of 1944, Oakland Park is committed to growth and development. This is evident in the moves that the City has made to update its infrastructure and to bring development to the City.
The result of these efforts is that more and more people are taking an interest in Oakland Park and investing in its future. One such person is entrepreneur, Peter Jackson, owner of Peter Jackson Media.
Oakland Park Business Association
Jackson, a trained journalist and a 30 year veteran of the publishing business was the driving force behind the creation of the Oakland Park Business Association (OPBA). According to Jackson, he created the Association in order to support and promote the growing business community of Oakland Park.
The OPBA held its inaugural meeting on Monday May 23, 2022 with 32 business owners in attendance. After that meeting, behind the scenes, Jackson worked toward the production of the Association’s first ever City Guide and Business Finder.
The OPBA Unveils Its City Guide and Business Finder
After a few road bumps, and hiccups, on Monday August 8, 2022, Jackson sent out invitations for the official launch of the OPBA on August 24th.
The launch party was held at the HotSpots Art Gallery in Downtown Oakland Park. Guests streamed in steadily and enjoyed drinks and finger foods before Jackson took the mic to make the big announcement about the unveiling of the OPBA’s printed city guide.
Before he made the announcement, he thanked me, Desiree Avila, founder and publisher of LivingInOaklandPark.com, and also the writer of this article, for helping with promotion effort of the OPBA. I said a few words, and thanked Jackson for sharing his talent and vision with us and for being the impetus behind the union of our business community.
When the curtain was lifted, the crowd conveyed their approval by clapping loudly and congratulating Jackson for this new publication. A copy of the guide was given to each of the guests in attendance to browse.
Having been a part of the first ever meeting of the OPBA and the unveiling of City Guide and Business finder, I can say that:
"It was truly an honor to have been a part of this ceremony but also to have supported Peter as he worked on the launch of both the Oakland Park Business Association and its first ever City Guide. Together as a business community we are stronger, #TogetherWeAreOP and this is just one more step in the right direction and toward building an Oakland Park with a very bright future".
When asked to share his thoughts about the unveiling, Jackson shared the following:
"The strong support we’ve received through memberships and attendance at the launch event with 72 business owners present tells me the Oakland Park business community recognizes the need for this association. Oakland Park’s private sector is stepping up and accepting its responsibility. Together, our businesses are stronger and so is the community. The Oakland Park Business Association dedicated to promoting our member businesses and advancing the civic and commercial interests of Oakland Park. This is needed and, with some 60-plus founding members, it’s also clearly embraced by the business community".
City Guide For All
If you were not in attendance or would just like to get your hands on a copy of the City Guide it will be available free of cost in more than 100 pick-up locations in Oakland Park and surrounding areas in Broward County. So keep your eyes out for it!
If you just can’t wait to pick up a copy and would like to see it right away, click here for the link to a digital version.
How to Join The Oakland Park Business Association
If you missed your chance to be in the Premiere edition of the Oakland Park City Guide and Business Finder, then don’t miss your chance to be in the second edition.
Click here to join the Oakland Park Business Association and get your free directory listing.
