Fort Lauderdale, FL (February 21, 2017) – Alan Hooper, Chair of the Downtown Fort Lauderdale Transportation Management Association (TMA) Board of Directors, has been selected as one of three finalists for Non-Profit Board Leader of the Year in the 7th Annual Community Care Plan Non-Profit Awards presented by 2-1-1 Broward.
The winner will be announced Friday, February 24, 2017 at an awards ceremony and luncheon at Signature Grand in Davie, Florida. Winners will receive a $1,000 grant to their organization, and up to two finalists will each receive a $500 grant. Finalists will also receive awareness and publicity for the mission of their organization through media materials, social media coverage, event press and newsletters.
“We are extremely proud of Alan for making it so far in the award selection process,” said Robyn Chiarelli, Executive Director of the Downtown Fort Lauderdale TMA. “We at the TMA feel that Alan embodies the qualities of a strong, accomplished and outstanding community leader.”
Since Hooper joined the Sun Trolley Board of Directors 12 years ago, the Sun Trolley fleet and service has grown substantially to 20 vehicles and eight routes. As part of fostering the growth of the system, Hooper helped launch the Riverwalk Water Trolley, the first on-demand boat shuttle service in Broward County. Also, Hooper’s leadership incited a new private charter service, launched last year, which is projected to provide a steady source of income for the TMA for years to come.
“Alan is a smart and strategic thinker with a deep-rooted connection to and passion for greater Fort Lauderdale,” said Chiarelli. “He figuratively and literally invests in his community.”
This is apparent through his 1991 founding of Hooper Construction, which has overseen 1.2 million square feet of redevelopment. He is also co-founder of The Restaurant People, a dining, entertainment and hospitality firm that owns and operates several venues and restaurants in Fort Lauderdale, including YOLO, Vibe Las Olas and Tarpon Bend Food & Tackle. In 2014, Hooper won the Sun Sentinel’s Excalibur Award for Small Business Leader of the Year in Broward County.
Currently celebrating its 25th anniversary, the Downtown Fort Lauderdale TMA administers community transportation services via the Sun Trolley’s seven routes and the free Riverwalk Water Trolley. To track the trolleys in real-time, download the free Sun Trolley Tracker App. To learn more visit http://www.suntrolley.com/ or call 954-TROLLEY. Like what Sun Trolley is doing? Show it at facebook.com/sun-trolley.