Gunster's Israel Practice Group Hosts The Florida Israel Business Forum

Attorneys Focus on Venture Capital, Technology and Fostering Economic Ties
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (April 24, 2009) — Gunster’s Israel Practice recently hosted a business development workshop and reception for the Florida Israel Business Forum at the firm’s West Palm Beach office, which was attended by prominent representatives of Florida’s venture, technology and Israeli business communities. The program, titled “Technology Innovation as a Magnet for Venture Investments,” featured a keynote address from Dr. Orna Berry, chairperson of the Israel Venture Association and venture partner of Gemini Investment Funds, and remarks by Zvi Chamalish, Chief Fiscal Officer for the Israel Ministry of Finance, North America and Israel Consul General Ofer Bavly.

The Florida Israel Business Forum is a new partnership formed and supported by the Consulate General of Israel, Florida’s economic development organizations and statewide business leaders that seek to dramatically increase trade between Florida and Israel.

“There is a natural synergy between the entrepreneurial and technology communities of Florida and Israel,” said Kevin Levy, a member of Gunster’s Israel Practice and a founding board member of the Florida Israel Business Forum. “We look forward to working with the forum to build relationships and stronger business ties between these communities for the benefit of both economies.”

Other speakers at the event included Roee Madai, Israel’s Consul for Economic Affairs, U.S. Southern Region; Tsvika Ben-Porat, CEO of Maayan Ventures; and Bill Perry, managing shareholder of Gunster.

Gunster’s Israel Practice is a dynamic team with resources and expertise in corporate, private wealth services, litigation and real estate law, which provides practical solutions for clients doing business in both countries. Members include shareholders Jonathan Gilbert (West Palm Beach), Kevin Levy (Miami) and Brian Seymour (West Palm Beach). Each attorney has significant involvement in economic development organizations related to Israel.

Jonathan Gilbert, who chairs Gunster’s Leisure & Resorts Practice, is the chairman of the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County’s Jewish Community Relations Council. He is on the board of directors for the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County, and is a member of the National Young Leadership Cabinet for the United Jewish Communities.

Kevin Levy is a member of Gunster’s Technology & Entrepreneurial Companies Practice. He has represented global technology companies, as well as local entrepreneurial ventures for over a decade. He is a founding board member and secretary of the Florida Israel Business Forum. He is a venture coach for the Launch Pad at Toppel and serves on the Technology Committee of both the Beacon Council and the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce.

Brian Seymour leads Gunster’s Environmental & Land Use Practice and is a member of the Business Litigation practice. He is on the board of directors for the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County and is the vice-chair for the Business & Professionals Division. He is also a member of the United Jewish Communities’ National Young Leadership Cabinet.
***
About Gunster
Established in 1925, Gunster is a full-service Florida law firm with eight offices around the state, providing counsel to leading businesses and individuals. Our statewide presence and culture reflect the firm’s status as Florida’s lawyers for business. Gunster services clients from its offices in Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Miami, Palm Beach, Stuart, Tallahassee, Vero Beach and its headquarters in West Palm Beach, with 140 attorneys and 200 committed support staff.

Tags: Kevin M. Levy, Brian M. Seymour