In 2016, M.J. “Mike” Arts was honored with the Distinguished Leader Award for his enduring impact on Boca Raton and steadfast support of the Research Park’s mission.
As the longtime president of the Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce, Mike Arts played a pivotal role in shaping the city’s economic landscape, recruiting major corporations, championing education, and advocating for critical infrastructure improvements. He was instrumental in transformative projects such as Mizner Park and guided the city through significant transitions, including the departure of IBM.
Arts also founded the Golden Bell Education Foundation, which has awarded over $1.5 million in grants to local schools. Following his chamber leadership, he continued his public service as a City Council member. From 1996 to 2011, Mike served on the Florida Atlantic Research and Development Authority, overseeing the Research Park. His decades of visionary leadership and investment in the community left a lasting legacy on both the city and the Research Park.